This report was sent to customers on April 1, 2011, analyzing technology trend developments in March. Contact us using the form on the right to receive an evaluation copy or for more information on Grizzly Analytics subscriptions.

		Facebook acquired a small company called Snaptu, whose platform supports mobile applications (such as social networking) on simple “feature phones,” not smartphones. This follows Qualcomm’s acquisition of iSkoot, makers of a similar platform, in October 2010. We analyze this trend of mobile apps on feature-phones, note a variety of technical approaches, and identify areas of future development and likely acquisition targets. We also note indications that feature-phone users are very interested in mobile apps.
		Palm (HP) had a patent application published this month on location-based alerts, where a phone notifies a user when arriving at a pre-defined location. This same concept has been the subject of patent applications from ..., as well as several 3rd-party apps. Each of the patent applications addresses different complexities that arise in practical implementation of the concept, such as battery use and identifying locations of interest. We overview these issues and identify several open areas of innovation.
		Rumors say that RIM may make its secure messenger service available on competing smartphones. Many people believe that this will damage their device business, but we conclude that this may be the best way for RIM to maintain their business in the long term.
		We also analyze March’s mobile-related acquisitions, noting growing trends of focus on mobile video and mobile security.

Executive Summary, Speculations and Opportunities	2
Summary of Broader Implications of Trends	5
Mobile-Related Acquisitions	8
7 acquisitions, 2 notable investments   Google & Motorola acquisitions in mobile security   Intel & Google acquisitions in mobile video
Applications for Feature Phones	11
Snaptu bought by Facebook, iSkoot by Qualcomm   Other companies in the feature-phone app area   Feature-phone user interest in apps
Location-Based Alerts	25
Patents by Palm (HP), ... & more   Open issues to be addressed; related research
RIM Services Distinct from Devices (Trend and Speculation)	43