Companies in today’s briefs include: Microsoft, Mobile Commerce, AAC Acoustic Technologies, Nokia, Motorola, Sagem Communication, QuickLogic, Bitwave Semiconductor
Microsoft announced plans to extend its contract with UK-based Mobile Commerce, to continue providing RoundTown, MSN’s branded mobile search service which allows users of any Internet-enabled mobile phone to access a range of location based information. The MSN Mobile service features a range of art, entertainment and business listing content from partners such as TopTable, the Press Association and Multimap. The service also integrates with ScreenTonic’s ad server allowing MSN to monetize the service with both banners and sponsored links.
AAC Acoustic Technologies, Chinese manufacturer of miniature acoustic components used in mobile phones, said it expects Nokia to replace Motorola as its largest customer this year. The company said it is largely due to a decline in orders from Motorola. The company said it expects revenue from Nokia to account for more than 25% of AAC’s total sales this year, compared with 10% last year, while revenue earned from sales to Motorola is expected to decrease to about 25% from 37% last year.
Sagem Communication announced the launch of its latest M2M market product, a quad-band GPRS module no larger than a stamp.
QuickLogic appointed Bitwave Semiconductor’s President and CEO Michael R. Farese to QuickLogic’s board of directors. Farese has more than 35 years of broad technology company leadership for such companies Palm, WJ Communications, Motorola, Ericsson, Nokia and IT&T.