Reiter's Camera Phone Report

Vodafone's Vodablog .NET demonstration Weblog launched in U.K.

From picturephoning.com I learned that Vodablog, a new demonstration blog highlighting Microsoft's .NET platform has been launched for Vodafone in the U.K. Entries may be posted via SMS (code 2385) for text and via MMS (mms@vodablog.com) for photos.

Also, you may post videos. It will be possible to forward text, photos and videos from Vodablog as an MMS to cellular phones, but not currently with this demonstration effort.

Here's what Vodablog says about itself:

"* The underlying software architecture is developed in 14 months.

"* It is the most innovative and the only mobile blogging service that is built on Microsoft .NET Technologies.

"* It embodies a state-of-the art scalable software platform that leverages "Static-File-Creation-Technology", that is, blogs are re-generated as static html files each time blog is updated.

"* This scalable methodology is only used in Vodablog and Blogger (Google's desktop blooging company) in the world.

"* Vodablog developed the first/only innovative features such as blog notifications, converting any content to MMS format and sending application-to-mobile MMS Messages.

"* Vodablog is the only blogging service solution that leverages XML Web Services.

"* Vodablog is the only blogging service that supports OMA Digital Rights Management Specifications (Under Development)."

Sprint doesn't work

I set up a test moblog and sent a photo from my Treo 600 over Sprint PCS. No surprise -- it didn't work. Sprint uses Lightsurf Technologies for its back office camera phone software and LightSurf doesn't send the jpeg file, just a link to view the photos.

As a result of sending only a link, unless a moblog/Weblog company specifically configures its system to work with LightSurf, photos won'tbe posted. Many moblog hosting companies in the United States have figured out how to accept Sprint PCS photos.

LightSurf is very willing to work with companies to ensure compatibility. (Disclosure: Previously, I did some consulting for LightSurf. I don't consult for them now, but I would be glad to put moblog companies who need help accepting Sprint photos in touch with the right person at LightSurf.)

Microsoft pushes back moblog service two months

In November 2003 I wrote that Microsoft's Windows Mobile Communities Web section said to stay tuned for information about moblogs in December. Well, December has passed. Where's the information?

The two sentences about the service are the same as before, except now it says to check back in February.

Microsoft getting involved in moblogs

Microsoft is getting involved in moblogs. How's that for detailed information?!

From Robert Scoble's Scobleizer Weblog I was pointed to Robert Levy, managing editor of Smartphone Thoughts, who posted an entry in the forums section that pointed me to Microsoft's Windows Mobile Communities Web site (whew!) that says in the home page:

"Get Ready for Moblogs: Turn an ordinary blog into a moblog by including pictures from your Pocket PC or Smartphone. Check back here in December to learn how to create yours."

I know something about this but I absolutely will not discuss it.