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T-Mobile’s 3G network started going live today, and it looks like that early word from a company memo may not hold true for all users. Some markets may in fact have a silent soft-launch of faster data rates, we’ve heard from several tipsters who’ve said that they’re already getting faster data service, and now the company itself getting the word out that it’s launching data as well. But company peeps were indeed instructed to make sure customers don’t count on that faster data being present; bottom line is you may have it, you may not (but if you take T-Mobile at its word, you should). NYC is the first market to light up, but others should come online soon — anyone trying it out? How’s it going? Hit us up in comments and let us know!

[via Engadget]

Google joined a handful of other companies by announcing that it is delivering mobile banner ads.

Companies that use Google’s AdWords to advertise online now have the option of displaying a banner ad on cell phones instead of simple text. Google includes a text line under each banner identifying it as an advertisement. Clicking on the ad opens a mobile Web page for the advertisement.

A number of other companies already display banner ads on mobile Web pages. Yahoo, AdMob and Third Screen, which is now owned by AOL, are among companies that display banner ads for advertisers. Microsoft displays banner ads on some of its mobile Web pages, such as MSNBC and other MSN mobile Web pages.

While many other companies are already supporting mobile banner ads, mobile Internet usage is still relatively low, so Google probably hasn’t missed an opportunity, said Greg Sterling, an analyst following mobile search and advertising as part of a joint venture between Sterling Market Research and Opus Research. “It’s not like consumer behavior is established and they’re late to the game,” he said.

In addition, advertisers are still mostly experimenting with mobile advertising, so few are wedded to any particular ad network, he said.

Google could actually have an advantage over competitors in the mobile banner-ad market because of the way the search giant charges advertisers. All mobile banner ads from Google are priced on a per-click basis. Other advertising platforms often charge based on impressions, or how many times someone views the page with the advertisement, and in mobile, those rates are often quite high, Sterling said.

With Google, advertisers can test out mobile advertising with less risk because they only pay for what users click on, he said. That could attract some advertisers who are uncertain about the effectiveness of mobile advertising.

Google and other Internet companies are increasingly interested in targeting mobile users because they believe the mobile market represents a new opportunity for earning advertising revenue. So far, no company has emerged as a clear leader in mobile advertising.

[via PC World]

Microsoft’s bringing Silverlight to cell phones, partnering with Nokia to bring the rich Internet app browser plug-in to devices that use Nokia’s popular S60 software platform.Nokia will also make Silverlight available on its Series 40 devices and its Internet Tablet devices, the companies are expected to announce Tuesday.

The strategy to get Silverlight on mobile devices — and particularly on the Symbian OS — is part of Microsoft’s effort to make the browser plug-in a cross-platform, cross-browser product in order to get as much penetration as possible on the Web. The company is also working on a version of Silverlight for Windows Mobile, a beta version of which is due out soon.

Microsoft is coming from behind. Adobe has had a strong mobile presence for Flash for years. It has distribution agreements with 18 of the top 20 device manufacturers worldwide including Nokia, and according to Adobe, 450 million devices have been shipped so far with Flash Lite, which is a trimmed down version of Flash. That, of course, compares to zero for Microsoft. According to Adobe, Flash Lite has seen a 150% growth in the past year.

While Microsoft’s early Silverlight mobile strategy will focus on Symbian and Windows Mobile, Adobe also supports BREW and a few other proprietary operating systems.

Though most of Adobe’s strategy has thus far revolved around Flash Lite, some devices also ship with the full version of Flash, including a few from LG like the LG Chocolate and Voyager. Adobe also offers a service called Flash Cast that includes channels of content, a home screen called Flash Home, and tools that show software developers how their Flash apps would look on specific mobile devices.

Still, Nokia gives Microsoft a good footprint. Nokia’s S60 platform is the most popular smart phone software platform worldwide, with more than 53% market share in the fourth quarter of 2007, according to analyst firm Canalys.

“We can’t pretend to be a really ubiquitous play without being a partner with Nokia and Symbian,” John Case, GM of Microsoft’s developer division, said in an interview.

Nokia licenses its S60 platform, which uses the Symbian mobile operating system, to other major mobile device manufacturers, including LG Electronics and Samsung, though only Nokia uses S60 in the United States, according to Nokia’s own Web site.

