Category Archives: Facebook
BlackBerry opens up BBM to Android & iOS
No mention of WP8 version, though
In a typical if-you-cant-beat-em-join-em approach, BlackBerry has just announced plans to make its IMS facility BlackBerry Messenger BBM available to iOS and Android users. That is, of course, if Apple and Google allow BlackBerry to upload the apps to their resxpecitive app stores. There’s no mention of a Windows Phone 8 (WP8) client, of course. One UK publication described BBM as the “rioters’ texting toool” because BBM proved to be the IMS of choice amongst London rioters. Other observers take the view that WhatsApp is likely to have the most to lose. However, GoMo News believes that it’s the mobile operators who are most in danger as a universal BBM could seriously dent their SMS revenues. Continue reading
Nokia’s latest WP8 handset – Lumia 925 gets cautious welcome
925 first with Amber software to differentiate the Nokia’s WP8 line
Following last week’s [May 10th 2013] of the Nokia Lumia 928 exclusive for Verizon Wireless in the USA, Nokia has introduced its international model – the Lumia 925. Verizon’s co-owner, Vodafone, interestingly offers an exclusive 32 GB version for its subscribers. GoMo News highlights the introduction of a software release cycle from Nokia. The first of these, Amber, ships with the 925. The releases are about new functionality, not developer APIs. Rather than going heavy on the bundled software, Nokia’s ads will focus on the smartphone’s camera. Continue reading
66% of small business owners use mobile technology
But a majority of the mobile holdouts don’t plan to change their course
Press release
May 7th 2013. For those wondering if small business owners are actually using mobile technology for their business, the answer is a definitive “yes,” according to new survey data from Constant Contact (NASDAQ: CTCT). Of those surveyed in March 2013, 66 per cent report currently using a mobile device, including smart phones and tablets, or a solution, like mobile-optimised websites and text message marketing. While this majority adoption is promising, it’s important to note that, of the 34 per cent not using any mobile device or solution for their business, a resounding 65 per cent have no plans to do so in the future, mainly citing a lack of customer demand. Continue reading
GoMo to list more mobile social networking sites
Rating: Seem very popular with our Indian readers
Here at GoMo News Towers we are always striving to provide our readers with what they want. One opportunity we’ve spotted is to provide an updated list of those mobile social networking sites which cater in particular for those living in India and Asia Pacific. So far, we had quite a few suggestions for additions to our listings page here. We’ve marked Indian orientated sites with an ‘IN’ abbreviation. The list is below. Continue reading
The Sun heralds Facebook’s Android vapourware
Rating: Never mind versions for WP8 & iOS – what about all Android users?
here at GoMo News we had to giggle. As usual Facebook is lining itself up for a pasting. The UK’s leading national newspaper, The Sun, had been given an exclusive to test out Facebook’s new ‘super-app’ – Facebook Home. The newspaper was absolutely correct in stating that today [April 17th 2013] the Home app is at last available in territories other that Facbeook’s Home market of the USA. Might it accidentally exaggerated the true availability of this particular Android app. Continue reading
New Facebook ‘super app’ leaves users under-whelmed
Clutters up other mobile functions, it’s claimed
Facebook‘s recently launched ‘super app’ for mobile devices has so far proved to be a resounding flop, with fewer than 100,000 people installing it and around half of those giving it the worst possible rating. The social networking site’s app, Facebook Home, was hailed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg as “the best version of Facebook there is” when it was launched last week, but within hours of its release it was hit with a torrent of negative reviews. It replaces the home screen on certain Android devices with its own home screen in which pictures and messages from friends appear. It is also intended to make other aspects of Facebook quicker and easier to locate. Continue reading
Facebook Home app arrives in USA
Rating: Despite attempts to spoof US location we haven’t installed it yet
GoMo News got tired of waiting for Facebook’s much awaited Android skin (or app) to arrive on July 12th [2013]. (See here). But it did. Reports stemming from California say that this app is actually being panned by reviewers and enjoys a rating of a mere 2.4. Hardly an inauspicious start. Anyway, we’ve already had a reaction from a London based law firm. Who reckon it’s still about Facebook trying to grab mobile advertising. If you want to try the app yourself – and have the correct Samsung device, go here. Continue reading
