« August 2007 | Main | October 2007 »
Rating: oh yeah!
GoMo News hasn’t been over friendly to Microsoft this past year. In the mobile space we feel the company didn’t capitalise on the Motion Bridge purchase and having just reviewed the new Orange converged search on SPV devices in the UK – some simple lessons for search....… (More in the Mobile Search Analyst).
Continue reading "GoMo News to have lunch with Steve Ballmer" »
Rating: Its all about Microsoft, Nokia, Orange, FAST, MCN, tagging and sharing
The Mobile Search Analyst is out next week. The articles include:
Orange Converged Mobile Search Proposition
Microsoft Mobile Search on Orange vs InfoSpace on Virgin (this article might be pushed back to the next issue as I am waiting some critical information and it is worth waiting for).
Nokia’s on-device search vs Abaxia on-device search
Analysis of Nokia, Ovi and the Internet
Mobiseer Mobile Search vs Taptu Mobile Search or Tagging vs Sharing
MCN purchases Caboodle recommendation technology
Interview with Fastsearch and Transfer John Markus Lervik
Rating: I’ll be back
The GoMo News Newsletter is back in Alpha. Subscribers will be without it for the next few weeks; because due to recent events we are completely re-structuring.
But please sign up for our RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GomoNews
Sorry about this but it is for the best and for your benefit.
Also we have just announced our CTIA Blender at GoMo News – sign-up on our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4745051437
Rating: be content with your content
By Tony Alton
Imagine if every decision you had made in your life was cataloged and used to sell things to you, every TV show you watched, sandwich you ate, game you played or person you spoke to. You step out of the house and a slipper dealer tries to push you Coronation St Slippers, on the corner a man mutters something about a medium value meal on special offer and the guy on the bus slips a flyer into your pocket for you favourite brand of wart cream.
The mobile equivalent has been promised for some time, watching every piece of content you view or buy and trying to use it to upsell. This deal between Orange and Xiam promises to bring this mobile sales utopia one step closer. By plugging the Xiam MPOS engine into the back end at Orange the system will provide a number of different slots for recommending personalised content to people on the Orange portal based on their own data. All very well but personalisation often promises so much and then ends up offering adult nappies to schoolgirls, flea powder to middle aged men and Jay Z albums to 90 year olds.
Rating: OMG
So, I saw this on Tech Crunch and decided to check it out. At the top it says sign-ups are on hold because Google is negotiating to acquire us.
So. I had never heard of Zingku but managed to find an existing subscriber and did some more digging. The main value add for Zingku are two very hot properties is mobile at the moment.
Sharing
Mobile Commerce
Rating: from Orange to pink
No. Orange Netherlands is not turning gay, it’s merely being sold to DT and will hence become the pink of T-Mobile.
The sale has now been approved.
Rating: Bolt on baby
On 1st October O2 will launch three new unlimited data Bolt Ons for customers.
200MB bolt on is GBP 7.50; Web Max 3GB bolt on is GBP 30 and Unlimited BlackBerry is GBP 10 per month for 200 MB.
Rating: Whoops! Was this a secret
I just read a press release from Orange on a “personalised recommendation” service from Xiam. I dismissed this as I thought, this isn’t new. But since then I have seen the story mentioned everywhere.
Well, I scooped this back in April see: http://www.gomonews.com/pushing_the_barrier/2007/04/orange_partner__2.html
Sorry about that – didn’t know it was a secret! Also screen shots of the service are already published in The May Mobile Search Analyst.
Rating: Xy ads
Having drunk Tequila and partied with the Player X people at the ME Awards a few weeks ago – I feel all in there! But back to the point.
Continue reading "Player X and Amobee team up for ad-funded games" »
Rating: kids are out
I just got an email alert from Rafat Ali at moconews saying: Disney Mobile is to close. I haven’t seen it anywhere else so if its true…
My first reaction. Well I am not surprised. Any MVNO targeting kids is out because it relies on busy parents to sign up for the service and pay for it. As a mum of two kids I spend enough time watching Toy Story the thought of it on my mobile phone (or my kids mobile) is a killer.
