What is Facebook up to? A Search Engine, Mobile OS, Messenger, Ad Network In One?

Here is an article that we found, which basically explains what Facebook might be up to. Basically they are thinking of producing a set of applications to run on iOS, to become what? Read on to find out more.

Six words designed to “build” hype. Shortly after 10 am PT tomorrow, we will know what the fuss is (or isn’t) about. The speculations circle around mobile, of course. Is it a full-on phone, or a mobile OS that runs on one or more manufacturers’  phones? A form of Facebook Messenger for iPad seems certain, but how does that fit in?

Then there are the persistent rumors that Facebook is buying the Atlas ad serving network from Microsoft. And let’s not forget the possibility that the social giant is trying to get into the ad supported search business, as well.

More than pitting itself agains Apple‘s iOS, these ideas are more directly aggressive towards Google. Could it be that Facebook and Google are bothfighting to be the guest for whom Apple’s iOS is the host?

Think about it. Google’s recent batch of apps for iOS virtually add up to an OS onto itself. Facebook could do the same, only different.

Facebook and Google have, in fact, two contrasting paradigms about how to create relevance for users—and advertisers. As Eli Pariser writes in his brilliant book, The Filter Bubble, ”Google and Facebook have different starting points and different strategies—on starts with relationships among pieces of information, while the other starts with relationships among people—but ultimately, they’re competing for the same advertising dollars.”

But despite the fact that Apple may have set production quotas too high for the iPhone 5, iOS users are widely acknowledged to be more valuable users than Android users. And since the name of this game is advertising, it is possible that instead of building its own Android fork OS or phone, that Facebook could be targeting Apple’s OS in the same way Google has.

So while it is possible that Facebook has been “building” its own phone or mobile OS, it’s also possible that what they have built is a set of apps that run on iOS that together become a defacto OS in much the same way Google’s suite of mobile apps do. They could be doing the same for Android, or even Windows Phone or Blackberry 10. Who knows, Mark Zuckerberg could have even rescued HTML5 from under the bus where he threw it last year and the apps could work everywhere.

The point is that a people based mobile experience that intermediates your messaging, your news feed, your games, entertainment and commerce would be different than Google (or Apple’s) version of the same. Personally, it’s the last thing I want, but I’m not who Facebook is after. But really all of the big mobile apps that have incorporated their own web browser within the apps (Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) are heading in this same direction, but Facebook and Google are unique in being able to lay claim to all the corners of people’s lives.

The question for tomorrow, and really for Facebook’s future, is what is the benefit to users to see the world and speak to the world through Facebook. We already know what it will do for Facebook.

Source: http://www.forbes.com

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Huawei to Release More Smartphones at Mobile World Congress

Although Huawei has released 3 new smartphones at the CES, they it seems that they are going to release a further 2 at the Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, this February. Read on to find out more...

Despite a strong showing at CES 2013, Huawei is planning to introduce two additional smartphones at Mobile World Congress, and they could be even more impressive than the Ascend D2 and Ascend Mate.

After announcing three new smartphones at CES 2013, one could have expected Huawei to be done with new releases for a while, however according to Richard Yu, head of the company’s consumer business group, it’s planning a similarly strong showing at Mobile World Congress next month.

Yu couldn’t wait to tell those gathered at the Las Vegas show there was more to come, as he’s quoted as saying, “Huawei will be launching two new products at MWC that are more innovative than these two phones,” soon after the launch of the Ascend D2 and Ascend Mate, the devices to which he was referring.

It’s a bold statement too, as the Ascend D2 has a 5-inch, 1080p screen and the Ascend Mate is equipped with gigantic 6.1-inch display. Perhaps not innovative, but certainly two of the standout smartphones revealed at CES. It also backs up what we all expected, that even those companies who revealed new smartphones at the show are saving their best for MWC.

So what innovative products does Huawei have waiting in the wings? According to Engadget, one of them will be the successor to the Ascend P1 S, and it’ll be even slimmer than the original 6.68mm thick Android phone. This puts the current World’s Slimmest Smartphone record holder, the 6.45mm Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra announced at CES, firmly in its sights. As for the other phone, it has so far stayed out of the limelight.

Exciting huh? Yes, but with a few reservations. Seeing as the Ascend P1 S, which Huawei debuted at CES 2012, has only just gone on sale in the U.S., and P1 S’s LTE variant became part of EE’s 4G line-up in the UK this October; prompt release dates following announcement isn’t one of Huawei’s strong points. There’s also no guarantee it’ll be coming to anywhere except China either, as the Ascend D2 and Ascend Mate have so far only been given release dates there.

We’ll know all about Huawei’s continued plans for 2013 at Mobile World Congress, which begins on February 25.

