Italy Gets Qualcomm BREW Platform

Qualcomm and Telecom Italia, through its mobile unit TIM have announced an agreement to launch wireless data services based on Qualcomm's BREW solution. With the uiOne offering, TIM users can gain access to 'Idle Mode,' a dynamic TIM idle screen with the ability to subscribe to live content feeds, as well as downloadable 'Themes,' a series of skins that allow subscribers to customize the complete look and feel of their phone's user interface.

Following launch of the new services, both the 3D mobile games and themes can be purchased and downloaded over the air using Qualcomm's BREW solution.

"TIM's decision to launch BREW services in Italy underscores the momentum we are seeing for the BREW solution with European operators," said Peggy Johnson, president of Qualcomm Internet Services and MediaFLO Technologies. "We believe there will be an accelerated drive toward native games in Europe in 2007, and TIM is poised to lead that charge by launching the proven, high-quality experience that the BREW Gaming Signature Solution provides. The uiOne offering allows TIM to greatly enhance the user's ability to discover key services, and its 'Themes' offering will deliver device customization that will allow TIM to differentiate its services."

The BREW solution will initially support TIM services on two handsets based on Qualcomm's MSM chipsets. The Samsung Z630 will offer TIM subscribers access to 3D games. The Onda N5050 will offer the same services plus the 'Idle Mode' user interface and a range of custom TIM downloadable 'Themes.'"

Posted to the site on 14th November 2006