I have to say the MVNO market is volatile. Because (since doing Running the Gauntlet) I am all VC like and entrepreneurial I wouldn’t invest.
I think mPortal provides the WAP portal and it was quite good, I would recommend that Disney try and re-package that for a mobile only site.
Rating: show me some emocion
Mobile search and advertising provider JumpTap’s solution is now live on Telefonica’s emocion portal. The service has been live since May, but has only been announced today.
From the press release:
“As the leader in the market, it was essential we deployed a search and advertising solution that would enhance the user experience without being intrusive. The mobile screen is too small to make mistakes,” says Susana Rodriguez, Director of Online and M-Commerce at Telefónica. “The JumpTap solution seamlessly integrated into the movistar emoción platform and delivers search results with highly relevant sponsored links associated to the search, along with high impact, contextual advertisements throughout the portal.”
Continue reading "Jumptap jumps into Telefonica with mobile search and advertising solution" »
Rating: looks like the purchase of Ten by Orange is imminent
Now, mobile operators are generally flat footed and slow. But Orange is going to change this by creating Orange Vallee a new entity to identify, develop and market innovative products and services within particularly short lead times.
Continue reading "Orange new venture Orange Vallee headed up by CEO of MVNO Ten" »
Rating: BASE it baby
The Germany low cost provider BASE (part of E-Plus) has launched a mobile to mobile all network flat rate. WOW.
Continue reading "BASE 5 new flatrate in Germany for EUR 75 per month" »
Rating: another mobile social network coming to the UK?
I just got briefed on BuzzCity.
Who?
Yes, that is what I thought. But the company is based in Singapore and has two million subscribers in Asia.
Rating: changing to move forward
As a very early follower of Neomedia, I have seen the company transform from buy it all mode to sell it all mode to now what I call “focus” mode.
Continue reading "More NeoMedia Changes as Dr. Christian Steinborn becomes new COO" »
Rating: Call me!
I feel a strange fondness to Truphone after it “up’d the revolution and took T-Mobile to court”.
Rating: SMS sexy message service? (Not funny)
Smsfun.com.au is an Australian based SMS mobile community. It launched in early 2006 and in 18 months has seen huge growth and expansion to New Zealand and now the UK.
Smsfun.co.uk was acquired this month.
Rating: GetMobile? NO. Get Playboy
Saucy mens magazine Playboy has signed up Quattro’s GetMobile platform for advertising and site rendering.
Rating: the future
I would like to point readers to a great article in my favourite daily read The Guardian.
Why?
1. There is a brilliant picture of people using mobile on the train
2. There is a great quote from our friends at Wireless Watch Japan
3. It's interesting.
But…
Continue reading "QR codes, Coupons Big in Japan – but don’t forget France" »
Rating: too small or just right?
It seems that mobile books are in. The Japanese set trends and Japanese people are reading trillions of novels on mobile. On of Japan’s leading mobile publishers Maho i-Land has six million members and over one million book titles to choose from.
Continue reading "Mobile Book Worm? Comic Worm? Mobile Worm?" »
Rating: Males-box full - please delete wife to make space for more
Couldn't resist blogging on this (loosely related) mobile story making the headlines. Cricket hero Shane Warne (for our US readers cricket is that game a bit like baseball which takes 18 weeks and Shane Warne is a podgy Australian who is the equivalent of God in the cricket world) has been dumped by his wife after sending an inappropriate text, intended for another woman, to her by accident.
As my head is full of cricket puns jostling with one another i will put them into one sentence: Warnes wife bowls a bouncer at his googlies and bails, following inappropriate use of middle stump chasing dolly with nice bodyline around the wicket, manages to tail end(h)er, but maiden not bowled over. Jesus.
