Mobile games to 'tempt women'
Mobile gaming is set to become big business in the next year and the industry is hoping it will attract a different breed of gamers, women.
Aleks Krotoski gets 'very excited' about games
While the games industry is churning out better, brighter games, mobile makers are coming out with more colour-screened handsets on which to play them.
Both sides of the industry are hoping mobiles will drive more women to gaming because they are easy to use.
But games makers still have to break some of the stereotypical ideas about which games will appeal to men and women, say experts.
Better and brighter?
Industry analysts suggest mobile gaming in the UK will be worth more than £50 million in 2003, with that figure rising to more than £211 million by 2006.
With about 75% of the UK population owning a mobile, it is a big market to capture, says Julian Bright of Total Telecom magazine.
"Mobile games providers have access to a huge potential user base of both sexes, but so far there's still only a small proportion of women gamers," he told BBC News Online.
More -> BBC Online
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Monday, September 29, 2003
MMO2 cheaper calls fear
Loss-making mobile telecom operator MMO2 has warned sales growth will slow significantly as new call charges imposed by telecoms regulator Oftel kick in.
In a trading statement issued on Monday, the UK's fourth largest mobile telecoms operator reported strong growth in customer numbers and revenue in the past three months.
But it said the cheaper call charges imposed by Oftel will impact on its turnover in the second half of its financial year.
Earlier this year, MMO2 reported record losses of ?10.2bn - after massively overpaying for third generation licences at the height of the telecoms boom.
More -> BBC Online
Loss-making mobile telecom operator MMO2 has warned sales growth will slow significantly as new call charges imposed by telecoms regulator Oftel kick in.
In a trading statement issued on Monday, the UK's fourth largest mobile telecoms operator reported strong growth in customer numbers and revenue in the past three months.
But it said the cheaper call charges imposed by Oftel will impact on its turnover in the second half of its financial year.
Earlier this year, MMO2 reported record losses of ?10.2bn - after massively overpaying for third generation licences at the height of the telecoms boom.
More -> BBC Online
Friday, September 26, 2003
Turning mobiles into walkie-talkies
New "push-to-talk" services that turn mobile phones into walkie-talkies with unlimited range could soon make text messaging obsolete.
The services let users choose a recipient from an instant messenger-style "buddy list" on their phone screen, press a key and start talking.
The message, which can be up to 30 seconds long, comes out through the recipient's mobile's loudspeaker almost instantaneously.
Push-to-talk has proved immensely popular in the United States, and Nextel, the mobile phone operator which dominates the US push-to-talk market, has 12 million customers for its service.
More > BBC Online
New "push-to-talk" services that turn mobile phones into walkie-talkies with unlimited range could soon make text messaging obsolete.
The services let users choose a recipient from an instant messenger-style "buddy list" on their phone screen, press a key and start talking.
The message, which can be up to 30 seconds long, comes out through the recipient's mobile's loudspeaker almost instantaneously.
Push-to-talk has proved immensely popular in the United States, and Nextel, the mobile phone operator which dominates the US push-to-talk market, has 12 million customers for its service.
More > BBC Online
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
AT&T Rolls Out Cross-border SMS
AT&T Wireless has rolled out international text messaging capabilities that will allow its subscribers to communicate with colleagues, friends and loved ones around the globe.
The service has been rolled out in approximately a dozen countries, including China, Germany and the United Kingdom. AT&T Wireless said it expects to bring on some 200 carriers in 100 countries in the months ahead.
While the implications for marketers were not immediately clear, cross-border interoperability may eventually open the wireless channel to communications programs of a global nature. If more carriers begin offering similar overseas SMS compatibility, there may be an opportunity for international viral or branding campaigns.
AT&T Wireless has rolled out international text messaging capabilities that will allow its subscribers to communicate with colleagues, friends and loved ones around the globe.
The service has been rolled out in approximately a dozen countries, including China, Germany and the United Kingdom. AT&T Wireless said it expects to bring on some 200 carriers in 100 countries in the months ahead.
While the implications for marketers were not immediately clear, cross-border interoperability may eventually open the wireless channel to communications programs of a global nature. If more carriers begin offering similar overseas SMS compatibility, there may be an opportunity for international viral or branding campaigns.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Nvidia Unleashes Chip On Handheld Sector
The ink is barely dry on its acquisition deal with MediaQ Inc., but Nvidia Corp. is wasting no time getting into the wireless sector. The chip designer has released its first graphics chip for the handheld device market.
