June » 2010 » mobilegroove

In brief: Learn what's next in mobile NOW. Mobile Future Forward, a high-caliber Executive Summit organized by Chetan Sharma and his team, brings some of the industry's most influential minds together in Seattle on September 8 to explore the future of the mobile industry. Get thinking about the big-picture issues that define what mobile is (and will be), and network with a "Who’s Who" of the mobile industry.

What are the user experiences and use cases that will drive positive results? What are the challenges and opportunities that face us as we seek answers and solutions? These are just a few of the questions this all-day event will debate and

In brief: The Carnival is up (again) at MSG with a selection of solid posts that ask some tough questions. Topics include: The math that spells trouble for app developers; the issues handset makers face as they strive for differentiation on Android; connecting the dots in recent carrier comments; bad mobile advertising that should have us thinking; and good mobile outreach that raises awareness about prostrate cancer.

I'm pleased that my calls for posts and hosts via Twitter (@COTMobilists) have encouraged new activity and interest in the Carnival. This is reflected in the number of submissions I received this week and the offers from Mobilists to take the helm and host the COM. Thanks to Steve Litchfield over at allaboutsymbian.com, who will host later in July. There are more slots open, so check out the calendar and pick your date to host soonest.

In brief: A look at the key takeaways from a recent AIME conference dedicated to empowering the charitable sector with mobile and an update of last week's mobile campaign raising awareness about prostrate cancer in men and powered by mobile barcodes.

Regular readers will recall that MSG was a media sponsor of a full-day seminar entitled Empowering the Charitable Sector with Interactive Technology and organized by AIME. The tremendous industry response to the event has now led to the formation of a Charity and Interactive Tech Special Interest Group, spearheaded by AIME, to help drive further improvements in the value chain and encourage more charitable organizations to tap into this rich seam of revenue and communications. A round of thanks to Andrew Darling, AIME Event Chairman and Director of Communications, for organizing this excellent event and for providing MSG with the following learnings and observations.

In brief: The Carnival is up at MSG with a balanced mix of must-read posts and rants. Topics include: Apple's reign, Android's gain, video how-to, SMS voting and a campaign that could have been in Slovakia.

Thanks to Communities Dominate Brands we get a great update on the numbers that play in the zero-sum game involving smartphone makers worldwide. As the inimitable Tomi Ahonen sees it, it's a bloodbath – and he has the stats to back it up. It's a meaty, must-read post that recounts shipments and sales by all the major players. It also claims "Apple's market share has indeed peaked and we'll see gradual market share decline for this year 2010 compared to 2009." Is Tomi right? Read on, find out… (and bookmark!)

In brief: Today we continue the shout out for MLOVE with Nick Heller, who is responsible for New Business Development across EMEA at Google. Listen in to his take on mobile, information access, location and where the NEXT Google might come from.

What's next in mobile? MLOVE, a multidisciplinary event with a strong emphasis on mobile, promised to give us all a glimpse into the future of mobile and insights into the great ideas and biz models that can bubble up when artists, entrepreneurs, academics and executives brainstorm in a castle near Berlin. TED meets Burning Man? Maybe… But if you want to find out for yourself – then register for MLOVE at MLOVE.com – and take advantage of the 20 percent discount MSearchGroove offers as a media partner for the event.