Much of Microsoft’s strategy for Silverlight thus far has revolved around creating content partnerships rather than relationships with hardware manufacturers. Though Microsoft says there are around 8,000 Silverlight apps today and the company is announcing more on Wednesday at its MIX conference for Web developers, the deal with Nokia could be a sign that there’s enough Microsoft dedication to Silverlight that Nokia is convinced the content will come, as it wouldn’t make sense to include a multi-megabyte application on a hardware-limited mobile device if it isn’t going to be used.  [informationweek]

According to an online report, sources say the forthcoming iPhone SDK — coming out this week — will feel the heavy hand of Cupertino. The software feature some heavy constraints by Apple in distribution and in support for hardware peripherals.Apple announced the SDK release date last week.

The source of the latest speculation came from an iLounge story by Jeremy Horwitz. He said the event will tout enterprise applications for the iPhone but that the actual SDK won’t be released until WWDC in June.

The most controversial aspect of Apple’s SDK plan is its intention to formally approve or deny all SDK-based software releases for its devices. Our sources confirm that Apple will act as a gatekeeper for applications, deciding which are and are not worthy of release, and publishing only approved applications to the iTunes Store; a process that will less resemble the iTunes Store’s massive directory of podcasts than its sale of a limited variety of iPod Games.

While one source saw this as a positive for major developers, suggesting that Apple will be choked by application submissions and forced to give priority to releases from larger companies, another source disagreed, stating that Apple’s current approval processes for third-party products have resulted in lengthy, needless delays. It is unclear whether Apple will need to approve subsequent bug fixes and feature additions to accepted applications, another issue that could clog the approval system and postpone important improvements.

Analyst Ross Rubin at NPD Group called this news “mixed, but again, no surprise.” In his blog, he said the censorship by Apple may ensure a better user experience, while limiting choice.

We’ll have to see how heavy a hand Apple takes here, but it’s probably a safe bet that applications that impinge on potential Apple revenue streams, including Skype, instant messaging programs, and other music store clients, will be excluded. I wouldn’t expect a Windows Live Messenger client any time soon.

Apple is also reportedly limiting developers from connecting hardware peripherals to the iPhone via its dock. Rubin continued:

The most disappointing is that developers won’t be able to access iPod functions via the dock connector, scuttling or at least complicating accessories such as keyboards. This one is somewhat curious as Apple has certainly done well collecting fees for the iPod dock connector in peripherals for older iPods. So at least Apple has some motivation to open this up at some point.

However, developer John Gruber at Daring Fireball said security could be a component of this reported decision.

If it’s true that the dock connector is off-limits, that’s unfortunate, but also not surprising — clearly a big part of what Apple’s been working on in advance of this SDK are ways to sandbox applications for security and control of resources. (Expect “sandbox” to be an oft-repeated word.)

Applications don’t talk directly to hardware ports in Mac OS X, either. That’s the realm of kernel extensions and other device drivers. Apple could, in theory, be on the cusp of announcing a very liberal application SDK but which still wouldn’t allow for third-party hardware drivers. I wouldn’t be surprised if the SDK severely limits direct access to the file system, let alone direct access to the hardware.

A developer I spoke with said there wasn’t much point in speculating on questions driven by a business model, since those can change very quickly. He added that the reason for the lateness of the SDK is that the entire iPhone/iPod Touch mobile strategy (and product) is half-baked. I have to agree with him.

We will see whether Horwitz’s sources are correct about the timing of the SDK. Perhaps there will be more clarity in the summer about the next generation of the iPhone as well.

At the same time, the limitations on third-party hardware connecting with the dock port could be a platform consideration. Apple has a vision in mind for its mobile platform and that doesn’t seem to be one with a lot of input.

The idea is that if mobile users want to create content, then they should use a platform made for creation: the MacBook Air, for example. And if they want to view or listen to content, then they have great choices for that.

I bought a keyboard for my Palm V back in the days. I used it a bit. And I know many people who entered a lot of data on that platform.

Still, I was messaging recently with a former Palm product manager who now is using an iPod Touch.

It’s the first iPod I’ve ever purchased for myself, and ironically I almost never have earbuds connected (nor do I carry them with me). It’s my pocketable email/contacts/calendar/web device, and I’m getting more productive use out of it than I ever did with a Palm device.

Ouch. Another switcher, I guess.

