| This week's sponsor is Aricent. | 
| Webinar: Capitalizing SON – How to Implement SON for LTE to reduce OPEX and Increase Revenue
Tuesday, January 29th, 11am ET / 8am PT LTE is the fastest growing communication technology of all time. In this webinar our experts will discuss how Network Equipment Manufacturers can leverage the concept of Self Organizing Networks (SON) to not only manage highly complex LTE networks but also reduce operational expenditures and enhance customer satisfaction. Register Today! |
Today's Top Stories
1. Report: Pirated Android apps discovered in RIM's BlackBerry World
2. Sprint bundles Android music, video apps for Entertain ME service
3. Mozilla vows private browsing coming to Firefox for Android
4. After scraping phone business, INQ pivots into app maker
5. eBay revamps iPhone, iPad apps to simplify buying and selling Also Noted: Akamai
Spotlight On... T-Mobile USA, MLB ink multi-year tech, digital media deal
VoX adds PayPal Mobile Wallet to VoIP app; Aereo expanding to 22 new cities and much more...  CES 2013: Complete coverage
The Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas, is the biggest electronics trade show in the United States. And it's no surprise that mobile technology has taken a central role at the event during the past several years. And this year looks to be no exception. Mobile heavyweights Qualcomm, Samsung, Verizon and others are scheduled to make major appearances. As in past years, Fierce will be out in force at this year's CES. Phil Goldstein, Sue Marek and Mike Dano will be on the ground during the show covering all the major news. Stay tuned to this page for complete coverage of this year's Consumer Electronics Show. CES mini site
| This week's sponsor is Kontagent. |  | Whitepaper: 5 Lessons on Driving More Revenue, Loyalty and Lifetime Value to Your Mobile Apps
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| Sponsor: Globalstar FierceLive! Webinars > Globalstar's New "Wi-Fi" Super Highway - Tuesday, January 22nd, 11:00am EST/8:00 am PST
> Capitalizing SON – How to Implement SON for LTE to reduce OPEX and Increase Revenue - Tuesday, January 29th, 11am ET / 8am PT
Events > Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand
Marketplace > Wavefront Wireless Summit
> Brief: Secure Android Capability
> Whitepaper: New Research on LTE Usage in Korea, Japan, and the U.S.
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
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* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. Report: Pirated Android apps discovered in RIM's BlackBerry World
Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) said it is investigating allegations that pirated apps originally written for Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android have surfaced in its BlackBerry World storefront. In a Reddit post published Tuesday, a developer calling himself "bal00" asserts he discovered his Android app available as a BlackBerry World download after receiving complaints about compatibility issues from two BlackBerry PlayBook owners. "I figured they were running some kind of Android ROM on their devices. I asked one of them for his Google account, and he informed me that he only had a BB ID, not a Google account, and that he had downloaded the app from BB App World," wrote bal00. "Sure enough, someone had downloaded my app from Google Play, converted the APK and published it for BB using his account, along with half a dozen other Android apps that were obviously not his own. Most of them have since been taken down, but his account remains active, and he still has three apps published that look like they might be from Google Play." RIM's BlackBerry 10 software development kit, issued late last year, includes the BlackBerry Runtime for Android, which enables developers to port and repackage apps originally written for the Google mobile OS. "RIM has made it very easy to repackage existing Android apps for BB10/Playbook OS," bal00 notes. "Which is great, if it wasn't for the fact that they don't seem to check the origin of the apps." RIM said it will not tolerate software piracy and will investigate all copyright claims. "RIM respects intellectual property. We expect others to do the same," RIM's senior public relations and social media manager Alex Kinsella said in a statement. "If a developer believes that their copyright or trademark rights are being infringed by third-party content on the BlackBerry App World storefront, the developer can submit a complaint to our IP team and the issue will be reviewed. In the case of copyright or trademark violations, the offending content will be removed immediately." In November, Research In Motion announced it will rebrand BlackBerry App World to simply BlackBerry World as it moves to incorporate music and video downloads ahead of BlackBerry 10, slated for launch on Jan. 30. BlackBerry 10 runs on the same QNX-based software powering the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet: Features include the new BlackBerry Flow user interface highlighted by BlackBerry Hub, which enables