Jun 23, 2008
Motorola unveils 5 megapixel camera phone MOTOZINE ZN5
Motorola, a leader in wireless communications, and Kodak, the world’s foremost imaging innovator, today announced MOTOZINE ZN5, the first product combining world-class innovation from both companies. The MOTOZINE ZN5 combines a high-quality phone and
camera experience to help content-craving consumers seize inspiration and share the content they create and love with the world.
Unveiled today in Beijing at a gallery-inspired event, ZINE ZN5 delivers an easy and immersive mobile imaging experience. ZN5 is the first mobile phone to combine Motorola’s ModeShift Technology and KODAK Imaging Technology. Together, they redefine the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. With KODAK EASYSHARE Software and easy access to KODAK Gallery or other web sharing sites, pictures are easily moved off the device, allowing consumers to print, share and enjoy their favorite photos whenever they want.
“Today’s creative consumers not only want to be the photographer, but also the retoucher, the exhibitor and the critic,” said Jeremy Dale, corporate vice president, mobile devices marketing, Motorola, Inc. “The MOTOZINE ZN5 lets them be all the things they want to be.”
Built to Shoot:
ZN5 puts image capture first, with a high-resolution landscape screen and one of the fastest click-to-click times available. To launch the camera, simply slide open the Kodak lens cover to transform the phone into an ultra-fast 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus, a Xenon flash, 4GB of optional external memory3 and optimized settings for low-light environments.
Built-in KODAK Imaging Technology ensures that every picture taken with ZN5 looks its best. When KODAK Imaging Technology is combined with KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, images become brighter and more vivid on the spot. Multiple capture modes, like multi-shot and panorama, which automatically stitches together continuous shots taken on the horizon line into a single, extended image, makes taking photos fun.
“KODAK Imaging Technology combines Kodak’s unparalleled experience in imaging science with easy connectivity to the company’s vast portfolio of products and services,” said John Blake, general manager digital capture and imaging devices group, vice president Eastman Kodak Company. “We have redefined the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. We have worked closely with Motorola to create a device that not only delivers Kodak-quality pictures, but allows consumers to explore a wide range of options for sharing their photos with friends and family around the world.”
Built to Share:
With one touch, photos can be viewed right from the home screen; no menus, no searching. This multimedia device provides a fun, quick and easy way to share favorite photos. Pictures can be uploaded via Gallery Link in one simple click and instantly shared to the KODAK Gallery to be viewed, stored and shared with friends and family. ShoZu can be used to upload photos to a variety of social networking sites. ZN5 comes with KODAK EASYSHARE Software, the world’s most used photo software, making it easy to organize, edit, share, store and find mobile pictures. Consumers can transfer pictures to a computer via USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless technology and print wirelessly on Bluetooth-compatible KODAK All-in-One Printers and at KODAK Picture Kiosks.
Built to Talk:
In phone mode, ZN5 features Motorola’s patented CrystalTalk technology to help callers hear and be heard, even in noisy environments. With dual compatibility for GSM and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), users can connect in more areas around the world and enjoy high-speed wireless connections to surf the Web via a full HTML browser. To complete the communications experience, ZN5 also supports SMS, MMS, IM and personal e-mail.
The MOTOZINE Multimedia Experience:
MOTOZINE ZN5 is the first device to carry the MOTOZINE franchise name, Motorola’s new label for its multimedia-optimized devices. For the consumer who thrives on content consumption and creation, products in the ZINE portfolio give them the freedom to shape pop culture, on their terms.
MOTOZINE ZN5 will be first available in China in July 2008 and is expected to roll out around the globe throughout the remainder of the year. For more information regarding pricing and product availability in your region, please contact your local Motorola representative.
Source: Infibeam.com
Virgin Mobile USA asks music fans to 'Book the Band' for Festival
The Virgin Mobile Festival, one of the largest music events on the East Coast, has built a reputation for bringing together the world's best bands. This year's festival, which will take place August 9 and 10 in Baltimore, will feature more than 40 acts, including Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots and Bob Dylan.