Trolltech’s Qt based technology assets facilitate application development for multiple platforms and devices

Espoo, Finland and Oslo, Norway - Nokia and Trolltech ASA today announced that they have entered into an agreement that Nokia will make a public voluntary tender offer to acquire Trolltech (www.trolltech.com), a company headquartered in Oslo, Norway and publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Trolltech is a recognized software provider with world-class software development platforms and frameworks. In addition to the key software assets, its talented team will play an important role in accelerating the implementation of Nokia’s software strategy.

Nokia will offer NOK 16 per share in cash. The board of directors of Trolltech has unanimously recommended that its shareholders accept Nokia’s Offer. Holders of 35,024,830 shares, representing approximately 66,43 % of Trolltech’s issued shares and votes have as of January 27, 2008 irrevocably undertaken to accept the Offer. Haavard Nord, Vuonislahti Invest AS (controlled by Eirik Chambe-Eng), Teknoinvest and certain funds managed by Index Ventures are among the shareholders who have agreed to tender their shares to Nokia.

The acquisition of Trolltech will enable Nokia to accelerate its cross-platform software strategy for mobile devices and desktop applications, and develop its Internet services business. With Trolltech, Nokia and third party developers will be able to develop applications that work in the Internet, across Nokia’s device portfolio and on PCs. Nokia’s software strategy for devices is based on cross-platform development environments, layers of software that run across operating systems, enabling the development of applications across the Nokia device range. Examples of current cross-platform layers are Web runtime, Flash, Java and Open C.

“The technology landscape evolves and, for Nokia, software plays a major role in our growth strategy for devices, PCs and the integration with the Internet. We continue to focus on areas where we can differentiate and add more value. Common cross-platform layers on top of our software platforms attract innovation and enable Web 2.0 technologies in the mobile space,” said Kai Öistämö, Executive Vice President, Devices, Nokia. “Trolltech’s deep understanding of open source software and its strong technology assets will enable both Nokia and others to innovate on our device platforms while reducing time-to-market. This acquisition will also further increase the competitiveness of S60 and Series 40.”

Nokia aims to continue the development of Trolltech’s products and support of new and existing customers. Nokia strives for an open approach to technology that will encourage and support innovation in the industry, enable fast adoption of new technologies and advance healthy competition. Nokia embraces open source technology and will take further the open source development culture found in Trolltech.

“Trolltech and Nokia share the goal of accelerating the adoption of Trolltech’s Qt based technology in the commercial market and in the open source community,” said Haavard Nord, CEO and founder of Trolltech. Eirik Chambe-Eng, Chief Troll and co-founder of Trolltech continues “We are thrilled to join forces with Nokia. The company’s innovative culture and resources will give our employees new and exciting possibilities and fulfill our vision of “Qt everywhere”.”

Nokia intends to continue to enhance Trolltech products through active and ongoing development, for both desktop and mobile. To further stimulate industry innovation based on Trolltech’s products, Nokia plans to continue to license Trolltech technology under both commercial and open source licenses.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including acceptance by shareholders representing more than 90 % of the fully diluted share capital, and the necessary regulatory approvals. The complete details of the offer, including all terms and conditions, will be set forth in an offer document expected to be sent to Trolltech shareholders within two weeks. The offer is expected to be open for acceptance for a period of four weeks and to be completed in the second quarter of 2008. If the conditions to the offer are satisfied or waived, Nokia will have a legal duty to make a mandatory cash offer for or compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares.

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. Nokia makes a wide range of mobile devices and provides people with experiences in music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games and business mobility through these devices. Nokia also provides equipment, solutions and services for communications networks. www.nokia.com

About Trolltech

Trolltech provides cross-platform software development frameworks and application platforms. Trolltech’s Qt is used in popular software such as Skype, Google Earth, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Lucasfilm and by more than 5000 customers worldwide. Trolltech’s Qtopia has enabled a new generation of exciting consumer devices such as mobile handsets, video-phones, set-top boxes and media players. Trolltech’s software has shipped in more than 10 million devices.

Trolltech’s products enable companies to easily build and deploy software across a wide range of operating systems and electronic devices. The company serves desktop and embedded application providers, as well as consumer electronics and mobile vendors, who face challenges in delivering user-friendly and differentiated software. Trolltech enables customers to accelerate innovation, shorten time to market and increase revenues. Trolltech’s software improves the user experience by increasing the appeal and quality of customer’s applications on desktop and devices. The future proof Qt software allows developers to code less, create more and deploy anywhere.

Trolltech supports open source and commercial customers. The company has offices in California, U.S.A.; Brisbane, Australia; Beijing, China; Berlin and Munich, Germany; Oslo, Norway. It is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TROLL. For more information about Trolltech, please visit www.trolltech.com.

