The Short Names

Motorola’s biggest success to date was when it released the thinnest and sexiest device the world had seen. Since then, the handset-maker has struggled to produce anything like it.

Yesterday, everyone was prepared to see Motorola’s latest form factor that would bring it back from the brink. Instead, what we got was an announcement about an innovative new user interface, or skin, that runs on top of the Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Android operating system. In fact, the big unveiling had little to do with the hardware, and in many ways, the upcoming CLIQ phone looks like any smartphone with a slide-out Qwerty keyboard. The interesting stuff is the Blur technology running under the hood.

This marks a huge cultural shift for the company, which in the past has always been driven by hardware design. While we didn’t get the entire story, the picture we gleaned during yesterday’s announcement and during a hands-on demo showed that much of transformation had to do with new Motorola (NYSE: MOT) management—and leveraging assets the company already had.

When Sanjay Jha was appointed CEO of mobile devices, he fast tracked a project being worked on by former employees from Good Technology, an enterprise email service that Motorola acquired, and then sold off in February. So, while other divisions back in Illinois were slashing staff, the Sunnyvale office was quietly picking up employees from Apple and Google in what has become a long two and a half year process to get to market. Rick Osterloh, Motorola’s VP of Product Development for Android Products, couldn’t help but talk about the project, which had been kept under tight wraps for the past year so well. He said it originated with Jha, who was interested in what the former Good employees were working on. “He liked what he saw and he gave it resources.”

Jha explained the importance of BLUR to GigaOm’s Om Malik at Mobilize and how it compares to Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry. He said the platform melds Apple’s idea of having access to tons of applications with BlackBerry’s niche of integrating the apps—like email—deeply into the phone. Together, they have the apps and the integration: “The iPhone has one, BlackBerry has the other, but we have combined them in a meaningful way for social networking.”

Essentially, the BLUR technology enables users to get all of their messages, status updates and other social networking components pushed to them. Motorola’s director of product marketing Dan Rudolph told me during a demo at San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art that in order to accomplish this, there’s a lot of server-side technologies playing a role. All of the messages are compressed and then sent to the device. The process should help save on bandwidth and battery life, while the consumer will have all the information without having to go out and retrieve it.

Osterloh said the original idea stretches back as far as 2007 when Facebook and MySpace were just taking off. “We had all these people from Good…we thought we could really solve something.” He said the two keys were that messaging services on devices had gotten complicated. (Users had multiple email addresses and also SMS and MMS.) The other thing they looked at was making a consumer-friendly service that would be used by people who didn’t have support from an IT staff at work. “We redid everything. It was focused on business and this is 100 percent focused on the consumer.”

Some of the key services include an online portal, where users could log in and manage their device. If it’s lost, they can ping it and see where it’s located on a map. If it’s been stolen, they can wipe off all of their information and data. Likewise, if you get a new phone, all you would have to do is re-enter a BLUR user name and password and all of the consumer’s settings and preferences would be restored from the wallpaper to which widgets it has on the home screen—a significant time saver. Osterloh: “There was a big hole between what was happening with applications and what was happening with services on the BlackBerry. We see that there’s a need for both…The strategic part is the BLUR part.”

Motorola’s strong software platform may have increased its chances of making a comeback. But form factor is important, too. And, so far, it’s something that’s been neglected on the Google Android platform. To date, most of the devices are bulky, and while some have gotten sleeker, nothing still compares to the iPhone. Motorola’s new CLIQ also falls into this category. While solid and full of the latest hardware, it too is large and strays from Moto’s design background. INQ Mobile’s CEO Frank Meehan announced yesterday that his company was going to start building phones on Google Android’s OS, but pointed to one of the challenges with the platform: “Currently, Android phones on networks that are selling against the iPhone have not performed well. You need to get the experience better.”

So far, Motorola has announced that its first handsets will be sold via T-Mobile in the U.S. and also Orange, Telefonica (NYSE: TEF) and America Movil. How will it do? We’ll have to wait and see.

