I'm working on a wireless application that will use camera. While I am coding in China, another guy is testing on the other side of the planet.
 
In China, I can install ANY application on my phone. But the American guy is not so lucky. He can't install the application because: 1, it will access camera. 2, it's unsigned (created by unknown people).
 
"So we pay $400 per year to get a Verisign cert for Sprint? Why?"
"To access camera is a restricted API for Sprint Nextel."

 

What a free country! I have to pay for MY camera,

 

That's the funny part. And it's not the end of the story. My colleague couldn't install the application even after it was signed. He had to manually register his phone on Sprint's website to have it installed.

 

To be frank, I actually think the limitation is kind of reasonable. Because it's not ME want to access MY camera, but a SOFTWARE want to access a CUSTOMER's camera, so it involves privacy and security. I guess we still have to register online because the signed application is not verified by Sprint. I asked my colleague to test if he can install unsigned version on his registered phone, but I was ignored.

 

This limitation has its pro and con. The pro is the customer might be safer. The con is it's not good for the innovation.

 

What's your opinion?

 

Tag:  Sprint MIDP2.0

China Mobile accquired 19.9% stock option in Phoenix TV and became the 2nd largest stakeholder. Earlier this year, China Mobile announced its strategy shifting from "Wireless Communication Expert" to "Wireless Information Expert".

While I was waiting for my elevator, I noticed new China Mobile ads on Focus Media. The slogan has changed from "China Mobile, wireless communication specialist" to "China Mobile, wireless information specialist".

It's a clear sign that China Mobile has changed its strategy and will reach out the information infrastructure and content. This is an important step before 3G licenses are issued.

 

Update:

China Mobile is testing PUSHE-mail bussiness.

 

Off topic:

The Ads industry is promising.

 

Tag: wireless ads