m-learning Forum News
August 2002
These news-clips have been collated from various news sources because they are considered possibly relevant to mobile learning developments.
20 August 2002
(USA) Worldwide shipments of mobile devices expected to reach 151 million in 2006
According to new research “Moving Pictures: The Future of Mobile Devices and Imaging” from IDC, the integration of digital imaging capabilities into handsets and PDAs may revitalise the market. Worldwide shipments of these devices are expected to reach 151 million in 2006. "Increased bandwidth from 2.5G and 3G networks make multimedia transmission possible," said Alex Slawsby, research analyst for IDC's Smart Handheld Devices research. "Combining these network capabilities with advanced imaging-enabled mobile devices will drive future growth in revenues, subscriptions, and shipments." (Source: PRNewswire) (see press release)
(UK) WAP Games score 10 million Users
Digital Bridges, a creator and distributor of mobile entertainment solutions, has announced that they have recorded over 10 million WAP user sessions in the past 18 months. Mobile phone gamers have played their WAP games for approx. 71.4 million minutes, which add up to 136 years of accumulated game play. One of Digital Bridges’ most successful unbranded WAP games is Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! an adventure role-playing game based on the award-winning interactive gamebook series. (Source: Digital Bridges) (see press release)
19 August 2002
( Europe) Authorisations to Replace Licences
New EU Directives will replace individual licensing for networks and services with standard general authorisations, according to a Consultation Document issued by the Telecoms Regulator, Etain Doyle. The current system of individual licensing, such as, general telecommunications licences and basic telecommunications licences will be replaced from July 2003, when it will no longer be necessary to obtain a licence before commencing operations except where the use of radio frequencies is involved. (Source: ODTR) (see press release)
15 August 2002
(USA) Longer lasting batteries for mobile devices
The more powerful mobile devices are becoming, the greater the need for need long-lasting batteries. This is why researchers are working on various options, including nanotechnology and micro fuel cells powered by hydrogen. "As you get into the 3G and 4G technology, the battery life could get much shorter," Jerry Hallmark, manager of energy technology research at Motorola Labs, told Wireless NewsFactor. "Things like color screens and Internet features are going to eat up power quite a bit." (Source: Wireless Newsfactor) (see article)
(USA) Worldwide 802.11 market grows by 8%
According to the Quarterly Ethernet Switch Report by the Dell'Oro Group, the Wireless LAN 802.11 market grew 8% with revenues of $380.2 million in Q2 2002. During the quarter, both the Enterprise and SOHO segments posted comparable sequential revenue growth. The Enterprise-class Access Point segment rebounded from a Q1 2002 decline as a result of vendors reducing prices to stimulate demand. This was evidenced by a 13% Q/Q average-selling-price decline within this sector. (Source: Dell'Oro Group) (see press release)
14 August 2002
(USA) Report - Public WLAN Service: Mobile Operators Mustn’t Miss the Boat
A report by In-Stat/MDR warns mobile operators that if they don’t act quickly, they may miss their chance to get a critical head start in the public Wireless LAN market. The report suggests that if they delay in implementing WLAN technology, competitors will get a sole head start over mobile operators, covering all the hotspots and competing head-on with their future services. (Source: In-Stat/MDR) (see press release) (see summary)
12 August 2002
(UK) Orange launches MMS
Orange have launched their MMS service in the UK, this advanced messaging services will enable customers to send combined colour photos, text and sound clips to other MMS handsets and email addresses. Richard Brennan, Executive Vice-President, OrangeWorld said: "Soon, customers in France, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland and The Netherlands will also be able to experience similarly exciting picture-led services." (Source: Orange) (see press release)
7 August 2002
(USA) Mobile gaming Revenues to Increase
According to a new analysis of Frost & Sullivan, the world-wide mobile gaming revenues will increase from $304 million in 2001 up to $12.8 billion in 2008, this includes SMS, web based and download games. This figure is based on the expectation there will be around 178.8 million mobile players in 2008. (Source: Telecom.Paper) (see press release)
Last updated 30 April 2004