Source: http://www.digitaltrends.com

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Is it Worth Waiting for the New Galaxy S4?

So many new phones being launched, so much competition between rival companies, but the burning question is "Should you wait for the new Galaxy S4?". Check out the article below, which covers the question in morte depth.

We’ve seen a wave of Android smartphones sporting 5-inch 1080p displays, quad-core processors, and 13-megapixel cameras unveiled at CES 2013, but you should probably wait for the Galaxy S4.

It hasn’t been an earth-shattering show for mobile this year. CES 2013 has thrown up some interesting devices, but the big players in mobile seem to be saving their announcements for MWC (Mobile World Congress) next month. If you’re in the market for an upgrade, you’d do well to bide your time and wait just a little longer to see what else is on the horizon. There will be new releases from HTC and LG, RIM’s BlackBerry 10 will arrive, and there’s never a shortage of new iPhone rumors, but the device you can’t afford to ignore is the Samsung Galaxy S4.

 

Bigger and better

Check out our Best of CES 2013 in Mobile to find full details on the devices that grabbed our attention. The “phablet” space is getting competitive with releases like the 6.1-inch Huawei Ascend Mate, and the market is predictably being flooded with new tablets, but there’s a lack of innovation in the smartphone segment. Sony’s new flagship, the Xperia Z, is a good example. It has a 5-inch 1080p display, a quad-core processor, and a 13-megapixel camera, just like the newly announced ZTE Grand S and the Huawei Ascend D2.

The Xperia Z definitely compares favorably with the Android leaders right now, but it doesn’t offer much beyond the HTC Droid DNA, which came out last November. A bigger camera and an impressive level of water resistance don’t qualify as big innovations.

We don’t have details on carriers or pricing yet, but the Xperia Z is a premium product and will no doubt have a price tag to match. The ZTE Grand S and Huawei Ascend D2 are launching in China and we don’t yet know when, or if, they’ll reach the states.

The truth is that none of the smartphones announced at CES 2013 should you have you running to the stores or phoning your carrier for an upgrade. When you factor in pricing, you could build a pretty strong case for the Pantech Discover being the most noteworthy release – it’s $50 on a two-year contract at AT&T and it has a 4.8-inch 720p display, a decent 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and a 12.6-megapixel camera. A variant called the Pantech Perception will also be available on Verizon.

 

You’ll be sorry if you don’t wait

If you’re looking for something slightly better than the Galaxy S3 then there are definitely some options out there, but what will Samsung bring to the table with the Galaxy S4? Until we see what Samsung’s new iteration has to offer, it would be jumping the gun to upgrade your smartphone.

The brand that Samsung has built with the Galaxy S series is impressive. The Galaxy S2 really upped the ante for Android and the Galaxy S3 took it to a whole new level. The Galaxy S3 has surpassed 30 million unit sales worldwide, making it Samsung’s most successful smartphone ever. It was the number one, best-selling smartphone in the third quarter of 2012, beating the iPhone into second place. It won a number of “phone of the year” awards and it is still going strong.

The S3 set the standard for Android smartphones and other manufacturers struggled to match it in the weeks and months following its May 2012 release.

 

The weight of expectation

Levels of expectation for the Galaxy S brand are sky high. We are starting to see the same kind of excited anticipation and the same explosion of rumors that traditionally precedes a new iPhone launch. That’s because Samsung has consistently kicked it up a gear. The specs for the S2 and S3 were streets ahead of the competition at the time of release. Only HTC came close to keeping up but poor marketing put paid to any chance of competing.

Samsung knows what is expected of it. The S4 has to blow the competition away. If it can’t do so in terms of raw power then there has to be a new innovation. The company is gargantuan with fingers in more pies than you can count and its vast resources allow incredibly fast turnaround times on new developments.

We’ve seen teasers of flexible displays and eight core processors from Samsung at CES. It seems doubtful that either is ready to roll out in the Galaxy S4, but you never know.

 

When will we see it?

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S2 at MWC back in February 2011, but it didn’t hit the market until May of the same year. The Galaxy S3 wasn’t unveiled until May 3rd 2012, but it was rolling out into the marketplace by the end of the same month. There are plenty of rumors about a March or April release, but why would Samsung break with the established cycle? We think a standalone Samsung event in May will be followed by the S4 release later the same month, just like the S3.

With the Galaxy S3 still selling so well and a distinct lack of pressure from rival manufacturers, Samsung can afford to wait a little longer and make sure it produces another standout device. Nothing at CES 2013 will have worried Samsung. MWC next month might be a different story. If something big from HTC or LG grabs the public’s attention then perhaps the S4 will break cover earlier, but we doubt you’ll be able to lay hands on one before the summer.