simplified access to all messages, notifications, feeds and calendar events, as well as BlackBerry Balance, which separates personal applications and information from encrypted work profiles, enabling organizations to protect their data while giving users the flexibility to optimize their devices for personal use. Piracy remains a growing problem across the mobile app ecosystem. Last week, piracy community Hackulous closed down, spelling the demise of its Installous jailbreak app, which offered access to free, pirated versions of premium apps developed for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS platform. Installous enabled users with jaibroken Apple devices to download free pirated iOS apps and games from a variety of sources, then install the software as if they had purchased it directly from Apple's own App Store. Rival app piracy options that do not require consumers to jailbreak their iOS device have also emerged in recent weeks. For more:
- read this CNet article
- read this BGR article Related articles:
RIM issues finalized BlackBerry 10 SDK to developers
RIM rebrands BlackBerry App World, adds music and video for BB10
RIM confident of BlackBerry 10 launch, will release first devices in February
RIM launching BlackBerry 10, new smartphones on Jan. 30
RIM now accepting BlackBerry 10 apps
RIM delays BlackBerry 10 until Q1 2013 Read more about: Piracy, blackberry world
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| This week's sponsor is Globalstar. | 
| Webinar: Globalstar's New "Wi-Fi" Super Highway
Tuesday, January 22nd, 11:00 am 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! |
2. Sprint bundles Android music, video apps for Entertain ME service
Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) is rolling out Entertain ME, which bundles music and video services including the operator's own video and music services alongside a series of third-party music applications including Spotify, Slacker, iHeartRadio, Shazam and Rumpus. Located within the Sprint Zone account management application on Sprint Android devices, Entertain ME is designed to simplify access to multimedia content and services. "Entertain ME makes it easy for customers to search for, listen to and watch what they want, and Sprint's unlimited data plans mean customers don't have to worry about surprises on their monthly bill from data overage charges like they might with shared data plans from AT&T (NYSE:T) or Verizon (NYSE:VZ)," said Fared Adib, Sprint's senior vice president of product development and operations. Highlights include the MobiTV-powered Sprint TV & Movies, which features more than 15 channels of live breaking news as well as daytime, primetime and kids' programming, and live pro and college sports coverage from ESPN. The carrier's Sprint Music Plus, powered by LiveWire Mobile, adds millions of DRM-free tracks and album downloads, ringtones and ringback tones from all major artists across a variety of genres. Everything ME also touts on-demand digital music services Spotify, Slacker and iHeartRadio as well as discovery solutions Shazam and Rumpus. In addition to Everything ME, Sprint Zone features Sprint account information, safety and security apps and tips and tricks tailored for the subscriber's particular device. Everything ME also complements the Sprint ID effort, which assembles thematic or brand-specific collections of applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers spotlighting media partners like MTV, CMT, Disney Channel and ESPN. Sprint ID bundles are available across 22 Android devices. In related news, Sprint announced a preliminary arrangement with U.S. radio broadcasters to integrate local FM broadcast content into its Android and Windows Phone devices. The NextRadio tuner--expected to be available later in 2013--will enable subscribers to access radio broadcasts directly via smartphone without relying on Internet streaming, adding a range of interactive listener features. For more:
- read this release and this release Related articles:
Sprint launches Direct Connect Now push-to-talk app for Android
Sprint Zone attracts 13 million customers every month
Sprint teams with Amobee for targeted mobile ad platform
Sprint: 'We don't believe in having our own app store'
Sprint launches Guardian safety app bundles for Android Read more about: Mobile Video, Shazam
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3. Mozilla vows private browsing coming to Firefox for Android
