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Today's Top Stories
1. Report: Apple, foursquare in talks to share local data
2. U.S. Cellular updating Samsung Galaxy S III to Android Jelly Bean this week
3. WhatsApp expands to Windows Phone 8, snubs BlackBerry 10
4. Facebook updates iOS, Android apps with local recommendations
5. Google Maps for iOS eclipses 10M downloads in first two days Also Noted: Kontagent
Spotlight On... PicsArt's photo app expands its focus from Android to iOS
Sony updates Android Jelly Bean roadmap; Lookout, FCC team for smartphone security tips and much more... Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Must-haves for your new iOS or Android device
 With more than 700,000 iOS apps in Apple's App Store and another 700,000 for Android in the Google Play storefront, the sheer volume of options for new smartphone owners can be overwhelming. FierceMobileContent is here to help. We've shortlisted recommended iOS and Android downloads spanning 10 different categories, helping you populate your new device with some of the most innovative and engaging apps on the market. Each app is a gift that keeps giving all year round. Special Report
| Sponsor: Akamai FierceLive! Webinars > Vectoring Demystified - Tuesday, December 18th, 11am ET / 8am PT
> Globalstar's New "Wi-Fi" Super Highway - Tuesday, January 22nd, 11:00am EST/8:00 am PST
Events > Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand
Marketplace > Shifting Performance Strategies and Solutions for Mobile and Web Experience
> Whitepaper: Are you ready for the BYOD Challenge?
> Research: M-commerce in the UK 2012 | Verdict Channel Reports
> Research: Software: Global Industry Guide
> Research: Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014
> Whitepaper: Native vs. HTML5 Mobile App Development: Which Option is Best?
> Whitepaper: Service Provider Wi-FI: A Platform for Business Innovation and Revenue Generation
> Whitepaper: Appcelerator/ IDC Q2 2012 Mobile Developer Report
> Whitepaper: 4 Keys to Building a Successful, Scalable Mobile App Strategy
> Whitepaper: How to Evaluate a Next Generation Mobile Platform
Jobs > Field Technician I Job - Portland, OR, USA – Yoh
> FSO Telecom Field Technician I Job - New Orleans, LA, USA – Yoh
> Telecommunications Field Technician Job - Spokane, WA, USA – Yoh
> Telecommunications Project Controls Analyst Job - Bellevue, WA, USA – Yoh
> Director, Business Operations, Marketing and Sales Analytics – Atlanta GA – Cox Communications
> Senior Manager, Business Operations, Sales and Marketing Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications
> Senior Analyst, Business Operations, Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications
> Manager, Business Operations, Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications
> Analyst I, Business Operations, Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications
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* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. Report: Apple, foursquare in talks to share local data
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in preliminary discussions to integrate foursquare local data into its fledgling Maps platform for iOS, The Wall Street Journal reports. Citing sources close to the talks, the report states Apple Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue has met with foursquare executives to explore incorporating data from local restaurants, clubs and retailers into Apple Maps, the homegrown mapping platform introduced this fall alongside iOS 6 as a replacement for the preloaded Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Maps. Foursquare overhauled its user experience earlier this year, de-emphasizing its signature virtual check-in model to focus on personalized recommendations highlighting nearby points of interest; its suggestions are based on the user's check-in history and their friends' foursquare activity, and come complete with consumer reviews and merchant offers. Rumblings about a possible deal linking Apple and foursquare first surfaced last week after Cue posted two foursquare check-in updates to his long-dormant Twitter account. Apple Maps has been a public relations disaster: Immediately after the service launched, users identified dozens of inaccuracies including missing roads, misplaced landmarks and mislabeled businesses. With consumer fury mounting, Apple CEO Tim Cook even issued a public apology for the new Maps platform, admitting "We fell short" on meeting customer expectations and suggesting that consumers consider alternative mapping technologies while Apple strives to improve the service. Last week, Google released a native Maps application