| Webinar: Beyond the Cable: The Move to Mobility by MSOs
October 9th, 11:00 am EST/ 8:00 am PST
The best immediate prospects for MSOs may lie on using Wi-Fi to harvest data from mobile operators for backhaul over MSO HFC networks. Wi-Fi networks provide a huge differentiation and opportunities for cable operators. This webinar will explore how MSOs are integrating Wi-Fi into their existing network architectures and examine the economics behind Wi-Fi for cable operators. Register Now! |
Today's Top Stories
1. Apple slams the door on third-party app discovery services
2. Report: Google acquiring startup Viewdle
3. HTC upgrading One series to Android Jelly Bean
4. AT&T-backed App Quality Alliance launches Android app directory
5. New York Times introduces HTML5 app for Apple's iPad Also Noted: EXFO
Spotlight On... The hottest smartphones for Q4
Good Technology buys AppCentral; Flite launches Touch Ad Studio for iOS and much more...  Best new iOS, Android apps of Sept. 2012
Each month, FierceMobileContent will look at the best and brightest, spotlighting the new apps that you need to download to your smartphone ASAP. Here are September's finest--the best mobile apps of the month.
8. Dead Set
7. Planner Pro
6. NewzSocial
5. Hoppit
4. Timbre
3. John Cage Piano
2. Avengers Initiative
1. The Room
| This week's sponsor is Elemental. |  | Webinar: What Operators Can Learn from Multiscreen Distribution of the 2012 Olympics
Wednesday, October 3rd, 11 am ET / 8 am PT This webinar features a discussion on the video distribution of the Summer Games and what it takes to stream live sports content to a massive audience with a level of quality and engagement that sets the benchmark for streaming future global events. Register Today! |
| Sponsor: Akamai FierceLive! Webinars > Telco-OTT: the Good, the Fast and the Nimble - Thursday, September 27, 11am ET / 8am PT
> Webinar: Beyond the Cable: The Move to Mobility by MSOs - October 9th, 11:00 am EST/ 8:00 am PST
> Carrier Ethernet woes? Here's an economical approach to improving operational efficiency and network visibility - Wednesday, October 10, 11am ET / 8am PT / 3pm GMT
> The 1000x challenge; Small cells everywhere! - Wednesday, October 17, 12pm ET / 9am PT
> Mobile Acceleration for the Mobile Revolution - Tuesday, November 13th, 2pm ET / 11am PT
Events > Customer Engagement Technology World - November 7-8, 2012 - NY, NY
> Futurecom 2012 - October 8-11, 2012 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
> 4G World 2012 - October 29- November 1 - Chicago, IL
> The Open Mobile Summit - FW discount code - November 7-9 - San Francisco, CA
> Appcelerate 2012 - Meet the leaders of the mobile app economy! - November 9 - San Francisco, CA
> A new conference for a new world - TM Forum's Management World Americas 2012 - Orlando, FL - December 3-6
Marketplace > The New Standard in 4G Telecom Enclosures
> EBook: Is VoLTE the Next Generation of Voice?
> Whitepaper: Kabel Deutschland Uses Lavastorm Analytics' Flexibility to Optimize Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management Processes
> Whitepaper: Whitepaper: 7 Key Customer Trends Driving Convergent Charging
Jobs > Public Safety DAS Engineer - Houston, TX - Connectivity Wireless Solutions
> Project Manager Job - Charlotte, NC, USA – Yoh
> Wireless Project Manager Job - Cerritos, CA, USA – Yoh
> Field Technicians (5) Job - Melbourne, FL, USA – Yoh
> Field Technician (CDMA and LTE experience preferred) Job - Plano, TX, USA – Yoh
> Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs
* Post a classified ad: Click here.
* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. Apple slams the door on third-party app discovery services
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has revamped its iOS developer guidelines to restrict third-party app discovery and promotion, a move that could have a significant impact on app recommendation services such as FreeAppADay, AppShopper and others. TechCrunch reports Apple has revised clause 2.25 of its iOS developer guidelines to read "Apps that display Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected." Many developers rely on in-app promotional services to help drive users to their apps and improve their App Store rankings, and startups offering these kinds of marketing platforms have emerged as a thriving segment within the larger iOS ecosystem. Consistent with previous changes to the iOS developer guidelines, Apple has not formally announced the latest revision and has not responded to requests to clarify its intent. Jordan Satok, founder of app recommendation service AppHero, told TechCrunch that he doesn't believe Apple is seeking to eradicate all such services from the App Store. "The whole point of the review guidelines is that Apple wants consumers to get the very best apps from the App Store, and they recognize that if it gets filled with garbage, discovery gets even worse, and that just hurts the platform," Satok said. "I see all of these changes as just trying to help consumers find the very best stuff, and it's trying to go after services that are just the blatant app promotion services. AppHero was created with the goal of helping consumers find the very best apps out there." But Christian Henschel, founder of mobile ad firm adeven, believes Satok is being far too optimistic, noting that Apple generally adopts sweeping new App Store policies instead of examining apps and services on a case-by-case basis. "Making a clarification like that is a clear point saying, 'We definitely don't want those apps to be able to submit,'" Henschel said. "Having an app whose sole purpose is to represent other apps for promotional purposes, it's kind of clear that all those apps are being addressed here." Developers say Apple is already enforcing the new restrictions. Mustafa Tan of iPhoneTurkey.biz told PocketGamer that Apple rejected its iTurkeyBiz recommendations app, citing clause 2.25 and informing Tan that he must revise the app to make sure it is "visually distinct from the App Store," including filters like location or socially-based app recommendations. Another developer wishing to remain anonymous told PocketGamer that Apple's latest move is all about maintaining complete control over the iOS platform, saying it is no different from the company's decision to remove archrival Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Maps and YouTube apps from the new iOS 6. "We launched our first app last week and had 13,000 downloads in 5.5 days," the developer said. "It's free, and Apple actually does not make anything from us since we use [mobile game recommendation engine] Chartboost. Apple may not like that it is not getting money due to these third-party services like Flurry, Tapjoy and Chartboost." Application rankings in the App Store experienced radical upheaval in the hours after the launch of iOS 6, suggesting dramatic algorithmic changes across the storefront, analyst firm BTIG Research reported last month. "In iOS 6, the layout of the App Store has changed with categories demoted as a sub-tab inside Charts with a Genius (recommended) apps replacing it on the main app store tool bar running along the bottom of the screen… These changes likely are already affecting the velocity of downloads for different apps," BTIG states. "Nonetheless, from what we see now, the changes are quite profound and make us believe other factors beyond velocity of downloads are now heavily influencing the rankings algorithm ranging from social activity around the app, search activity and potentially the speed of upgrading of apps." For more:
- read this TechCrunch article
- read this PocketGamer article Related articles:
App Store rankings fluctuate wildly after iOS 6 release
Forecast: Apple's iOS 6 launch could boost App Store revenues to $5 billion
Apple offers iOS 6 to developers ahead of iPhone 5 launch
Apple activates App Store Genius recommendations in iOS 6 beta
Apple warns developers against manipulating App Store rankings Read more about: Apple
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| This week's sponsor is Akamai. |  | "Shifting Performance Strategies and Solutions for Mobile and Web Delivery" Discover ways to improve web and mobile performance with less cost and complexity in this new independent study commissioned by Forrester Consulting. Download Now.
