Email

Peek to launch email-only device

Sue Marek — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:29:07 -0400

New York-based Peek believes it has an innovative take on the mobile device market. The newcomer will soon launch an email-only gadget (no voice calling) that is geared to middle-aged women with kids who want access to their email but don't want a feature-packed smartphone. The company is so focused on its potential market that it has designed the device to have soft, rubber keys specially designed for women's fingernails.

Peek will come in cherry, aqua and grey and will cost $100 with a flat-monthly fee of $20. The device will run on T-Mobile USA's network but customers will only be able to purchase the email device at Target stores nationwide starting in mid-September.

For more:
- see this picture of the device
- see this Fortune article

Related article:
Nokia releases two email-optimized ESeries devices

Sprint to offer business email access on non-PDA phones

Lynnette Luna — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:43:15 -0400

Sprint announced plans to offer business email access on non-PDA phones. As an extension of the Sprint Mobile Email application, the new Sprint Mobile Email Work feature will enable customers to access their Microsoft Exchange Server and IBM Lotus Notes accounts. The new service will become available tomorrow on the Instinct, which is also going on sale tomorrow, and in the coming weeks on 11 more devices, including the LG Rumor, Katana phones from Sanyo and the Motorola RAZR and KRZR phones.

Powered by Seven, the new service features a one-time setup process. In the Instinct, the Sprint Mobile Email Work is preloaded. Emails are pushed to the user's phone as they arrive on their desktop mailbox. The service is available at no extra charge for those who have subscribed to Sprint's Everything plans. With all other plans, the email service costs an extra $10 per month in addition to voice and data charges. Will business users bite?

For more:
- read this release

Related story:
Samsung Instinct Photo Slideshow
Study: 30% of mobile workers on first smartphone. Smartphone story

Nokia releases two email-optimized ESeries devices

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:40:28 -0400

Nokia has introduced two email-optimized devices from the Nokia Eseries product line. The Nokia E71 and the Nokia E66 feature a full Qwerty board and a slide-to-open design and are slated to ship in key markets next month. Both are expected to retail at about $540 before taxes and subsidies.

The devices include a one-touch email access feature. Microsoft Mail for Exchange comes pre-loaded on both devices, enabling access to email, calendars, contacts and tasks as well as attachments such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and PDF files directly on the devices.

For more:
- read this release
- check out our slideshow of the E71

Related story:
Nokia launches the E51. Nokia E51 story

Verizon Wireless offers email/Web browsing plans

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:59:57 -0400

Verizon Wireless announced the launch of email and web for Smartphone, a new management solution promising subscribers an unlimited data allowance for mobile web browsing and email. According to the carrier, the $29.99 monthly access plan supports up to 10 personal email accounts from service providers including Yahoo! Mail, AOL, Windows Live and Verizon.net. Email and Web for Smartphone is currently available on smartphones including the Verizon Wireless SMT5800, the Verizon Wireless XV6800 and the MOTO Q9m, expanding to other devices in the months ahead. -Jason

For more on the email and Web browsing plans:
- read this release

Consilient takes top Innovator Award at GSMA Mobile Summit in Macau

Brian Dolan — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:10:38 -0500

Last November at the GSM AssociationÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Mobile Summit conference in Macau, mobile advertising and push email company Consilient won the Innovation Award for best consumer application as well as the grand prize for most innovative application overall.

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Consilient launched in 2000 as a partner for push email juggernaut Research In Motion. Consilient primarily helped RIM connect to various existing servers it had yet to sync up with, but eventually the company realized it could do for consumer email accounts what RIM did for the enterprise. Of course, many start-ups had similar plans, so Consilient found its first carrier partner in Singapore: SingTel.

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Consilient describes SingTel as the most innovative and aggressive operators in the APAC region. SingTel launched ConsilientÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mobile push email solution in September of 2006 as a paid application. Last June the carrier began offering a free, ad-supported version of the service powered by Consilient. The new ad-supported version of the push email service marked a turning point for Consilient.

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Consilient teamed up with MindShare to ink deals with brands looking to tap into the intimate connection users have with the mobile phones and KFC, Pizza Hut and Glaxo Smith Kline jumped at the chance. These brandsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s advertisements covered the usersÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ data charges and subscription fees, which made the service free to use.

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ConsilientÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s CEOÃ‚Â Trevor AdeyÃ‚Â noted that one of the judges at the GSMA Innovation Awards said: Ã¢â‚¬Å“Oh you guys are a multi-channel advertising server with free push email built-in.Ã¢â‚¬Â While the assertion runs counter to ConsilientÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s chronological development, it is a characterization the company embraces fully.

