m-learning Forum
News
July 2002
These
news-clips have been collated from various news sources because they are
considered possibly relevant to mobile learning developments.
25 July 2002
(Spain)
i-Mode comes to Spain
According to an article in The
Register, “NTT DoCoMo Inc spread its i-mode tentacles ever further with the
announcement of a tie-up with Telefonica Moviles SA that will see the wireless
internet service launched in Spain in the first half of 2003” (see
article)
24 July 2002
(USA) PDA
with built in Wi-Fi capabilities
Toshiba's
Computer Systems Group has integrated Intersil's PRISM WLAN technology into
its Toshiba Pocket PC e740, which is one of the world's first PDAs with
built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b) capability. This gives it instant data access in WLAN
environments. Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager for
Intersil’s Wireless Networking Product Group said, “This first look into a
new high volume market of consumer electronic devices with embedded wireless
capability emphasizes Intersil’s commitment to lead the WLAN industry well
into the future with progressively lower power and lower cost platforms.”
(Source: Intersil) (see
press release)
23 July 2002
(Canada) iPass
Partners with FatPort to Expand Global Wifi Network in Western Canada
In Canada iPass Inc. have
recently announced an agreement with FatPort Corporation, an Ignition Point
company, to integrate FatPort’s broadband wireless "hotspots" with
the iPass Global Broadband Roaming (GBR) service. Through this agreement,
iPass plans to expand its enterprise compliant Wi-Fi footprint into Western
Canada. (see press
release)
23 July 2002
(The
Netherlands) Report
finds “Conversational content" is a new revenue opportunity
A new
report by Forrester Research recommends that services that unite content with
communication “conversational content”, have the capacity to unlock new
revenue opportunities for struggling fixed, mobile, and interactive digital
television firms. Forrester defines conversational content as "the union
of content and communication that creates more compelling services than either
one alone." (Source: Forrester Research) (see
press release)
(USA)
What makes a dream Mobile device?
“Creating the dream mobile
device might involve tweaking an existing device or adding services that are
not currently offered,” writes Dan McDonough, Jr
in his article that allows three analysts discuss how the devices they
"invented" for this exercise would fit their particular needs and
are also likely to meet many of the enterprise users requirements for their
devices. (Source: Wireless NewsWire) (see
article)
22 July 2002
(USA)
Motorola’s MMS Interoperability Testing Success with CMG
Motorola have successfully
completed their MMS interoperability testing between MMS-enabled handsets and
CMG’s MMSC (Multimedia Messaging Service Center). The test results showed
that Motorola MMS handsets can send and receive multimedia messages to and
from a standards-based MMSC such as CMG’s. (Source:Motorola) (see
press release)
(USA)
Foldable Wireless Keyboards – An Overview
This article looks at the
various types of foldable keyboards available for PDA’s and asks if solving
the little keyboard problem would be a step towards enabling the PDA to work
like a desktop PC. (Source: Wireless NewsFactor) (see
article)
17 July 2002
(USA) Handwriting
programme launched for mobile devices
Pen&Internet has launched
software that enables the wireless transmission of handwritten notes and
drawings via PDAs, smartphones and next-generation tablet PCs. The final beta
version of its riteMail handwritten e-mail software and service is for use on
multiple platforms, including Palm OS, Pocket PC and Windows. The riteMail
electronic ink application now works with Microsoft Outlook or any default
e-mail program, and supports all wireless network technologies for devices
using these platforms. (Source: Pen&Internet) (see
press release)
(USA)
Wireless mobile keypads
launched in Canada
Digit Wireless has signed a
mutual agreement with the leading Canadian wireless service provider, TELUS
Mobility to introduce their Fastap keypad, which creates a direct entry
alphanumeric keypad using a new hardware design and corresponding software. It
is one-third of the size of a business card and each character has its own
key, enabling letters, numbers, and punctuation to be entered with a single
key press. It is also ergonomically contoured to provide easy access for any
size hand. (Source: Digit Wireless) (see
press release)
(USA)
New
eBook Application for Palm
Palm Digital Media have unveiled
new versions of their Palm Reader eBook application for Mac and Windows at
Macworld Expo. The application
will enable millions of users access to nearly 5,500 titles from the Palm
Reader library. "For the first time, eBook readers can build a library of
eBooks that they can read on-the-go, at work or from home on their platform of
choice," said Jeff Strobel, director of Palm Digital Media. (Source: PR
Newswire) (see
press release)
16 July 2002
(USA)
Joint venture to provide the
US with wireless "hot spots"
Intel, IBM, AT&T Wireless,
Verizon Communications and Cingular Wireless are considering a joint venture,
that according to three sources, seeks to create a new network of hot spots,
which are publicly available wireless networks that use the 802.11b standard,
also known as Wi-Fi, to deliver Internet access to the USA. Hot spots are
areas like café and train stations that create a 300-foot zone where
computers, printers or other devices can exchange files without being linked
by wires. (Source: ZDNet) (see
article)
8
July 2002
(USA)
Public
commercial wireless “Hot Spots” possible in UK soon
The UK government has recently
changed the regulations that will permit parts of the radio spectrum to be
used for commercial telecommunication services without the need for a Wireless
Telegraphy Act licence. This will allow wireless local area networks (WLANs)
to be operated on a commercial basis for public use instead of just privately.
Thus opening up opportunities for telecommunications operators to develop new
public services using the same technology from 31 July 2002. This will allow
up to 11Mbps access in public places like coffee-shops and railway stations as
well as in rural areas. (see
press release)
July
2002
(UK)Rural
Broadband Community Networks
Invisible Networks based just
north of Cambridge, UK have established the Association
of Rural Broadband Communities with the aim of providing broadband
connections in rural villages around Cambridge not covered by with ADSL or
Cable. They aim to do this using WiFi or 802.11b off-the-shelf technology, but
with a wireless backbone within each community. This could provide up to
11mbps connections to the Internet. (further
details)
July 2002
(Japan)
NTT
DoCoMo launch Mzone WLAN Service
According to a report in
Broadband Markets Japanese Telco NTT DoCoMo launched its 11Mbps Mzone service
in nine locations in Tokyo on 1 July 2002. User will pay about $16 (15 Euro)
per month.(Source Broadband Markets 5 July 2002)
1 July 2002
(UK)
Wireless “Hot Spots” have future in Europe
The Yankee Group Report,
"Public Access WLAN in Europe: A Technology in Search of a Business
Case?" has concluded that PWLAN (public) services (“hot spot’s”)
will not dramatically change the European telecommunications landscape and the
threat to the 3G business case has been grossly overstated. The company is
projecting annual revenues of $1.8 billion from European PWLAN services by
2007, with 7.7 million active users of the technology and are urging
the mobile network operator (MNO) community "to grasp the PWLAN
opportunity immediately, and to leverage their formidable position of strength
in mobile services and customer ownership to grasp to secure a dominant role
in the provision of PWLAN services." (Source: Yankee Group)(see
press release)
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