for iOS, further increasing the pressure on Apple to deliver a viable alternative. Apple is "putting all of our energy into making [Maps] right," Cook said in a BusinessWeek interview published earlier this month. "We've got a huge plan to make it even better. It will get better and better over time." Cook did not divulge specifics on that plan, nor did he reveal when consumers can expect the overhauled Apple Maps to become commercially available. An Apple/foursquare partnership would be a major boost to foursquare's fortunes: Late last month, The Wall Street Journal reported the startup is struggling to attract investor interest in the wake of declining growth and discouraging IPO showings from Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), Zynga (NASDAQ:ZNGA) and Groupon. Potential foursquare investors additionally feel the company is moving to monetize too slowly and have expressed concern that consumer interest in its services is beginning to decline. Foursquare boasts more than 25 million registered users, but only about 8 million access the app on a monthly basis--foursquare Vice President Jon Steinback told the Journal that the company's growth rate is slowing, but he added that it signed up more new users this year than in any other year in its existence. Steinback also said foursquare's efforts to sell targeted coupons are catching on with advertisers and consumers. Foursquare is expected to bring in about $2 million in revenue this year, well off the pace established by Facebook--which raked in $153 million in ad revenues in its fourth year--and also behind Twitter, which generated $45 million in ads at the same point in its evolution. For more:
- read this Wall Street Journal article Related articles:
Report: Foursquare valuation wavers following Facebook's IPO flop
Apple CEO Cook: 'We're putting all our energy' into Maps improvements
Apple CEO Cook apologizes for Maps, suggests alternatives Bing, Waze
Apple promises to improve iOS mapping service as consumer fury mounts
Chitika: Google Maps app launch has little impact on iOS 6 adoption Read more about: iOS
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| This week's sponsor is Akamai. |  | "Innovating at the Pace of Mobile" Discover ways to successfully capitalize on the mobile opportunity and how a comprehensive mobile delivery platform can help maximize your organization's chances of success. Download Now.
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2. U.S. Cellular updating Samsung Galaxy S III to Android Jelly Bean this week
U.S. Cellular will begin upgrading Samsung Electronics' flagship Galaxy S III smartphone to Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android 4.1, a.k.a. Jelly Bean, on Dec. 21. U.S. Cellular will roll out the Android Jelly Bean update over the air. Subscribers may also visit this site to manually upgrade their device via USB connection. U.S. Cellular is the fifth and final American operator to overhaul the Galaxy S III to Jelly Bean, following Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S), T-Mobile USA, AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) and most recently Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ). Android 4.1's core features include the Project Butter UI engine, a revamped homescreen and Google Now, which includes personalized information such as local weather and traffic updates. Samsung's Jelly Bean update integrates customized enhancements including an overhauled version of the device maker's TouchWiz UI, new live camera and camcorder filters, the Pop Up Play picture-in-picture video window and Easy Mode, which offers widget-based access to users' favorite apps as well as a blocking mode that silences incoming calls, alerts and notifications. The updated Galaxy S III also supports the AllShare Cast Wireless Hub accessory, which allows users to wirelessly mirror their device screen to any HDTV or HDMI display, as well as Bluetooth-enabled NFC One Touch Pairing. Google's Android Developers dashboard reveals that Android Jelly Bean 4.1 now powers 5.9 percent of all devices worldwide, up from 2.7 percent in November. Android 2.3, nicknamed Gingerbread, remains the dominant OS version, powering 50.8 percent of devices. Android 4.0, known as Ice Cream Sandwich, follows at 27.5 percent. For more:
- read this CNet article Related articles:
Android Jelly Bean expands to Verizon's Galaxy S III, Sprint's Evo 4G LTE
AT&T, Samsung roll out Android Jelly Bean upgrade for Galaxy S III
T-Mobile USA upgrades Galaxy S III to Android Jelly Bean
Sprint first in U.S. to roll out Android Jelly Bean to Galaxy S III
Samsung pledges Android Jelly Bean for all Galaxy S III devices in U.S.