For the second year in a row, Virgin Mobile USA is letting fans get in on the act of talent selection for this top-flight event. Along with Kyocera Wireless and MySpace, Virgin Mobile USA is once again launching "Book the Band By Virgin Mobile" -- an opportunity for five emerging bands with different sounds to vie for a slot in the Virgin Mobile Festival lineup.
The bands participating in "Book the Band By Virgin Mobile" are:
- AUTOMATIC LOVELETTER, Tampa, FL
- HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, Los Angeles, CA
-THE PARLOR MOB, Red Bank, NJ
- THE VIRGINS, New York, NY
- WE ARE SCIENTISTS, Brooklyn, NY
Band content from each of the five contenders selected by Virgin Mobile USA and festival producer I.M.P. debuts today on the Festival website as well as MySpace website.
Last year's 'Book the Band' was an enormous success, with over a million votes cast," said Ron Faris, director of Brand Development and Partnerships at Virgin Mobile USA. "We're very excited to relive the drama this year by introducing five great break-out artists to our music fans. We can't wait to see who they pick to open the largest music festival on the East Coast."
Fans checking out the videos at Virgin Mobile Festival website will also be able to stream original MP3s, read bios and vote for their favorite band, as well as buy tickets and get additional information about the Festival. Voting will take place through July 21 and the winning band, based on audience voting, will be announced July 24 and then appear at Virgin Mobile Festival on August 10.
Kyocera Wireless, the premier handset sponsor for the Festival for the third consecutive year, is sponsoring 'Book the Band' for the second consecutive year. "Finding the next big talent is all about the fans' response, so let the texting begin," said Gary Peterson, director of branding and advertising at Kyocera Wireless.
Source: Infibeam.com
Jun 20, 2008
Casio to showcase new mobile range at Retail Solutions
Casio will be showcasing their entire range of mobile technology products for the busy retailer at stand E-10 at the forthcoming Retail Solutions show at ExCEL, London. This year Casio's range will be more impressive than ever with a unique range of Casio mobile technology devices.
Casio Electronics are pioneers in mobile computing, providing rugged handheld data terminals for in-store management, retail stock control, transportation and supply chain logistics. The Mobile Technology Division work closely with a network of system integrators/partners to help you to maximise efficiency and cost savings from your mobile data terminal deployment.
Casio's Mobile Technology experts will be on hand to discuss how you can improve the productivity and efficiency of your business using products from the Casio range. Why not come visit the Casio stand for some friendly advice? We are located at stand E-10.
Retail Store Management:
The new DT-X7, similar in size and weight to a mobile phone. This data terminal is light enough to carry around all day, yet tough enough to cope with everyday life in a retail or warehouse environment. With a battery life of up to 26 hours and multiple communication options, the DT-X7 is one of the most versatile HHTs available today.
Flexible retail store management with the Casio IT-600 with pistol grip, large 3.7” VGA screen and digital camera. Low cost retail stock control with the Casio DT-930 and Casio DT-X5, predominantly used for batch processing, with a rugged drop test of 1.8 metres.
Transport & Logistics:
Casio will launch a new handheld data capture terminal which has been designed for increased comfort and ease of use, at the Casio stand on Tuesday 24th June. The new device is equipped with WWAN, GPS, Bluetooth, WLAN. It also comes complete with an optional 2 mega pixel digital camera with electronic flash, 2D CMOS imager, touch panel, backlit keyboard and three conveniently positioned trigger keys.
Mobile Sales/Service Management:
The Casio IT-3000, with built-in printer, barcode scanner, and magnetic card reader; fast printing of up to 28 lines per second in a one-box solution. The IT-3000 is rugged and durable, sealed against water and dust to IP54 and capable of operating in temperatures from -20oC to 50oC.
Guy Boxall, MTD Divisional Manager comments, "We welcome you to the Casio stand E-10, to come and take a look at Casio's mobile technology product line-up; in particular, two new products including the DT-X7 rugged handheld terminal. Casio recently won the prestigious ‘Good Design Award,’ for the DT-X7, and the ‘Best Brand Performers 2008’ report commissioned by Brand Index, saw Casio in the top ten risers of customer satisfaction. We look forward to talking to you more about the great products and services Casio has to offer."
