MOBILE BROWSER MULTIPLIES SEARCH OPTIONS

PRODUCT NAME: Opera Mini 4 (beta version)

MAKER: Opera

WHAT IT IS: Mobile Web browser

WHAT IT DOES: Allows users to surf the Web from their mobile devices.

WHAT'S NEW ABOUT THIS PRODUCT: Opera Mini 4 features a “landscape mode” to give a wider view of a Web page, a multisearch start page and the ability for a user to add a search engine to the start page. It also offers several exclusive optimizations for BlackBerry devices, including a new user interface and menus.

WHY THAT'S IMPORTANT: Makes more online search capabilities available to all users while giving them additional viewing options. BlackBerry users get further perks for their viewing experience.

TARGET MARKET: Users of Web-enabled mobile devices

ALSO OF NOTE: Opera's browser comes in a desktop version. Both it and the new mobile version can be downloaded at Opera's Web site.

WEB SITE: www.operamini.com/beta

BASE STATION SITE GOES GREEN

PRODUCT NAME: Ericsson Tower Tube

MAKER: Ericsson

WHAT IT IS: Base station site

WHAT IT DOES: A flexible concrete tower that encapsulates all radio base station equipment, including antennas.

WHAT'S NEW ABOUT THIS PRODUCT: A base station is placed at the top of the Tower Tube, cutting the distance between it and the antenna and giving capacity and coverage benefits for the cellular network. This, coupled with the fact that it needs no active cooling, could help reduce energy consumption up to 40%. The concrete for the Tower Tube produces 30% less CO2 emissions during production and transport than steel. The design occupies 60%-75% less land than conventional sites and is self-contained, making security fences unnecessary.

WHY THAT'S IMPORTANT: Addresses environmental concerns linked to cell tower construction and operation, while helping to potentially reduce operating costs and the cost of maintaining fences. A smaller footprint also aids in site acquisition.

TARGET MARKET: Wireless operators

ALSO OF NOTE: The Tower Tube can be colored and branded by the operator to either stand out from surroundings or blend in with them.

WEB SITE: www.ericsson.com/towertube

SERVICE ADDS 3-D AVATARS TO THE HANDSET

SERVICE NAME: Avatar ringtones

PROVIDERS: Meez, Vringo

WHAT IT IS: Integrated avatar/ringtone service for mobile devices

WHAT IT DOES: Creates a video ringtone featuring a Meez avatar.

WHAT'S NEW ABOUT THIS PRODUCT: Users load a 3-D Meez avatar — a virtual likeness with customizable appearance — on their mobile devices using Vringo. When a call is placed, the animated avatar appears on the recipient's handset screen to identify the caller. Users can automatically update their avatars on the Meez Web site and use avatars as wallpaper on their handsets.

WHY THAT'S IMPORTANT: Lets users personalize their mobile experience.

TARGET MARKET: Mobile device users

ALSO OF NOTE: Meez avatars can also be used as digital IDs on social networking sites and IM services.

WEB SITE: www.meez.com, www.vringo.com

USB DEVICE BRINGS WIMAX TO LAPTOPS

PRODUCT NAME: MiMAX USB

MAKER: Airspan Networks

WHAT IT IS: Mobile WiMAX USB connector

WHAT IT DOES: Turns a user's laptop computer into a mobile WiMAX client.

WHAT'S NEW ABOUT THIS PRODUCT: MiMAX USB supports licensed and unlicensed frequencies, including all of the target Wave 2 MIMO Mobile WiMAX certification profiles, for indoor and outdoor coverage. Service providers can then offer roaming services across multiple WiMAX networks regardless of the frequency band used. The device is small and lightweight and draws power from the laptop.

WHY THAT'S IMPORTANT: With a minimum of equipment, the device allows access to different types of WiMAX networks while roaming, making for more seamless use of the network.

TARGET MARKET: Broadband users on the go

ALSO OF NOTE: The MiMAX product family includes a device, the MiMAX Finder, that helps users detect WiMAX networks before turning on their computers.

WEB SITE: www.airspan.com