Rating: War and Peace release
Imagine being a network operator. It's utter chaos. There you are, being all friendly like and providing exceptional connectivity for the people and listening to their every need, it's almost a public service. And what do the people do? They whine and moan about prices and then they have the utter audacity to use whatever handset they please on your fat pipe. It's criminal.
Rating: another one (see post below)
GoMo News has followed Myxer from day one and is chuffed that the company has managed a round of Series A funding.
Read more on Myxer here:
Infact, talking of funding. GoMo News is currently on a project seeking hot investment in the Series B stage - if your company has a unique value proposition and is seeking EUR 2 million plus funding in the Series B stage please let me know!
Rating: what goes up, must come down
This has been a very hectic September for GoMo News and BKI Media with many social, business, speaking, commentating and blogging engagements. But now my feet are on the ground and will be here until Tuesday, I can finally do email.
So this month I missed a number of blogging opportunities. Most of them in the VC space and this is quick round-up of the press releases that I received and missed. They tell a very, very interesting tale.
Continue reading "The social networking and mobile VC funding boom" »
Rating: this sounds scary
In one of the latest Dr. Who episodes everyone has to wear ear pieces for the sake of corporate communications. When I read this email it reminded me of that Dr. Who episode the one with the Cybertrons and where Rose Tyler’s parents are all posh and she is a dog (if you know the name let me know).
Continue reading "Grasswhispers corporate podcasting via mobile" »
Rating: What the KTF?
Melodeo has announced a licensing deal with Korean Telecom Freetel (KTF). KTF will distribute Melodeo’s industry leading mobile and web technology. This is hot on the heels of a similar announcement with China Unicom and JV Sony BMG, Warner and Motorola.
Rating: if the search is anything to go by….
The answer is yes. So I am not sure if its AOL or InfoGin to thank for the new AOL search experience that I am currently addicted to – but if attempts to transform mobile are in par with the search – then we are all in for a treat.
Anyway – keeping in line with blog politics this is a story from here that I first read on moconews.
Rating: No Thank-you
There is a lot of hype about the Linux OS.
I am not sure what the fuss is about. I have already stopped using my brand new Nokia 770 (three weeks old) because I don’t like the interface. Really this is a blog with questions. Are there any Linux fans out there that can tell me why its spectacular?
Rating: SHOUT, MATE
Media marketing comp SWAY is pushing its Shoutlet service but partnering with a number of media outlets such as CozmoTV, Odeo, Pheedo and TubeMogul.
Shout what?
Shoutlet is a Web 2.0 email, podcast, RSS, SMS and video bomb widget for marketing. If you haven’t seen it check it out at Sway and Shoutlet.
Rating: Xiamified
Xiam Technologies today announced its agreement with Vodafone Ireland to manage the technical and commercial inventory of its Mobile Advertising proposition as part of Vodafone’s recently released Mobile Internet portal.
Chris Handley, Head of Mobile Internet and Content at Vodafone Ireland, comments “At Vodafone we see mobile advertising as a significant opportunity to augment revenues whilst improving the portal offering and Xiam’s proven commercial and technical know-how will bring the best to the channel for both advertisers and subscribers. We are delighted to announce Xiam as our partner for the advertising channel.”
Continue reading "Xiam powers Vodafone Ireland Mobile Advertising Channel" »
Rating: Why? Max (data delivery)
By Tony Alton
Motorola brought something interesting to show and tell at WiMax World in Chicago. The handset manufacturer whopped out a rather meaty WiMax chip - which it says will be in phones from next year. This will give the user access to any available WiMax data network, meaning bigger, faster, harder, more connectivity than their sweet little heads could ever imagine, especially as WiMax works over much larger distances than WiFi. Interestingly Sprint Nextel is working on a WiMax network which should be available in 30 US metropolitan areas from next year. Not long before someone invents a direct cranial interface to the Internet and the problem is solved, 24hr Pandora streaming directly in my head.