Source: Infibeam.com
Jun 17, 2008
Nokia unveils two new stylish email-optimised devices E71 & E66
Nokia, the world leader in mobility, unveiled two new stylish email-optimised devices - the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 at Nokia Connection 2008 in Singapore. The event also gave journalists, industry analysts and industry partners from across the region a close look at its latest range of Nokia mobiles from Nokia Eseries to Nokia Nseries and Xpress Music phones, enhancements, as well as an array of services currently being offered in the market. This year's theme is Share More, Experience More and the event, which showcased Nokia services like Navigation, Music, Games, Media Sharing, Video, Email and more, highlights Nokia's commitment to expanding its offer to include internet services in addition to devices to bring complete experiences to consumers.
Slim, stylish Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 multimedia computers offer easy access to range of email solutions, including Microsoft Exchange:
Nokia introduced today the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 - the latest email-optimized devices from the Nokia Eseries product range. The sleek Nokia E71 with full QWERTY keyboard and the stylish, slide-to-open Nokia E66 easily mobilize a broad range of personal or professional messaging needs, including Microsoft Exchange, the world's most widely adopted corporate email solution. Both devices are expected to begin shipping in key markets in July.
"The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 were designed for people who lead a mobile lifestyle and want quick and easy access to their personal and work email. With both of these devices, we have responded to consumer feedback by making calendar and contacts available at the touch of a button," said Chris Carr, Vice President, Sales, Southeast Asia and Pacific, Nokia. "Equally important, people want well-crafted devices that are as beautiful to use as they are to behold. Stainless steel was chosen as the core material for these devices, giving them additional strength and a touch of class. Furthermore, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 offer all the latest multimedia features that people desire."
Easy, one-touch access to email:
The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 come fully equipped for easy-to-install and easy-to-use professional and personal email. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded with the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66. With these Nokia Eseries devices, people can get reliable real-time access to their email, calendar, contacts and tasks, as well as download attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint or PDF files directly to their devices.
The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world, as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail and Hotmail. Additionally, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support the Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email solution as well as third party email solutions like System Seven and Visto Mobile. Both devices come with the new switch mode that allows people to easily switch between personal and work home screens.
"With mobile email penetration and access to wireless applications growing at a rapid rate, Nokia is well positioned with its extensive lineup of market leading handsets to address the needs of consumers, high-end users and mobile professionals alike," said Andrew Brown, Director, Wireless Enterprise Strategies Global Wireless Practice, Strategy Analytics.
Sophisticated tool, premium design inside and out:
With a stainless steel case, etched graphics and available in two colors - grey steel or white steel - the Nokia E71 bears the hallmarks of Nokia quality and craftsmanship. The cool metallic finish is complemented by the bright colour display, which showcases the Nokia E71 device's brilliantly simple user interface. Designed for both one-handed and two-handed use, the Nokia E71 pays special attention to ergonomics, as evidenced by its narrow shape and specially designed keypad.
The Nokia E66 offers a premium look and feel with its stainless steel accents and smooth sliding design. Sharing the same key features as the Nokia E71, including an enhanced calendar, contacts and customizable home screen modes, the Nokia E66 offers unique additions, like an orientation sensor that automatically optimizes itself for full screen viewing or silences the ringer when the device is turned over. Available in grey steel or white steel version, the Nokia E66 leaves a lasting impression as a sophisticated business tool in a distinct design.
Always Entertaining:
In addition to email and personal information management, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support the latest Ovi services including maps, music and media sharing that power users expect from their device. This includes fast and seamless browsing with HSDPA, wireless LAN and 3G connectivity, Assisted GPS (A-GPS) and Nokia Maps for navigation, a music player with support for up to 8 GB expandable memory and a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera.