GoMo gets bored waiting for Facebook Home
Rating: Maybe Facebook has had hype training from Apple
The hype surrounding the release of Facebook’s ‘skin’ for Android known as ‘Home’ has reached such feverish proportions that multiple companies have contacted GoMo News to comment on its existence. Well, we’re based in London, UK and we’re pretty certain that at least nine hours after California has woken up, the app still isn’t there. Fortunately in our Home app hunting we’ve worked out how to discover when the wait is finally over. Here’s our guide. Continue reading
Facebook opts for social media centric Android UI with Home
Rating: First showcase handset will be HTC First
Actually we think the latest move by social networking giant, Facebook, is rather clever. Rather than trying to entice cellular subscribers with a dedicated smartphone/tablet offering, with ‘Facebook Home’ the web giant has opted to offer a social media centric UI running on top of Google’s Android OS. Is there an element of irony here? Continue reading
MNOs should fight back with their own VoIP & VoLTE services
Rating: Go with the flow and buy into ‘open’ ecosystem
It’s easy to forget that until very recently, voice was the key revenue generator for mobile network operators (MNOs). However, the voice call sector is now being fought over by numerous players, including OTT providers such as Skype and Viber. Plus Internet giants, Facebook, has just announced the availability of its VoIP application in the UK. However, there is an opportunity for MNOs to fight back by offering there own VoIP based services. Continue reading
Guest Post: Social is a business weapon – it’s about time Telcos got serious
by Bruno Teuber, a senior vp with Lithium
Now that the dust has settled after MWC 2013, it’s apparent that one of the main takeaways is the fact that the intersection between mobile and social is becoming more amplified than ever before. Telecom companies (Telcos) are beginning to realise how important it is to implement a [...]
Guest Post: Mobile advertising in 2013 and beyond
by Dale Carr, CEO with LeadBolt
What will 2013 bring us? As happened in the early days of the Internet when publishers tried to use existing print, radio or even television models of advertising on the world wide web, we have seen the idea of ‘banner ads’ transferred from the browser to mobile devices. This may account for some of the dismal performance numbers that some experience. However, as more people begin to browse the web on mobile devices, there is going to be quite a bit of innovation when it comes to advertising. This is good for everyone in the equation – publishers, advertisers, and consumers. Continue reading
UK startup debuts mobile money app for Facebook
A new online app from a UK start-up has been adopted by Facebook to allow users send remittances directly to friends almost anywhere in the world.
Based in London and founded just last year, Azimo will formally launch the app later today [12th February 2012] having already announced a £300,000 ($480,000 USD) angel investment round as it looks to expand its operations. Continue reading
Facebook shares soar amid rumours of own smartphone launch
Shares in social networking site Facebook hit a six month high yesterday following rumours that Mark Zuckerberg’s company is set to unveil its own smartphone.
Speculation was sparked when Facebook sent out invitations to a special event for next week, encouraging guests to “come and see what we’re building” and reigniting earlier suggestions that it’s about to launch its own branded smartphone, possibly in conjunction with Taiwan’s HTC. Continue reading
Mobile is King in West Africa says Twinpine
Rating: 3 billion impressions a month
Proof that mobile is King in West Africa in particular has been provided by research carried out for Twinpine – the mobile advertising network, in conjunction with Kenya-based iHub Research. It shows that mobile penetration is driving internet usage across West Africa and playing a fundamental role in fuelling economic growth. The study entitled ‘An analysis of Mobile Technology in West Africa: The Case Of Nigeria, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire‘ and analyses mobile usage across Nigeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Already Nigeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast are achieving high monthly advertising impressions and Nigeria is especially strong with 3 billion impressions a month. Continue reading
