Next Generation Mobile Browser – Opera Mini 5

Opera Software recently launched Opera Mini 5 beta version. It offers an outstanding new user interface that is a significant improvement over previous versions of Opera Mini. Opera Mini 5 is a thin-client application: when you use it to request a web page (1), that request is sent off to a server-farm (2); a proxy server receives the requested web page (3), renders and reformats it, and then converts it to a light and efficient format developed by Opera called OBML (4). This is then sent to the Opera Mini client (5), which displays it on the phone screen (6).

Opera Mini 5 uses the Presto 2.2 rendering engine, which supports the majority of JavaScript functions, except those that require asynchronous operations. It still lacks the rich content support (Flash, Silverlight etc.)

Opera Mini 5 popular features

Tabbed browsing: Browse several Web sites at the same time. Jump easily from one to another.

Speed Dial: Your favorite sites are just one click away.

Touch & Keypad: The interface optimizes the display for both touch screen and keypad phones.

Password manager: Log on to your e-mail, social network and other sites with just one click.

Power scrolling: Scroll at warp speed using your phone keypad or by dragging the page on a phone with a touch screen.

BlackBerry users running OS versions 4.2x, 4.3x, and 4.7x can go to the m.opera.com/next to download Opera Mini 5 to their devices. Device support for Android and iPhone is not yet complete.

10 Best Practices for Mobile Commerce Site/App

Commerce over mobile devices is booming across the globe. According to Internet Retailer research, there are almost 100 retailers in US, big and small, in m-commerce today. Mobile commerce is still in its infancy and is showing a lot of promise.

Recently I did some research on mobile commerce sites layout and features and come up with few best practices...

1. Keep It Simple: Mobile commerce sites should be lightweight. So keep the required content and use images when necessary. 1-800-flowers mobile site is the best example to this

2. Keep the Products up-to-date: Update product catalog and attributes daily if necessary

3. Few clicks to checkout: keep the number of clicks as few as possible from the homepage to the checkout. Amazon mobile site is the best example to this

4. Assurance of Security: Ensure a secure mobile interaction through customer authentication and fraud detection.

5. Market the mobile store: Promote mobile store on mobile search sites and ad networks.

6. Update the order status: Update users of any changes in the status of their order.

7. Device/Network Neutrality: Users should have access the site regardless of their mobile device and service provider.

8. Track the Mobile sites statistics: Track site visitors and orders on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

9. Shortcuts for frequently‐used activities: Provide programmed shortcuts for popular and frequently‐used activities.

10. Redeem coupons: Allow customers to present and redeem coupons via mobile device.

Top Mobile Web Brands

BuzzCity recently released the findings of its study of mobile Internet users across the globe. The survey investigated the brands (products and services) that are likely to meet the needs / interests of mobile internet users and influence their purchasing decisions. The survey was conducted in ten countries from 7 th May 2009 to 17 th July 2009.

The study found that the following brands were the most favoured by mobile internet users across the globe.

(Source: BuzzCity)

The survey revealed that users typically base their preferences on brand performance, reliability, price, style, reliability, quality, value and trust. The study found that although 54% of mobile users would recommend a brand to their peers only 4% would in reaction to a specific sales promotion. This finding offers brands significant insight when it comes to the type of campaigns to run over a mobile platform.

10 coolest new Mobile Startups

I am closely following the Mobilize 09 event, today 10 of the coolest new startups management representatives were presented their business models. And I would like to share that coolest startups list here.

Line2 adds a second line with voicemail to your cell phone. Place and receive calls from either number. Each has its own voicemail, callhistory, and contacts.

Glympse is a mobile service that allows GPS-enabled mobile phone users to share their location via a Web-based map for a pre-set period of time with anyone they choose. With Glympse, you are in complete control – you choose WHO you want to see your location, WHEN and for HOW LONG.

Ondeego is a mobile application and platform provider who's AppCentral serves enterprise IT, employees and developers.

Pageonce is the leading smartphone personal information management company which products provide comprehensive and simple ways to manage your life on the phone.

Metaio develops software products for systems driven by visual interaction in both real and virtual worlds. By using software products from metaio, customers can leverage Augmented Reality technology to increase their revenues and lower their costs.

Waze is a social mobile application providing free turn-by-turn navigation based on the live conditions of the road.

Square Connect has created DotControl, it gives you control of your entire home entertainment system from your ever-present handheld - making your iPhone or iPod touch the only control you will ever need.

IQ Engines Mobile visual search, recognizes the cell phone camera image and retrieve the object information

Distimo provides app store analytics tool for mobile developers and In-depth reports, giving valuable insight in trends in the mobile app ecosystem.

Locle is a mobile phone application that lets users see where their friends and family are without the need for GPS. Wherever you are, always find out where people are and meet them for lunch, drinks or whatever you want to do. Just make sure you don't miss out on anything.