Rating: BuySpace on Myspace
By TonyAlton
The scuffle of billions of dirty pairs of ironically donned Converse could be heard throughout the mobile world yesterday as Myspace announced its ad-funded mobile version. The Rupert Murdoch steamroller was switched on and in full flow yesterday as the free ad-supported mobile site was announced, with Millennial Media winning the contract to serve the ads. Millennial will be flogging 'custom sponsorship packages' as well as the run of the mill display ads for Fox Interactive sites.
As for the end user the new version allegedly lets them get their grubby tattooed little fingers on many aspects of their profile whilst they are at out and about at gigs/skateboarding/assaulting innocent bystanders for beer money. This means the little urchins can send and receive messages, deal with friend requests, update blogs and change their mood status. Presumably however most of them will leave their mood status on misanthropic/alienated.
Rating: Double Rubbish
So. I signed up for DoubleClick. The sign-up was easy enough and I liked the demos of the videos which I am going to integrate into GoMo News. But then I had to download the client on to my PC. There was no online software (log-in) I had to download it and I needed all these different specs?
Now. How rubbish is that?
Rating: yawn
Stop the press! Yahoo! is to adopt the MMA’s guidelines (that it helped create) to push mobile advertising globally.
What we think?
Continue reading "Yahoo! to adopt MMA mobile ad guidelines" »
Rating: yes, I have read about Yahoo! Coveo and Double Click – blogs on this and everything else will follow tomorrow….I am off to have (much deserved) cocktails with my mate Louise in Café Café in Harrow on the Hill…
But … just wanted to say thanks to everyone that has helped me the past few weeks with GoMo News seeking investment… especially Annie Turner my lovely guru partner, Tony, Rob (please get better we miss you blogging on GoMo), clients that have pitched in with quotes on our greatness, Mustard PR for help with the business plan and that's it!
I promise – blogs, news, reviews and a sexier GoMo News are to come.
Bena
Rating: she flicked back her hair and gazed glowing into the eyes of five dragons….
There was a moist burst of saliva on her lip as ran her perfect front teeth across them. This was her moment. She knew it. She stopped, she signed and then she stopped again. The opening of her pitch had to be perfect. She wanted the dragons unquestionable attention - longing and desire. She was waiting, chin up, back straight and chest high ready for glorious cash to be thrown her way by eager, bushy, high energy investors longing to be part of GoMo News.
Ummm. Well not quite. My pitch took about five minutes and it went really really well. I was happy with it and I thought I was to the point and direct.
Continue reading "Running (for my life) sorry I mean the Gauntlet part 2" »
Rating: I feel like Britney
I had a really tough day today – facing not one, not two but five investors. It was in a word awful.
But where there is bad – there is good and I got a lot of excellent information and advice for free. This almost made up for the torment of having to bare my soul and business and to them all.
So what happened?
I had an good night but woke up at 3am to get a flight to London to get to the meeting. I didn’t wear my chosen outfit for a number of reasons and I turned up at Running the Gauntlet two hours early.
Continue reading "Running the Gauntlet – GoMo News seeking investment highlights part 1" »
Rating: Hello? is it me you're looking for No? well bugger off then
By Tony Alton
So you have just come back from a lovely day at the beach with your significant other, the fresh air and sunshine have fused effortlessly with the combination of great conversation and a quick fumble under the towel and there is nowhere else you would rather be. After pulling into the drive you glance lovingly across at one another, exit the car and open the door to your house, thinking nothing could ruin this marvelous day However, the dark bastard of fate has other ideas and you enter the house to find wartorn chaos, expensive possessions are strewn across the floor and everything is either torn, ripped or smashed. In the middle of it all is the culprit. Sitting in your expensive Steinway piano is an angry hell dog, happily chewing away at the strings and snapping and barking and trying to bite every time you approach.
