Mobile Crazy

What is WAP?

WAP is another three letter acronym (TLA) and it stands for the Wireless Application Protocol. It is a initiative started by Unwired Planet, Motorola, Nokia and Ericsson to develop a standard for wireless content delivery on the next generation of mobile communicators.

What is the WAP stack of protocols?

The WAP stack is a set of protocols that covers the whole process of wireless content delivery: from the definition of WML and WMLScript for creating and layout of the actual content, the specification of security measures in the WTLS to the lowest parts of the stack dealing with the actual transport of content.

How is WAP technology similar to the Internet?

The WAP stack has many similarities to the Internet set of technologies. For instance, the Wireless Markup Language used to create WAP pages is very similar to HTML used to create WWW pages. Similarly, the WMLScript is based on JavaScript. It should be noted that both WML and WMLScript are adapted and optimised for a wireless environment (e.g. compression to save bandwidth).The same story goes for the lower parts of the stack (e.g. WSP and WTP). They are in general similar to the Internet protocols (e.g. HTTP) but with optimisation for use in a wireless environment.

Why is WAP important for Internet Service Providers (ISPs)?

WAP will be the way people on the move will access information sources using a mobile phone device. If you are an ISP and you are aware of the mobile data forecasts, you might want to look into how WAP will change your industry and your business model. Your clients use you to access the Internet - who will they use to access the WAP services of the future?

Why is WAP important for Content Providers?

You are delivering content or, for instance, selling your products, via the Internet channel. You are also aware that the number of people using mobile access to the Internet (e.g. via GSM and their laptop or PDA) is increasing rapidly. You know that the number of mobile phone users in growing much more rapidly than the number of Internet users (there are more than 120 million GSM users today). Shouldn’t these people have access to your services and products using WAP?

Why is WAP important for Internet Developers?

If you are a developer of internet sites you may soon find yourself and your colleagues developing WAP sites. Investing in getting familiar with the (im)possibilities of WAP (or more specifically WML and WMLScript) now can give you the leading edge in the future.WML and WMLScript are not difficult to learn if you already have experience with HTML and JavaScript. Developers’ tools are available as we speak (e.g. DSR’s WAP Developer Toolkit).

Is WAP secure?

Yes. WAP includes a specification called WTLS which implements options for authentication and encryption. It is optimized for use in the mobile environment. SSL or Secure Sockets Layer which is widely used in the “web” world to encrypt the data stream between the browser and the webserver is actually also used in the WAP environment. However, SSL is only used between the webserver and the WAP gateway. Between the WAP gateway and the WAP device, a similar system called WTLS or Wireless Transport Layer Security is used.

Although no systems are totally secure, SSL and WTLS on their own provide adequate security for most applications. However, there is a potential security problem where the two protocols meet, and that’s inside the WAP gateway.

SSL is not directly compatible with WTLS, so the WAP gateway must decrypt the SSL protected data stream coming from the webserver and then re-encrypt it using WTLS before passing the data on to the WAP device. Inside the memory of the WAP gateway, the data is unprotected.

All the major WAP players are developing solutions to this problem, but for now these solutions create other problems. Developers of so called “WAP servers”, or webservers with WAP gateway capabilities provide end-to-end security in a way because the data stream leaves the content server (the “WAP server”) already encrypted with WTLS.

However, the mobile operator’s WAP gateway can now no longer be part of the chain, and the user has to reconfigure his WAP device to point to the “WAP server” which will become the WAP gateway for this session. But, this WAP gateway only provides access to this one service, and when the user wants to access his other favourite WAP sites, he has to reconfigure his phone again.

Bluetooth is a global de facto standard for wireless connectivity. Based on a low-cost, short-range radio link, Bluetooth cuts the cords that used to tie up digital devices.
When two Bluetooth equipped devices come within 10 meters range of each other, they can establish a connection together. And because Bluetooth utilizes a radio-based link, it doesn’t require a line-of-sight connection in order to communicate. Your laptop could send information to a printer in the next room, or your microwave could send a message to your mobile phone telling you that your meal is ready.

