ITU-T TechWatch Alert (July 2009)
VoIP apps that challenge conventional voice calls (e.g., Skype
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);
IM (Instant Messaging) apps that challenge SMS; and
Apps that would speed-up surfing and limit online traffic.
These, together with the fear of malware (malicious software), make vendors hesitant to
allow developers direct access to the core functionalities of a device, including the phone
module, the web browser, the email client and the media player.
Restrictions by manufacturers, vendors and providers have led to a practice, which for the
iPhone became known as jailbreaking. After the installation of an unofficial software
patch, users can bypass the official app distribution mechanism, and install unapproved
grey-market applications. For instance, the application iPhoneModem
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allows the phone
to share its Internet connection with a PC or Mac. Until recently, Apple did not approve
Internet sharing applications.
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Generally, jailbreaking a device voids manufacturer
warranty.
Variations and/or ambiguity in these manufacturer restrictions and the lack of
interoperability between platforms are obstacles to development of the mobile apps
market. Apps written by developers for one device must be rewritten, since application
programming interfaces (API) and software development kits (SDK) are specific to each
of the major platforms. This process slows time to market, limits market size, prevents
customers from using purchased apps on devices of a different type, and causes customer
confusion about availability and features.
However, the differences between mobile platforms seem to disappear in some areas. The
open source WebKit browser engine
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that concentrates some of the latest technologies
for web browsers is the basis for most mobile web browsers; the API of OpenGL ES
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, a
standard for graphics for embedded systems, is now widely used to address the graphics
hardware of mobile devices.
Backed by the popularity of its founding member Google, the Open Handset Alliance
(OHA) is a group of 47 companies whose stated purpose is a commitment to greater
openness in the mobile ecosystem.
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Its flagship is the open source Linux-based mobile
platform Android, which is already showing signs of rapid adoption by manufacturers,
operators, application developers and users
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, and is now to be found on some netbooks
and other devices, including in-vehicle infotainment systems.
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Even before consumer
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APC Magazine: “Mobile carriers seek to block Skype on iPhone, BlackBerry,”
http://apcmag.com/mobile-carriers-seek-to-block-skype-on-iphone-blackberry.htm
(6 April 2009)
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http://www.iphonemodem.com/
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iPhone OS 3.0, released on 17 June 2009, supports Internet sharing (“tethering”) in some countries.
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http://webkit.org/
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http://www.khronos.org/opengles/
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http://www.openhandsetalliance.com/ (12 June 2009)
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See Ovum source
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http://www.conti-
online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/automotive/themes/passenger_cars/interior/connectivity/autol
inq/pi_autolinq_en.html
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