You might feel that another few months is too long to wait. That will largely depend on what you are rocking right now. If Samsung knocks it out of the ballpark for the third time in a row you’re going to lament that lack of patience – don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Source: http://www.digitaltrends.com

If you are visiting Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress, MWC or GSMA in 2013 or just want to make a Tour, Day trip, Attractions or Excursion or are interested in any other tour services, then check out the picture above at the top and if you can't find what you are looking for, call us on +34 663 801 325, because you can be sure we can do it.   

MTN boss to speak at Mobile World Congress 2013

MTN Group President and CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa

Organisers of next month’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain have confirmed MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Sifiso Dabengwa as one of the speakers at the event.

John Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of GSM Association (GSMA), the organizers of the event in a statement said the MTN CEO will join an array of expert speakers who will share their insight on mobile marketing, network evolution and strategic leadership during the four-day conference programme.

The event is scheduled for Barcelona, Spain, from February 25-28 under the theme, Explore the New Mobile Horizon.

Dabengwa is one of the continent’s most prominent ICT executives, and is credited for driving MTN’s growth into one of the leading mobile network firms in the emerging markets.

Other keynote speakers and officials attending include Padmasree Warrior, of Cisco; Mats Granyd, President and CEO of Tele2 Group; Peggy Johnson, EVP and President, Global Market Development, Qualcomm; and Keith Weed, CMO of Unilever.

The GSMA Mobile World Congress is the combination of the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry and a conference featuring prominent chief executives representing mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors and content owners from across the globe. It represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide.

Spanning more than 220 countries, it unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile firms as well as more than 230 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organizations. 

Source: http://business.myjoyonline.com

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Near Field Communication Experience at GSM Barcelona

This year, Mobile World Congress offers a truly interactive experience for exhibitors, vendors, and attendees to participate in an environment where information and transactions are exchanged through mobile using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled mobile phones have a huge potential to make our lives easier by letting us, with a simple touch, enable secure access to new transaction and payment services across a range of sectors and industries. NFC technology has been in existence for a few years now and it is thought that adoption will increase noticeably in the next couple of years. Our NFC Experience will create an opportunity for you try out some of these services first-hand.

As part of the NFC Experience, the GSMA will showcase an integrated range of mobile NFC services throughout the venue and city of Barcelona. NFC touch points will be abundant throughout the exhibition, rewarding those who ‘tap’ with instant access to information and various incentives. The NFC Experience begins with the following features:

• NFC Centre
• NFC Experience Zones
• Barcelona City NFC locations
• Virtual NFC badge – enabling instant onsite access via your handset
• NFC-enabled payment terminals

 

How it Works

Mobile World Congress attendees with NFC-enabled handsets will be able to take advantage of NFC technology at locations throughout the venue and city. This will include information points, discount vouchers, payment capabilities and much more.

The variety of locations and incentives offered to attendees participating in the NFC Experience will provide a complete appreciation of Mobile NFC that truly enhances the value attendees already gain from the Mobile World Congress.

 

NFC Centre

This dedicated zone in the heart of Congress Square will showcase NFC-enabled handsets and their capabilities as well as information on the NFC ecosystem, information loaded NFC smart posters, NFC partner pods, and a dedicated NFC support function.

The NFC Centre will serve as a centralised location for all vendors and exhibitors participating in the NFC Experience. This will be one of the key locations to visit and see the NFC ecosystem demonstrate the benefits that NFC technology can provide. Adjacent to the NFC Centre in Congress Square you can visit the GSMA Stand, where the GSMA’s Mobile NFC Services Programme will showcase themed SIM-based NFC demonstrations.

 

NFC Experience Zones

More than a dozen NFC Experience Zones will be located along the walkways, entrances, green areas, and exhibition halls of Fira Gran Via. Comprising a series of linked smart posters, participating attendees to use their NFC-enabled handsets to access exhibitor directories, venue information, nearby conveniences, and many other useful services offered during Mobile World Congress.

 

NFC-Enabled capabilities in Barcelona

The City of Barcelona, in collaboration with Mobile World Capital, is enabling key areas for attendees to experience NFC technology in action. Strategic NFC touch points will be available at the airport, key hotels, selected restaurants, and central tourist locations. By tapping NFC tags, attendees will receive discount offers, information downloads, access to mobile apps, and much more.

By participating in the NFC Experience, attendees will be able to:

• Access the venue via their NFC-enabled handset
• Pay for refreshments at Mobile World Congress
• Download information on the Conference sessions, and keynotes
• Access NFC Experience information points
• Take a taxi and pay by NFC
• Pay for goods in select restaurants and shops

 

NFC Challenge

GSMA will be holding an NFC Challenge during MWC 2013. The competition is open to exhibitors in the NFC industry with commercialised NFC-related apps, products, services and/or solutions. Submissions will be evaluated by a team of secret judges at the submitting exhibitor’s stand during the first two days of the Congress. There is no entry fee and the entry deadline will be mid-February 2013. Click here to learn more.

