ACCESS Linux Platform unveiled in Barcelona

The new version of ACCESS Linux Platform unveiled at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona offers a richer user interface and compliance with LiMo standards. The ACCESS Linux Platform (ALP) 3.0 brings a significant user interface overhaul with support for rich visual effects. ACCESS Platform leverages components of the GNOME mobile and embedded stack, which means that third-party developers can use GTK+ to build applications that will run on the platform. It also includes a Java runtime, a Garnet emulator that enables support for legacy Palm applications, and a Web widget runtime that allows developers to build applications with HTML and JavaScript. ALP was developed by PalmSource, a software company that split from Palm in 2003 and was subsequently acquired by ACCESS in 2005.

HTC’s Magic - Vodafone G2 phone

Vodafone has presented their brand new model of touchscreen-only Android gphone named: HTC’s Magic. According to the specs G2 will be equipped with a 3.2-inch QVGA screen front and center (that resolution might be a typo, HVGA seems more likely), HDSPA, GPS, 3.2 megapixel camera (no flash), and a G1-style trackball. Details on pricing and availability will be unveiled for local Vodafone markets as they see fit, but pricing in Spain will be from 99 to 199 Euro, depending on contract. Initial markets to nab the phone will be UK (due in April), Spain, Germany, France and Italy, with more countries to follow, and the phone will be a timed exclusive with Vodafone. Crazily enough, the phone has a proprietary headphone jack, proving once and for all that HTC doesn’t like you, but at least this one will ship with a touchscreen keyboard out of the gate — it’s running Cupcake.

Palm plans to open application store

Palm has launched a new online mobile application storefront stuffed with free and paid versions of applications for over 25 Palm devices.The quiet Software Store debut, which it didn’t announce officially, houses 1,000 free applications and 2,000 games. Users can search through categories for applications for personal productivity, fun and games, to professional. You can browse applications listed by device type and also by mobile platform. There are even sub-storefronts for Windows Mobile and Palm’s OS applications.
Is it enough to keep the legions of Palm device users faithful? Palm did not return a call seeking comment. Applications for the Palm platform have long enjoyed a huge following, and have been a key reason many Palm device users, such as Treo and Centro, are sticking with Palm while others are leaving the device for others. Palm has been offering software through its own Shop MyPalm site which is still active. Palm fans can also go to third-party developer sites, like Handango.com, visit retail stores and download applications from wireless carrier sites as well.

Mobile tech conference kicked off

Mobile tech conference, which is the biggest conference dedicated to mobile technology, kicked off in Barcelona. The Mobile World Congress convenes in Barcelona with the industry undergoing negative growth. The rising stars of the industry are tipped to be in areas surrounding mobile broadband and applications for devices such as cloud computing. But there will also be announcements of new handsets and mobile gadgets. The economic downturn is likely to be a dominant theme of discussion. But the sense of a downturn for the mobile industry was made more tangible when Nokia - the leader among handset manufacturers - recently announced it foresaw a 10% fall in mobile phone sales for the coming year. The Mobile World Congress expects almost 50,000 visitors

Google accepting paid applications on Android Market

Google has opened their Android Market mobile app store for paid applications it seems to be the first step towards changing more integrated bussines model following Apple’s lead. Initially, the Android Market offered only free applications. Now, however, the search giant confirmed plans to next week begin selling applications through Android Market after rumors began circulating earlier this week.

Users of the Android-based T-Mobile G1 smartphone can expect to see the paid apps available starting in the middle of next week, according to a Google post on a blog for Android developers. The search giant said Google Checkout will serve as the payment and billing mechanism for the service.