Built for Businesses of all sizes:
In addition to serving entrepreneurs and smaller businesses, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 also come fully equipped with a robust suite of enterprise grade features, including a built-in encryption functionality for both the device memory and for the memory card. Both Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 also include integrated mobile VPN support that gives mobile professionals access to their company intranet, and device lock and wipe to protect corporate information. Incorporating underlying technologies that allow IT departments to effectively manage security settings, corporate applications, data and advanced voice features, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 expand the range of Nokia Eseries devices that support enterprise-specific deployment.
Accessorize with Style:
Also announced today were a number of Nokia accessories that support the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66. The Nokia Car Kit CK-100 and Nokia Display Car Kit CK-600 offer convenient handling, simplified installation and software updatability. The Nokia Car Kit CK-100 features Nokia Talk voice guidance and a remote control, while the Nokia Display Car Kit CK-600 features a removable color display and a remote control with illuminated keys for active call management. For increased mobility, Nokia also announced the sleek Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-212, as well as the Nokia Mobile Holder CR-106 and Nokia Mobile Holder CR-105 designed to complement the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 respectively.
Mr Wong Soon Nam, Vice President, Consumer Marketing, SingTel, said: "Our customers will enjoy a superior, cost-effective wireless email solution with SingTel's Broadband on Mobile and the new Nokia Eseries devices. These will give them a competitive edge and the ability to effortlessly retrieve important information on the move, making their office truly mobile."
"The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 carry the promise of the Nokia brand, which revolves around quality, reliability and usability," said Mr Golinelli, Executive Vice President, Sales, Consumer Domestic Mobile Services, Telecom Italia. "Our wide range of customers is interested in funtionality but also in design and the Nokia E71 is the right and new concept for a new way of working."
"With the growth of corporate mobility adoption, the users' demands for new solutions and devices get stronger. The new Nokia Eseries devices, Nokia E71 and Nokia E66, attend to our consumers' different profiles and needs, due to their design and features, which fit both users' daily work and leisure moments in this connected society," said Paulo Cesar Teixeira, VP, Operations, Vivo.
Source: Infibeam.com
Samsung unveils environment-friendly mobile phones
Seoul, South Korea - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced two environment-friendly mobile handsets, W510 and F268 at World IT Show in Seoul.
W510 is Samsung's first mobile phone with 'bio-plastic' made from natural material extracted from corns. Samsung has been making an effort to develop more renewable and eco-friendly material compared with common plastic produced from petroleum.
Moreover, when producing W510, Samsung did not use any heavy metals, such as Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, and applied water-soluble coating.
Samsung F268 with all the accessories including charger and headset does not contain BFRs(Brominated Flame Retardant) or PVC.
In addition, Samsung F268 has an alarm function to encourage users to unplug their charger when the devices are fully charged. The product also is following the Energy Star requirements as well, which is strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.
Both W510 for the Korean market and F268 for the Chinese market will be launched in June.
"Samsung is striving to continue to be a strong corporate citizen that contributes to environmental sustainability," said Geesung Choi, President of Samsung's Telecommunication Business. "Now we are trying not only to launch more environmentally-conscious products with more renewable material and less energy consuming, but also to expand proactively set up a phone recycling system"
Source: Infibeam.com
Jun 12, 2008
Vodafone and Airtel to Bring iPhone to India
No sooner has Steve Jobs unleashed the new 3G iPhone at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco than back home, not one but two carriers -- Bharti Airtel and Vodafone -- have announced, in conjunction with Apple, that they will be bringing the iconic device to India later this year. However, neither has specified the launch date or pricing of the 3G iPhone in India.
And now that the wraps are finally off of the much-hyped 3G iPhone, a quick recap of the stuff it's made of. iPhone II marries all of the features of iPhone with 3G networking to make the device "twice as fast" as the first-generation iPhone. iPhone II features built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services and iPhone 2.0 software with support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and is capable of running hundreds of third-party applications already built with the recently-released iPhone SDK.
Vodafone and Apple will bring iPhone 3G first to Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and Portugal on July 11. In these markets, Vodafone will make available iPhone 3G on both prepaid and contract price plans that will include value data bundles. Vodafone will then, later this year, make iPhone 3G available in other markets including the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, South Africa, Turkey, and most importantly -- India. Details of specific launch dates and price plans will be made available in the respective countries by individual Vodafone operating companies. Vodafone customers in all of these markets including India can pre-register online and in retail stores in the next few days.
