Novarra Internet Update 7.0, iPhone Usability Rises

Novarra, one of the mobile internet providers aimed at improving the experience (as well as smoothen the distribution of ads), and transcoder for both Vodafone UK and US Cellular, just released an upgrade for their platform. Updates include faster streaming, better handling of net code, improved Javascript support, among many other additions. Boring reading, if you don't already know what Novarra is, ahead. Read on for details through the press release.

"The global popularity of the internet and social networking is driving
demand for the Vision platform that brings scalable, cost-effective
internet access to millions of mobile users," said Randy Cavaiani, VP of
Product Management and Marketing at Novarra. "Operators and web businesses
recognize that mobile consumers understand the value of a superior
experience in anytime, anywhere access to the breadth of the web."



Core Internet Content and Experience

The growing usage of web 2.0 applications such as Facebook and MySpace
has made it necessary for mobile internet service offerings to include
support for technologies such as video streaming and Flash. Version 7.0
includes enhancements to core content processing, delivery and speed in
addition to new features.

Supported on third party browsers and Novarra micro-clients:

-- Real time streaming video and audio from the web
-- Flash and AJAX support v1.0
-- Video and picture upload
-- Enhancements to content compaction algorithms and mobile content
support
-- Dynamic JavaScript support across all phones
-- Compression and optimization for laptops
-- Enhanced language support for more than 20 languages

Supported on Novarra micro-clients:
-- In-line playback of streaming video with embedded controls
-- Picture album

Mobile Usability

Usage data from global commercial deployments show that speed and
usability are key drivers of consumer uptake. Version 7.0 includes
comprehensive enhancements that extend Novarra's leadership in this area.
These features are in addition to SmartScroll(TM), SmartNav(TM)
Snapshot(TM) and Mobile Dashboard(TM), which form part of the core
platform.

Supported on third party browsers and Novarra micro-clients:
-- Speed and usability for internet capable HTML browsers including iPhone
-- Content prioritization enhancements and user personalization
-- Customizable toolbars and navigation icons
-- Widget and mash-up support
-- Location and presence enablement across all handsets
-- Enhanced dynamic folderization
-- User selectable Mobile Dashboard(TM)
-- Advanced Find

Supported on Novarra micro-clients:
-- Virtual mouse for improved navigation
-- Tabbed interfaces
-- Integration with on device portals
-- Password vault
-- Text auto-completion

Mobile Advertising Enhancements

Operators and content providers see mobile internet usage as a key
driver for mobile advertising which is a new revenue stream to monetize
growing portal and internet traffic. Version 7.0 includes support for:

-- Dynamic delivery of advertising using multiple mechanisms in multiple
formats
-- Context-based ad delivery
-- Reporting and tracking capabilities by page impression and
click-through
-- Open advertising APIs