IM-Mobile

The growth of mobile phones around the world (now 3B and growing rapidly) usually claims most headlines. What is less known among marketers and the general public is the explosive growth in mobile websites (websites with .mobi after them). As mobile users migrate to Web access on mobile devices, websites designed for smaller screens and less internal memory are becoming more prevalent, presenting new opportunities for global mobile marketers.

Mobile websites, due to smaller displays, mobile browsers and less internal memory, are naturally less versatile than websites displayed on your computer. However, despite the trade-offs, mobile users’ desire to access the mobile web is driving technology improvements and increased content. Advertisers are watching mobile web growth very closely for opportunities, mostly among early adopters of new mobile technologies.

A good source of information about mobile websites is MobilOpen, a group of developers and other professionals focused on “open deck” applications. (Open deck refers to mobile web access not controlled by cell phone carriers.)

MobilOpen’s blog contains a number of posts, mobile website descriptions and screen shots that demonstrates .mobi website content and applications. All of the mobile websites described here are viewable using your personal computer browser. However, if you have a mobile phone handy with Web access, I encourage you to view the sites there for the full mobile experience.

The screen shot at the top of this post is from Newsvine.  Similar to Digg, with fewer restrictions, Newsvine users determine its content, morphing it into a cross between a social and news website.

Speaking of social websites, check out MobilOpen’s review of Bluepulse, a mobile social media site.

Looking for an instant messaging mobile site where you not only choose your IM service but the language as well? Take a look at Heysan on its mobile site or the review on MobilOpen. On the go around the world and need weather information, surf over to Foreca, a comprehensive international mobile weather site also providing language selection.

Numerous other mobile websites are regularly reviewed on MobilOpen, giving marketers new strategies. Mobility, for example, is a forum for watching new developments in mobile websites

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The mobile web has also spawned application developers. While the Google initiative and the Open Handset AllianceWurfl are working on application compatibility on the mobile web. JumpTap provides services for mobile advertisers, operators and content publishers. encourage innovative mobile applications and devices, organizations such as

Dot Mobi is an international phenomenon in the continuing saga of a global, wireless world.