Information-based horizontal applications include directories
and guides, which users can access and customize according to
their interests, such as headline news, business news, specific
company news tracking, weather, sports results, or stock information.
Wireless Internet applications will add value to news
and information by increasing users’ ability to access up-to-theminute
time-sensitive news while mobile. The one thing we
can all agree about is that if you wait too long, it’s no longer
news.
Wireless applications will enable users to wirelessly access
condensed versions of news and information that is relevant for
that particular moment in time. This access will often supplement
other methods for accessing this data but will add value
by providing timely access and notification of important events.
Key drivers for news and information applications are:
• Time sensitive data. Unpredictable news or events that the
user has an interest in knowing about as they occur. Weather,
sports scores, and news headlines are all examples of timesensitive
news.
• Access to up to date directories and guides to ensure efficient
actions. That paper phone book won’t always tell you that
your client recently moved his office to a new location across
town!
• Filtered access. News and information can be condensed and
filtered based on pre-existing rules and profiles according to
the user’s interests.
Some of the application areas for news and information
where wireless mobility will add value include:
• Virtual newspapers and magazines. Virtual newspapers and
magazines use communication technology to deliver periodical
and advertising information. In 1998, over 80 percent of
consumers surveyed said they believe that the Internet is as
reliable as offline (e.g., printed and television) media sources.
Because of the proliferation of 24-hour cable news channels
and the increase in online news services, average daily newspaper
readership fell to only 58 percent of the United States
population in 1997. This is compared to over 80 percent in
1964. With only 31 percent of the 21- to 35-year-old age
group reading the newspaper, traditional newspapers and
broadcasters are using virtual newspapers and magazines via
Internet to reach a more affluent, younger, demographic
online audience.*
Newspapers rarely duplicate themselves word for word
online, but they often provide more than enough for the reader
without the paper edition. When viewing online newspapers,
readers are not limited to selections of local
newspapers. They have access to newspapers around the
globe. Almost all newspapers have an online version.
Additionally, the online versions are generally free (advertiser
supported) and are available before the paper ones hit the
stands. Online newspapers and magazines tend to offer
expanded coverage into areas such a travel, entertainment,
and culture. They provide exclusive content such as breaking
news, live sports coverage, online shopping, opinion polls,
and discussion groups. However, probably the best advantage
of online newspapers is that they provide advanced search
and retrieve archives to the customer. With increased available
bandwidth, virtual newspapers can take advantage of
video and audio media to add value to their news services.
• Virtual or E-Books. Virtual books or electronic books (ebooks)
are books in digital form that can be displayed and
navigated through by a user. Many virtual books are available
through personal computers or personal digital assistants
(PDAs) via CD ROM or a connection to the Internet.
Portable e-book readers come with leather covers, a built-in
modem, and color screen.
Since 1998, online publishing offered electronic books in
PostScript Descriptor File (PDF) format. E-books offer book
publishers a way to control distribution if they’re able to tie
content to a specific device. In 1999, the total U.S. book
market was approximately $21 billion and the e-books market
share was less than 1 percent,* due in part to poor display
devices, lack of compelling content, and the limitations of the
user’s experience with the display device (which is far outstripped
by those of digital music users).
With the introduction of better display devices and more
content available via the Internet, the marketplace for virtual
books should dramatically increase. It is likely that e-book
vendors will focus initially on vertical opportunity segments
with time-sensitive content, such as mobile maintenance
(service instructions), education (distance learning), healthcare
(telemedicine), and law (case histories) topics. 153