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BREW News is written to give developers program information, market insights, BREW features and technical briefs.

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BREW News - Volume 3, Number 9

> BREW Without Borders: Deployments of BREW Continue Around the World
> BREW 3.0 is Released
> Marketing Opportunity for BREW Alliance Program Members
> The Latest BREW Devices

BREW Without Borders: Deployments of BREW Continue Around the World

Language and geography have proven to be no obstacle, as a slew of new wireless operators are joining the growing list of those offering BREW-based applications and services to their subscribers. Since our last operator update the number of operators offering BREW-based services has more than doubled. From Bangkok to Bogotá, millions of wireless users now have easy access to the thousands of compelling applications being developed for the BREW platform. Four BellSouth International properties have each deployed a BREW-based service called BellSouth Interactivo, including:
  • BellSouth International in Chile
  • BellSouth International in Colombia
  • BellSouth International in Ecuador
  • BellSouth International in Panama
But, the list doesn't end there with the following operators also launching commercial BREW-based services:
  • Cellular One - the BREW-based Hello2 Fun™ service is available on Western Wireless' CDMA network, covering 820,000 square miles in the western and midwestern United States. It's the largest wireless network devoted to rural communities in America
  • Codetel - located in the Dominican Republic, the operator launched its Uno de Codetel™ BREW-based service.
  • Hutch - its HutchPlay™ service offers enhanced wireless data capabilities to individual customers and enterprises across Thailand.
  • MetroPCS - one of the most recent to launch BREW-based services, MetroPCS now offers @Metro to its subscribers.
  • Pelephone - the first operator in Israel to enable wireless users to download BREW-based applications over the air, providing them with a truly personalized wireless experience.

These operators join nine others around the world that have already deployed commercial BREW-based wireless data services, including Verizon Wireless, ALLTEL, Midwest Wireless and U.S. Cellular in the United States, China Unicom, KDDI in Japan, KTF in South Korea, Telstra in Australia, and VIVO in Brazil. And, guess what? There's more to come!

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BREW 3.0 is Released

The latest release of the BREW client software extends a mobile handset's multimedia functionality by adding support for removable storage media and a serial interface that allows users to easily connect their BREW-enabled handsets to other devices, such as keyboards or personal computers.

In addition to multimedia enhancements, the BREW 3.0 client software also offers group management features, which will enable operators to segment consumers, including business users and corporations, to deliver tailored wireless applications portfolios. BREW 3.0 software also allows developers to take advantage of its secondary display access capabilities.

BREW 3.0 API Features
Secondary Display Access Capabilities

BREW 3.0 provides the ability for applications to access multiple OEM-defined display areas on a device. A single application can access multiple displays simultaneously. Alternatively, separate applications can simultaneously use the separate display areas independently.

MMC/SD Shared Directory Access by Applications
BREW 3.0 provides the ability for an application to store, access, and manage content and files on a removable media card using a BREW directory path macro. Applications interact with the SD/MMC memory space in a similar manner to the BREW shared directory on the device's permanent flash part. BREW applications (MIF or MOD) cannot be stored on the media card. This directory path is protected by a BREW privilege to enable carriers to control the applications that allow content to be removed off the device using the media card.

Generic Serial Interface
A new interface (IPort) has been added to allow applications to access I/O ports on the device. This generic port can be used for serial cables, USB cables, infrared wireless connections and Bluetooth wireless connections. The interface supports plug-and-play behavior for device discovery by applications. This interface is protected by a BREW privilege to enable carriers to control the applications that provide serial device-to-device communications.

Address Book Category Access Enhancements
BREW 3.0.0 added the IAddrBook_GetCategoryName() and IAddrBook_GetFieldName() functions so applications can determine the text names of OEM-defined address book categories and fields.

BREW SDK 3.0 Features
The BREW SDK 3.0 has been enhanced to be more user-friendly and to enable more efficient application development, testing, localization and customization. Some new features in the SDK include:

BREW Simulator
Device Specific Simulation

The BREW Simulator now supports more accurate simulation of device specific features. This simulation is based on real device data that is packaged as "device packs". As they become available, these packs can be accessed by authenticated BREW developers.

Display of Device Information
The same data that is used to simulate device specific behavior is now displayed in an optional window in the Simulator.

Updated User Interface
The User Interface of the BREW Simulator has been updated from a usability standpoint, making often-used features more accessible. In addition there is the capability to modify device data fields through the UI, such as heap size and maximum number of sockets.

API Reference Guide Enhanced
The API Reference Guide has been enhanced to describe the version of BREW when interfaces and functions are first introduced.

Simulation of BREW 3.0 Features
The BREW SDK will support simulation of BREW 3.0 features including MMC, serial connection and multiple displays.

BREW Resource and MIF Editors
New Input File Format

The Resource and MIF Editors now accept an XML based file format (BRX and MFX respectively) as input. The use of a text based input format eases testing, customization and localization of applications

Command Line Compiler
With support for command line compilation of MIF and BAR files, advanced BREW developers can save considerable development time.

Updated User Interface
The user interface of both the Resource and MIF Editors has been updated for increased usability.

Download the BREW SDK and access other tools.

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Marketing Opportunity for BREW Alliance Program Members

As an Elite BREW® or Select BREW® Alliance member you can put the power of Eudora to work for you. This special advertising opportunity is currently available to you at no charge (subject to change).

The Eudora email, sponsor-supported mode includes an advertising window in the email interface and has more than 2.7 million active users.

A number of companies are already taking advantage of this offer, including Audiovox, Flarb Development, Com2uS, Generation Pix, Gameloft, JAMDAT Mobile, Logitech, Mattel, Sorrent, Thumbworks, and Verizon Wireless have taken advantage of this offer.

The Eudora audience is educated, upscale and technology centric.

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The Latest BREW Devices

There are more than 100 BREW-enabled devices commercially available in the market around the world. The selection of devices is always growing and fits the needs of a wide range of consumers. BREW makes it easy for operators to offer all tiers of devices to consumers, not just high-tier devices. For developers, manufacturers and operators, more choice for wireless subscribers means more revenue opportunities for you.

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