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) has purchased Plum, a platform used to create private social networks. In a brief statement, the mobile giant said little about its plans for the startup, noting only that the company would “complement Nokia’s Social Location services.”

But Nokia said just last week that it was looking at buying small technology companies with talented teams that were developing services that it could later offer. Nokia also purchased social networking software company Cellity in late July—and promptly shut down that service.

In a blog post announcing the sale, Plum founder Hans Peter said he could not talk about what his company would do under Nokia but said that its service continued to “operate unchanged.”

With Plum, users create private social networks, where they can share updates, links, and photos with small groups of friends or co-workers. The company also makes its social networking platform available to third-party websites, which use it under their own brand names. Among the sites that use it: i-Concerts, travel site ViaMichelin, and travel search engine Mobissimo.

Financial terms were not released. Plum is backed by Vulcan Capital and Levensohn Venture Partners. Release.

Related

• Nokia Acquires Cellity’s Social Network And Shuts It Down
• Nokia Opens Up Maps To Developers; Adjusts M&A Strategy And Addresses U.S. Market Concerns

This is the moment in which Motorola (NYSE: MOT) shows us whether they have what it takes to turn the company around.

At GigaOm’s Mobilize in San Francisco today, Motorola’s CEO of Mobile Devices Sanjay Jha took the stage in front of a packed and energized auditorium, to say its answer to its problems is “Moto Blur,” a social-networking platform that the company has developed to run on top of the Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Android operating system. The first phone will be the Motorola CLIQ, which will be sold exclusively by T-Mobile USA. Jha: “The Android operating system gives us the platform to mobilize the internet. The bottom line is that it’s a modern, well-architected platform written from the ground up.” (Release.)

T-Mobile’s Cole Brodman joined Jha to announce that they will sell the phone exclusively starting in the fourth quarter. No word on how much it will cost. “Our customers are used to seeing innovation from T-Mobile and getting the must-have devices.” He stressed the network will be prepared to handle the additional traffic the device uses, which might become a determining factor going forward as consumers use data and weigh down networks. “Our network is equipped to handle increase in traffic. We have spent $9 billion on the network in the last four years. We have a modern 3G network that will reach 200 million people in the U.S. and reach 250 cities. It is a great time to be introducing a product like this.”

More on how BLUR works after the jump…

The Moto Blur concept aggregates all of your social networks, and then distributes the information into various widgets that are available on the phone’s home screen. Messages get one bucket and status updates in another. The address book also draws from all the networks, providing options for how you contact someone—via SMS, Twitter, email, etc. The phone is linked to a portal online that allows people to track a phone when its lost or from there you can wipe it clean. A user online only has to log back in to a device with a username and password to pick up where they left off.

Pricing for the device was not announced and its unclear what kind of data plan it will require, or whether there’s additional costs involved for the online back-up (Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) charges for a similar service, called MobileMe.). Clearly, the starting price for smartphones as of recently is $200, so to even have a chance at being competitive, Motorola will have to beat that—and better yet, they should beat it.

After the initial announcement this morning, Jha explained in a chat with GigaOm’s Om Malik the idea behind BLUR in terms we understand today—Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry. He said the platform melds Apple’s idea of having access to tons of applications with BlackBerry’s niche of integrating the apps—like email—deeply into the phone. Together, they have the apps and the tight integration. “The iPhone has one, BlackBerry has the other, but we have combined them in a meaningful way for social networking.”

A similar Motorola phone called DEXT will also be distributed internationally with Orange in the UK, Telefonica (NYSE: TEF) in Spain and America Movil in Latin America. Motorola will not stop there. Jha said a second Android phone using Blur will be announced shortly and will be launched in time for the holidays.

I’m currently en route to Facebook’s Mobile Media Mixer in Palo Alto, and what should happen to appear in the Android Market? The social networking company has finally launched its first application for the Google (NSDQ: GOOG) mobile-phone operating system.

So far, it sounds like a fairly simple application with initial feedback calling it more of a Twitter client, and many saying it’s light on features. The one noteworthy feature is the widget, which provides information directly on the homescreen. It is apparently gigantic and nearly takes up two-thirds of the page, reports AndroidandMe.com.

