Something for just about everyone this week: the Mobile Sensor API for Java ME on the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, an update for S60 5th Edition theme creation, and an extended service for mobile advertising from NAVTEQ.

For Java developers itching to get their application sensor enabled, it is no longer necessary to wait for the release of the Nokia N97 mobile computer. Forum Nokia has made available an add-on for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic that adds Mobile Sensor API (JSR-256) support. The add-on is a beta and works on devices with firmware version 21.0.025 or later.

The add-on has also been accompanied by a small flurry of Forum Nokia Wiki articles about the sensor API including: How to get information about sensors in Java ME that explains how to find out what sensors are available, How to use sensors in Java ME that describes how to connect to and retrieve sensor data, and How to get accelerator sensor values in Java ME that offers more explicit information on using the accelerometers. 

Strangely, none of the linked articles explains how to install the SIS file from a jar, which would seem to be a pretty critical enabler for practical use of the add-on. There is no shortage of advice on Forum Nokia regarding how to install a jar packed in a SIS file (just try searching for ‘jar sis’ in Forum Nokia) but, after scanning a few pages of search results, nothing obvious about doing things the other way around. Perhaps it’s a trivial issue and obvious to any hands on Java developer. Perhaps a reader will be able to provide some enlightenment.

Meanwhile, Theme developers now have an updated version of the S60 5th Edition plug-in for Carbide.ui. The changes and additions are rather subtle, but will no doubt be of use to hardcore theme creators. It is worth noting that this plug-in replaces the one shipped with Carbide.ui and requires the original plug-in to be removed before the new one can be installed.

For LBS developers looking for alternative methods to generate revenue from their applications, news from NAVTEQ opens up a new possibility for applications with a European focus. NAVTEQ LocationPoint™ is now available in Europe, offering developers managed access to over 800 advertising partners.

Mobile advertising is certainly a hot topic this year and location based advertising would seem to have a lot to offer to advertisers: The ability to promote the latest fast food sensation to a hungry consumer when they are close to an outlet is far more likely to result in a purchase, than a TV advert seen at home and probably after the consumer has already eaten.

For the developer, integrating advertising into their application can enable them to reduce or eliminate the upfront purchase cost to potential users and this is highly likely to encourage installation of the application. 

More information about integrating NAVTEQ LocationPoint Advertising into applications is available at www.nn4d.com/LPA.

And a final note on location based applications; don’t forget that Calling All Innovators has been extended to include a category for Apps on Maps applications. The competition closes at the end of June, but, unlike the other categories, Apps on Maps entries need only describe the application idea. You can find out more about the competition in the developer feature Calling All Innovators – The final call for entries approaches.