In the future, Bluetooth is likely to be standard in tens of millions of mobile phones, PCs, laptops and a whole range of other electronic devices. As a result, the market is going to demand new innovative applications, value-added services, end-to-end solutions and much more. The possibilities opened up really are limitless, and because the radio frequency used is globally available, Bluetooth can offer fast and secure access to wireless connectivity all over the world. With potential like that, it’s no wonder that Bluetooth is set to become the fastest adopted technology in history.

Bluetooth in action

Bluetooth can give you a new kind of freedom. You might share information, synchronize data, access the Internet, integrate with LANs or even unlock your car - all by simply using your Bluetooth equipped mobile phone.

At first, Bluetooth will begin to replace the cables that connect various digital devices. Imagine a headset for your mobile phone that does not need a cable - calls are transmitted wirelessly to your earpiece. Bluetooth will also allow you to surf the Web with your laptop while your phone is in your bag, or effortlessly exchange information such as calendar appointments or contacts data with your colleagues.

Bluetooth might also be used in Mobile Imaging. Nokia and Fujifilm have been developing a prototype Mobile Imaging technology, allowing a modified Nokia 9110 Communicator containing a Bluetooth chip to receive images taken on a Bluetooth equipped Fujifilm digital camera. After adding a few lines of text, the user can send the received photograph to another Nokia Communicator, or to the Fujifilm Web service, where it could be viewed, printed or saved on a CD-R. By combining the ease of SMS messaging with digital photography, Mobile Imaging is a clear indication of the potential of Bluetooth.

The future

As more and more manufactures adopt Bluetooth and create devices that support it, developers will find new, previously unimagined ways of applying its power.

Imagine some of these everyday examples: you enter a bus and your bus fare is automatically paid by your mobile phone. Or you get an automatic text message notifying that your kids are safely back from school. Or while waiting at the airport lounge, you get some interesting duty-free offers directly to your mobile phone. You could play multiplayer games with your friends, or write e-mails on your laptop on the ‘plane, then when you land and switch on your handset, the messages can be automatically sent by your phone. You could even use your mobile phone to control the locking and alarm on your car, as well as integrate it with the car’s stereo so you can talk hands free while you are on the go.
Together with other industry initiatives, such as WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) and Symbian, Bluetooth will have tremendous effects on everyday life. Bluetooth is one of the key technologies that can make the mobile information society possible, blurring the boundaries between home, the office, and the outside world.

NOKIA 9000

*#3283# (or *#DATE#)

The new Giorgio Armani Samsung Mobile is more than just a fashion phone. Packed full of functionality as well as being styled by one of the fashion industries major designers.

Designed by Giorgio Armani
The Giorgio Armani Samsung Mobile has been exclusively designed by Giorgio Armani to ensure that it is a truly iconic mobile worthy of such a prestigious fashion house.

3 Megapixel camera
It comes with a 3 megapixel camera to capture all of your precious moments, a multi format music player to let you carry around your favourite sounds along with an external MicroSD card slot to allow you to store both your music and images with ease.

Touch screen technology
The Giorgio Armani Samsung Mobile uses the most up to date touch screen technology to allow you to navigate around this diminutive handset with ease. It also comes with stereo Bluetooth^TM (A2DP), PictBridge^TM photo printing and a full internet browser

Specification

Height / width / depth -87.5 x 54.5 x 10.5mm

Weight -85grams

Talk time (hours) -6

Standby time (days) -9

Colour screen -262k

Camera megapixels -3

Internal phone memory -60MB

External memory card type -MicroSD

External memory card capacity -1GB

Media messaging (MMS) -Yes

Music player -Yes

FM radio -No

Video capture -Yes

Band type -Tri

Bluetooth -Yes

Wi-Fi -No

3G - No

BlackBerry email - No

We hoped, when Apple’s touchscreen iPhone appeared last year, that it was only a matter of time before other manufacturers followed suit.

Sure enough, LG is hot on Apple’s heels with the touchscreen Viewty phone.

The appallingly named Viewty (its proper name is KU990), combines phone, camera and portable music player, but takes it one step further as it also comes with the ability to edit photos.