Source: http://www.mobileworldcongress.com

If you are visiting Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress, MWC or GSMA in 2013 or just want to make a Tour, Day trip, Attractions or Excursion or are interested in any other tour services, then check out the picture above at the top and if you can't find what you are looking for, call us on +34 663 801 325, because you can be sure we can do it.    

Mobile Giants Want a Slice of Google and Apples 90% Market Share

It now seems that there is a joint effort between some of the mobile giants, to launch a new open source OS, based smart phone, to take some of the 90% market share from Google Android, Apple IOS and Blackberry. Read on for more information.

In an effort to compete with U.S. tech giants Google and Apple, NTT Docomo Inc. is jointly developing a new operating system for smartphones that it hopes to put on the market next year, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.

Docomo, Japan's largest mobile communication company, has joined with South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. and other firms to develop a system that will take a larger slice of the smartphone pie. 

Google and Apple hold a 90 percent share of the market.

The ultimate aim is to form a business group that will rival the two U.S. companies.

The OS that Docomo and its partners are developing is named Tizen. Samsung will probably begin selling the smartphones next year and they are likely to be released in Japan and other countries at around the same time, according to sources.

Application software products formatted for Google's Android and Apple's iPhone devices equipped with iOS have become easier to use.

However, it is difficult for mobile phone service companies to offer their own services, such as for Docomo's online shopping, or to improve the safety of personal information for the smartphones equipped with the OS products developed in the United States.

In contrast, the basic technology information used by Tizen will be made open to the public and the OS is being developed on the premise that mobile phone service companies will be able to offer their own services.

According to Gartner Inc., a U.S. research company, Android held a global market share of 72.4 percent in OS products for smartphones from July to September 2012, and iOS held 13.9 percent.

Most apps were developed for the two products.

Besides Docomo, European mobile phone service companies also are participating in the development of Tizen because they fear the hegemony of the two U.S. companies in businesses using smartphones, such as games and music distribution.

Docomo is the only firm among Japan's three major mobile phone service operators that does not sell iPhones.

As a result, the number of subscribers leaving Docomo for other companies has exceeded the number of new subscribers over the past four years, as users can retain the same telephone numbers after changing companies.

In November, the number of canceled Docomo contracts was larger than that of new contracts for the first time in about five years.

Docomo hopes the smartphone with the Tizen OS will reverse this trend.

Tizen's main developers are Samsung and Intel Corp., a major U.S. semiconductor products manufacturer. Besides Docomo, Britain's Vodafone Group PLC, France Telecom, other European mobile phone service companies, Panasonic Corp. and NEC Corp. are involved in the development.

The Tizen OS will be an open-source product so users can further develop or improve the software.

The development of apps for the new OS system is expected to be simpler.

Source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp

If you are visiting Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress, MWC or GSMA in 2013 or just want to make a Tour, Day trip, Attractions or Excursion or are interested in any other tour services, then check out the picture above at the top and if you can't find what you are looking for, call us on +34 663 801 325, because you can be sure we can do it.      

Nokia Windows RT Slate at Mobile World Congress

Finnish Company Nokia has been in news headlines recently for extending its Windows-based products and next in line is its forthcoming Windows RT slate.

Nokia is all set to bring a new Windows RT tablet with features somewhat similar to the Microsoft’s Surface Model. Nokia Windows RT tablet runs on an ARM chip and has a 10.1 inch screen. It will also have a cellular networking and AT&T, one of the major carriers in U.S will be the first provide the connectivity.

Nokia Windows RT tablet also boasts a special cover similar to that of Microsoft’s Windows RT tablet. The special cover of Nokia tablet covers it like an envelope and also has a built-in keyboard, kickstand and battery. There are two USB ports in the case of Nokia Windows RT tablet providing it an extra connectivity option.

The price of Nokia Windows RT tablet is indeed as important as it specifications. Nokia has not yet revealed the price range for this Windows tablet, but it may soon be revealed with the tablet itself in February 2013.

This Windows RT tablet from Nokia is planned to be released in the Mobile World Congress, which is considered as the biggest tech event in the world.

Source: http://news.thewindowsclub.com/

If you are visiting Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress, MWC or GSMA in 2013 or just want to make a Tour, Day trip, Attractions or Excursion or are interested in any other tour services, then check out the picture above at the top and if you can't find what you are looking for, call us on +34 663 801 325, because you can be sure we can do it.