Cellphones become tourism tool

A Hawke's Bay company is hoping a pilot project to use cellphones as a tourist tool will revolutionise the way holidaymakers get information in New Zealand, reports stuff.

"The trial, in Pukaha Mt Bruce wildlife centre in Wairarapa, uses technology developed by Mobile Interactive Visitor Information Service (Mivis).

Mivis' system uses the camera on a cellphone in the same way as a barcode scanner. Visitors to Pukaha Mt Bruce take photos of barcodes at various points around the centre.

These are sent back to a central server, which uses software to "scan" the barcode, then send the relevant information for that particular point back to the phone as a one-minute audio file."

RFID jammies for kids

World Peace Herald reports that a fashion designer in California is debuting "sleepwear for small children that contains RFID tags, providing some peace of mind to parents, who might fear that their young ones may be abducted while they sleep.

Other clothing makers, including major brand names in the business, are eyeing RFID tags, too, and are expected to hide them unobtrusively in labels on their designer items, hoping to prevent counterfeiting of their expensive creations"

[via Engadget]

Will citizen reporters respect news blackouts?

As police launched a major operation yesterday - sending in officers armed with assault rifles to flush out suspects from homes in west London's Notting Hill neighbourhood - the media was asked to hold back, so as not to give away details of their next sweep, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Media organisations were told that lives could be put at risk if they broadcast live footage or ran commentaries as raids unfolded in the quiet neighbourhood. The stations abided."

I wonder if citizen reporters will respect the occasional "embargo" or "blackout" request as journalists ethically do. The media would certainly hold back on publishing videos and pictures submitted by the public, but what about citizen journalists publishing their own camphone pics online? A quick tag search in Flickr didn't bring up any pictures of yesterday's raid. But there could be more on this issue later.

Picture left from the BBC.

College Fans Get Sports To Go

Collegiate Images has signed a deal with Smartphones Technologies, Inc., that gives Smartphones exclusive rights to images from more than 30 colleges and universities nationwide available for downloading by wireless customers, reports BrandWeek.

"Under the deal, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Smartphones will create officially licensed wallpapers, animated screensavers, mobile video clips, voice ringtones, ringback tones, text messaging campaigns and mobile games. In addition to the content provided by the schools, Smartphones will be able to generate its own content from sports events at partner universities via photos and videos.

Smartphones said its library content is available through 24 carriers and content providers worldwide,"

[via Ypulse]

Sony Pictures reveals mobile strategy

Entertainment giant Sony Pictures has unveiled a pan-European mobile strategy that will see it creating a mobile Internet site for every major film and DVD release, according to New Media Age via Adverblog.

"The next six months is likely to see the development of an umbrella Sony Pictures mobile Internet portal to hold content from all its brands.

The first mobile Internet site to be launched is to accompany the DVD release of Will Smith film Hitch".

Samsung Issues Recall of DMB Phones

Samsung Electronics said Friday that it has recalled all of its SCH-B200 model DMB satellite phones for software bugs, reports Digital Chosunilbo. "The company has sold some 200 units of its SCH-B200 phone since it was released Thursday.

A Samsung official said, “Our test team found that errors occurred when the phone's software chose an address to save downloaded programs. That very evening, we voluntarily issued a recall.”

The company has called all 200 customers who bought the phone to inform them of the problem. It plans to return the phones after installing a patch program."

Motivations for Adopting New Technology

Jan Chipchase reflects on what motivates the adoption of new technology and recounts how walking in front of a print shop in Old Delhi with a friend and colleague, they were beckoned to sit down to see a movie that was playing on one of the mobile phones.

Excerpts:

"Younghee and my Hindi is non-existent and these gentlemen spoke next to no English so communication was body and sign language and a smattering of words. They had no way of knowing we worked for a handset manufacturer, as far as they were concerned we were just to foreigners walking by.

The movie itself was made famous by the fact that it was shot on a mobile phone and eventually distributed as an auction item though Bazzee.com. Baazee is owned by EBay and recently renamed eBay.in. This distribution culminated in the arrest of Avnish Bajaj CEO of Bazzee.com on the grounds of peddling adult content. (The video Shan is referring too is of a 17-year-old schoolboy who used his mobile phone camera to record his girlfriend giving him oral sex which created a a huge scandal in India).

The movie was in the public domain and had gone viral - presumably passing from phone to phone - each new recipient sufficiently motivated by the desire to have a copy of the file to overcome the hurdle of pairing Bluetooth devices and going through the still-not-yet-that-easy data transfer process.

Whilst it may be possible to arrest the CEO of a high profile auction site, it is not practical intercept this content passing from phone to phone. The real power to make decisions on whether content is suitable for consumption is shifting to the individual. P2P networks are I presume to a large extent trackable. Interactions directly between devices are much less so."

