2008's Top Emerging Wireless Companies: The Fierce 15

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:59:59 -0400

A medley of smart startups and engaging entrepreneurs

Despite wireless carrier consolidation and an 84 percent penetration rate, the U.S. wireless industry remains vibrant and highly competitive. Much of its continued success can be attributed to the entrepreneurial startups that flock to this industry in hope of success.

Every year FierceWireless editors evaluate dozens of the most innovative and smart emerging companies in the wireless industry. Our final selection--the top 15--are listed here as part of the FierceWireless' annual Fierce 15 list.

The winners this year are very diverse. A few are home to some of the best and brightest engineers who have developed interesting solutions to some of the most confounding wireless problems--like how to solve antenna interference issues in the handset or how to deliver better in-home coverage. Others are creative application firms that have come up with what we believe will be very compelling consumer services guaranteed to increase carrier ARPUs.

One thing all our Fierce 15 companies have in common is a bright executive team and the potential to advance the wireless industry. Here are the firms that we think will become great success stories. Click here for the full feature. -Sue

The 2008 Fierce 15 winners are...

Vlingo - Top Wireless Company 2008: FierceWireless, Fierce 15

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:11:05 -0400

Vlingo

Where it's based: Cambridge, Mass.
When it was founded: 2006
Website: www.vlingo.com

Why it's Fierce: Vlingo garnered much attention last month when it was revealed the voice recognition company was the engine behind Yahoo!'s oneSearch 2.0 service, an expansion of its mobile search service enabling users to initiate queries using text or voice. Vlingo's voice search technology enables users to seek out any and all information without following prompts or adhering to specific search terms. Yahoo will officially launch the oneSearch 2.0 service later this year. Immediately following Yahoo!'s announcement, Vlingo announced the completion of a $20-million series B financing round led by none other than Yahoo!

What to Look For: Look for this type of voice search technology to have a major impact on mobile Internet consumption. By giving consumers control of the mobile Internet using their voice, Vlingo is providing a quantum leap in usability for mobile data services that are currently limited by the vast number of clicks and menus customers have to scroll through to reach the content they want.

vLingo

2008's Top Emerging Wireless Companies: The Fierce 15

Vlingo - Top Wireless Company 2008: FierceWireless, Fierce 15

Vlingo