The first product out of the gate from its new GoForce product line is the GoForce 2150 handheld media processor, which is designed to make handhelds with integrated digital cameras better at delivering high-resolution picture capture and motion JPEG video capture. Key features include, a 64-bit 2D graphics accelerator, embedded memory for LCD frame buffer and flexible CPU interface.
Nvidia says it has done its research and knows that the camera phone segment will continue to grow over the next several years. Handset manufacturers are turning to high-resolution megapixel cameras to differentiate their designs, according to multimedia and graphics research firm Jon Peddie Research. .......
More
The ink is barely dry on its acquisition deal with MediaQ Inc., but Nvidia Corp. is wasting no time getting into the wireless sector. The chip designer has released its first graphics chip for the handheld device market.
The first product out of the gate from its new GoForce product line is the GoForce 2150 handheld media processor, which is designed to make handhelds with integrated digital cameras better at delivering high-resolution picture capture and motion JPEG video capture. Key features include, a 64-bit 2D graphics accelerator, embedded memory for LCD frame buffer and flexible CPU interface.
Nvidia says it has done its research and knows that the camera phone segment will continue to grow over the next several years. Handset manufacturers are turning to high-resolution megapixel cameras to differentiate their designs, according to multimedia and graphics research firm Jon Peddie Research. .......
More
T-Mobile Gets In The N-Gage Game
T-Mobile is ramping up to unleash Nokia's N-Gage mobile game deck to U.S. buyers. The
wireless service provider will entice users with a free 30-day trial.
In addition to the trial, the deal includes $50 worth of free voice and text messaging. After the trial period expires, gamers can sign an annual contract for a T-Mobile voice plan and, through 2004, get access to unlimited N-Gage wireless gaming services for an additional $9.99 a month.
The N-Gage features a digital music player, stereo FM radio and tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 mobile phone. The device will retail for $299 USD.
Besides being the first to provide the multiplayer gaming service in the United States, T- Mobile will be the exclusive provider of the game decks at Target, Electronics Boutique, Game Stop and Circuit City.
Independent Research Group remains bullish on Nokia's N-Gage device, which is set to make its debut next month. "Nokia forecasts unit sales of 6 million over the next two years, a small number in terms of total sales, but a good barometer of the company's ability to grow outside its core market," analyst Erik Zamkoff said.
T-Mobile is ramping up to unleash Nokia's N-Gage mobile game deck to U.S. buyers. The
wireless service provider will entice users with a free 30-day trial.
In addition to the trial, the deal includes $50 worth of free voice and text messaging. After the trial period expires, gamers can sign an annual contract for a T-Mobile voice plan and, through 2004, get access to unlimited N-Gage wireless gaming services for an additional $9.99 a month.
The N-Gage features a digital music player, stereo FM radio and tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 mobile phone. The device will retail for $299 USD.
Besides being the first to provide the multiplayer gaming service in the United States, T- Mobile will be the exclusive provider of the game decks at Target, Electronics Boutique, Game Stop and Circuit City.
Independent Research Group remains bullish on Nokia's N-Gage device, which is set to make its debut next month. "Nokia forecasts unit sales of 6 million over the next two years, a small number in terms of total sales, but a good barometer of the company's ability to grow outside its core market," analyst Erik Zamkoff said.
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Japan leads mobile game craze
Game makers have been offered a glimpse of the latest in games for mobile phones, with insights into the sort of things keeping Japanese thumbs busy.
They include virtual pets which are fed by photos, pronunciation puzzles and games that are the quality of PlayStation One titles.
"The Japanese market is years ahead of Europe and the US," explained David Collier of Namco, one of the most successful Japanese mobile game publishers.
The games currently popular on mobiles in Japan hint at the sort of thing you could be playing on your phone in the future. He told his audience of industry professionals that the quality of the games was improving all the time, as handsets pack more and more computing power.
One of the games on show was the console racing title, Ridge Racer, which has been adapted for the mobile.
"You now have a PlayStation One game running on a mass market handset in Japan, delivering a fully interactive 3D game," said Mr Collier.
But gamers are being asked to pay a premium for such high quality games. Ridge Racer is being sold in Japan for $11, about double the price of other titles.
More -> BBC Online
Game makers have been offered a glimpse of the latest in games for mobile phones, with insights into the sort of things keeping Japanese thumbs busy.
