Sayan’s BlogWorld

This is probably a very good compliment to low-speed communication technologies like Packet Radio, Meteor-burst, etc.

With recent stories about hardware products for the developing world - namely the MIT Media lab’s $100 laptop and the Simputer, its interesting to see a software solution to the problems of internet access. Aidworld, a Cambridge (UK) based organisation specialising in ICTs for the developing world have created a free internet service to speed up web browsing in low bandwidth environments: loband. Using server-side compression and by filtering images, scripts and plugins while retaining content and basic formatting, loband reduces bandwidth requirements by between 5 and 50 times. Its making waves in development circles but it also seems to make for a much leaner browsing experience in this world of heavyweight websites. Could this be a much needed stepping stone for users in developing countries? Do high bandwidth consumers find the sites they view could look much cleaner?”

This article is about music broadcast and playing on mobile phones. Well 2 years ago, back in India, the mobile phone company Reliance allowed me to download music and music videos to my LG phone. That too for free ! Even the cost of the mobile phone lease + hundred minutes of outgoing calls + all incoming free was only about $11/month. US and Europe are way behind Asia in mobile telephony innovation.

Wireless operators around the globe are working with music studios, phone makers, and artists…. in a sweeping effort to turn the mobile phone into a go-anywhere digital jukebox. Foreign carriers such as Vodafone and SK Telecom are leading the way, and U.S. wireless players are following fast. BusinessWeek has learned that Verizon Wireless (VZ ), Sprint (FON ), and Cingular Wireless are expected to unveil services for downloading music directly to wireless phones later this year. “We have a tremendous opportunity to make a big impact in music,” says Dennis F. Strigl, CEO of Verizon Wireless