On any other standard-sized phone it would be hard to see the point of this, but the Viewty’s 3in screen is big enough to see exactly what you’re doing.

The software, which is extremely easy to use, is especially handy for cropping people who’ve accidentally made their way into pictures from the phone’s 5-megapixel camera. We particularly liked the Muvee application, which makes slideshows of photos taken, in different styles, and sets them to music stored on the phone.

However, we were disappointed to find that we could not adjust the colour or brightness of phone images, which tended to come out very bright, lending the people in them a ghost-like pallor. Despite this, we were impressed with the camera’s face-detection technology, which does exactly what it promises, and focuses the camera on people’s faces. The only other complaint about the camera is that there is no protective lens cover, which could be a real problem for those people who like to throw their phones in their pockets next to a set of keys.

LG has also made concessions to those who like to share video footage with the rest of the world, allowing users to upload their recorded movies directly from the phone onto Youtube. Design-wise the Viewty really is a beauty, with its sleek black housing, and despite its many features it is also very light. The t ouchscreen is extremely bright and clear, and very sensitive, making it easy to navigate the phone’s menus.

The keyboard that appears on the touchscreen is hard to use for text messaging: in some cases we had to press a letter four or five times before it was recognised. The Viewty’s saving grace, though, is that it recognises handwriting, so we were able to write directly onto the screen, a technique that worked well once we were used to it. It’s also easy to access and view websites using the built-in web browser, and it can be used to read and send email.

As with most modern phones call quality was extremely good, with clear voices at the other end of the line. The Viewty also comes with a USB cable for synchronising contacts with the computer, and for charging the battery (there’s also a mains charger), stereo headphones, a hand strap and a stylus.

Overall, while it’s not as versatile as the iPhone, this is a very impressive, stylish phone that’s easy to use.

Imagine having all the tools you’d need to work as efficiently as possible from virtually anywhere. Not just at the office. Not just at home. But from the road, on the train, or by the pool. And not just with email, phone, web browsing and instant messaging. But with GPS for mapping and turn-by-turn directions, storage space for your large files and a long-lasting, high-capacity battery.

Then imagine having all the tools you’d need to do things you want to do. Like staying connected to the people who matter most to you. Kicking back with the music you love. Watching clips you’ve downloaded, or playing games while you’ve got a few minutes to spare.

Now imagine doing all this with one sleek and performance-driven smartphone.

The BlackBerry® 8800 is the stylish way to get things done. Packed with powerful capabilities, yet incredibly compact and slim - it combines a stylish design with a premium finish. It also features a large, sharp screen that brings colors to life, whether you’re indoors or out: its built-in light-sensing technology automatically adjusts screen and keypad brightness. Sleek, elegant and performance-driven, this is a smartphone you’ll always want to show off.

The BlackBerry 8800 mobile phone has the following features:

• Bluetooth

• WAP

• Faster data with GPRS

• Music player

• Polyphonic ringtones

• Vibrating alert

• Voice dialling

• Speakerphone

• World phone (Quadband)

T-Mobile has said customers who buy Apple’s iPhone in Germany will no longer be required to sign up to a two-year T-Mobile contract, after Vodafone successfully won a court injunction against the network.

The iPhone is now on sale in Germany, unlocked, for €999, and will remain so until the dispute is settled in court. No date for the hearing has been given yet.

Vodafone’s German subsidiary had claimed that T-Mobile’s terms of sale for the iPhone unfairly discourage its own customers from using the gadget.

T-Mobile said it will consider seeking damages from Vodafone and will appeal the injunction. It claimed its network is the only one in Germany to enable the iPhone’s full functionality countrywide. It also said the device would continue to be on sale with a T-Mobile contract for €399.

“T-Mobile is obviously not convinced that its own phone plans are very attractive if it charges a penalty of €600 for buying the iPhone without a contract,” said a Vodafone spokeswoman.

“What is important to us now is that this case is cleared up by the district court in Hamburg so that customers know what they are dealing with.”

Separately, German mobile-services provider Debitel lodged a complaint against Deutsche Telekom with the German grid regulator, saying the iPhone terms violates mobile licence conditions.