|
2. Report: Google acquiring startup Viewdle
Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) has reportedly acquired Ukrainian facial recognition technology startup Viewdle, in a deal valued somewhere between $30 million and $45 million. Citing sources familiar with the negotiation, Forbes reports the Viewdle board approved Google's bid late last month, with Viewdle executives expected to begin telling employees about the deal today. CNet adds that Motorola Mobility, which Google purchased in August 2011, originally initiated negotiations to purchase Viewdle more than a year ago. Both Google and Viewdle declined to comment. Viewdle--backed by investors including Best Buy, Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM)--first attracted attention with SocialCamera, a free Android photo-sharing application that automatically tags users' Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) friends. The company also offers a mobile SDK for Android and Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS, enabling third-party developers to integrate facial recognition and augmented reality software into their apps. Google is expected to integrate Viewdle technologies into mobile services like its Google+ social networking applications. The acquisition echoes Facebook's June 2012 purchase of Face.com, a developer of facial recognition technologies including iOS camera app Klik. Last month, Google also scooped up Nik Software, the developer behind iOS photo-sharing application Snapseed, pitting Google+ head-to-head with the wildly popular Instagram app, which Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) acquired earlier this year. For more:
- read this Next Web article
- read this CNet article Related articles:
Google acquiring Snapseed photo sharing app to rival Instagram's dominance
Google strengthens browser security with updated Chrome for Android
Google: Android device activations surpass 500 million worldwide
Google adds Facebook, Twitter sharing to Chrome browser for iOS
Google+ app now lets users open Web links in Chrome Read more about: Viewdle
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3. HTC upgrading One series to Android Jelly Bean
HTC will update its One X and One S smartphones to run Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android 4.1, a.k.a. Jelly Bean.  | | The HTC One X will be upgraded to run Jelly Bean. | HTC is scheduled to begin rolling out the Android 4.1 upgrades later this month in advance of its new HTC One X+, which will ship running Jelly Bean. Engadget said that the refresh will not reach AT&T Mobility's (NYSE:T) One X and T-Mobile USA's One S until carrier testing is complete, noting that HTC representatives have confirmed the October timeframe is specifically tied to the global versions of both devices. The HTC One X+ also includes the refreshed Sense 4+ user interface overlay, which includes a new Self Portrait camera mode that intuitively detects the human face at various angles, as well as HTC Watch 2.0, which collects video services and content in a single hub. HTC notes the One X+ additionally touts faster Web browsing and more fluid gaming and graphic rendering. Android Jelly Bean, unveiled in late June during Google's annual I/O developer conference, promises a smoother and more responsive UI highlighted by triple buffering in the graphics pipeline for more consistent rendering as well as synchronized touch to reduce latency. Jelly Bean also brings a revamped homescreen that automatically adapts to fit content along with Google Now, which includes personalized information such as local weather and traffic updates. Google's Android Developers dashboard reveals that 1.8 percent of devices run Android Jelly Bean, up from 1.2 percent a month ago. Its predecessor, Android Ice Cream Sandwich, now powers 23.7 percent of devices, and 55.5 percent of devices still run Android 2.3, a.k.a. Gingerbread, which Google first released in late 2010. For more:
- read this release
- read this Engadget article Related articles:
HTC invests $35.4 million in Magnet Systems, loses $40 million in OnLive deal
HTC vows Android Ice Cream Sandwich updates are still on track
HTC returns half of Beats Electronics stake for $150 million
HTC's Beats Electronics acquires streaming music service MOG
HTC confirms interest in acquiring its own mobile operating system Read more about: AT&T Mobility
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4. AT&T-backed App Quality Alliance launches Android app directory