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Trevor noted that mobile advertising is much more accepted in the APAC market because many of the users in those countries are used to an environment flush with adsÃ¢â‚¬â€much like Times Square in New York.

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Another reason forÃ‚Â Consilient's success in Asia?

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Ã¢â‚¬Å“I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t think that RIM and BlackBerry are as much of a factor over there,Ã¢â‚¬Â Adey said. Ã¢â‚¬Å“They are just not as entrenched in APAC as they are here [in North America].Ã¢â‚¬Â -Brian

Metric:Content users spend $77 a month

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:59:55 -0500

According to a report from J.D. Power & Associates, mobile phone owners in the U.S. who use their handsets to make use of email services, text message alerts, MMS and music download services spend about $77 a month, while those who do not use these services tend to spend $63 each month. Mobile subscribers who use these non-voice applications spend nearly twice as much on handsets as users who do not: $70 vs. $37. The firm said the price of handsets, applications and services has led to a monthly wireless bill that is $13 more expensive in 2007 than it was in 2005.

For more on the study:
- read this press release

Related Articles:
J.D. Power & Associates: BlackBerry tops smartphone user survey Article
J.D. Power & Associates: Retail sales experience is declining in quality Release

Verizon Wireless offers new BlackBerry plans

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:59:54 -0400

Verizon Wireless has introduced new email and data plans for its BlackBerry users. The new plans will coincide with the launch of the Pearl 8130 (photo) for Verizon Wireless subscribers. BlackBerry users who purchase a voice plan through the carrier will now have the option of subscribing to the E-Mail and Web for BlackBerry service for $29.99 a month. Data only users will pay $34.99 per month with unlimited email and Internet browsing. The new Pearl 8130 will cost $249.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract.

For more on the new plans:
- read this press release

I.T. or Entertainment

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 06:59:59 -0400

I.T. or Entertainment

CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment is often characterized as a show that struggles to find itself because it attempts to focus on two seemingly disparate themes: I.T. & Entertainment. This year: Not so. It has found itself. Only the result ended up being rather boring.

On Tuesday, "I.T. Day," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's keynote speech centered on Microsoft's attempt to bring together a converged platform that spans both the entertainment and enterprise worlds: "People shouldn't have to pick," Ballmer said. "The notion of having four text accounts and five email accounts, that's yesterday's idea--we have to meld these computing models into one, [and] weave together business models in a way that works for [everyone]."

For the rest of the day analysts and journalists at the show picked at Ballmer's claim that people want a device that bridges I.T. & Entertainment, but Microsoft's reps said that's what their research tells them.

Yesterday, "Entertainment Day," as CTIA CEO and president Steve Largent described it, kicked off with a keynote from Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz. (photos) Moskovitz announced that Facebook had inked a deal with one of the largest players in the mobile enterprise space: RIM. The two companies jointly developed a mobile version of Facebook tailored for BlackBerry users, which not only furthers RIM's reach into the consumer market but also helps Facebook tackle the enterprise for the first time in full.

The bridging of I.T. & Entertainment is not a merger I'm looking forward to. I was in college in Boston when Facebook first launched and therefore in the class of some of its first users. That's where I keep my photos from college, messages from friends I'd rather not be held accountable for and other personal information that should remain just that: personal. I've also used LinkedIn for the past few years for connecting to others in the wireless industry. Those two neat buckets have fulfilled whatever minor social networking need I have had. Recently, however, I've noticed an uptick in the number of industry people I know on Facebook. I can only assume that more will come as a result of the RIM deal.

I.T. & Entertainment makes me wish we could go back and replace that ampersand with an "or." -Brian

Enterprise gets ready for the spotlight

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:59:57 -0400

Although the CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment show is supposed to address both the enterprise and the entertainment segments equally, the enterprise has consistently been overshadowed by the more-glamorous entertainment side. At next week's conference in San Francisco, however, there will be lots of talk about new smart phone capabilities and growth of wireless email. M:Metrics Founder and Senior Analyst Seamus McAteer said that he expects the CTIA conference to be a showcase for smart phones, particularly those geared toward enterprise applications.

But Bill Hughes, wireless technology analyst at In-Stat, believes that there is still a huge disconnect on the part of wireless carriers when it comes to the enterprise because most still treat this market as an afterthought, even though it is the most lucrative segment. "The bulk of profits come from business users," Hughes said.

Hughes says that when it comes to enterprise applications email is critical because this is an application that is easy for corporations to justify. While other applications may improve productivity or make people work more efficiently, they are often much more difficult for managers to justify the expense.