Meanwhile, Airtel customers who wish to receive more information on the Apple iPhone can send an SMS with keyword "iPhone" to 54321 (toll-free number). Airtel will announce details regarding pricing and availability at a later date, the company said.
Announcing the Apple-Vodafone partnership, Frank H R Vekamp, global CMO of Vodafone Group, said, "We are very excited to bring iPhone 3G to many of our customers across Europe and emerging markets this summer. Vodafone's extensive, high-speed, and reliable networks mean customers can enjoy a great Internet and communications experience on their iPhone 3G."
On a similar note, Manoj Kohli, president and chief executive officer of Bharti Airtel, said, "We are delighted with the opportunity to bring the innovative iPhone 3G to India. As India's leading telecom operator, Bharti Airtel has always stood for innovation and customer delight. With our reach across the country and iPhone's revolutionary features, we have a valuable proposition for our customers in India."
Meanwhile, Tim Cook, chief operating officer of Apple said in separate announcements that they are thrilled to work with both Vodafone and Bharti Airtel and can't wait to get this revolutionary product in the hands of even more people around the world.
Techtree had previously reported about the possibility of Apple going multi-carrier in India. Now that it's indeed official, we asked some people for their views on the same. "Vodaphone has an international tie-up with Apple for the iPhone in a lot of countries, so it is little wonder that they got roped in for India as well. This seems to be purely from a goodwill point of view. Bharti Airtel on the other hand has a huge reach in India, and they've been roped in as well by Apple. This is purely from the business point of view," said a hard-core techie we know. A Vodafone customer said, "I'm rather more interested in knowing when they are launching the iPhone in India and what will it cost". Meanwhile, an Airtel subscriber had this to say, "I'd like to see attractive schemes like special tariffs on voice-GPRS services along with better network services and support."
All said, both Bharti Airtel and Vodafone are established names in telecom; Bharti Airtel is known as India's leading integrated telecom services provider while Vodafone is known as the world's leading international mobile communications group. It will be interesting to see how the carriers' respective associations with Apple play out, to say the least.
(Source: techtree.com)
Apple announces cheaper 3G iPhone
Apple has unveiled a second generation of its iPhone, with support for faster 3G wireless networks. The company is hoping to boost its share of the smartphone market, which is dominated by Nokia and Blackberry.
The new devices were launched by Apple boss Steve Jobs who said the phone would be ""more affordable"" for consumers, starting at $199 (£100).
The new iPhone also comes with GPS satellite navigation built in for location-based services.
The iPhone was first launched last year and was criticized for its support for slower 2G networks only.
Mr. Jobs said the 3G iPhone was ""three times faster"" downloading content over a mobile network compared to the original device.
Analyst John Delaney, research director for consumer mobile at IDC, said the iPhone 3G was disappointing. ""To me it's more about what they didn't say, than what they did. Everyone knew it would be 3G and have GPS.""
Apple has a 20% share of the U.S. smart phone market, but only 5% worldwide.
Rival manufacturers
Rival handset manufacturers have also been designing devices which assume the iPhone's mantle as the ""most desirable phone on the market"", including Nokia's N96 and the Blackberry Thunder.
Google's Android platform will also hit mobile phones later this year, adding yet more competition to the high-end consumer smartphone market.
Apple has sold more than six million iPhones since the device debuted in the U.S. in June last year and the firm says it is on course to sell 10m iPhones by the end of 2008. Mr. Jobs said the cost of the original iPhone was the ""number one reason"" that people had not bought one of the devices. Mr. Jobs said ""The iPhone started at $599. It now sells at $399; We want to make it even more affordable.""
The cheapest 8GB iPhone 3G will sell for $199, while a second model with 16GB of storage will sell for $299. Mr Jobs pledged that the $199 price would be the same across many countries.
The new iPhones will be launched on 11 July in 22 countries, including the UK.