Sexiest movie moment

The moment in Basic Instinct when Sharon Stone uncrossed her legs while not quite fully dressed has been voted the sexiest film moment of all time, reports The Sun.

A survey of 1,200 people was carried out by Sony Ericsson - who are running a competition asking the nation to re-enact their favourite scenes on their camera phones.

Top 5 Sexiest Scenes:

1. Basic Instinct: Sharon Stone crossing her legs
2. The Graduate: Dustin Hoffman: "Mrs Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?"
3. Dr No: Ursula Andress emerges from the waves
4. 9 1/2 Weeks: Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger in front of the fridge
5. Wild Things: Matt Dillon's threesome with Denise Richards and Neve Campbell

Magic Tricks go Mobile

I-Magic offers magic clips and tips based on the Virtual Magician brand.

The magic content enables users to be “Instant Magicians”. The videos show the actual performance by Swiss virtual magician Marco Tempest and then teach the users to perform the tricks instantly themselves.

Movie Trailers — From Banner Ad To Mobile

New Media Magazine reports of a new ad format, developed by rich-media supplier tangozebra, which enables users to enter their phone number directly into the ad to get a 30-second video trailer sent to their mobile.

They can watch and store the clip on their phone and forward it to friends.

"United International Pictures (UIP) is using the ad to promote the horror film The Skeleton Key, starring Kate Hudson."

[via Moco News]

Samsung HomePlus Brings RFID to Shopping Carts

Samsung Tesco HomePlus, Korea's second largest retailer, announced on Thursday that it would install RFID tags into shopping carts, so that it can analyze shopping pattern of customers in a more scientific way, reports Telecoms Korea.

"HomePlus expects the information tracked and collected by RFID tag-imbedded shopping carts to boost efficiency in management such as shop layout or product location.

The newly introduced shopping cart would track and store shopping information of customers in real time once they get in to the store, such as customers' location, route, the time the customer stays in each corner or waited at cashiers."

Al Qaeda Jihad mobile clip circulating in India

Police in the Indian city of Kanpur, have been ordered to carry out random inspections of mobile phones, looking for two versions of widely circulated mobile clips, showing Osama bin Laden and killings by Iraqi hostage takers. [via Cellular News]

"Orders have been issued to start random checking of cell phones. If anyone is found carrying the Osama video, he will be charged with sedition," Senior Superintendent of Police Prabhat C Meena said. "We are baffled at the origin of this Osama clip and are trying to locate its source."

The videos shows militants riding on a tank and firing into the air, followed by pictures of Osama bin Laden firing a gun and motivating his followers to take part in a jihad. They end with pictures of the September 11 attacks accompanied by the message: "Thousands killed, Al Qaeda strikes."

Italian Phonecam Boobs

An Italian radio station is soliciting cameraphone boob pics from their listeners for their second annual contest.

[via Fleshbot and mobile|blog.it]

Indian police get mobile over porn

While the Sherawat episode might have taken interest in downloading MMS porn on cell phones to new levels, the trend actually began last year when a Delhi schoolboy used his cameraphone to record his girlfriend giving him oral sex.

According to the the Asia Times, "when it comes to an obsession that has gripped a huge number of mobile phone users in the county - to surf or download porn on the mobile phone - the police are going about their duties with exceptional zeal, and with an unaccustomed determination to view all of the "evidence". They have been peering into people's cell phones outside discos, pubs, bus-stops, pavements, colleges.

... The police in India have been fighting a losing battle to check porn usage. They have raided the Internet cafes that dot the country and hauled up innocent young boys and girls and put them in jail.

Viewing pornography in the privacy of one's home doesn't come under the ambit of the law, but to do so in a cafe, which is legally defined as "public space", is illegal.

According to Section 67 of the Indian Information Technology Act, transmission of obscene material through electronic media can invite a jail term of up to five years".

Related articles:

-- Indian Cops target sexual MMS to make cash

-- MMS mischief-makers snapped up

-- Mobile sex shots make Bollywood camera shy

-- 'MMS episode harmed my dignity'

Nokia-backed MTV starzine - will be created entirely by its readers

Nokia-backed MTV: starzine is billed as as Europe's first magazine to be created entirely by its readers, as well as MTV's first production of a magazine.

Building on Nokia's Lifeblog application, MTV viewers will be invited to contribute to the online magazine by sending in their mobile phone photographs with accompanying copy.

Running from now until the autumn, the promotion will have the strapline 'Snap, send, shine - fame is just a click away'.

[via Brand Republic]

Amazon launches Mobile Associate Program

On July 21, Amazon'sJapanese branch announced "Amazon Mobile Associate Program." This is a new addition to their services for mobile phones. (If you remember, the company introduced Amazon ScanSearch last November, which allows some camera phone users to scan a regular barcode and buy a corresponding product on Amazon's mobile website.)

