Loudtalks launches free downloadable push-to-talk messaging
September 18, 2007
USA,Techcrunch40 conference- Loudtalks , a Russian startup offfers a free downloadable push-to-talk messaging application for nearly any phone. It supports real time private or group voice communication in the walkie talkie style. Loudtalks is based on the peer-to-peer architecture and capable to work behind most firewalls and NATs. The software is lightweight (installer is less than 1 Mb) and unobtrusive. Normally it runs in the background and can be activated with hotkey without switching the focus or popping up the application window. The advantages of Loudtalks over existing messaging systems include speed, asynchronous style and voice messaging.
Roam cheaper thanks to Cube Telecom
September 18, 2007
USA Techcrunch40 Conference- Cube Telecom is creating a global Mobile Virtual Network (MVNo). The company aims to drastically reduce international calling rates by lowering mobile roaming and call charges. Founder Pat Phelan a well known communications blogger “wants a world in which anyone can pick up their mobile phone wherever they are and call anyone in any country for as long as they like without worrying about the price.” Product launch as yesterday with “Maxroam,” that allows you to add numbers to the sim. Esssentially calls are routed from one number in each place. Every call on the mobile becomes a local call.
SMS to be US$67bn Industry by 2012
September 17, 2007
SMS accounts for approximately 75-80% of carrier’s non-voice plan revenue, with voice plans comprising 80% of worldwide mobile revenue. Competition amongst carriers has been eroding voice margins and mobile content providers for ring tones and wallpapers are on their last legs, with users more easily accessing content over the internet. One of the largest content companies, Moderati, was recently purchased by Bellrock Media, and will be transitioning into mobile applications. Consequently, carriers should be turning their attention to data services.
SMS has been the fastest growing messaging service, but the pricer MMS, e-mail, and mobile IM are expected to grow healthily as well. The report suggests operators must carefully manage rates for these alternatives in order to avoid cannibalizing the SMS market.
ESPN’s Cricinfo hires Admob
September 17, 2007
USA-ESPN’s Cricinfo, the world’s largest cricket content source, has hired the mobile advertising network AdMob to convert its Internet traffic into a cash cow.
China’s cellphone users exceeds 600 million
September 17, 2007
China- China has more than 600 million mobile phones users by June this year, which means every one in five mobile phone users is Chinese, an senior official said on Sunday…. Official figures showed that the nation’s cell phone users increased by 40.56 million from the end of last year, 6.76 million a month on average.
Loans by Text Message? Yep!
September 17, 2007
Finland- We thought this is a little od too, but it seems to be working for them. Dutch consumers have a new way to take out loans: by SMS. Finnish Ferratum just launched its short-loan service in the Netherlands. Customers can borrow EUR 100, 200 or 300 for a term of 15 days, by texting Ferratum their name, date of birth, bank account and address. If they’ve pre-registered, the money is in their bank account within 10 minutes. First-time customers have to wait 24 hours. Speedy loans come at a cost: Ferratum charges a hefty 25% processing fee. Which means that consumers who borrow EUR 300 today, owe the company EUR 375 in 15 days time.In Sweden, Estonia and Finland, where a handful of companies have started offering similar services over the past year, ombudsmen have been pushing for regulation. While critics claim that it’s unwise to offer people such effortless methods of sinking (further) into debt, one could also argue that consumers should be able to choose whichever form of credit works best for them. Though the rates smell of shark, the concept is definitely quick and easy 
One to look into if you’re in financial services or telecom.source:springwise.com
Mobiles for the ‘world’s poorest’
September 12, 2007
Apple spoils us with the iPod
September 6, 2007
The World’s First Virtual World Credit Card?
September 5, 2007
Singapore- FirstMeta, a Singapore-based company has launched MetaCard, a credit card for Second Life and claims it’s the world’s first virtual world credit card. The MetaCard works in the same way as a normal first life credit card works. Applicants are provided with a credit limit and present the card when purchasing goods at merchants who accept the card.
So you want to make money from ring tones
September 5, 2007
