Smart mobile ecosystem for Entrepreneurs Date:   Sunday , October 16, 2011 “Companion computing” is the new buzz word in the world of technology. Smartphones, tablets and notebooks are the emerging companion computing style devices that bring amazing personal and mobile experiences to the place where you are relaxing. The growing adoption of Internet access is creating an environment where consumers are spending an increasing amount of time online, and reducing their engagement with traditional forms of media, such as television and newspapers. Before the consumers were the users of content, now they are the producers of content. For example, about 2.5 billion photos are uploaded and shared among consumers every day. Mobile applications have changed the way we communicate, from day planners to business presentations. A report by Gartner reported that the global app downloads will increase from 8.2 billion downloads in 2010 to 17.7 billion in 2011. Apps generated about $5.2 billion in revenue in 2010. The SME ventures with small developer teams can give good competition to the biggies, as the trend is not as before where they had to build their own tools and then write their applications. The handset makers are providing the necessary tools for writing the applications and also provide app stores where the applications can be marketed and sold. Narendra Bhandari, Director, Intel Software and Services Group, Intel Asia Pacific discussed the wide business opportunities with entrepreneurs and developers in the field of applications for companion computing at the SiliconIndia Startupcity event which was held in Bangalore. Intel has introduced its Intel AppUp application lab: Meego series. The Meego is that can help app developers create applications of their choice. AppUp also behaves as a marketplace for the applications that is built. Meego is Intel’s new open source, Linux-based mobile operating system. Meego behaves like a smart ecosystem for entrepreneurs. “You will have to figure out how does the user make sure they get what they need to where they are rather than just see devices. The capability of the devices is very important, speed may vary, connectivity may vary and there are other attributes as well which you will have to think about when you build an application”, Narendra said. Software developers, global entrepreneurs, industry experts, thought leaders said that the elements like Intel AppUp will monetize the device categories and will give rise to different platforms. It will also help them explore new possibilities for creativity and revenue across multiple platforms, runtimes, devices, storefronts, and distribution options. They also said that the next installment of this revolution might be unfolding right now with the proliferation of Indian-made low-cost smartphones. In a few months, almost everyone will be able to afford a smartphone and so will be just a few clicks away from downloading an app.