Reaction to the new 3G iPhone from developers and media at the conference in San Francisco was broadly positive, said BBC technology reporter Maggie Shiels.
Henry Kannapek told BBC News that the $199 price tag would be hard to resist when the phone hit the shops.
""It's tremendous. It's an incredible price. It's the best mobile device I have ever seen. I've got some cheap cell phones and I want to buy one of these.""
Developer Chris Cooksey of Wimba said Apple would score big with such a low price point.
""It's a great price. They have made huge improvements to the phone and the fact that you can do 3rd party applications rules."" Mobile developer Robert F. Farnum, of Boingo .com, told BBC News he was all set to splash out on the new device for his family.
'Pretty excited'
""I've got six people in my family that need to get one so I just sent them all e-mails saying they have to buy it. The price just blew me away and the software is amazing. It is the best phone on the market.""
Michael Arrington, of the influential blog TechCrunch, said: ""I was pretty excited by what I saw but I was hoping for a thinner model and a front-facing camera. But I think with the 3G speed and the price point it looks like a winner.""
Analyst John Delaney said: ""The fact it's cheaper is interesting. But how is it going to be cheaper? ""If Apple is doing it by cutting the retail price, it will drastically hit their margins; if they sell volume.
""If the lower price is through operator subsidy, they are becoming a bit more humble. But that's not clear at this stage. ""Either way, they are going for volume. But they have got a big mountain to climb outside of the U.S.""
(Source: BBC)
Jun 7, 2008
Infibeam.com launches Father's Day Store
Placing orders for gifts on father's day has never been so easy at Infibeam. On this august occasion, browse through Infibeam's
online store of books, watches, mobiles, health equipment, cars, designer cars, and bikes to make a loving gift to your dad.
online store of books, watches, mobiles, health equipment, cars, designer cars, and bikes to make a loving gift to your dad.Father's day is a significant secular festival celebrating the positive role that fathers play in the family. This event is widely celebrated in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, the European Union, and other countries.
Of late, this festival has become popular in India too. Since ancient times, Indians has a tradition of respecting and venerating their parents for their countless services to their children. On this day, children thank their fathers for the innumerable acts of benevolence and kindness towards them.
Celebrating Father's day, children buy gifts and cards for their fathers and guardians. Today's modern generation has taken to the internet in a big way. There are many websites on the internet that cater to the needs of children for gifts and cards on Father's day.
Reacting to this trend, Mr. Vishal Mehta CEO of Infibeam.com commented, "Infibeam celebrates Father's day by offering variety of products like mobile phones, watches, health equipment, books and cameras at very attractive prices for this venerable occasion."
Additionally, Infibeam.com has a range of cars, designer cars and bikes too, where people can book the vehicle of their choice simply by getting online and following a short sequence of simple clicks to place their order. Yet another exciting online feature is the 'used' section where used cars, bikes, watches, and mobiles are on display after pre-approval and ensuring the validity of such inquiries.
Infibeam.com presently ships all products ordered through it; FREE for a limited period offer. Customers who order products online will obtain their orders normally within 72 hours of placing their order. However, Infibeam will ship orders within India only.
Another area that Infibeam.com currently wishes to tap is the NRI and the NRG segment who wish to present their near and dear ones with gifts and products. This segment can definitely look forward to Infibeam.com for fulfilling their needs reliably, promptly, and at the most economical costs.
http://www.infibeam.com/fathers-day-gifts
About Infibeam.com:
In the shortest span of time since its launch, Infibeam.com has achieved credibility as a reliable one-stop online source for products like cars, bikes, designer cars, mobile phones, health equipment, watches, books, cameras and now father's day.
On Father's day, Infibeam.com has launched a festival store to celebrate this occasion. Individuals, family members and children can login and place orders for gifts for their fathers and guardians.
With more than three million footfalls each month, the website has attained an enviable status for offering reputed company brands and products at the most competitive rates through a uniquely designed online platform.
Jun 6, 2008
Mobile phones expose human habits
The whereabouts of more than 100,000 mobile phone users have been tracked in an attempt to build a comprehensive picture of human movements.
