• InnoPath Software extended its iMDM mobile device management suite to include support for WiMAX devices. A rich set of standards-based WiMAX MDM capabilities are essential for new WiMAX networks as they permit subscriber billing as well as streamlining the introduction of new complex devices.
• The OtterBox 1935 case for the BlackBerry Curve fits models from all carriers including the 8300, 8310, 8320 and 8330 series smartphones. As part of the company’s Defender series case line, this enclosure is slim, stylish and fully functional even through the case. Three layers of protection keep devices safe from bumps, drops and dust.
• OnAir, a subsidiary of Airbus and SITA, chose Highdeal to manage Mobile OnAir, its mobile telephony offer aimed at airline companies. Using OnAir’s services, passengers can use their laptops, mobile phones and PDAs to communicate like when they are on the ground. Last December, Air France and OnAir launched an inflight mobile communication service offer. Airbus A318 passengers can now send and receive text and multimedia messages as well as e-mails and since April 2008, they also can also make inflight phone calls.
• Comfone announced the launch of its Wi-Fi remote test service to facilitate the testing and rollout of Wi-Fi roaming services. The service promises to enable operators and software suppliers to remotely test the interoperability between WISP client software and over 30 test hotspots located in a single location in Bern, Switzerland. Users of the Wi-Fi remote test service connect remotely to a test laptop situated in Comfone’s Wi-Fi laboratory in Bern, install their own software and perform the roaming tests. Major Wi-Fi networks are present at Comfone’s test laboratory, including Orange France, BT Openzone, ATT, SoftBank and KPN. During testing, the user controls which networks are active and can subsequently test different roaming scenarios. The service can also be used to monitor browser based login experience.
• Verizon Wireless announced that Pearl Jam is expanding its bootleg program for a 12-city U.S. tour and joining forces with the carrier to connect with fans through mobile music. Beginning with the first show of the Pearl Jam 2008 tour in West Palm Beach, Fla. on June 11, Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive mobile access to the globally acclaimed band’s first-ever mobile bootleg recordings. In addition, Pearl Jam also will be supporting Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program that turns unused wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence by holding phone collection drives at each venue.
• NEC says that it has established an R&D Center for WiMAX systems in Taiwan. The center will initially serve as an Interoperability Testing center for local CPE vendors and NEC’s WiMAX system. In the future, the center is planned to become an application development center for WiMAX. The establishment of the R&D center is part of an agreement by NEC to support the M-Taiwan Project.
• Palringo announced the North American market debut of its Rich Messaging Service, the first messaging service to extend all the powerful functionality of PC-based services to most modern mobile phones and PDAs, regardless of operating system, network or mobile operator. Palringo promises that with its messaging service mobile users can exchange text, voice chat-style messages and pictures with friends, family and colleagues across all popular PC-based IM services, such as AOL AIM and Google Talk, whether sitting at a computer or on the move using a mobile phone or PDA. The free Palringo service is made possible by integrating previously separate messaging services into a single, easy-to-use interface, eliminating the need to continually switch between multiple IM tools. In addition, Palringo’s dynamic voice messaging combines walkie-talkie style voice chat with the real-time text chat functionality of IM along with the ability to share pictures within the context of a discussion.
