Download BREW SDK Developer Directory Become a BREW Developer BREW Alliance Program Market Research Co-op Marketing Program Getting Started Resources Application Development Commercialization and Payments Developer Extranet Developer FAQs Developer Site Map Contact Us

BREW News

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

Subscription Sign-up
Subscription Change
BREW News Archives

BREW News - Volume 5, Number 1

> Qualcomm Introduces BREW uiOne User Interface Offering
> Q&A with Tom Grieco and Mike Yuen, Qualcomm Internet Services
> BREW 2005 Developer Awards: Submissions Deadline March 28th
> BREW Solution Continues Momentum
> Become a BREW 2005 Sponsor or Exhibitor
> Come Join Us at CTIA

Qualcomm Introduces BREW uiOne User Interface Offering

With wireless devices becoming feature-rich and more complex, the ability to extend the power of customization to wireless operators, device manufacturers and ultimately end users via customizable user interfaces (UIs) holds equal promise. To enable this, Qualcomm has introduced its BREW uiOne offering, an open and flexible combination of products and services to enable customized user interfaces (UIs) for mobile phones.

The BREW uiOne offering is designed to increase market differentiation and revenue potential for wireless operators, decrease time-to-market for handset delivery, and allow publishers and developers to expand into new areas of application development. Feature-rich user interfaces developed with BREW uiOne can be delivered over the air, enabling consumers to customize the individual look and feel of their phone and organize features in their own unique way.

"The BREW uiOne offering can be tailored to meet the needs of wireless operators around the world," said Peggy Johnson, president of Qualcomm Internet Services. "BREW uiOne uses advanced technology and services to enable flexible and customized user interface capabilities and to differentiate wireless services. With BREW uiOne operators can offer their subscribers a deep, rich user experience, enhancing their services in a variety of ways."

The BREW uiOne offering is comprised of a suite of products and services, including:
  • BREW uiOne Toolkit - enables rapid development of rich and dynamic UIs.
  • BREW uiOne SDK (software development kit) - includes a focused PC-based set of UI authoring tools to create a customized UI.
  • BREW uiOne Applications, Resources and Templates (ART) - provides a library of UI application resources and design templates for use by device manufacturers and operators.
  • BREW uiOne Distribution System - allows wireless users to purchase and download custom UIs.
  • Professional Services - to assist operators in getting to market.

For additional information on BREW uiOne, please visit www.brewuione.com.

back to top

Q&A with Tom Grieco and Mike Yuen, Qualcomm Internet Services (QIS)

The BREW community is welcoming a new member to the fold, while a familiar face is taking on new responsibilities.

Tom Grieco is trading in his business operations "hat" for a new one, as he assumes the role of senior director of BREW developer relations and application strategy for QIS. Tom will lead a seasoned group of professionals dedicated to bringing compelling applications into the BREW ecosystem. With more than 10 years at Qualcomm, Tom has an extensive background in business development, operations and finance across several Qualcomm divisions, making him a powerful addition to the QIS Developer Relations team.

Meanwhile, Mike Yuen is transitioning to his new role as director of the gaming group at QIS where he'll work more closely with BREW game publishers and developers to ensure they have the resources and support they need to bring the next-generation of mobile games to market. Mike will also be working very closely with other Qualcomm divisions to help create alignment for an overall gaming strategy for the company. As former director of BREW developer relations, Mike lends his extensive knowledge of the entire BREW value chain to his new position.

We sat down with Tom and Mike recently to discuss their new roles at QIS, and talk about what the coming year holds for the BREW community:

Q: Let's talk about priorities. What are the main goals you'll be leading QIS and its BREW publishers and developers towards in the next year?

Tom: There are several new and exciting developments on the horizon for the BREW community. We see 2005 as the year when everyone-from BREW operators to publishers and developers-embraces location-based services (LBS). We've already witnessed the first wave of LBS adoption in Asia and Latin America, and the momentum in the United States continues to build. Currently, U.S. operators offer applications that provide turn-by-turn directions, downloadable maps, and directory services in their catalogs. The next stage will take advantage of GPS capabilities and integrate them into existing applications to give the end-user a whole host of personalized and customizable functions.

Mike: Another huge priority for all of Qualcomm is the continued rollout of CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology. As the technology gains a wider footprint, we're seeing more and more publishers and developers creating applications designed specifically for EV-DO, leveraging this high-speed network for quicker downloads, richer 3D graphics and superior performance. Already a huge success in Japan and Korea, we anticipate the same sort of success in newly launched EV-DO markets. I predict that high-speed networks like EV-DO will have a huge impact on the quality and caliber of mobile gaming in particular since it will enable the over-the-air download of much larger and more compelling games.

Q: The success of mobile games and ringtones is evident. What can the BREW community do to match that success for information, entertainment, business and other categories of applications?