The nonprofit App Quality Alliance unveiled its Quality App Directory, a free resource enabling consumers and businesses to identify accredited Android services. According to the App Quality Alliance--which is operated and funded by partners AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T), Nokia (NYSE:NOK), LG Electronics, Motorola Mobility, Oracle, Orange, Samsung Electronics and Sony Mobile--the Quality App Directory is not an app storefront, but instead spotlights accredited, high-quality Android apps available for download from other sources. Developers can submit self-tested apps based on AQuA tools and criteria, or seek approval from any of four AQuA-approved testing houses: Babel Media, Intertek, Sogeti High Tech and VMC Consulting. Test costs range between $40 and $250 per app. AQuA said it will conduct periodic audits of self-tested apps, granting AQuA Member Verified status to developers who've successfully competed the testing process on their own. Tested apps will gain the status of AQuA Member Verified. Developers who achieve consistent accreditation will earn "Trusted Developer" status. AQuA--previously known as the Unified Testing Initiative--was created to reduce fragmentation and encourage the adoption of working practices intended to boost app quality. The organization plans to expand the Quality App Directory to other platforms in the future. For more:
- read this release Related articles:
Google rolls out Play services platform to Android developers
Google slashes Android app prices as Play storefront tops 25B downloads
Google: Android device activations surpass 500 million worldwide
Feds seize Android app marketplaces Applanet, AppBucket in piracy sting Read more about: Samsung Electronics, Nokia
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5. New York Times introduces HTML5 app for Apple's iPad
The New York Times is rolling out a new HTML5-based application for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad tablet, a move enabling the venerable news daily to skirt the revenue-sharing requirements that come with offering native iOS apps via Apple's App Store. Available exclusively to New York Times digital and home delivery subscribers, the new app includes the paper's Web + Tablet and All Digital Access content packages. Features include a Trending section that lists the top 25 Times articles cited and shared on Twitter within the last hour as well as Times Wire, a continuous, reverse-chronological feed of the latest articles, videos and slide shows published on the NYTimes.com site. The NYTimes Web App features swipe-enabled navigation and supports both portrait and landscape modes. iPad users can also opt for the new Today's Paper format, which borrows from conventional newspaper formatting to present sections organized under print topic headings. Readers can access the NYTimes Web App via the iPad's Safari browser. By bypassing the App Store, The New York Times is not required to fork over 30 percent of subscription revenues to Apple or share any subscriber data. Publications including The Financial Times have also decided to forgo native iOS experiences in favor of HTML5, although The New York Times continues to offer subscription-based mobile packages for the iPhone and iPad through Apple's iTunes in conjunction with the new Web App. This summer, The New York Times launched NYT Everywhere, a multi-platform content distribution strategy that kicked off in partnership with social magazine application Flipboard. The NYT Everywhere initiative enables Times readers to view full articles, videos, photo slideshows and blogs across third-party applications and websites, representing the first time the news outlet has offered paid subscribers full access to its content outside of a Times-owned platform. Flipboard--which previously relied solely on free content from publishers--authenticates all Times subscribers, leveraging new technology designed specifically for the NYT partnership. For more:
- read this release Related articles:
Report: Users have emotional responses to news apps
Flipboard for iOS add premium New York Times coverage
New York Times to sell digital subscriptions via Apple's iTunes
Publishers balk at Apple's App Store subscription terms
Apple rolls out App Store subscription plans Read more about: Apple
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Also Noted | This week's sponsor is EXFO. | 
| Webinar: Carrier Ethernet woes? Improve operational efficiency and network visibility
Wednesday, October 10, 11am ET / 8am PT / 3pm GMT
This webinar introduces a centralized Ethernet service activation and monitoring solution that enables network operators to deploy cost-effectively, accelerate time to revenue and boost operational efficiency, while optimizing subscriber experience. Register Today! |
SPOTLIGHT ON... The hottest smartphones for Q4  The fourth quarter is here, and the world's largest handset makers have spent the past several weeks unveiling the smartphones that they hope consumers will snap up during the lucrative holiday shopping season. FierceWireless looks at the smartphones that will be competing for the hearts (and wallets) of U.S. consumers this year, breaking down the major pros and cons for each device, primarily based around their positioning in the market. Special Report