"Amazon Mobile Associate Program" is a suite of services for placing Amazon ads on wireless websites and getting some commission based on relevant sales.

Interestingly, you can also use QR Codes to sell stuff and get commission. Let's say you just got a really cool shirt. Then, get a special URL for selling the same shirt on Amazon using the service, convert it to a QR code, print and paste it on the shirt.

Next day you are strolling in Harajuku with your famous walk, then someone walks up to you and quietly scans the code on your shirt. You feel a bit unconfortable but stay calm and talk to yourself "that's okay, I'll probably get some money."

reBlogged from favorite RFID in Japan

NewDealDesign -- Genesis

San Francisco based product development firm, NewDealDesign, has partnered with the Fujitsu Design Center of Japan on the new fingerprint-encrypted Genesis 3G mobile phone concept.

The phone incorporates a sleek, streamlined design with a hassle-free interface and function selection.

The hinge mechanism is concealed within the phone, maintaining its purity of form. The Genesis incorporates worthwhile technology such as a digital camera, external display, and a fingerprint-recognition pad, all contained within its compact shell.

reBlogged from Core77

Cellevision Starts Breaking Into Daily Lives

The buzzword in the South Korean mobile phone market is "cellevision," the video-on-the-go services that deliver television to cell phones, reports The Korea Times.

"Local handset makers continue to pump out new models that sport mobile broadcasting capacity and cellevision services are catching on with the nation's tech-savvy users.

TU Media yesterday said more than 100,000 have signed up for its satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) services in less than three months after its commercial debut."

... "Currently, only five satellite DMB-specific phones are available on the market.

Included in the lineup are the SCH-B100, SCH B-130 and SCH B-200 of Samsung Electronics, SB-120 of LG Electronics and IMB 1000 of SK Teletech."

Parishioners use mobile phones to film 'walking' Virgin

Thousands of Italians have flocked to a small southern town after witnesses claimed to have filmed a miraculous “walking statue” of the Madonna with their video phones, reports the Times Online.

"Acerra, near Naples, is now likely to become a Roman Catholic shrine.

Rumours began at the weekend when several people at the modern church of San Pietro shouted out that a statue by the altar was moving. The hands and feet of the Madonna had begun to “take human form, flesh and blood”.

The knees then appeared to move beneath her white robes, “as if she wanted to move closer to the faithful” and a cross appeared on her breast. "

The 160cm (63in) high statue, made of plaster and marble dust, was installed at the church last December. Father Oreste Santoro, the parish priest, said that he had not seen the statue move but a number of parishioners had allegedly taken footage of the “miracle” with their mobile phones. These had been forwarded to the local bishop, Monsignor Giovanni Rinaldi, who would decide whether to refer the apparition to the Vatican for authentication.

Picture left is not the actual statue, just an illustration of this story.

Hop-On's 1886 Touch Screen Cell Phone

Hop-On has announced that it will launch its latest GSM tri-band handset in October.

Hop-On's Model 1886 is a tri-band handset with a touch screen menu, MP3 player, 2.0M CMOS camera and Mpeg 4 video recorder. [Press Release]

Mobile TV service on way from Vodafone

Vodafone is planning to launch mobile phone TV in time for Christmas to try and attract more British customers on to its 3G service, reports The Guardian.

"Vodafone, like many of Europe's mobile phone companies, has spent billions of pounds buying licences for 3G and building networks that can make use of the technology, which opens the door to fast video and music downloading as well as video calling.

But consumers do not seem to have embraced the new technology and increasingly mobile phone companies are looking for something that people do understand which can be squeezed on to a mobile phone."

Green light for TV on mobiles

The European Telecommunications Standard Institute ETSI has approved the DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) standards for the delivery of multimedia content and services "on the move". [via netimperative]

"France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the UK are all preparing to conduct DMB trials to enable the integration of audio, data and video.

Film downloads offered in cinemas

Twentieth Century Fox and WideRay Corporation have teamed with Loews Theatres and Vue Cinemas in a pilot program in both the United States and England that will allow patrons to download free content from the hottest new movies direct to their mobile handset via Bluetooth.

This download service includes content from the movies "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "Fantastic Four," "The Perfect Catch," and "Kingdom of Heaven." Downloadable content includes movie trailers, wallpapers, ringtones, and movie schedules."

[via Mobile Burn]

Israeli forces take pictures of naked Palestinian minors

Aljazeera reports that according to the Palestinian prisoners club, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested two Palestinian teenagers a week ago and proceeded to photograph them with cameraphones while stark naked.

"The prisoners club quoted one of those arrested, 17-year-old Mohammed Ghaith, a resident of Al-Khalil, held at the Israeli jail of Atsion since mid July. Gaith recounted how he and his cousin were arrested by IOF soldiers who proceeded to batter them with their riffle butts, causing them several injuries and bruises all over their bodies.