I’m sure I’ll hear more about it this evening, so I can provide an update later. UPDATE: Just met a handful of the 15-or-so people from the Facebook Mobile team on the company’s rooftop deck. Head of Mobile Henri Moissinac talked about the company’s momentum in mobile. Last week, they announced they have 65 million active monthly mobile users, and that’s mostly before updating the recent iPhone app, launching the Android app and adding location-based services to Nokia’s Ovi app. He said the momentum will continue with two new applications for devices coming soon. The reason for the company’s interest in mobile is clear: they say users are two times more engaged with Facebook if they use a mobile version.

The Facebook Android app does a good job at what Android does well. It alerts you to new comments on the Android notification drop-down window. It also allows you to click on a link from a browser and send it to your Facebook page—without ever loading the app. Pictures are also easily uploaded. The widget is big, but it does allow you to see the most recent status updates and place a call without loading the heftier version. However, as the critics have already said, it’s light on features—but the team promises more in future generations.

This is truly shaping up to be a big week for Android. First, the Facebook app launches, which is important because it has been one of the most popular downloads on other devices, such as the BlackBerry. And on Thursday we’ll hear more from Motorola (NYSE: MOT) at GigaOm’s Mobilize about its Android strategy.

 

 

WWW.CMAI.ASIA

Press Release

 

Venugopal N Dhoot appointed Chairman CMAI

    Ravi Sharma is Executive Chairman

 

CMAI  announces new appointments

 

Communications and Manufacturing Association of India (www.cmai.asia) announced appointment of  Sri Venugopal  N Dhoot as its Chairman and Sri Ravi Sharma as its Executive Chairman .

 

CMAI, is a Telecom Industry Association  working for the Telecom sector as a whole representing all stake holders including Operators , Manufacturers , Infrastructure providers and operators , System Integrators , Value Added Services providers  etc.  CMAI  is the only association of its kind having an integrated approach and covering all segments  and technologies related with Telecom Sector in India .

 

CMAI  has signed  more than 30 MOU with different countries and associations including associations in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Morocco, France and with  IEEE USA, CEA USA, CTO UK, IETE India, Cambridge Wireless UK and  East of England UK.

 

On this occasion Mr. Dhoot said , ” India always needed a Telecom association , which represents  all stakeholders of  Indian Telecom Industry together and  CMAI perfectly fits in that role . I feel honored in assuming the responsibility of CMAI  Chairman . I am also happy to announce the appointment of Sri Ravi Sharma as Executive Chairman. We shall work together with all stake holders for further enhancing the image of Indian Telecom sector.”

 

E 24 SF, GK II Enclave, New Delhi 110048 : Tel:41638766  Website: www.cmai.asia  Cell: +919811129879

 

 

About CMAI

 

Communications and Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI), a professional registered association, is involved in policy formulations with Government and other stake holders for technology innovations, indigenous manufacturing and communications sector and for policies concerning environmental, pollution and health. It cultivates generally good values in public and general awareness and protection in the field of health effects, synthetic and polluted environment and also the significance of natural environment and rural areas as a whole in an integrated way and manner and global peace. CMAI was actively involved in telecom policies for 3G, spectrum, licensing etc. CMAI provides a forum where telecommunications companies can unite to advance the industry’s concerns and provides exceptional value through advocacy and business opportunities, networking and continuous interaction with Government, Telecom operators and manufacturers and opinion makers.

 

CMAI Activities

 

CMAI organizes several events, delegations across telecom and IT sector. CMAI is the only association in India having more than 30 MOU with different countries and associations including IEEE USA , CEA USA , CTO UK , IETE India, Cambridge Wireless UK , East of England UK. CMAI also has MOU with associations in China , Japan , Korea , Taiwan , Canada , Singapore , Malaysia , South Africa , Slovakia , Uzbekistan , Morocco , France and various Indian associations.

