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Until now much of the discussion around app store platforms and developer communities has been a technical one focused on primarily on APIs (which ones to open to third-party developers when and why), toolchains and toolkits (the optimal level of integration and how to achieve it) and development costs (value for money and how to

U.S. MOBILE DATA REVENUES ROSE 31 PERCENT in the first half of 2009 compared to the previous year, according to trade group CTIA’s latest semi-annual industry survey. Data accounted for more than a quarter of all wireless service revenues, ringing up $19.4 billion in the first six months of the year. CTIA also says that 740 billion text messages went across U.S. operators’ networks in the timeframe, double the number

41 PERCENT OF CONSUMERS WILL MAKE SMART PHONES their next device, according to Yankee Group research. The report also reveals that trends within the smartphone ecosystem are shifting the balance of power between equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and operators. Yankee further suggests smartphones are the most competitive battleground in wireless today, and predicts U.S. penetration will reach 38 percent by 2013. More competitive device entrants, tighter budgets, and increased consumer expectations are factors that will force OEMs and operators to collaborate in order to grow. Source The bottom line: The proliferation of full-featured handsets and the advance of payment mechanisms (other than the ones operators offer) have created some tension, making this an interesting space to watch. It's also worth pointing out that, while 41 percent will choose smartphones, the majority (59 percent) of consumers are not going for smartphones as their next device, nor may they even care to upgrade. *** IDLE SCREEN TECHNOLOGY ENGAGES 82 PERCENT IN TRIAL by Celltick's LiveScreen Media platform. The Telefonica mobile operators group announced the launch of an innovative idle screen marketing solution, Livescreen Media, which broadcasts news, sports, business, entertainment and lifestyle teasers - as well as advertising messages directly to the mobile idle-screens. Movistar, the Mobile Phone Company from the Telefonica Group, tested the service as part of a six-month trial in Mar del Plata, Argentina, involving around 5,000 customers, and results showed 82 percent of users engaged with the new communication channel on the idle screen. The platform is also able to segment users based on location, handset type and areas of interest which are generated from tracking user response to idle screen messages. Revenue is generated from content downloads, subscription services and advertising fees. Source