Normally this situation would be the start point for a cataclysmic row and an absolute flaming ball of stress. However, thanks to this deal between Ingenio and small business specialist Network Solutions, now all you have to do is fire up the mobile Internet and through your search engine you will now be able to have access to a plethora of local small businesses specialising in dog/piano extraction. Using the Ingenio Pay Per Call model the deal also lets small businesses only pay for inbound phone calls they receive from their targeted online and mobile campaigns. Everyone's a winner and happiness is restored as the dog is taken outside and shot, leaving you to return to your blissful little bubble, content that the world is a fair place.
Rating: enjoy
3Guppies has a new widget that allows consumers to update social network sites and alert friends via the mobile phone at the same time. This is a mix of online and SMS alerts that I think is quite nifty.
The new widget is called moblog (perhaps a bit too similar to mybloglog) … but still short enough to catch-on. The widget can be downloaded at www.3guppies.com.
more: http://www.gomonews.com/pushing_the_barrier/2007/06/3guppies-user-g.html
Rating: Novarra vs InfoGin part 3
I remember when I interviewed the CEO’s of Novarra and InfoGin at 3GSM to let them know I was writing the first ever Novarra vs InfoGin comparison. Both of them were aware of each other but didn’t really want to go head to head.
But this latest news is a coup.
Continue reading "InfoGin content adapts itself into Vodafone via MobilKom Austria partnership" »
Rating: at least its different
I just got this press release sent to me http://www.gomonews.com/press/2007/09/kannuu-new-mobi.html
Rating: that’s bad… NO! That’s Good.
This morning, I was up extremely early to get a flight. I checked the wires as I knew Blyk was launching today, because I couldn’t make the event. To my surprise I saw MySpace launching MySpace mobile site funded on ads?.
My first thoughts – nothing is a coincidence in the mobile space.
So I have landed and I tested blyk.co.uk and lo and behold it worked. You can check out the new website and I will write up an analysis in Mobile 2.0.
But, I thought. Let me be a bit different and interview some people about Blyk and MySpace.
Continue reading "Mobile Advertising: Blyk (the hairspray) vs MySpace ads" »
Rating: Good Golly
If anyone remembers me from my Vienna days, they will know that I love designer clothes… but I am happy, willing and eager to mix my Gucci bag with Valentino sun glasses and Primark leggings.
My point is that I love fashion, I love clothes and new developments such as Samsung teaming up with Giorgio Armani to produce technology is down right scary.
Continue reading "Samsung and Giorgio Armani team up for TV’s and Mobile Phones" »
Rating: Voda who? iWhat?
By Tony Alton
Very interesting article from Rick Wray at the Guardian here on Google's intentions to smash their way into the UK as a mobile network operator. If Apple can pull together some impressive marketing clout for the iPhone then imagine what the launch of a Google network and phone would entail, i would have to get a custom made Google key built into my keyboard.
Rating: You're not singin' anymore
By Tony Alton
Running full pelt with their tiny little teeth gnashing at Apple's shins Revoice SIngtones made this rather hilarious swipe yesterday. Like a tiny fly buzzing round the groin region of a vast colossus they came out fighting, walking right up to Stevey Jobs at the bar and telling him that, despite causing the UK ringtone market to soil itself, the new iTunes ringtone maker didn't bother them at all because Singtones allows people to record their voice as a ringtone. In response Steve Jobs ruffled their hair and delivered an awesome Chinese burn, before muttering something about destroying them with a single iTunes auto-update.
Singtones are now set to launch the second part of their offensive on Apple, announcing a new mobile handset called the jPhone at selected £ Stores across the UK. Mobile networks are currently falling over themselves in indifference.
Rating: hmmmmmm,
I saw an article in Telecompaper on this and did some digging and found the press release. Apparently IDT is yet another MVNO in the Netherlands (I think this makes it something like 30 now).
IDT Mobile is a SIM only PAYG service. International calls start at €0.10 per minute. National calls are €0.23 per minute, and SMS text messages are €0.10 per message, up to 160 characters.
What we think?
Is there still room for low cost voice services in the Netherlands the mobile market there is starting to reflect the credit card industry where users either have several credit cards or churn for the cheapest offer every six months.
