NEWS IN BRIEF
For the record 22 August
22-08-2007
by Deirdre McArdle
European Commission stirs up mobile satellite services market | Clare County Council expands online database
The European Commission has adopted a proposal to select systems for mobile satellite services at European level, paving the way for a Europe-wide market for mobile satellite services, rather than 27 separate markets. Current international rules for satellite communications do not cover licensing and under current EU telecom rules the selection of companies is essentially national. So, for example, if a company wanted to roll out a pan-European mobile TV service it would need authorisation and a licence in each member state. The new proposal suggests creating a "one-stop shop mechanism", under which an operator can ask the European Commission for a licence. The proposal will now be put before the European Parliament and the EU Council of Telecoms Ministers.
Mobile phone maker Samsung has announced the release of the U600 handset, which incorporates a 3.2 megapixel camera and a 262K colour screen. The phone also functions as a music player, and users can take advantage of the microSD slot to boost storage to 2GB. The U600 is available nationwide at EUR79 on bill pay.
In a bid to cash in on the growing PC gaming market, Microsoft has released the SideWinder mouse. The tech giant said it's aiming the mouse at hardcore computer video game fans. The SideWinder mouse has nearly 5,000 different adjustable settings, including weight and touch, and comes with a small liquid crystal display between the thumb and index finger to keep track of game functions and settings. The mouse will be available in the US from October and will retail for USD79.95. Microsoft abandoned the SideWinder brand four years ago but has decided to bring it back following a resurgence of interest in computer peripherals suitable for gaming.
Clare County Library has announced an expansion of its online genealogical database, which is available at www.clarelibrary.ie. The surnames database allows members of the public to find information on the frequency and spread of surnames in County Clare over a period of almost 100 years. The three genealogical sources used on the site are the Census of Population of 1901, Griffith's Valuation of 1855 and the Tithe Applotment Books compiled between 1823 and 1837. The 1901 census shows that McMahon and McNamara were the most common names in the county at the time, while more unusual names such as Mulpster, Nutterfield and Von Troll appear only once.
Dublin-based MobileAware has announced a partnership with LIAM-ONE1, an Israeli provider of infrastructure and middleware solutions. The agreement enables LIAM-ONE1 to market, deliver and support MobileAware's range of mobile software products in Israel. The partnership has already secured what it calls "a key customer win" with Pelephone, an Israeli telecommunications provider with 2.5 million subscribers.
Telecoms operator Cable & Wireless has announced four new appointments to positions within its Europe, Asia and US business. Jesper Lauridsen has been appointed director of international, responsible for developing a global proposition for enterprise and carrier customers, as well as leading the business and customer relations outside the UK. Kevin Manuel joins as director of government and SI, responsible for "continuing the transformation journey" for public sector and systems integrator clients. Meanwhile, Phil Lobo has joined as head of enterprise delivery to oversee the service experience for enterprise clients. Finally, Colm Coffey has been appointed as OD and change director to "drive the company talent agenda and support the business transformation".
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 