“Sony Ericsson enables consumers to download third-party content without any limitations or restrictions,” said Ulf Wretling, Head of Sony Ericsson Developer World and Communications. “Our global development partners have done and continue to do outstanding work in advancing the experiences that consumers have on their phones. The creation of the content awards is an excellent platform to celebrate these innovators.”
The launch of the Sony Ericsson Content Awards reflects the evolution of mobile phones from being purely a communication tool to an integrated mobile lifestyle device open to third-party content. As Wretling added, “Today’s phones have the power and functionality that enables consumers to be highly productive and entertained on the go. From mobile business applications to 3D gaming and digital music, never before have consumers been able to enjoy such robust and intuitive mobile experiences.”
The 2007 Content Awards celebrate achievements of mobile content developers in five focus areas: Gaming, Imaging, Productive Mobility, Music and Audio, Themes and Graphics. A jury of content industry experts will judge the nominees in the following categories based on ease of use, entertainment factor, innovation, look and feel, and audio performance.
The nominees for the 2007 program are:
Gaming
§ Fishlabs – “Deep”
§ EA Mobile – “Fight Night Round 3”
§ Mr Goodliving – “Playman Extreme Running”
§ I-Play – “3D The Fast and The Furious Fugitive”
§ Digital Chocolate – “Brick Breaker Revolution”
Imaging
§ Warelex – “Mobiola Webcamera”
§ Vitamin – “Vitamins SlideShow Wallpaper”
§ BitCycle – “Slide Show Viewer 2”
§ BitCycle – “Autocam”
§ BitCycle – “Pull Face Image Manipulator”
§ Vringo – “Video ring signals”
Productive Mobility
§ Mobile Nordic – “UIQ apps”
§ Opera – “Opera Mini 4.0”
§ AccuWeather – “AccuWeather”
§ Fring – “Fring”
§ Mobispine –“Mobispine”
Music & Audio
§ Vitamin – “Music Quiz”
§ Vitamin – “Album Art Wallpaper”
§ Grace Note – “Track ID”
§ Kara OK – “Lyric Show”
§ EMDO – “DropMe”
Themes & Graphics
§ Lawton & Yeo – “Themes for S500”
§ USTwo – “Themes for W950”
§ Cybercom – “Premium generic Themes on Fun & Downloads”
§ Metronize/Clavitones – “The Geeks themes and graphics”
§ Vitamin SE Media – ”Contour Tracer”
Beginning today, people can learn more about the 2007 Content Awards by visiting http://www.sonyericsson.com/contentawards. In addition to profiles of all the nominees and judges, visitors can view additional background information on the awards, including content creator bios and interviews with Sony Ericsson’s executives.
Many of the applications nominated for the 2007 Content Awards are preloaded on select Sony Ericsson phones and are also available through retail channels such as PlayNow™, Fun & Downloads, and Application Shop.
PlayNow
PlayNow™ is Sony Ericsson's popular over-the-air (OTA) download service, available directly from the menu on most Sony Ericsson phones. On November 6, 2007, Sony Ericsson revealed a first glimpse of its new PlayNow™ arena, which marks the latest evolution of the PlayNow experience. The new PlayNow arena provides end-users with an expanded content catalog, accessible via both the phone and computer, and uniquely integrates the TrackID™ music recognition service. Introduction of the enhanced PlayNow service starts in selected markets from Q2 2008 with continuous roll-out during the year.
Application Shop
The Sony Ericsson Application Shop offers end users a wide range of applications for our Symbian/UIQ-based phones in one easy-to-find place. Any correctly compiled, tested and Symbian Signed SIS file can be submitted. The shop is an effective go-to-market channel for Symbian/UIQ developers focusing on Sony Ericsson phones.
http://applicationshop.sonyericsson.com
Fun and Downloads
Fun & Downloads is a Sony Ericsson web portal and WAP service that offers downloads for our phones. With a focus on fun and entertainment, the content offering includes ring tones, images, video clips, wallpapers, themes, animated content and games for a wide range of Sony Ericsson phones. Fun & Downloads content varies by country and geographical region. The portal has a mix of branded, premium and free downloads, as well as on-line tools and services.