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AT&T unveils powerful web-based parental control feature for wireless service

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att.jpgAT&T Inc. announced an innovative new web-based feature that allows parents to stay in touch with their children while controlling the children’s mobile phone use. AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless is a feature-rich service that allows a parent to set usage limits on a child’s talk time, text messages, instant messages and downloads, manage how and when a child can communicate, restrict access to mobile Web sites and allocate minutes among users of shared wireless plans. Parents also have the flexibility to go online and change the limits at any time.

“AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless enables parents to provide their children with the safety and convenience of wireless service while setting sensible boundaries for its use,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer for AT&T’s wireless unit. “AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless gives parents peace of mind in knowing they will be able to keep in touch with their children but will avoid unexpected overage charges on their bill.”

Originally posted on September 4, 2007 @ 11:08 am

Glu launches classic Atari game for mobile

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viewmedia.jpgGlu Mobile Inc., a major publisher of mobile games, today announced the launch of the classic Atari arcade hit Asteroids, for mobile phones. The original arcade game released by Atari in 1979 is among the most recognized and successful arcade games of all time. 28 years later, the classic retro space shooter has been reinvented specifically for the mobile platform, with all new enhancements including innovative new themes, bonuses and gameplay modes, as well as “classic mode” which gives gamers the gameplay and graphics true to the original game.

“Asteroids captures the timeless energy and addictive gameplay of the original arcade game, a true reminder of the hours spent at the arcade, but also gives gamers completely new themes, gameplay and graphics that take advantage of today’s technology,” said Jill Braff, senior vice president of global publishing, Glu. “Gamers young and old love retro arcade classics like this one and people will be pleasantly surprised by the game’s modern depth and sophistication.”

Originally posted on September 4, 2007 @ 10:39 am

Ovi, the door to Nokia’s Internet services, launches

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ovi.jpgNokia today introduced Ovi, the company’s new Internet services brand name. With the introduction of Ovi, Nokia is expanding from a focus on mobile devices to offering a range of Internet services. Ovi, meaning ‘door’ in Finnish, enables consumers to easily access their existing social network, communities and content, as well as acting as a gateway to Nokia services.

As part of Ovi, Nokia announced the Nokia Music Store and N-Gage, two services that make it easy for people to discover, try and buy music and games from a blockbuster range of artists and publishers, including exclusive content only available through Nokia. Also under the Ovi umbrella is Nokia Maps, a navigation service that offers maps, city guides and more directly to compatible mobile devices. Nokia aims to bring more Internet based services to Ovi in the coming months.

Speaking at the Nokia Go Play event in London, Nokia President and Chief Executive Officer Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo presented Ovi and the new Nokia services for consumers, and spoke about the company’s future plans as an Internet company: “The industry is converging towards Internet driven experiences and Ovi represents Nokia’s vision in combining the Internet and mobility. Nokia is the number one mobile device company in the world. Looking into the future, we will deliver great devices, combined with compelling experiences and services, to make it easy for people to unlock the potential of the Internet.”

Originally posted on August 29, 2007 @ 9:55 am

Ripe Digital now on Zannel’s mobile social network

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zannel.jpgZannel, Inc., amobile social network, has partnered with Ripe Digital Entertainment (RDE) to allow fans to easily experience and share their favorite RDE videos and photos on their mobile devices.

“The demand for instant entertainment on mobile phones is at an all-time high and Zannel is dedicated to filling this need with an easy and compelling mobile entertainment experience,” said Adam Zbar, CEO, Zannel. “Ripe’s devoted fan base can now watch their favorite shows on-the-go and share them with their friends at any moment.”

“Zannel provides a perfect demo for Ripe Digital’s highly entertaining programming, and a solid mobile infrastructure,” said Ryan Magnussen, CEO of Ripe Digital Entertainment. “We also look forward to users discussing their favorite Ripe shows with each other via Zannel’s new Instant Media Messaging features.”

Originally posted on August 27, 2007 @ 9:29 am

BigString and podcastGO form email and video alliance

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bigstring.jpgBigString Corporation, which offers a free email service that allows senders to recall, destroy or change emails after they have been sent, announced today that it will be the back-end provider for the new email offering by podcastGO to its users.

Beginning September 3rd, podcastGO’s 2.4 million users will be able to sign-up for a free, podcastgo.com email account, offering all the functionalities that have made BigString a leader in the burgeoning video, recallable, erasable and self-destructing email industry. Conversely, BigString users will be able to gain access and view the hottest podcasts from podcastGO, at BigString.com’s BigFun section.

Users of the new podcastGO private label email will be able to send an embedded video email (up to 10 minutes in length) without the need for the recipient to click on the a link or download the video. Providing another way for the users to interact with each other and share their video podcasts. Another unique email features allow users to remotely erase or modify emails sent to any recipient, designate their emails to be non-forwardable, non-printable and/or non-savable, or opt to have their emails self-destruct after a set amount of time or views. In addition, users will also have the added security to send secure emails via an encrypted, password-protected email system that can only be open via a Secure Socket Layer (SSL).

Originally posted on August 24, 2007 @ 9:48 am