Go moonline as Yahoo launches Mixd

In the spirit of Web2, Yahoo has today launched a new mobile phone software called Mixd, http://mixd.yahoo.com/ . The idea is to add a mobile social networking option to the plethora of computer based ones. Why not, I say, it'll work as long as it is cheap is my guess, although mobile instant messaging solutions just haven't taken off on cell phones to the surprise of many insiders. I have not been able to test Mixd, I'm afraid, as, according to Informationweek, it is only being rolled out to a handful of campuses in the US. A look at the info on their website clarifies the Mixd business model, which is based around SMS texting. When asked to add other Mixd members to a 'Mixer' or moonline meeting (hohoho gettit mobileonline=moonline), one is required to send SMS text messages to the Yahoo server, which are then sent to the other Mixd member. Every SMS message should be costing the Mixd member a few cents. I'd be grateful if someone could confirm the price per sent text. The costs of sending a text will be the decisive factor if this new Yahoo project will be here to stay or not.

Mini Opera

Just tested the newly launched Mini Opera browser. I am quite impressed that Opera sent the intallation URL to my phone. I had to input my mobile phone details and shooops a few sec later I had an SMS in my inbox. This alone must be costing Opera £££££ and even more $$$$$. I tested the application on a normal website and unfortunately it is still not the pixel perfect rendition I'd like to see in a mobile browser. Well, I can't code it therefore I can talk, but I wouldn't mind seeing an entire home page at a glance and then getting the option to zoom into certain areas of the site via a soft key. Perhaps one day. In the meantime check out http://www.miniopera.com, it's free.

Email and IM to low cost handsets

A new company by the name of Berggi is squarely aiming at users of low cost handsets in the US to sign up for their services. On offer is a program that allows users to send and receive emails, and in addition to this users will be able to send free text messages to other Berggi members through the service. The service is priced at $9.99 per month. Check it out.

Some Sensational mobile phone news

Watch this space. I will be delivering news to you about software development on mobile phones. This is not going to be a site that is reviewing the latest phones, there are others who can do that much better than I can, but a site that shows you how to have fun with your little gadget.