Motorola expands Android Jelly Bean roadmap Read more about: Samsung Galaxy S III, Android
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3. WhatsApp expands to Windows Phone 8, snubs BlackBerry 10
WhatsApp has updated its cross-platform messaging application to run Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) new Windows Phone 8 but says it does not plan to support Research In Motion's (NASDAQ:RIMM) forthcoming BlackBerry 10. WhatsApp--which enables users to share text messages, voice notes, photos and videos with contacts across the globe, without international messaging fees--currently supports devices running BlackBerry OS 4.6 and above. RIM is slated to release BlackBerry 10 during the first quarter of 2013, and the company issued its BB10 software developers kit earlier this month. When contacted by CrackBerry.com to determine its future BlackBerry plans, WhatsApp said "We have no plans to support BlackBerry 10 at the moment, sorry." Just 9 percent of mobile developers express strong interest in building BlackBerry apps according to a recent survey conducted by Appcelerator and research firm IDC. WhatsApp for Windows Phone 8 is now available for download from Microsoft's Windows Phone Store. Nokia (NYSE:NOK) reports it collaborated with the WhatsApp engineering team to produce a version that is fully optimized for the Windows Phone 8 platform experience. WhatsApp is free to Windows Phone users for the first 12 months, and costs $0.99 per year thereafter. WhatsApp also spans Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android, serving a reported 100 million daily active users across more than 100 international markets and 750 mobile networks. Last month, advisory firm Analysys Mason called WhatsApp "the first large-scale cross-platform messaging app," noting that more than 45 percent of all smartphone owners now use some form of instant messaging or over-the-top messaging app in addition to or instead of traditional SMS. Despite mounting consumer interest in more feature-rich mobile messaging options like WhatsApp, Analysys Mason reports that 97 percent of subscribers still use SMS. For more:
- read this CrackBerry.com article
- read this Nokia Conversations blog entry Related articles:
WhatsApp squashes Facebook acquisition rumors
Survey: Half of smartphone owners use IM, OTT messaging apps
Acision: 91 percent of U.S. smartphone owners actively use SMS Read more about: Mobile Messaging
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4. Facebook updates iOS, Android apps with local recommendations
Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) is rolling out updated versions of its iOS and Android social networking applications, adding a new local recommendations feature that suggests spots favored by the user's Facebook contacts. Facebook is overhauling the app menu's Nearby tab to list local restaurants and retailers recommended or 'liked' by friends, as well as destinations where contacts have checked in. "If you're looking for a place to eat, choose a category like Restaurants to see what's nearby," explains Josh Williams, Facebook's location & events products manager. "When you find a place that looks interesting, tap to see info like friends who've been there and business hours." Facebook Nearby users may also share ratings or recommendations. "Your own suggestions become more personalized the more you and your friends rate, recommend and check into places," Williams notes. "Results will get better the more people use Nearby, and we'll continue to improve it based on feedback. We also plan to add places info from third-party services in the near future." Facebook now touts more than 1 billion users worldwide, with roughly 600 million accessing its services via mobile. "People who use our mobile products are more engaged, and we believe we can increase engagement even further as we continue to introduce new products and improve our platform," Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in October. Facebook Nearby could therefore pose a major threat to location-based recommendation and review platforms like Yelp and foursquare. MarketWatch reports that Yelp shares fell more than 3 percent in the hours following Facebook's announcement. For more:
- read this Facebook Newsroom entry
- read this MarketWatch article Related articles:
Facebook introduces device, OS targeting for mobile advertisers
Facebook: 14% of ad revenue comes from mobile
Facebook overhauls SDK for Android, unveils new developer center
Facebook unwraps m-commerce ambitions with Gifts platform
Facebook updates SDK for Apple's iOS 6
Facebook shakes up engineering team to accelerate mobile efforts Read more about: Mobile Social Networking
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5. Google Maps for iOS eclipses 10M downloads in first two days
More than 10 million Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) device owners downloaded the new Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Maps for iOS in its first two days of App Store availability, Google announced. The native Google Maps application launched last week, nearly three months after Apple replaced Google's preloaded iOS mapping services with its own Apple Maps service, which was introduced in conjunction with its iOS 6 mobile platform overhaul. Jeff Huber, senior vice president of Google's commerce & local unit, announced the download milestone via his Google+ social network account. "More than 10 million downloads in less than 48 hours after release!" Huber writes. "We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world." To put the download numbers in some context, Apple said in October that more than 200 million devices run iOS 6, corresponding to roughly half of all iOS units sold to date. Apple Maps is limited to iOS 6, meaning devices running iOS 5 and below can still access the preloaded Google Maps services baked into the platform since the introduction of the original iPhone in mid-2007. Following the September launch of Apple Maps and the ensuing consumer outcry over its errors and omissions, some vocal iOS owners proclaimed they would not upgrade to iOS 6 in order to retain access to Google Maps. New data from Chitika suggests that few users made good on that threat, however: When Google Maps for iOS was released at midnight ET on Dec. 13, devices running iOS 6 accounted for 72.77 percent of traffic on the firm's digital ad network. As of 2:24 PM on Dec. 14, iOS 6 traffic grew to 72.94 percent, an increase of just 0.17 percent. Chitika adds there was "no immediate impact" at all on iOS 6 adoption rates compared to existing takeup trends across its network. Google rolled out Maps for iOS to iPhone and iPod touch devices running iOS 5.1 and higher. The app is available in more than 40 countries and 29 languages, including English, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Google Maps for iOS is highlighted by turn-by-turn voice navigation, a feature absent from the preinstalled iOS version because of multiple disputes between Google and Apple, as well as vector-based map images available in 2D or 3D views. Google Maps also integrates live traffic conditions, public transit data and details on more than 80 million businesses and points of interest, complete with Street View and Business Photos images, contact information, user ratings and reviews. For more:
- read this CNet article
- this Google+ post Related articles:
Chitika: Google Maps app launch has little impact on iOS 6 adoption
Google Maps returns to Apple's iPhone, adds turn-by-turn navigation
Report: Google Maps for Apple's iOS in final testing stages
Report: Google fears Apple will reject Maps app for iOS
Schmidt: Google isn't planning Maps for iOS Read more about: Metrics, Google Maps for iOS
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Also Noted | This week's sponsor is Kontagent. |  | Whitepaper: 5 Lessons on Driving More Revenue, Loyalty and Lifetime Value to Your Mobile Apps
Learn the five primary lessons that apply to 99% of businesses trying to succeed in the mobile app space. Download Now.