 

Recently on 24^th July, 2009 CMAI with Business World INFOCOM announced National Telecom Awards, 2009, which were presented by Sh. Gurudas Kamat, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and IT along with Dr JS Sarma, Chairman TRAI and Sh. Sidharth Behura, Secretary DOT. The program was attended by about 850 delegates.

 

CMAI regularly takes part in Exhibitions and trade delegations for Korea , Taiwan , China , Japan , Bangkok , Singapore , USA , and UK etc. CMAI offers complimentary exhibition space as also participation in delegations. CMAI is also publishing with IKBPF a monthly magazine in Korea Asia Pacific Business and Technology.

 

www.cmai.asia

 

Contact Details : NK Goyal , President CMAI

nkgoyals@yahoo.co.in, cmai.imf@gmail.com , +91 98 111 29879

  

 

Sri  Venugopal N Dhoot

 

 

Shri Dhoot is Chairman of Videocon Industries Ltd. Mr. Dhoot is a renouned businessman and has held several positions in the Industry forums including ASSOCHAM , where Mr. Dhoot was president in year 2008.

 

Videocon is a conglomerate across the verticals of consumer electronics and home appliances, office automation, telecom, power, crude oil and natural gas. Videocon’s major breakthrough came when it received one of the first licenses to manufacture color televisions in India in the early 80’s. The company has now become the largest manufacturer of color picture tubes and CPT glasses in the world, with operations across Mexico , Italy , Poland , China and India .

Armed with an uncanny foresight and a global outlook, Mr. Dhoot has successfully acquired the color picture tube operations of the Thomson Group and the Indian operations of AB Electrolux, Sweden thereby enhancing its capabilities in both India and overseas. He has led Videocon to foray into exploration and production of Oil business in India and participated in a JV in the Ravva Oil Fields and recently acquired Brazil ’s Encana Brazil Petroleo Limitada jointly with BPCL.

Mr. Dhoot has a vision to lead Videocon and make it a Fortune 500 company in the next five years. The company intends to launch its mobile services on pan India basis targeting large subscribers in the next four years. Videocon strategies to strengthen its focus in oil and natural gas and, is pursuing opportunities in Oman , Australia and Timor Sea near Indonesia .

 

With his passion to make a powerful social impact, Mr. Dhoot has established a charitable hospital specializing in cancer and heart surgery for the underprivileged people. 

 

 

Sri Ravi Sharma

 

Ravi Sharma  is an accomplished Professional having Over  10 years as CEO  and a total of 25 years experience at policy as well as  operational level with Telecom and  Satellite Industry in India and Asia . He is Founder & CEO of Phi Televentures with an objective to be “Angel Partners” of MNCs , VCs and PEs in India .

Ravi had held various responsibilities in sales, corporate strategy, customer support, project, business development and general management before becoming one of the youngest CEOs of Telecom MNC in India at the age of 37 years.

Before founding Phi Televentures , Ravi was CEO of Datacom, a company having pan India license to Operate GSM services.

Prior to Datacom , as CEO of Alcatel-Lucent in South Asia, Ravi was instrumental in turning around the company and achieving over 20 times business growth in 4 years thus making it one of the largest equipment suppliers in India .

Ravi has also worked with Europe *Star – A satellite JV of Alcatel and Loral, BT and UB Group. From starting up a new Indian company (The UB Group’s Telecom venture) to starting up Indian operations of MNCs (BT and Europe*Star) and from Joint Venture creation(UB Goldmine, Bharti BT  and Alcatel’s Wimax JV) to turnaround of a company (Alcatel South Asia), Ravi has worked with entire spectrum of Telecom and Broadcasting spectrum .

An IIT alumnus with a Masters in Business Administration, Ravi has also been a state level Sportsman (Badminton), key member of Dramatics team at University, Student Editor of University Magazine and a TV presenter of a National TV channel.

 

Regards

 

N K Goyal
President Communications & Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI)
Member Governing Council, Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council, Govt. of India
Director NFL  National Fertilizers Ltd., Govt. of India
Chairman India Trade Promotion Services, Dubai UAE