This communication is no offer to acquire shares or options in Trolltech. Such offer will be made only in accordance with an offer document approved under the Norwegian securities trading act and to such persons who may lawfully receive the offer.

It should be noted that certain statements herein which are not historical facts, including, without limitation, those regarding: A) the timing of product, service and solution deliveries; B) our ability to develop, implement and commercialize new products, services, solutions and technologies; C) expectations regarding market growth, developments and structural changes; D) expectations regarding our mobile device volume growth, market share, prices and margins; E) expectations and targets for our results of operations; F) the outcome of pending and threatened litigation; G) expectations regarding the successful completion of contemplated acquisitions on a timely basis and our ability to achieve set targets upon the completion of such acquisitions; and H) statements preceded by “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “foresee,” “target,” “estimate,” “designed,” “plans,” “will” or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s best assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Because they involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from the results that we currently expect. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: 1) competitiveness of our product portfolio; 2) our ability to identify key market trends and to respond timely and successfully to the needs of our customers; 3) the extent of the growth of the mobile communications industry, as well as the growth and profitability of the new market segments within that industry which we target; 4) the availability of new products and services by network operators and other market participants; 5) our ability to successfully manage costs; 6) the intensity of competition in the mobile communications industry and our ability to maintain or improve our market position and respond successfully to changes in the competitive landscape; 7) the impact of changes in technology and our ability to develop or otherwise acquire complex technologies as required by the market, with full rights needed to use; timely and successful commercialization of complex technologies as new advanced products, services and solutions; 9) our ability to protect the complex technologies, which we or others develop or that we license, from claims that we have infringed third parties’ intellectual property rights, as well as our unrestricted use on commercially acceptable terms of certain technologies in our products, services and solution offerings; 10) our ability to protect numerous Nokia patented, standardized, or proprietary technologies from third party infringement or actions to invalidate the intellectual property rights of these technologies; 11) our ability to manage efficiently our manufacturing and logistics, as well as to ensure the quality, safety, security and timely delivery of our products, services and solutions; 12) inventory management risks resulting from shifts in market demand; 13) our ability to source quality components and sub-assemblies without interruption and at acceptable prices; 14) Nokia’s and Siemens’ ability to successfully integrate the operations, personnel and supporting activities of their respective businesses as a result of the merger of Nokia’s networks business and Siemens’ carrier-related operations for fixed and mobile networks forming Nokia Siemens Networks; 15) whether, as a result of investigations into alleged violations of law by some current or former employees of Siemens, government authorities or others take actions against Siemens and/or its employees that may involve and affect the carrier-related assets and employees transferred by Siemens to Nokia Siemens Networks, or there may be undetected additional violations that may have occurred prior to the transfer, or ongoing violations that may occur after the transfer, of such assets and employees that could result in additional actions by government authorities; 16) the expense, time, attention and resources of Nokia Siemens Networks and our management to detect, investigate and resolve any situations related to alleged violations of law involving the assets and employees of Siemens carrier-related operations transferred to Nokia Siemens Networks; 17) any impairment of Nokia Siemens Networks customer relationships resulting from the ongoing government investigations involving the Siemens carrier-related operations transferred to Nokia Siemens Networks; 18) developments under large, multi-year contracts or in relation to major customers; 19) general economic conditions globally and, in particular, economic or political turmoil in emerging market countries where we do business; 20) our success in collaboration arrangements relating to development of technologies or new products, services and solutions; 21) the success, financial condition and performance of our collaboration partners, suppliers and customers; 22) any disruption to information technology systems and networks that our operations rely on; 23) exchange rate fluctuations, including, in particular, fluctuations between the euro, which is our reporting currency, and the US dollar, the Chinese yuan, the UK pound sterling and the Japanese yen, as well as certain other currencies; 24) the management of our customer financing exposure; 25) allegations of possible health risks from electromagnetic fields generated by base stations and mobile devices and lawsuits related to them, regardless of merit; 26) unfavorable outcome of litigations; 27) our ability to recruit, retain and develop appropriately skilled employees; and 28) the impact of changes in government policies, laws or regulations; as well as the risk factors specified on pages 12-24 of Nokia’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006 under “Item 3.D Risk Factors.” Other unknown or unpredictable factors or underlying assumptions subsequently proving to be incorrect could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Nokia does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.(Nokia)