They include virtual pets which are fed by photos, pronunciation puzzles and games that are the quality of PlayStation One titles.
"The Japanese market is years ahead of Europe and the US," explained David Collier of Namco, one of the most successful Japanese mobile game publishers.
The games currently popular on mobiles in Japan hint at the sort of thing you could be playing on your phone in the future. He told his audience of industry professionals that the quality of the games was improving all the time, as handsets pack more and more computing power.
One of the games on show was the console racing title, Ridge Racer, which has been adapted for the mobile.
"You now have a PlayStation One game running on a mass market handset in Japan, delivering a fully interactive 3D game," said Mr Collier.
But gamers are being asked to pay a premium for such high quality games. Ridge Racer is being sold in Japan for $11, about double the price of other titles.
More -> BBC Online
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Text messages play games with TV
Your TV and mobile are coming closer together, with game shows played by text message set to grow, say experts. Voting via SMS is already immensely popular in programmes such as Pop Idol, Fame Academy and Big Brother. But soon you could be shooting, kicking or punching other people on screen over a mobile handset.
"We want to react to what happens on TV and SMS acts as a form of communication," said new media consultant Ashley Smith.
There already are shows in Finland, the Philippines and Poland where people can become part of the action on screen.
"But you have to be creative. You have to think beyond votes," he told the Game Developers Conference currently being held in London.
"We might see the mobile device influence what you see on the TV," said Mr Smith, who is part of the new media consultancy Van Dusseldorp. He pointed to the success of multiplayer TV games such as WaterWar in Finland. The programme is shown in the afternoon on a small youth channel which has between 5,000 and 10,000 viewers. In the game, two teams battle each other for a few minutes using water pistols. A player sends instructions to their character in a text message.
Up to 50 people are playing at any one time, with others waiting in the wings to join in.
Despite its niche appeal, the show has provided a lucrative source of revenue for the TV channel. Mr Smith said the average player sent 26 texts at a cost of around 50 pence each.
More -> BBC Online
Your TV and mobile are coming closer together, with game shows played by text message set to grow, say experts. Voting via SMS is already immensely popular in programmes such as Pop Idol, Fame Academy and Big Brother. But soon you could be shooting, kicking or punching other people on screen over a mobile handset.
"We want to react to what happens on TV and SMS acts as a form of communication," said new media consultant Ashley Smith.
There already are shows in Finland, the Philippines and Poland where people can become part of the action on screen.
"But you have to be creative. You have to think beyond votes," he told the Game Developers Conference currently being held in London.
"We might see the mobile device influence what you see on the TV," said Mr Smith, who is part of the new media consultancy Van Dusseldorp. He pointed to the success of multiplayer TV games such as WaterWar in Finland. The programme is shown in the afternoon on a small youth channel which has between 5,000 and 10,000 viewers. In the game, two teams battle each other for a few minutes using water pistols. A player sends instructions to their character in a text message.
Up to 50 people are playing at any one time, with others waiting in the wings to join in.
Despite its niche appeal, the show has provided a lucrative source of revenue for the TV channel. Mr Smith said the average player sent 26 texts at a cost of around 50 pence each.
More -> BBC Online
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Mobile gaming 'set to explode'
People are going to be spending millions of pounds to play games on their mobiles by next year, say experts. Mobile gaming is seen by many as the next big thing, as phones become more powerful and come with colour screens.
"This has been a very good year for mobile gaming," said games consultant Robert Tercek.
"With what's happening in Asia, Europe and North America, we're well on track towards a billion dollar market in 2004," he said.
People are going to be spending millions of pounds to play games on their mobiles by next year, say experts. Mobile gaming is seen by many as the next big thing, as phones become more powerful and come with colour screens.
"This has been a very good year for mobile gaming," said games consultant Robert Tercek.
"With what's happening in Asia, Europe and North America, we're well on track towards a billion dollar market in 2004," he said.
Data vs voice
This is good news for mobile phone companies, which have become increasingly desperate to find ways of getting more money from their subscribers.
They are looking at how to get people to do more with their mobiles.
More -> BBC Online
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Camera phone sales set to rocket
More than 55 million people will soon have a mobile which can do more than just make a call.
Wireless industry analysts ARC Group say users will be seduced by new camera phone features and better multimedia messaging packages by Christmas.
It will mostly be existing rather than new users who drive the demand for better, upgraded handsets.
This almost doubles the current number of those with phones able to take and send pictures.