Mozilla said its 2013 roadmap includes a series of updates and enhancements targeting its Firefox for Android mobile browser, highlighted by private Web browsing. Already available on Firefox for the desktop, the private browsing option enables users to surf the Internet without saving any data on which sites and pages they visit. "Lots of you have requested private browsing on your Android phone, and we're working to deliver," Mozilla said. Mozilla also is working to offer Android users expanded customization options, including themes--i.e., customizable skins enabling users to personalize the look and feel of the browser environment. "The team is also working hard on a way to give you the ability to control the Firefox for Android start page content," Mozilla added. Also on tap: Support for more Android devices and languages. Mozilla said all of the promised Firefox for Android improvements will arrive in the coming months. Mozilla issued its most recent Firefox for Android overhaul in late November, adding support for smartphones incorporating ARMv6 processors. Although previous iterations of Firefox supported phones running Android versions 2.2 and higher, compatibility was limited to devices equipped with ARMv7 processors. According to Mozilla, roughly half of the 500 million Android devices activated worldwide run on ARMv6 architecture--adding support for ARMv6 extends Firefox to handsets including HTC's Status and ChaCha, Samsung's Galaxy Ace, Motorola Mobility's Fire XT and LG's Optimus Q. Firefox for Android is available as a free download from the Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Play storefront. Alongside support for Android 2.2 or higher, compatible devices require at least an 800MHz processor and 512MB of RAM. For more:
- read this Mozilla blog entry Related articles:
Mozilla upgrades Firefox for Android to run on millions more devices
Mozilla redesigns Firefox browser for Android tablets
Mozilla updates Firefox for Android with Flash support
Sprint vows support for Mozilla's Firefox mobile OS
Mozilla, Telefónica target Brazil for Boot to Gecko smartphone launch
Mozilla partners with Telefónica for first Boot to Gecko smartphones
Mozilla Marketplace opens for HTML5 app submissions next week Read more about: Mobile Web, Mozilla
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4. After scraping phone business, INQ pivots into app maker
LAS VEGAS--INQ launched in 2008 with the goal of selling "boutique" phones to users in a variety of international markets. At its height, INQ sold what was known as the "Facebook phone" and counted a total of 1.5 million phone shipments, including a few hundred thousand Android smartphones. But 15 months ago, the company decided to pivot. "We just simply did not have the economy of scale to compete with the likes of Samsung," explained CEO and co-founder Ken Johnstone. INQ decided to stop making phones (it still supports the phones it sold) and instead focus on its software efforts. After all, "we had been using the hardware as a channel to market for the software," said Johnstone. The result of INQ's remarkable transformation from a smartphone maker to an app company is Material, the company's first major product since ditching its phone business more than a year ago. Material is an app that can comb through a user's Facebook and Twitter account to discover interests and hobbies, and then it can create a feed of news articles based on those findings. "It's super simple," explained Johnstone. "We create this personal magazine for you." Johnstone said a beta version of Material will be available in the Android app store in a few weeks, and in a few months will also be sold through Apple's iOS store. Johnstone said the company will offer the app free of charge and will work first to generate a significant user base before the company attempts to make money from the service. Johnstone declined to discuss how INQ plans to make money. Johnstone acknowledged that there are a number of apps that offer similar services, including Flipboard and Pulse. He said Material is different because it requires no setup beyond a Facebook or Twitter account and because the app provides unique content to each user. INQ currently counts around 45 employees and is based in London. The company is a subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa. For more:
- see this VentureBeat article Related Articles:
Despite denials, Facebook phone rumors back with a vengeance
INQ to release Android phone next year
In pictures: INQ's new Twitter phones
INQ releases Twitter phones, eyes U.S. market Read more about: Android
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5. eBay revamps iPhone, iPad apps to simplify buying and selling
eBay its updating its core shopping applications for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone and iPad, adding a series of new features and promising more efficient buying and selling processes. Both eBay for iPhone 2.7 and version 2.2 of the iPad app enable sellers to save drafts of their product listings to their mobile device, where it's easier to snap and upload photos, then complete the listing on their PC, where it's easier to input product descriptions and shipping details. Sellers also can start a listing on the desktop and finish it via mobile. The apps also introduce expanded category, pricing and shipping guidance, as well as the option to work on multiple listings simultaneously--the iPhone edition additionally touts a new photo module. For buyers, eBay for iPhone 2.7 and eBay for iPad 2.2 bring new search capabilities including query auto-complete, a single-screen view for reviewing and confirming payments and a streamlined checkout process. In addition, users