On Monday a special interest seminar, Enterprise Mobility, hosted by AT&T Mobility and Accenture will feature discussions on such topics as how wireless delivers value to enterprises. Speakers include AT&T Mobility's Mike Woodward, vice president, business markets group and Accenture's Michael Russell, partner, North American Enterprise Practice.

We also expect to hear from enterprise-oriented companies such as Integrated Mobile, Movero Technology and others that help bridge the gap between the carrier and the enterprise segment at next week's confab. These firms are likely to become increasingly visible as carriers strive to make more inroads in the enterprise market. -Sue

SPOTLIGHT: Verizon gives FiOS users mobile email access

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:59:52 -0400

Like many operators with a quadruple play offering of wireless, television, data and voice, Verizon is slowly integrating the services. Now its FiOS Internet users have more storage space for their Verizon email accounts and if they have certain Verizon Wireless Get It Now-enabled phones, they can check email on their mobile, too. Release

Study: 30% of mobile workers on first smartphone

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:59:57 -0400

According to an iGR survey of U.S. mobile workers, more than half of those surveyed use a RIM BlackBerry device, while the majority of the other half used Windows Mobile devices. About 30 percent of the respondents said they were using their first smartphone device ever. About 60 percent of the respondents use less than 2,000 voice minutes per month, while only two percent said they do not use email on their smartphones. About 50 percent said they regularly view attachments from their smartphone's email application. Eighty-four percent of the respondents send/receive SMS, but 61 percent said that they do use an Instant Messaging application.

"As compared to the results of similar surveys fielded in previous years, we have seen a significant uptake in the use of smartphones," says Matthew Vartabedian, Research Manager at iGR. "What is interesting, is the relatively new adoption--a sizeable percentage are using their first smartphone--as well as the consistency of the applications used: voice, email, some texting and productivity applications."

For more on the iGR study:
- read this release

VZW launches mobile email on Get It Now

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 06:59:56 -0400

OZ and Verizon Wireless have launched mobile email services for users of the carrier's Get It Now service that will cost an additional $5 a month. The subscription provides users with access to Yahoo! Mail, AOL Mail, AIM Mail, Windows Live Hotmail, Verizon.net accounts and others. Users can access up to 10 email accounts through the mobile application, which also alerts users to new emails and recreates the same "look and feel" of the desktop versions of the email services. Currently, the offering only runs on the LG enV (LG VX9900) and the Motorola V3m, but other handsets will be supported soon, according to the carrier. Download charges and airtime charges also apply in some cases.

For more on VZW's mobile email offering:
- read this press release

Software update blamed for RIM outage

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:01:37 -0400

A software upgrade at Research in Motion's data center is being blamed for last week's outage that left millions of BlackBerry users without their email last Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

According to RIM Co-CEO Jim Balsillie, the update was supposed to improve temporary storage space in the email system. Balsillie called the risk of another similar failure "quite avoidable." But Balsillie's explanation isn't sitting well with operators that sell RIM devices and analysts that follow the company. Some question whether the company is having difficulty keeping up with its growth.

Meanwhile RIM is forging ahead--the firm last Friday announced that T-Mobile USA will soon be offering the BlackBerry 8800.

For more:
- see this WSJ article (sub. req.)

BlackBerry service outage in U.S., Asia, Europe

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:01:38 -0400

RIM has managed to bring most of its BlackBerry email service back online, but starting last night and through the early hours of the morning, email delivery was delayed or intermittent for North American users. Reports of outages have also come in from China, London, Canada and other far-off locales. While RIM said the problem is "currently under review," most of the issues seem to be resolved according to wireless carriers. Of course, there is now an estimated six to seven hour backlog of email messages that need to go out and RIM said it will deliver the messages in stages, so many will still experience delays throughout the day. RIM just reported its net income for Q4 saw a sharp spike thanks to strong sales of its consumer-oriented handset, the Pearl.

For more on the BlackBerry outage:
- see this report from the WSJ (sub. req.)

Comcast CEO on killer apps for Pivot

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:01:37 -0400

At CTIA I.T. last month, Sprint Nextel and its cable partners announced that their joint venture would be called Pivot; today Comcast CEO Brian Roberts offered a couple of ideas for the "killer apps" of Pivot: interoperability, wireless email and place shifted television. Roberts said, "Over time [the killer app is] going to be interoperability. Can I take my email and get it on another device? I've been watching my on-demand shows, I've stopped watching at home, I want to finish the last five minutes. Place won't matter." Roberts continued: "There'll be a relationship with the company that will manage my data, my television, my phone, my address books, and my voice mails. The seamless nature of that is what mobility brings."

