SoftBank Mobile and Sharp join Joint Innovation Lab consortium on initiative for mobile widget specs – PR in English

Leading Handset Manufacturers to Support the Joint Innovation Lab (JIL) Initiative
LG, RIM, Samsung and Sharp Agree to Support the Joint Innovation Lab Widget Specification Enabling Development of Compelling Mobile Internet Services

The Joint Innovation Lab today announces that leading handset manufacturers LG Electronics, Research In Motion, Samsung and Sharp will support the JIL widget specification in future mobile handsets from Q1 2010.

The launch of a wide range of JIL widget compliant handsets will enable developers to create applications that can be rolled out to customers across the JIL member companies of China Mobile, SOFTBANK, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone, who have a combined user base of more than 1 billion across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Customers will benefit from having a wide range of useful and innovative mobile applications to choose from. While JIL compliant handsets have launched in some European countries and China, this is the first time that major handset manufacturers have committed to global adoption of the JIL widget standard across devices.

JIL is a joint venture involving China Mobile, SOFTBANK, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone established in 2008 to promote the development of new mobile technologies, applications and services. Its focus has been to create a single global platform for developers to encourage the creation of a wide range of innovative and useful mobile widgets. These mobile widgets will be capable of enhancing the mobile internet experience for customers on a variety of smartphones as well as mid- and low-cost handsets across several operating systems and distributed through JIL operators’ applications stores.

Related posts:

1. Joint Venture to Create Mobile Widgets
2. Siemens, Huawei Sign 3G Joint Venture
3. Mirumo Wins CEATEC Innovation Award
4. HP Opens RFID Lab in Japan
5. SoftBank Mobile Rolls Coupon Widget

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!