The study concludes that humans are creatures of habit, mostly visiting the same few spots time and time again.
Most people also move less than 10km on a regular basis, according to the study published in the journal Nature.
The results could be used to help prevent outbreaks of disease or forecast traffic, the scientists said.
"It would be wonderful if every [mobile] carrier could give universities access to their data because it's so rich," said Dr Marta Gonzalez of Northeastern University, Boston, US, and one of the authors of the paper.
Dr William Webb, head of research and development at the UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, agreed that mobile phone data was still underexploited.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg," he told BBC News.
Money search
Researchers have previously attempted to map human activity using GPS or surveys, but it is expensive.
One innovative approach tracked the movement of dollar bills in an attempt to reconstruct human movements.
The study used data from the website wheresgeorge.com, which allows anyone to track a dollar bill as it circulates through the economy. The site has so far tracked nearly 130 million notes.
Studies such as this suggested that humans wander in an apparently random fashion, similar to a so-called "Levy flight" pattern displayed by many foraging animals.
However, Dr Gonzalez and her team do not believe this approach gives a complete picture of people's movements.
"The bills pass from one person to another so they can't measure individual behaviour," she explained.
The new work tracked 100,000 individuals selected randomly from a sample of more than six million phone users in a European country.
Each time a participant made or received a call or text message, the location of the mobile base station relaying the data was recorded.
The researchers said they were "not at liberty" to disclose where the information had been collected and said steps had been taken to guarantee the participants' anonymity.
For example, individual phone numbers were disguised as 26 digit security codes.
"Furthermore, we only know the coordinates of the tower routing the communication, hence a user's location is not known within a tower's service area," they wrote.
Each tower serves an area of approximately 3 sq km.
Information was collected for six months. But, according to the researchers, a person's pattern of movement could be seen in just three.
Model behaviour
"The vast majority of people move around over a very short distance - around five to 10km," explained Professor Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, another member of the team.
"Then there were a few that moved a couple of hundred kilometres on a regular basis."
The results showed that most people's movements follow a precise mathematical relationship - known as a power law.
"That was the first surprise," he told BBC News.
The second surprise, he said, was that the patterns of people's movements, over short and long distances, were very similar: people tend to return to the same few places over and over again.
"Why is this good news?" he asked. "If I were to build a model of how everyone moves in society and they were not similar then it would require six billion different models - each person would require a different description."
Now, modellers had a basic rule book to follow, he said.
"This intrinsic similarity between individuals is very exciting and it has practical applications," said Professor Barabasi.
For example, Professor John Cleland of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Disease (LSHTM) said the study could be of use to people monitoring the spread of contagious diseases.
"Avian flu is the obvious one," he told BBC News. "When an outbreak of mammalian infectious airborne disease hits us, the movement of people is of critical concern."
Dr Gonzalez said that traffic planners had also expressed an interest in the study.
Sensor overload
Although the scale of the latest study is unprecedented, it is not the first time that mobile phone technology has been used to track people's movements.
Scientists at MIT have used mobile phones to help construct a real-time model of traffic in Rome, whilst Microsoft researchers working on Project Lachesis are examining the possibility of mining mobile data to help commuters pick the optimum route to work, for example.
Location data is increasingly used by forensic scientists to identify the movements of criminal suspects.
For example, the technique was used by Italian police to capture Hussain Osman, one of four men jailed for the failed suicide bombings in London on 21 July.
Commercial products also exist, allowing parents to track children or for friends to receive alerts when they are in a similar location.
These types of services and projects will continue to grow, Dr Webb believes, as researchers and businesses find new ways to use the mobile phone networks.
"There are so many sensors that you could conceivably attach to a phone that you could do all kinds of monitoring activities with," he said.
For example, Nokia have put forward an idea to attach sensors to phones that could report back on air quality. The project would allow a large location-specific database to be built very quickly.
Ofcom is also planning to use mobiles to collect data about the quality of wi-fi connections around the UK.
"I am sure there will be tens if not hundreds of these ideas emerging over the next few years," said Dr Webb.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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