Tom Hume

Java's back: after spending seven years wandering around the wilderness of Web browsers (where it gave us applets) and servers (where it's had a little more success, with servlets and JavaServer Pages entrenched as a serious platform for dynamic content), it's returned to its roots as a language for programming consumer electronic devices. J2ME, Java 2 Micro Edition, is a cut-down version of Java, suitable for running on restricted hardware such as mobile phones, that may have less storage or processing power than regular PCs. It allows small applications, called "midlets," to be stored and run on the phone. This lets developers build more sophisticated services than browser-based platforms like WAP will allow. The key problem J2ME addresses is the disparity of mobile phone hardware and operating systems. Rather than forcing developers to produce a version of thei... (more)

Eurowireless

Welcome, America! by Tom Dibble Welcome to the inaugural issue of what in our humble opinion will become North America's compulsory reading on what wireless is all about and what it's becoming before you guys and gals overtake us! Through the technological ages, the U.S. has always held the whip hand over Europe. That has now changed in one industry: wireless. For the first time in a while, Europeans have a massive head start on a number of different fronts. These range from carrier network technology standardization and WAP handset penetration to cultural acceptance. But it's n... (more)

Revenue Sharing: A Shot in the Arm for WAP

WAP was first launched commercially in the UK during late 1999, by Orange. Since then, all the other UK MNOs have followed suit with their support, and despite the widespread panning WAP has taken in the press, there are now in the realm of 1-million WAP subscribers in the UK - not too bad for a consumer technology less than two years old. Nevertheless, a consistent criticism of WAP is the lack of useful services available through phones today. In fact this criticism itself encompasses two points: first, there are few robust and useful services out there; and second, WAP service... (more)

Euro Wireless

The mobile gaming industry is relatively embryonic. It's at an early stage of evolution where fundamental strategies for success are coarsely defined. Its clear dissimilarity from other rising markets is that it's a marriage of two extremely successful industries. Established digital games companies are increasingly recognizing the potential of mobile, and are making efforts to muscle in on the action. Partnerships between mobile operators, gaming companies, and device manufacturers are beginning to emerge. With an estimated 107-million active wireless gamers generating nearly $5... (more)