Quick news from around the Web. @FierceMobiCo: Motorola dumps Android Ice Cream Sandwich for three 4G smartphones http://bit.ly/QvXkDn Article | Follow@FierceMobiCo > Good Technology buys AppCentral. Release > Flite launches Touch Ad Studio for iOS. Release Wireless News > Report: Deutsche Telekom close to finalizing T-Mobile/MetroPCS deal. Article > Rumor Mill: Apple's 'iPad mini' event to be held Oct. 17. Article And finally… Worldwide diaper shortage feared after Japanese chemical plant explodes. Article > Telco-OTT: the Good, the Fast and the Nimble - Thursday, September 27, 11am ET / 8am PT Service providers have been in a perennial battle with "over-the-top" internet vendors who leverage bandwidth but often do not play by the same regulatory or financial rules. Does it need to be a battle of us vs. them? Register Today! > Webinar: Beyond the Cable: The Move to Mobility by MSOs - October 9th, 11:00 am EST/ 8:00 am PST The best immediate prospects for MSOs may lie on using Wi-Fi to harvest data from mobile operators for backhaul over MSO HFC networks. Wi-Fi networks provide a huge differentiation and opportunities for cable operators. This webinar will explore how MSOs are integrating Wi-Fi into their existing network architectures and examine the economics behind Wi-Fi for cable operators. Register Now! > Carrier Ethernet woes? Here's an economical approach to improving operational efficiency and network visibility - Wednesday, October 10, 11am ET / 8am PT / 3pm GMT This webinar introduces a centralized Ethernet service activation and monitoring solution that enables network operators to deploy cost-effectively, accelerate time to revenue and boost operational efficiency, while optimizing subscriber experience. Register Today! > The 1000x challenge; Small cells everywhere! - Wednesday, October 17, 12pm ET / 9am PT To solve the 1000x mobile data challenge, we need more small cells, actually, much more, and everywhere - But, isn't interference a limiting factor? How dense can we deploy them? What are the future enhancements that takes HetNets to the next level? Find out the answers at this Qualcomm webinar. Register Today! > Mobile Acceleration for the Mobile Revolution - Tuesday, November 13th, 2pm ET / 11am PT A revolution is underway in how companies interact with audiences online. Join us to learn the recent results from Compuware research on mobile performance expectations, unique challenges presented by delivery over cellular networks, and what to consider when balancing mobile performance and usability. Register Today!
| > Customer Engagement Technology World - November 7-8, 2012 - NY, NY CETW is the only face-to-face event that is focused on leveraging the integration of emerging media across multiple channels to activate customer engagement. Register today with VIP Code CET52D to receive your free pass! > Futurecom 2012 - October 8-11, 2012 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil If you're interested in Brazil and Latin America, this is a must go! The largest Telecom event in Latin America: 14000 attendees, 43 countries, 20000sqm exhibition, International Keynotes, 250+ speakers. Most worldwide ICT companies exhibit at Futurecom, as well as all Brazilian Operators. Register now. > 4G World 2012 - October 29- November 1 - Chicago, IL 4G World 2012 focuses on the most challenging issues and obstacles facing mobile broadband operators as they try to manage the cost of unbridled traffic growth and exploit opportunities to capture sufficient revenues and generate a return on their 4G infrastructure investments. FierceMobileContent and FierceWireless Customers Save $300. Enter Priority Code 4GW12FIERCE to get your discount Learn more. > The Open Mobile Summit - FW discount code - November 7-9 - San Francisco, CA See the future of mobile. And meet the most influential people in the business. At The Open Mobile Summit: Connecting Everything, Mobile First. Now in its 5th year. Featuring 100 world-class speakers Facebook, PayPal, Verizon, Sprint, ESPN, MLB, Evernote, Glu, Samsung, The Gap, Walmart, Google and more. Places are limited for VIP networking with the 100+ speakers. Register your place today. > Appcelerate 2012 - Meet the leaders of the mobile app economy! - November 9 - San Francisco, CA Hear best practices in app design, engagement and monetization from the most successful app publishers on the planet. Featuring the CEOs of Glu, Storm8, ngmoco, Voxer, Soundtracking and Crowdstar, CTO Evernote, President Viddy plus the mobile product lead at Facebook. Now in its 3rd year – book here before Oct 12 and save $100 with code “FWL” > A new conference for a new world - TM Forum's Management World Americas 2012 - Orlando, FL - December 3-6 TM Forum's Management World Americas 2012 is the only conference that brings together 1500+ professionals from communications and beyond to brainstorm, debate, share and learn everything you need to succeed in the digital world. This 4-day conference features re-imagined, highly interactive conference formats, unique pre-conference workshops, dedicated networking events, official TM Forum Training and Certification, and a central Hub featuring a bustling Expo, Catalyst demonstrations and all of the latest information from TM Forum. The agenda spans five interactive conference Forums covering Digital and M2M Service Enablement, Big Data Analytics, Customer Experience Management, IT and Cloud Agility, Cyber Security, plus a dedicated Cable Summit! Register now!
