CNN 'Breaking News Alert'

CNN is coming up with the promotional version of its "Breaking News Alert" SMS service to mobile phone users around the world. The promotional service is set to go live by the end of this month.

The service will allow users to receive a headline alert as text message to their mobile phone as soon as a major international news story breaks. Users can read the full story through www.CNNmobile.com, via their handsets.

Through CNN's free-of-charge "Breaking News Alert" service mobile phone users everywhere can be up-to-date with world affairs as they happen, via their mobile device."

Source: Mobile weblog

In-Flight Mobile Calls

Airfrance passengers in Europe will now be able to use mobile phones and Blackberry devices during flights for the first time. The European Aviation Safety Authority has given clearance for the use of GSM equipment in airlines.

Portugal's TAP and the UK's bmi will also test on-board mobile phone and data usage, before deciding on whether it will roll out the technology across its fleet.

Source: Cellular news

Dot mobi sites

The key to making a good mobile site is to provide clarity, limit scrolling to one direction, provide the surfer with precise content and ensure the page size is within the memory limits of all basic devices. The site must be compatible with the lowest models of compatible phones. Basic things such as readability, fewer links and images, and easy navigation are significant.

Creating a WAP site is different from creating a Website. There are three basic elements that must be considered –

• Content
• Delivery medium (i.e., the phone)
• Usability

Medium limitations such as slow connectivity, more distractions in the form of unending links and limited space for content can really move surfers away from mobile surfing.

A good WAP site should adhere to the 3Cs – cost, content and context.The mobile site should be built with the end user’s pocket in mind, as subscribers in India still pay for mobile use per kilobyte.

The process of building a mobile site can take anywhere from 45 to 60 days and some of the cost parameters could be user interface, phone browser compatibility, and features such as search and personalisation.

Source: Agency faqs

Meffy Award to Hungama Mobile

Hungama Mobile has won the 'Best Marketing Campaign in Mobile Entertainment’ award at the Meffys Awards. The awards are organised by the Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF). This is the first honour for an Indian company.

Two mobile campaigns created by Hungama Mobile were nominated for the Meffys – the ‘Casino Royale’ campaign for Hutch in the ‘Best Marketing Campaign’ category and ‘Kingfisher Mobile Calendar’ in the ‘Best Content’ category.

Source: Agency faqs

Cellphone USB charger from Samsung

Samsung has filed a patent for a male USB adapter to recharge cell phones. Not to worry about forgetting your power cord. Find any computer with a USB port and you can recharge your dying cell phone.

Source: Cellphone Digest