without associated PayPal accounts can complete purchases using a guest checkout feature. Roughly 1.8 million new customers joined eBay through a mobile device in the first three quarters of 2012, and sellers using eBay Mobile now add 2.4 million listings per week. Late last year, eBay said that downloads of eBay's suite of mobile apps have eclipsed the 100 million mark globally, and the company expected to reach $10 billion in mobile gross merchandise volume in 2012, up from $5 billion in 2011. All Things D reported that eBay also is reorganizing its mobile unit, with mobile staffers now reporting into the company's main marketplace division, rather than existing as a standalone product group. In addition, Steve Yankovich--formerly eBay's vice president of mobile--was appointed VP of innovation and new ventures, where he will focus on the company's Red Laser barcode scanning app; Kevin Hurst, who previously served as eBay Mobile's VP of product management, is now VP of mobile products. For more:
- read this eBay Ink blog entry
- read this All Things D article Related articles:
eBay credits mobile user growth, PayPal for boosting Q3 revenues
comScore: Amazon, eBay lead all retailers on mobile commerce traffic
eBay trials same-day shipping service via iOS app
eBay app offers second-screen shopping experiences for iPad users
eBay: Half of all consumers access web during the shopping experience Read more about: eBay, Metrics
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Also Noted | 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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SPOTLIGHT ON... T-Mobile USA, MLB ink multi-year tech, digital media deal T-Mobile USA and Major League Baseball have signed a multi-year agreement making the operator the league's official wireless sponsor. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is described as a "multi-million dollar partnership." Per terms of the agreement, T-Mobile will power a new on-field wireless communication system connecting managers in select MLB dugouts to coaches in bullpens.T-Mobile also will leverage its 4G network to enhance and expand wireless coverage and connectivity at MLB games, in a move to improve the fan experience. T-Mobile USA and MLB's Advanced Media unit additionally will partner to create digital media experiences optimized for smartphones and tablets, with an emphasis on customized content available exclusively for the carrier's subscribers. Current MLBAM offerings include the popular MLB.com At Bat application, which offers access to live game audio, video highlights and news spanning from spring training to the World Series. T-Mobile and MLB will promote their alliance via national broadcast partners including Fox, ESPN, Turner and the MLB Network. Release Quick news from around the Web @FierceMobiCo: We're still at #CES2012 http://bit.ly/XhuACI Keep checking with us for complete coverage of the show. Article | Follow @FierceMobiCo > VoX adds PayPal Mobile Wallet to VoIP app. Release > Aereo to expand to Chicago, Philadelphia and 20 other cities. Article Wireless News > Dish trumps Sprint with surprise bid for Clearwire. Article > iPhone 5 lands at TracFone's Straight Talk for $45 per month. Article And finally… Hedgehog cheerleaders added to Puppy Bowl IX. Article > 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! > Capitalizing SON – How to Implement SON for LTE to reduce OPEX and Increase Revenue - Tuesday, January 29th, 11am ET / 8am PT LTE is the fastest growing communication technology of all time. In this webinar our experts will discuss how Network Equipment Manufacturers can leverage the concept of Self Organizing Networks (SON) to not only manage highly complex LTE networks but also reduce operational expenditures and enhance customer satisfaction. Register Today!
| > 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.
| > Wavefront Wireless Summit 50 billion connected devices by 2020 – how are you going to stay relevant? Hear how leaders at HP, Google, Deloitte and more are using mobility solutions to fundamentally change business operations. Learn more and register at wavefrontsummits.com. > Brief: Secure Android Capability Securing mobile devices is crucial because the same capabilities that increase our social interactions and business effectiveness can be subverted and used for unintended uses. Download this Brief to explore how Wind River has combined extensive experience with our capabilities in secure certified embedded systems to develop an advanced security strategy that also ensures compatibility with the commercial Android development model. > Whitepaper: New Research on LTE Usage in Korea, Japan, and the U.S. Mobidia and Informa share their latest analysis of mobile data usage on LTE networks. Identified trends include increased mobile data usage, decreased Wi-Fi usage, and a decrease in unlimited plans. Download this paper to understand more about how mobile subscribers are using LTE networks
| > 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. | |
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