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SPOTLIGHT ON... PicsArt's photo app expands its focus from Android to iOS  Photo editing and sharing applications have developed into one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in mobile software, but it's not only big brands like Instagram, Twitter and Google making headlines. PicsArt, released for Android in November 2011, has emerged as a grass-roots phenomenon, generating more than 30 million downloads and more than 500,000 Google Play users reviews without any of the brand notoriety and marketing muscle boosting its rivals. Created out of frustration with the limited functionally available in other free photo services, PicsArt has grown to become a full-fledged mobile art studio, complete with tools enabling users to add motion and blending effects, create collages and insert clip art, text and related graphical enhancements. The app also encompasses its own social networking architecture.
Look for PicsArt to continue gaining momentum in 2013: A version optimized for Apple's iOS was recently submitted for App Store approval. FierceDeveloper spoke to PicsArt co-founder and CTO Arto Mehrabyan about the app's success on Android, its expansion to iOS and the importance of giving the people what they want. Developer Workshop > Vectoring Demystified - Tuesday, December 18th, 11am ET / 8am PT Vectoring has been a hot term over the past few months, but do you really know what it is or how it can positively impact your business? Join ADTRAN experts as they explore the ins and outs of this new ultra broadband technology. Register Today! > Globalstar's New "Wi-Fi" Super Highway - Tuesday, January 22nd, 11:00am EST/8:00 am PST This webinar will discuss the innovative technology, public benefits, and regulatory outlook of providing a new 22 MHz channel under the existing 802.11 IEEE standard. Join to learn technical aspects of TLPS deployment and the outlook for near-term relief from the FCC. Register Now!
| > Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand Please join Jason Nelson, Publisher of FierceWireless, FierceTelecom, and FierceCable as we announce the winners of the Fierce Innovation Awards 2012. Click here to RSVP today.
| > Shifting Performance Strategies and Solutions for Mobile and Web Experience Achieving reliable performance that meets web and mobile user expectations is critical to business success. If your company's web and mobile applications are either poorly designed or poorly implemented, the result can be slow responses or unavailable sites that jeopardize potential transactions and damage your company's brand. Discover ways to drive web and mobile responsiveness and learn which emerging performance-enhancement techniques show the greatest promise in this On-Demand webinar. Download Now. > Whitepaper: Are you ready for the BYOD Challenge? Enterprise employees are causing financial chaos by using their own devices for work, and it’s causing problems for CSPs. Employees are specifying their own mobile tariffs, overspending when they roam or use data, and are bloating the business with personal usage costs. This leads to billing disputes and million-dollar write-offs for the CSP, along with customer bad-will and churn. Isn’t it time you addressed the BYOD challenge? Find out how by downloading our handy infographic. > Research: M-commerce in the UK 2012 | Verdict Channel Reports M-commerce has expanded rapidly in 2011 and 2012, as both retailers and consumers continue to adapt to the potential of mobile devices. Not only are more people making purchases, but also more apps and mobile optimised websites have furthered the possible uses of mobile devices for shoppers. Download Now. > Research: Software: Global Industry Guide Software: Global Industry Guide is an essential resource for top-level data and analysis covering the Software industry. It includes detailed data on market size and segmentation, textual analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, and profiles of the leading companies. This incisive report provides expert analysis on a global, regional and country basis. Download Now. > Research: Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014 Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014 is a comprehensive resource for the market split by technology (ERP, product lifecycle management, customer relationship management [CRM], human resources [HR] and payroll, financial, supply chain management [SCM], and commerce applications). This Databook also provides data split by nine industry verticals. Download Now. > Whitepaper: Native vs. HTML5 Mobile App Development: Which Option is Best? Knowing the key differences among application choices is the first step to ensuring a successful entry into the mobile world. Download the white paper to get the full story. > Whitepaper: Service Provider Wi-FI: A Platform for Business Innovation and Revenue Generation Learn how Cisco's Wi-Fi technology can give end users improved and simplified mobility and secure Internet access, at the same time making SP's and Enterprises' internal processes and networks more efficient. Download Today. > Whitepaper: Appcelerator/ IDC Q2 2012 Mobile Developer Report Download this report to discover key findings in Appcelerator/IDC Q2 report, surveying developers as part of their Mobile Developer Survey Report Series. > Whitepaper: 4 Keys to Building a Successful, Scalable Mobile App Strategy Find out how your business can expand reach- and revenue- by incorporating a mobile app strategy into your overall IT plans. Download the white paper to learn the 4 keys to success today. > Whitepaper: How to Evaluate a Next Generation Mobile Platform Find your path to becoming a "mobile first" enterprise. Download this whitepaper now to find answers in next generation mobile app development.