Tom: When wireless applications first hit the scene, it made sense that the majority of the applications we saw were games, ringtones and other consumer-friendly content. These were tangible and easy-to-grasp applications, making them very popular in a nascent market. But as the market matured, tech-savvy users have increasingly been demanding more. Already we're seeing developers tap into new markets and deliver practical services, such as mobile instant messaging and email. Also, I expect streaming video and music to take off in the near future. As these technologies improve, a better user experience is created and market adoption increases. Consumers are excited to see what's next and the mobile marketplace seems to offer something for everyone, so these types of multimedia content are another way to deliver what users want.

Q: Applications for the enterprise market still seem slow to gain traction with operators. What types of business applications do you see catching-on in the near future, apart from some of the productivity and email applications that are already gaining popularity?

Tom: Of course, productivity applications as they exist today have been popular and will continue to progress but we think the enterprise market will expand beyond those productivity applications that are currently available. We are seeing new applications being developed that enhance existing applications with new functionality. For example, Picsel Technologies has created an application that allows email users to view PowerPoint documents, PDFs, and other attachments from their mobile phone. We may also see a crossover of LBS into the enterprise market that will let users personally track their assets, shipments, or finances.

Q: Can you share a little bit about the opportunity for regional BREW publishers and developers to export their applications to BREW operators in other parts of the world?

Tom: The BREW Global Publisher (BGP) program helps facilitate the import and export of BREW applications across regions around the world. Through the BGP model, Qualcomm helps increase the flow of applications in and out of various regions by establishing BGPs which can help non-local companies bring their applications to market in territories where they lack a presence. For example, Media Socket of Japan has imported applications from the U.S., Korea, China, Latin America and India. Additionally, several companies have exported applications from Korea to Japan, China, Brazil and the U.S. where BGPs like JAMDAT Mobile, Enorbus and Vindigo have acted as importers. Today there are 14 BGPs operating in the U.S., Japan, China, Latin America, and Australia. We're working to setup additional BGPs in other regions as well.

Q: Mike, you'll be working even more closely with BREW game publishers and developers this year. What do you see as the main priorities for these folks, and how will QIS help meet them?

Mike: I think one of the main focuses for game publishers and developers in 2005 will be continuing to generate short-term revenues in an increasingly competitive space while balancing the long-term forward investment in strategic growth areas such as 3D gaming capabilities and high-speed networks. We recognize that mobile games inherently push the consumer technology envelope and also drive a large revenue-generating application segment. With the formation of a dedicated group of individuals that is responsible for encouraging advanced game development, we'll be focused on driving the BREW gaming experience to elevate the wireless gaming segment to the next level of adoption and success.

For example, we'll be pushing for common API standards like OpenGL ES, the adoption of gaming specs by both operators and handset manufacturers that will help establish a baseline for what a gaming-centric device should be. In addition, we'll continue to provide strategic guidance to BREW publishers and developers on how to best approach 3D gaming and design and monetize games that take advantage of high-speed networks.

We're also working very closely with QCT, Qualcomm's chipset division, as they roll out new chips with advanced 3D graphics and audio capabilities.

Q: What do you expect will be some of the major trends for mobile gaming, both in the coming year and beyond?

Mike: 3D game development tops the list, and the impact that high-speed networks will have can't be ignored either. Cross platform design, meaning games that have been designed to interact among different platforms such as consoles, PCs and wireless, will be another big trend. Multiplayer gaming and the incorporation of LBS into games will also continue to progress in development and innovation. In the future, I see LBS adding a true mobility aspect to gaming that cannot be replicated with existing consoles and PCs which are bound by location and wires.

Q: How do you think the expanded launch of Verizon Wireless' EV-DO network and recent launch of its first EV-DO handset will impact the market for 3D games?

Mike: The launch of Verizon Wireless' high-speed EV-DO network and the LG VX8000 handset as well as forthcoming EV-DO handsets launches with the UTStarcom CMD 8940 and Samsung a890, will usher in the dawn of 3D games on a greater mass-market, consumer scale.

The high-speed network enables more feature-rich titles to be created and efficiently purchased and distributed over the air. With an EV-DO network there is no constraint on the download pipe bandwidth. This allows for larger, more innovative and compelling titles to be developed and monetized digitally without all of the issues around physical retail distribution.

We're seeing games that are 10 to 20 MB in size being designed such that the core game engine and the first level of a game are initially downloaded and then subsequent playing levels are brought down over the air. And the BREW solution provides the mechanism for this content to be monetized in a simple and efficient manner by publishers and developers.

The end result is that we're now seeing a tangible interest from large traditional videogame console and PC publishers around the world in what the mobile gaming marketplace has to offer and the explosive growth ahead.

Thanks Tom and Mike. We look forward to seeing these exciting trends play out in the coming year as publishers and developers continue to innovate and push the market forward.