For more on Pivot:
- see this Q&A with The Boston Globe

ALSO NOTED: Freedom Mail; Tweens still a major opp; and much more...

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:01:30 -0400

> The NYTimes has a feature on SetNet's free push email service, Freedom Mail, which the company believes can compete with the incumbents like RIM. Article

> Despite recent moves by top carriers to make "tween" targeted handsets less available, reports indicate the market represents a major opportunity for new subscribers. Article

> Frontline Wireless adds partners as it lobbies for 700 MHz spectrum auction. Article

And Finally... What was MetroPCS known as before it was "MetroPCS"? Submit your response here.

Last week's question: SavaJe originally marketed its product as an alternative to Windows CE on what Compaq device? Answer: iPAQ. Rick Rogers, Marvell; Sanjiv Shah, Motorola; Carlos Bazzarella, Poliplus; Jim Chou, Airwide; John Votava, Boost Mobile

Conference-goers flock to see Clinton, Bush

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:01:35 -0400

Their speeches weren't peppered with industry jargon, nor did they have PowerPoint presentations or fancy device demonstrations. But bringing together former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush on one stage was a huge draw for the day three keynote address at CTIA. The session room was overflowing with conference-goers, many of whom waited in line for nearly an hour to ensure a seat in the room.

Telling the audience he was a "black belt" wireless email user, Bush talked about the role information technology played in his presidency and the importance of telecommunications in society. Specifically, he noted instances where he used a secure wireless phone line to communicate with world leaders from isolated locations such as his boat.

Clinton, meanwhile touted the role of wireless in emerging markets and gave examples of how micro-credit loans in many emerging markets are being used to start small cell phone businesses. For example, in Bangladesh the fastest growing area of micro-credit loans are going to women that buy cell phones and then sell phone calls on those phones. "You should be grateful to be part of a business that gives the world a chance to pull itself together," Clinton said. -Sue

Judge halts Palm case

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 20:01:34 -0400

A federal judge halted a patent infringement lawsuit brought against Palm by NTP. Palm can continue to sell its products until the USPTO rules whether they infringe on NTP's wireless email patents. NTP is famous for suing Blackberry maker RIM on similar grounds. RIM ended up settling with NTP for $612.5 million in early 2006.

For more on the NTP case:
- see this article from CNET

ALSO: The ruling came just as Palm's quarterly earnings came out: Treo sales and revenues were up, while earnings were lower. Article

ALSO NOTED: 802.11n almost finalized; Daily Trivia; and much more...

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:01:30 -0400

> 802.11n ekes ever closer to standardization. Article

> BenQ chief says split is on track. Article (WSJ sub. req.)

> Study finds Yahoo offers the best mobile Internet experience. Release

> Similar study finds Windows Mobile's Outlook is the easiest mobile email service to configure. Release

And Finally... According to the CTIA Semi-annual survey, how many cell sites were there in the U.S. as of June 2006? Submit your response here.

Yesterday's Question: Name one of the two companies that partnered to deliver wireless VPN clients for the mobile marketplace on September 11, 2001. Answer: RSA and SafeNet. Certicom also had a similar offering the day before. First correct responses came from: Gustav Rosell, Sony Ericsson; Ryan Larson, NISC; Vikrant Ghandi, Frost & Sullivan

T-Mobile USA closes data plan loophole

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 19:01:37 -0500

Reports about trouble with T-Mobile USA's data service had crept up within the blogosphere last week, but we suspected something bigger was going on: Sure enough: "I spoke with T-Mobile tech support and they confirmed they made security updates to their network and that feature codes (SOCKS) were changed as part of that upgrade. She was able to reset my account (T-Mobile Internet) remotely and told me it would take up to 48 hours for the change to take affect. She admitted that the 'security updates' were to prevent unauthorized data connections and that they had knocked customers off the grid. She also stated that tech support intervention is required for existing customers to get this resolved on a customer by customer basis."

T-Mobile USA has two popular mobile Internet packages: one for $5 a month, which more or less gives you access to the carrier's WAP deck and their email client, and a $20 a month package that gives the user greater access ("unlimited") to the Internet through a mobile browser. T-Mobile USA just figured out that many $5 a month subscribers had found a way to access the "full" Internet, even though they were on the limited plan. The latest update seems to have fixed this loophole and took a few legitimate "unlimited" $20 a month subscribers down temporarily as well. By most accounts this morning, it sounds like most subscribers have regained their rightful service.

For more on T-Mobile's loophole:
- see the original report from JKontheRun
- and the follow-up discussion over at SmartphoneThoughts