The two Palestinian teenage boys were then forced to strip in full view of Israeli settlers present at the scene as pictures of them were taken by mobile phones.

It highlighted that the Israeli forces shouted profanities at the pair and let loose wild dogs to terrify them."

Verizon Wireless and Sprint Customers Can Now Exchange Picture and Video Messages

In a move that allows more than 70 million wireless customers to exchange picture and video messages with one another directly from their wireless camera phones, Verizon Wireless and Sprint today announced an inter- carrier Multimedia Messaging Service agreement between the two companies. [Press Release]

Indian Cops target sexual MMS to make cash

Phoneyworld brings up a new issue with regard to the new breed of cameraphone voyeurs who of late, have made headlines by targeting celebrities. Police corruption.

"With celebs complaining; the police have decided that transmitting obscene MMS can attract some sections of the Indian Penal code, these being cognisable offences and triable by a magistrate. While the offences are bailable, its easy to understand that no self respecting individual would like to get charged under these sections. With corruption at an all time high in the police force, its relatively easy to pass on 500 Rupees and go scot free.

... Police Commissioner A.N. Roy says that circulating pornogrpahic material is an offence even if its in print or electronic form. But an police officer cannot forcibly check an individuals phone. "It is absolutely wrong on the officer's part to demand money from an individual on this basis. Strict action will be taken against such an officer."

With most teenagers and pub hopping people too afraid to complaint, several incidents have come to light from sources which refused to be named that this had already happened to them or they had seen it happen."

Related:

-- MMS mischief-makers snapped up

-- Mobile sex shots make Bollywood camera shy

-- 'MMS episode harmed my dignity'

LG's new multitasking cameraphone

LG Electronics announced Monday a new multitasking cameraphone, the LG-LP3900, or "the ‘up & down' slide phone" with a 1.3 megapixel, auto-revolving camera.

The new slide phone has a monitor screen that moves both up and down. While talking on the phone, users can move the slide and take pictures, LG said.

LG stressed that the model enables users to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, such as listen to music while sending SMS, playing games, change menu, browsing the web or taking photos.

[via Telecoms Korea]

Mobile Buddies

Mobeon, the leading messaging company, has unveiled the world's first 3G video messaging interface featuring mobile buddies.

"Mobile buddies are 3D animated avatars that replace the traditional operator voice by providing entertaining and personalised mailbox navigation to mobile subscribers.

... Fidgit, the first mobile buddy, has a fully interactive, quirky personality, which changes throughout the day. This offers an entertaining and unique service to take a user through their messages. He introduces the menus in the mailbox, talks the user through the options for each message, and also responds to callers who want to leave a message."

via 3G and press release.

Animated Design 2D Barcode

Traditionally, barcodes are printed on paper. But ,they are now displayed on various things including computers, PDAs, mobile phones, digital paper, tv, etc. So, why not animated barcodes?

This QR code on the left, includes a link to a mobile website for a dance festival. So, is it a dancer?

This is a variation of Design 2D Barcodes developed by Ginga Tsushin.

reBlogged from wonderful RFID in Japan.

About the people by the people

Over the past year or so, media companies have been backing citizen journalism efforts like Your Mom in various shapes and sizes across the US. They are creating what some believe to be a more democratic press, but throwing into question what it means to be a journalist. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

"On one end of the spectrum is Virginia-based Backfence.com, a venture run by local residents - with no editorial guidance from the site's owners - that is evolving into a sort of virtual town square.

On the other end, there's New West, a website specialising in politics and development issues in the Rocky Mountains region. Its goal is to break news in competition with mainstream media; it contains a mix of content by experienced journalists and amateurs.

Most others, like Your Mom, fall somewhere in the middle — almost exclusively written by citizen reporters but edited for grammar, style and some content.

Citizen reporting is still in its infancy, but it's already changing notions of news and news gathering. Bloggers at last year's US presidential nominating conventions helped provide different perspectives on the campaigns. Commuters in London this month provided the world with photos of the terrorist bombings aftermath from their video cell phones.

Articles in support of Roh Moo-hyun on the South Korean website OhMyNews are credited with helping him win the presidency.

"There is an increasing appetite among ordinary people to participate in the news," says Jan Schaffer, of the Institute for Interactive Journalism at the University of Maryland-College Park.

Your Mom is the brainchild of a group of graduate students at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Rhodes was part of a class that had to come up with a plan for a new media product. The name came from a late-night brainstorming session.

Today the Your Mom has about 1200 unique visitors a week. In addition, 9000 free copies of the 16-page newspaper are distributed at schools, malls, pizza shops and pools throughout the region.

The Quad-City Times invested $US80,000 ($107,000) in Your Mom for start-up costs, and it operates on a $US18,000-a-month budget. It lost money in its first year, but executives said they expect to turn a profit in the coming year".