More BBC Online
More than 55 million people will soon have a mobile which can do more than just make a call.
Wireless industry analysts ARC Group say users will be seduced by new camera phone features and better multimedia messaging packages by Christmas.
It will mostly be existing rather than new users who drive the demand for better, upgraded handsets.
This almost doubles the current number of those with phones able to take and send pictures.
More BBC Online
Monday, August 18, 2003
Mobile video hits Edinburgh Festival
With thousands of shows to choose from, it is not easy picking something to watch during the Edinburgh Festival.
But a new wireless video service is offering visitors a new way to use their mobile phones to sift through what is on offer. Video clips from performers at the festival are available, together with reviews from critics, and festival goers do not need a third-generation mobile phone to watch them.
The service, which is available for free, provides an indicator of how people could interact with large events like this in the future. Mobile networks have been offering reviews and information via text message for some time now, but this service takes that idea one step further.
More --> BBC Online
With thousands of shows to choose from, it is not easy picking something to watch during the Edinburgh Festival.
But a new wireless video service is offering visitors a new way to use their mobile phones to sift through what is on offer. Video clips from performers at the festival are available, together with reviews from critics, and festival goers do not need a third-generation mobile phone to watch them.
The service, which is available for free, provides an indicator of how people could interact with large events like this in the future. Mobile networks have been offering reviews and information via text message for some time now, but this service takes that idea one step further.
More --> BBC Online
Friday, August 15, 2003
U.S. late to join text-messaging party - Americans, however, are ready for next high-tech wave to hit.
For a nation that prides itself on technological leadership, the U.S. was surprisingly late to the text messaging game. But it is making up for lost time.
The number of texts sent in the U.S. is expected to increase dramatically from 8.1 billion messages in 2002, according to technology research group Ovum. Such figures are often disputed and hard to collate, but experts say about one billion texts are sent in the U.S. per month.
The watershed came when AT&T Wireless, the nation’s second-largest mobile phone group by revenues, sponsored text voting for the reality TV series American Idol. More than 7.5 million American Idol-related texts were sent during the contest, and a third of the senders had never texted before. The final was the largest single text-messaging event handled by a mobile phone carrier in the world.
For a nation that prides itself on technological leadership, the U.S. was surprisingly late to the text messaging game. But it is making up for lost time.
The number of texts sent in the U.S. is expected to increase dramatically from 8.1 billion messages in 2002, according to technology research group Ovum. Such figures are often disputed and hard to collate, but experts say about one billion texts are sent in the U.S. per month.
The watershed came when AT&T Wireless, the nation’s second-largest mobile phone group by revenues, sponsored text voting for the reality TV series American Idol. More than 7.5 million American Idol-related texts were sent during the contest, and a third of the senders had never texted before. The final was the largest single text-messaging event handled by a mobile phone carrier in the world.
Half of European Marketers Using SMS
A Forrester survey has found that half of all European direct marketers now use SMS. Incredible as that rate of adoption is, however, the research firm predicted the medium will remain in growth mode for two more years, as usage increases by 50 percent and campaign spending doubles.
Conducted jointly with the Federation of European Direct Marketing, the online survey of direct marketers is the second of its kind -- the first having been taken 18 months ago. Comparing results of the two polls, the market researcher found that in addition to its dramatic rate of adoption, SMS has been picked up by new sectors. Whereas 94 percent of SMS marketers polled in the first study hailed from the telecom or media sectors, today their slice of the pie is only 39 percent.
Additionally, the size of firms deploying the technology is shrinking: Adopters employ 1,500 people on average, and Forrester predicts that future users of SMS will employ 1,100.
A Forrester survey has found that half of all European direct marketers now use SMS. Incredible as that rate of adoption is, however, the research firm predicted the medium will remain in growth mode for two more years, as usage increases by 50 percent and campaign spending doubles.
Conducted jointly with the Federation of European Direct Marketing, the online survey of direct marketers is the second of its kind -- the first having been taken 18 months ago. Comparing results of the two polls, the market researcher found that in addition to its dramatic rate of adoption, SMS has been picked up by new sectors. Whereas 94 percent of SMS marketers polled in the first study hailed from the telecom or media sectors, today their slice of the pie is only 39 percent.
Additionally, the size of firms deploying the technology is shrinking: Adopters employ 1,500 people on average, and Forrester predicts that future users of SMS will employ 1,100.
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