If you have a question for Tom or Mike, feel free to email it to brew-questions@qualcomm.com.

back to top

BREW 2005 Developer Awards: Call for Submissions Deadline March 28th

Here's your chance to showcase your best BREW application and take home one of the industry's most coveted prizes! The BREW 2005 Developer Awards offer an outstanding opportunity to gain recognition among your peers, operators, handset manufacturers, press and industry analysts from around the globe. The awards program highlights top BREW applications in a variety of categories that represent the creativity and sophistication driving the wireless data services market forward.

This year, we've expanded the application categories list to include:
  • Best Business Application
  • Best Location-Based Service Application
  • Best Communications Application
  • Best Information Application
  • Best Entertainment Application
  • Best Game Application
  • Best Ringtone Application - NEW category!
  • Most Innovative Use of Technology - NEW category!

In addition, we've created the People's Choice Award, giving conference attendees the opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite application, choosing from the list of finalists across the categories (except the Most Innovative Use of Technology award).

The deadline is quickly approaching, so check out the BREW 2005 Web site at www.brew2005.com for more details. Entry forms and application demos must be received by March 28th in order to complete your nomination.

Finalists will be announced on the BREW 2005 Web site and winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony hosted during the BREW 2005 Conference, June 1-3, in San Diego.

back to top

BREW Solution Continues Momentum

The BREW solution continues to make traction around the globe creating plenty of opportunity for compelling BREW-based content and applications to reach consumers. And that means more revenue opportunities for BREW publishers and developers worldwide.

In the last several months, several more operators have officially launched BREW bringing the total number to 41 operators with BREW services. Operators that have recently launched BREW-based services include: Reliance Infocomm in India, Cellcom, Bluegrass Cellular and Illinois Valley Cellular in the U.S.

As operators launch BREW services, existing BREW operators continue to find success with more subscribers downloading BREW applications. China Unicom recently announced that one million subscribers are using the operator's BREW services in China. To date, 10 million BREW applications have been downloaded by Chinese subscribers on more than 50 different handset models and approximately 200 BREW developers are offering more than 800 BREW applications to China Unicom's subscribers.

China Unicom subscribers are using a broad range of BREW services, including mobile banking, mobile TV, ring-tone download and 3D gaming. BREW enterprise applications, in particular, are gaining significant traction, as an increasing number of small and medium-size businesses, government agencies and institutions are using the BREW platform for tax payments, mobile voting, social security information and healthcare applications. Sales of BREW-based applications and content have resulted in profitability for a large percentage of the BREW developer base in China.

To keep up with the latest BREW announcements and milestones go to www.brewpressroom.com and www.brewtoday.com.

back to top

Become a BREW 2005 Sponsor or Exhibitor

Only 4 premium sponsorships left and exhibitor spots are going fast, so don't delay - sign up today!

At BREW 2005, opportunities abound. Find the right sponsorship package to suit your needs, and deliver any level of impact you want, from focused to front-and-center.

And did you know your benefits don't just stop with BREW 2005? Once you become a BREW 2005 sponsor or exhibitor, you automatically join our Alumni Sponsor Program which entitles you to receive exclusive discounts when you sign up as a sponsor or exhibitor for BREW 2006!

Take advantage of this great offer and visit www.BREW2005.com to find out how your company can become an official BREW 2005 sponsor or exhibitor!

back to top

Come Join Us at CTIA

Qualcomm Internet Services will be showcasing some of the latest BREW features and technologies, including BREW uiOne, BREW Zone and more at CTIA Wireless 2005, March 14-16 in Hall C, Booth #2631 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. CTIA Wireless is one of the largest and most highly attended wireless shows in the North American telecommunications and computing industry with more than 35,000 delegates and 700 exhibitors.

Here is a glimpse of the demos you will be able to see at CTIA:
  • BREW uiOne - provides an open and flexible combination of products and services to create and deploy customized user interfaces (UIs) for mobile phones. BREW uiOne enables the logical expansion of features and customization for wireless devices that have been popular so far, to an even deeper and richer experience - for example going from selecting individual ringtones/ringtunes and wallpapers to choosing themes, menus, fonts, sounds and more that can truly personalize a device.
  • BREW Zone - provides operators and their designated partners with the ability to sell applications and content outside of the existing device shopping environment including website, retail cards, mass-media ads, and more.
  • BREW for Business - features rich Enterprise solutions, including LBS workforce applications

In addition to the demos, the Qualcomm booth will also include the biggest BREW Partner Pavilion ever, featuring 24 BREW publishers and developers, all demonstrating their latest BREW applications from around the world. Come check out compelling examples of the innovative applications BREW is enabling.

For a complete listing of all the BREW announcements, BREW Partner Pavilion participants and activities, including speakerships during the event, click here.

back to top