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The http://lwuit.dev.java.net/“>light-weight user interface toolkit for Java ME (LWUIT) has been released as open source. Sun has selected GPLv2 and the classpath exception license, which allows developers to link this library statically or dynamically with other modules under other licenses.

LWUIT is a library that helps creating rich Java ME applications through a MVC (model view controller) approach. It supports visual components, theming, transitions, animation etc. Just like JavaFX. But while both LWUIT and JavaFX enable creating a better and more compelling user interface for mobile and other devices, there are really two target generations:

LWUIT will help Java MIDP and Swing developers to enhance the interfaces of new or existing Java ME applications on MIDP 2.0 phones. The LWUIT library which offers pre-made graphical functions and features that developers can quickly and easily assemble into a compelling interface. JavaFX Mobile is targeted at designers and scripters who are looking to create very rich, very immersive experiences across multiple screens like phone, PC, TV, etc. The level of interactivity and animation and control over the presentation is much higher than that enabled by LWUIT. JavaFX Mobile can also run on MSA-enabled devices i.e. smart phones and high end feature phones.

So it is nice to now have LWUIT for sprucing up existing Java ME programs. For new apps I still strongly suggest to consider JavaFX.

WordPress have introduced an Open Source app that lets you write posts, upload photos, and edit your WordPress blog from your iPhone or iPod Touch. With support for both WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress (2.5.1 or higher), users can now write and manage their blog on the go.

Download from the iTunes AppStore.

The interesting bit is the solution to prevent data loss when receiving a call. Wordpress for iPhone will recover your post after ending the call. You can take pictures on the phone and blog them instantly, iPod touch users are limited to pictures from the photo library.
See pictures of the app in action in the gallery.

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With the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 2.0 software for the first iPhone generation and the iPod touch Apple also introduced Microsoft Exchange support.

For a client like Outlook, but also e.g. for my Nokia E61, Zimbra Server will look like and behave lika an Exchange. That means you can simply point Mobile.me (me.com) or your iPhone/iPod at your Zimbra mail server and done. You get mail, calendar and contacts push over the air. Note: Make sure you diable your IMAP account for the same server should you have one, otherwise you might confuse yourself…

Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and NTT DOCOMO announced today their intent to unite Symbian OS™, S60, UIQ and MOAP(S) to create one open mobile software platform. Together with AT&T, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Vodafone they form the Symbian Foundation. Members will be able to use the components of this platform for free from the beginning and selected features will be open sourced over time.

This is an alternative development to Google’s Open Handset Alliance Android program, that recently was said to be delayed and then not to be delayed. WSJ also considers this an iPhone thread.

Nokia recently also acquired Plazes, a Berlin based location based social network platform operator.

SugarCRM has released a beta version 5.1 of their Open Source CRM software. This release features mobile support as well as advanced analytics a report capabilities. The user interface has been generally improved and for HTML browsers there is now a rich HTML client for extended presentations inside a standard browser. Device independence allows users to view SugarCRM data from any PDA or smart phone, including Blackberry and iPhones. New search capabilities allow users to find information quickly with the click of a few buttons. The release also includes complex reporting sets, the ability to compile reports from data in multiple modules.

According to the latest usage stats, the iPhone is the most popular camera phone among Flickr users. These graphs show the number of Flickr members who have uploaded at least one photo or video with a particular camera on a given day over the last year. I like my Nikon D-SLR and would consider neither the N95 nor the iPhone a proper replacement. But it seems that the overall experience is good enough and definitely better that the N95 and the like.

The larger telecom operators have been reinventing themselves over the last couple of years again and again. They constantly look to replace voice revenue and profit lost due to competition, they fight price declines, migration and substitution effects. It’s a fine line of introducing new products as needed and demanded and at the same time not to cannibalize the own existing offering. After unbundling and specialization in the 90ties, incumbent operators today go after service bundling and multiple screen plays to tie their customers into their product and services portfolio. With a strong focus on services and entertainment, media is still big for a lot of them.
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Apple said today it will reveal its software plans for its iPhone device on March 6, including tools for outside developers and features aimed at businesses.