| > Field Technician I Job - Portland, OR, USA – Yoh Yoh has a contract opportunity for a Field Technician I to join our client in Portland, OR. Responsibilities include developing proficiency in primary skills of customer relations, basic electricity, basic electronics, basic telephony, radio principles for CDMA and iDEN, and basic principles of digital transmission, fiber communication, data communication, telephony terminology, industry standards, and on-line network control/maintenance systems. Two to five (2-5) years of basic microwave experience required...Learn more. > FSO Telecom Field Technician I Job - New Orleans, LA, USA – Yoh Yoh has a contract opportunity for a FSO Telecom Field Technician to join our client in Knoxville, TN. Responsibilties include developing proficiency in primary skills of customer relations, basic electricity, basic electronics, basic telephony, radio principles for CDMA and iDEN, and basic principles of digital transmission, fiber communication, data communication, telephony terminology, industry standards, and on-line network control / maintenance systems. Travel required...Learn more. > Telecommunications Field Technician Job - Spokane, WA, USA – Yoh Yoh has a six (6) plus month contract opportunity for a Telecommunications Field Technician to join our client in Spokane, WA. This role requires reliable transportation, and successful background, driving record and drug test prior to employment. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. is required...Learn more. > Telecommunications Project Controls Analyst Job - Bellevue, WA, USA – Yoh Yoh has a five (5) plus month contract opportunity for a Telecommunications Core Project Controls Analyst to join our client Bellevue, WA. Resonsonibilties include to assist with Core Network Order Fulfillment (CNOF) by working directly with Supply Chain, Warehouse, Shipping and Procurement departments, as well as Ericsson organizations. Candidate must have five (5) plus years of relevant experience...Learn more. > Director, Business Operations, Marketing and Sales Analytics – Atlanta GA – Cox Communications Responsibilities include to direct and develop a modeling and analysis function and team to quantify impact of key sales, marketing and customer programs and initiatives by channel, leading to revenue growth and improved program effectiveness. BS/BA in quantitative field strongly desired...Learn more. > Senior Manager, Business Operations, Sales and Marketing Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications This role will partner with functional owners on complex Marketing and Sales initiatives that can have impact across the organization. This leader will also work to build capability development (analytical tools and platforms, etc.) and may oversee or manage the work of other manager level incumbents. BS/BA in quantitative field strongly desired...Learn more. > Senior Analyst, Business Operations, Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications Responsibilities include providing advanced quantitative support for the development of a business driver framework to understand and quantify the causal impact of key structural, marketing, sales and product decisions on business metrics such as revenue, products and customers. 2+ years of experience using SAS for modeling and analysis required...Learn more. > Manager, Business Operations, Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications Responsibilities include managing the development of a business driver framework to understand and quantify the causal impact of key structural, marketing, sales and product decisions on business metrics such as revenue, products and customers and use findings to influence business planning, investments and strategy. Experience with Econometric modeling and Machine Learning methodology preferred...Learn more. > Analyst I, Business Operations, Analytics– Atlanta GA – Cox Communications Responsibilities include providing quantitative support for the development of a business driver framework to understand and quantify the causal impact of key structural, marketing, sales and product decisions on business metrics such as revenue, products and customers. Marketing Mix optimization experience in telecom, CPG, retail, financial services, or Consulting preferred...Learn more. | |
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