Bill Day's Blog

Wireless Recap, March 2004

Today I'm kicking off a new regular feature in my blog. Each month I'll link to items from my java.net and BillDay.com blogs that I think every Java developer, or at least every wireless Java developer, should know from the preceding month's wireless and mobility related news, presentations, and technical information.

Diving right in, top wireless stories and resources from March 2004 included:

• The Java Verified program ramped up and discussion began on java.net
• Nokia, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson announced a number of new devices at CeBIT, CTIA, and elsewhere. Among the more interesting J2ME handsets: A music oriented Motorola Linux phone capable of using 1GB SD memory cards and Nokia's first megapixel cellcam, the 7610.
• In late March at its Annual General Meeting, Nokia promised 40 new handsets in 2004. Some analysts theorized the timing of this announcement was in response to criticism that Nokia's CeBIT announcements were a bit weak.
• From the research front: Philips announced a camera lens that focuses using fluids, similar to a human eye. Watch for variable length focus lenses to start appearing in cellcams in the not too distant future.
• From the mobile OS front: Nokia anounced several pieces of Series 60 related news including Series60.com and LG Electronics' licensing of Series 60 for upcoming LG Symbian phones. I also linked to several Series 60 resources that should prove helpful for many Symbian/Series 60 users.
• I posted slides for my "Migrating Wireless Applications to MIDP 2.0, WMA, and MMA" talk. Watch for an announcement on java.net once the webcast of this presentation is available.
• Answered a reader question on OTA MIDlet installation on PalmOS devices. Now that palmOne has officially released its J2ME implementation for end users, hopefully we'll see a continued increase in Java development for Palm powered smartphones and PDAs.
• Forbes.com carried a Reuters article on ”Global camera phone sales in 2003” that’s worth reading, both for the obvious and the not-so-obvious-but-more-interesting stats.

Ending this recap with news from the "fun stuff" front: This looks to be the year of wireless baseball. Major League stadiums are starting to go WiFi, and in honor of a major league deal between MLB.com and Sun, free "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" ringtones are available for the taking. Play ball, wireless fans!

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