| > The New Standard in 4G Telecom Enclosures The LTEE Series Enclosure from DDB Unlimited, Inc. is the newest standard in 4G Telecommunications equipment cabinets. Available in either Direct-Air or Closed-Loop cooling, this enclosure is engineered to meet the rigorous specifications of today's LTE Networks. The adaptive design, non-corrosive AlumiflexTM construction, and ready availability of this model are what customers have come to expect from DDB Unlimited enclosures. For more information on our full telecom enclosure product line, click here. > EBook: Is VoLTE the Next Generation of Voice? This eBook will look at the latest developments in VoLTE and what it means for wireless operators and the entire wireless ecosystem. To read more Download for free today. > Whitepaper: Kabel Deutschland Uses Lavastorm Analytics' Flexibility to Optimize Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management Processes Learn how Kabel Deutschland achieved quantifiable ROI in less than one year, accelerated detection of fraudulent activity by more than 2000 percent, and improved customer satisfaction. Download this case study today. > Whitepaper: Whitepaper: 7 Key Customer Trends Driving Convergent Charging Evolving customer trends have disrupted the traditional rules of revenue, causing service providers to rethink their approach to charging and billing. This whitepaper by Alepo explores how evolving customer trends are driving innovation in convergent charging solutions, and what it means for revenues and the customer experience. Download now!
| > Public Safety DAS Engineer - Houston, TX - Connectivity Wireless Solutions Connectivity Wireless Solutions delivers best in class consulting, engineering, project management, installation, and staffing services to wireless carrier and enterprise customers. The Public Safety DAS Engineer is tasked with collecting and analyzing RF data typically with tools such as test phones and needs analysis equipment such as ZK Celltest and spectrum analyzers. Learn More! > Project Manager Job - Charlotte, NC, USA – Yoh Yoh has a contract opportunity for a Project Manager to join our client in Charlotte, NC 28217. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for planning and managing medium to large sized application development projects. Six (6) years of previous experience with technical applications and/or information systems (or equivalent) required...Learn more. > Wireless Project Manager Job - Cerritos, CA, USA – Yoh Yoh has a one (1) year full time contract opportunity for a Wireless Project Manager to join a large telecom client located in the Los Angeles CA area (Cerritos CA). Responsibilities include managing project completions (LTE, UMTS, NSB, and all other modifications) from issuance of work order to turn up including finance and timeline forecasts. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills, be able to work independently and be able to work on scheduling and reporting...Learn more. > Field Technicians (5) Job - Melbourne, FL, USA – Yoh Yoh has five (5) month contract opportunities for five (5) Field Technicians to join our client in Melbourne, FL. This job will involve going out to sea and working on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships 2-3 weeks out of a month. Our client is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Minimum two (2) years' experience with VSAT systems required...Learn more. > Field Technician (CDMA and LTE experience preferred) Job - Plano, TX, USA – Yoh Yoh has a contract opportunity for a Field Technician (CDMA and LTE experience preferred) to join our client in Plano, TX. Responsibilities include developing proficiency in primary skills of customer relations, basic electricity, basic electronics, basic telephony, radio principles for CDMA, LTE and iDEN, and basic principles of digital transmission, fiber communication, data communication, telephony terminology, industry standards, and on-line network control/maintenance systems. Must be able to multi-task and maintain composure in stressful and demanding work environment...Learn more. > Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs | |
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