Proving ground

Print content for the handset

PRODUCT NAME: The Global Reader

MAKERS: Bango and MacMillan Publishing Solutions

WHAT IT IS: Mobile print content service

WHAT IT DOES: Allows users to read books, articles, newspapers and other print content on their mobile devices.

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THIS PRODUCT: Users can access the service globally on any mobile network to browse available content and assemble personal libraries of free and purchased reading material. Users purchase content with a credit card, via PayPal or by adding it to a phone bill. Selected chapters of books can be read without having to tote heavy volumes, and users may create bookmarks to return to reading later.

WHY THAT’S IMPORTANT: Offers publishers a new distribution channel, allowing them to directly interact with customers. Gives readers on-the-go access to print content.

TARGET MARKET: Readers with mobile devices

ALSO OF NOTE: MacMillan also worked with Bango partner Fli Digital to create the service.

WEB SITES: www.bango.com, www.macmillanpublishingsolutions.com

Mobile search features voice capabilities

PRODUCT NAME: VoiceBox Connected Services

MAKER: VoiceBox Technologies

WHAT IT IS: Mobile voice search service

WHAT IT DOES: Lets users access maps and directions and get answers to search questions.

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THIS PRODUCT: Mobile device users can browse locally stored maps and directions residing on a remote server and can ask questions related to their search — for example, about traffic or nearby businesses — and receive real-time answers. The service also supports advertising content delivery.

WHY THAT’S IMPORTANT: Offers users a more interactive mobile search experience.

TARGET MARKET: Mobile device users

WEB SITE: www.voicebox.com

Synchronization, backup aimed at mobile operators

PRODUCT NAMES: Mobile Gateway 3.5 and Mobile Backup 1.2

MAKER: Synchronica

WHAT THEY ARE: Mobile synchronization server and information saving service

WHAT THEY DO: The Gateway synchronizes users’ mobile communications while Backup saves and restores mobile information.

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THESE PRODUCTS: Users register devices with the Mobile Gateway, which synchronizes their e-mail, contacts and calendar data. Mobile Backup secures data stored on devices and can transfer users’ personal information over the air to a new device if the previous one is lost.

WHY THAT’S IMPORTANT: Both help operators to better manage and safeguard a user’s mobile experience.

TARGET MARKET: Mobile operators

WEB SITE: www.synchronica.com