Verizon Wireless to join JIL to create single global platform

To encourage the creation of a wide range of mobile widgets

Verizon Wireless has announced that it plans to join the Joint Innovation Lab established by China Mobile, Softbank Group and Vodafone to help increase the uptake of mobile technologies on a mass-market scale.

According to Verizon, the Joint Innovation Lab (JIL) is expected to initially focus on creating a single global platform for developers to encourage the creation of a wide range of useful mobile widgets. These mobile widgets will be capable of enhancing the mobile internet experience on a variety of smartphones as well as mid- and low-cost handsets on multiple operating systems.

As part of this initiative, the JIL plans to launch later in 2009 a range of tools to encourage innovation among global mobile developers. The tools include: a common mobile widgets specification, easy-to-use developer kits, and an online repository, distribution and payment mechanism to ensure developers can roll out their products to customers in more than 70 countries across North America, Asia, Europe and Africa, said Verizon.

Masayoshi Son, chairman of JIL, said: This partnership will enable four of the world's leading mobile operators to pool their combined expertise, innovation and scale for the gain of customers across the globe. As well as driving innovation in the mobile developer world, this initiative is set to empower consumers by giving them access to a range of easy-to-use and compelling web applications that will enable them to get even more benefits from their handsets.

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