• Motorola, announced that its Multi-Net Mobility solution can now be configured and managed remotely over a wireless data network and now allows wireless devices to access a VPN and back-office applications from “hot spots” outside a vehicle. Based on the standard Mobile IP protocol, Motorola’s solution promises end-to-end data encryption for text, image and video applications while operating across a variety of public and private networks, including Motorola’s MOTOMESH, ASTRO 25 Integrated Voice and Data, ASTRO 25 High Performance Data (HPD) networks or other wireless networks.
• Contec Innovations, a global mobile services provider, announced that Agence France-Presse (AFP), a global news agency, has partnered with the BUZmob Mobile Media Network to expand on the availability of its global news content to mobile audiences worldwide. As a content provider in BUZmob, AFP’s global and multilingual news is now available as licensable mobile content channels to mobile operators and service providers.
• Sony Ericsson and tennis star Maria Sharapova unveiled the Sony Ericsson Maria Sharapova Design Collection to a select group of journalists in London. Maria Sharapova is Sony Ericsson’s first global brand ambassador. The 4-year agreement was sealed in January 2008 and the Maria Sharapova Design Collection is the first design collaboration campaign to be announced. The Maria Sharapova Design Collection consists of the IDC-31 Courtside Case, the compact IDC-32 Exercise Case, the IDC-33 Party Bag and the IDC-34 Travel Wallet. The Maria Sharapova Design Collection will be available in all markets in Q3.
• iQmetrix purchased its largest competitor Work Software Systems (creator of WorkWireless), making it the largest, most diversified retail management solution provider in the wireless industry. iQmetrix will begin integrating the two companies’ operations immediately. Bill May, founder of Work Software Systems, will join the iQmetrix executive team as president of iQmetrix USA. The current iQmetrix executive team will remain: Chris Krywulak as CEO, Kelly Kazakoff as COO, Greg Krywulak as of senior vice president, Scott McGillivray as vice president of marketing and Rory Cain as vice president product development.
• Speck unveiled PixelSkin, a line of cases specifically designed for the iPhone 3G. PixelSkin is a lightweight, rubberized case with a textured matte finish that provides an extra-secure grip around the iPhone. Available in July for $24.95, it comes in six colors: Licorice Black, Marshmallow White, Huckleberry Purple, Sherbet Pink, Corncob Yellow and Spearmint Green.
• Brightpoint plans to use Synchronoss’ ConvergenceNow software platform for activating certain wireless devices. Under the agreement, Brightpoint will add an integrated online activation service to its current integrated solution that includes order capture, order management, fulfillment and distribution of devices, mobile enhancements and content throughout North America and other areas.
• Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania has completed implementation of Info Directions’ CostGuard XG OSS/BSS software and Lexys point-of-sale applications. The carrier will use the software solutions to manage rating, billing, CRM and retail operations. Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania is a rural cellular communications company that provides voice and data service over a CDMA network in Wayne and Pike counties, the two Pennsylvania counties bordering New York and New Jersey across the Delaware River.
• Millennial Media added TV Guide, The Boston Herald, Goal.com, GoTV’s video service and The Washington Times to its roster of the more than 1,200 sites participating in its ad networks. These networks include mobile services from top-tier online media properties and mobile media content properties, and ad placements both on and off carrier decks. Millennial Media’s networks are comprised of more than 1.94 billion U.S.-specific monthly ad impressions, and with figures of over 18 million unique mobile users in May, the company reaches nearly half of the American mobile Web universe.
