Google has launched a long overdue mobile version of Book Search for the iPhone and Android. This includes access to over 1.5 million mobile public domain books.
Bebo Opens Mobile
Bebo is working with operators, handset manufacturers, and mobile software developers to help them promote, distribute, and monetize mobile social media. This is through Bebo’s new Open Mobile program.
Mobile Internet Growth Driven By Social Networking
Social networking is attracting new users to the mobile Web in Europe. In November, 34 percent of mobile phone owners in Western Europe who visited social networking sites accessed social media exclusive of all other mobile Web content, according to comScore.With 12.1 million users in Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K.), mobile social networking is a rapidly expanding category that grew 152 percent from November 2007 to November 2008.
Mobile Phone Users Confused By Technology
The complexity of mobile applications and services is preventing their adoption and usage, according to a survey by mobile device management company Mformation.The majority (95%) of consumers said they would be more likely to try new mobile services if setup was easier. Difficult setup issues are also preventing 45 percent of people from upgrading to new, more advanced mobile phones. More than half (61%) of these mobile users say phone setup is a frustrating as changing a bank account.
Privacy Groups Protest Mobile Advertising Practices
A lot of things have prevented mobile advertising from becoming widespread; think phone tech, consumers’ reactions, and advertisers’ reluctance, to name a few. Now, it looks like the list has grown longer, as the Center for Digital Democracy and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group have sent the FTC a formal complaint.
Verizon Taps Microsoft For Mobile Search
Verizon has tapped Microsoft to provide search services for its mobile phones.Verizon Chief Executive Ivan Seidenberg said on Wednesday that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer would formally announce the deal later today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Reuters reported.
Close To Half Of Mobile Users Ignore Multimedia Features
Close to half (45%) of U.S. mobile phone users prefer to use their mobile phones to make calls, and not for other multimedia features, according to a new report by the NPD Group.Only 20 percent of mobile phone users prefer to use their phones as an all-in-one multimedia device for music, videos, Web surfing and other activities beyond making phone calls.
More Ways to Use Google Mobile for the Holidays
Google has been counting down the days of December heading into the New Year by offering tips for Google Mobile, just as they have been doing separately with Google products in general.
Mobile Social Network Users To Become More Active
People using mobile social networks today are primarily checking messages, status updates and comments of friends instead of posting photos or comments themselves, according to a new study by ABI Research.The study found that pattern is changing as more people have access to better mobile devices and social network applications that make it easier for uploading and communication.
Tons of Holiday Google Mobile Tips – Video Style
In an effort to spread some holiday cheer and perhaps some more Google Mobile use, Google is posting a number of holiday video tips for using the Google Mobile service. For instance, here are a couple of mildly amusing videos of Santa using Google Mobile to figure out how to give himself the Heimlich maneuver after he begins to choke, and finding a locksmith when he can’t gain entrance into someone’s home. For some reason, he’s delivering presents in the middle of the day.