wireless

J2ME or Java Micro Edition (also known as JavaME) can be said to be phenomenally successful. It has been shipped across major manufacturers’ devices (100+million I think). It has enjoyed popularity for almost 3 years now, in existence for around 5 years.

But J2ME doesn’t exactly reflect the vision of the Java Platform in the true sense .As someone said, Write once, compile once, run anywhere is anything but a bad joke in J2ME. And for those who tried writing J2ME applications, tool support, productivity and user interfaces that get generated isn’t exactly even close to exciting. Most rich mobile applications are built on custom UI’s that are built specifically for applications. Mophun & BREW 3D apps are overshadowing J2ME’s own JSR 184 API for Mobile 3D graphics.

Skype offers free calling
Skype just launched a FREE calling for its US users to call within US & Canada. Yes, you heard me right, FREE. Local landline calls (i think) within the US are generally free, adding mobile within that takes it to another dimension !

Got a WIFI / 3G enabled PDA with skype (though very very few such devices are actually available and sold) and you have an almost nill telephone bill for local calling.

Though skype will never be able to pull that off in India & some other countries which desperately need these kind of facilities, it will be another telecom revolution if such a facility is indeed available. Imagine calling your friends anywhere across the world for RS 1 for 3 minutes (Rs 20 is the standard browsing charge for a high quality broadband at a net centre) from India !..

After a well spent day with Internet and Mobile luminaries on Day 1 of IAMAI - Digital Summit, Day 2 too was packed with exciting speakers with exciting content.

Following were the key highlights of Day 2

Session 1: Integrating Online into the Traditional Media Mix:

Online marketing has evolved in the US, which earns 50 percent of its revenue from online advertisements and sales. India, in comparison is yet to tap the opportunities available on online advertising and marketing. India is a very young country, and the marketers will have to tap the youth market to promote online advertising. There is a need for adequate broadband to help the online advertising industry grow, panelists of this session unanimously felt.

My colleague Manish Nakar and myself are attending this 2 day event addressed my luminiaries from the Indian E-commerce Industry at Hotel Grand Maratha in
Mumbai, organized by IAMAI.

Addressing the keynote session, Union Minister for Communication and
Information Technology, Mr. Dayanidhi Maran, asked MTNL and BSNL to link
cable networks of television viewers in Mumbai and Chennai with phone lines.

Speaking at the Digital Summit, Mr. Maran said, "I have asked MTNL and BSNL
to opt for IPTV. The cable network of the two metros will bE connected to the
phone lines very soon."

The Minister said that server farms of international standards will be set