UPDATED 06:40 EST / MAY 07 2012

Google Apps Banned In China?

Today’s mobile roundup features China clarifying Google apps ban, Nokia addressing the latest tablet rumors and more.

Google apps banned in China

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a statement last Friday to address the issue that Chinese manufacturers were given an order not to install any  Google applications on their devices.

“We never delivered an order to ban the usage of Google logo and applications on mobile terminal products. The news online was against the truth,” the ministry said in a statement on its official website.

The clarification came after numerous Chinese news websites published a note from Shenzhen Guozhengtong Management Consulting Co, a Shenzhen -based mobile service provider, which was given by MIIT.

“Notice from the China Testing Alliance (CTA) shows that the MIIT has delivered new announcement on the usage of Google (product). Since May 3, 2012, all the mobile terminal products are not allowed to have Google logo and related applications, or it will not be subjected to administrative approvals,” said the note.

Other news websites stated that they have confirmed the rumors from manufacturers and carriers in China.  Some manufacturers are already considering using MapABC instead of Google Maps on their devices to comply with the MIIT’s rules.

Nokia’s tablet dream still a dream

Last week Nokia’s outgoing chairman Jorma Ollila stated that the company is very interested in making tablets based on Microsoft’s Windows 8 platforms.  Ollila even stated that tablets are important in the market and people can expect different tablets from the company in the future.

But the Finnish company stated that what Ollila said had been misconstrued, and that they are still observing the tablet market before diving in head first.

“What Mr. Ollila said has been misconstrued a bit” Nokia spokesperson Keith Nowak said in an interview. “As we have been saying, we are watching the space with interest, but have made no announcements regarding a tablet product.”

In other Nokia news, the Finnish company and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced an integrated marketing and mobile development partnership for the Lumia 900, with plans to debut a custom application for Six Flags guests for all U.S. locations.

The partnership will focus on the development of a custom Six Flag application exclusive for customers with the Lumia 900.  The application will feature unique content for each participating Six Flags theme park, including an interactive map, information on attractions, food and shopping as well as special event listings, a custom day planner and video content from Six Flags TV.  In addition, the application will present owners with exclusive benefits such as Nokia Nightly Offers that provide discounts each night on select in-park retail, restaurant or games locations.

“This partnership exemplifies and takes advantage of our entire portfolio of marketing assets and provides an incredible benefit to our guests,” said David McKillips, senior vice president of corporate alliances for Six Flags Entertainment. “We are really excited to see the Nokia brand integrated into our parks and to deliver exclusive benefits to our guests.”

Technology to help busy airport parking

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is looking for proposals that would help solve the busy parking situation at O’Hare International Airport, which has about 25,000 spaces, including nearly 9,300 in the main garage.  They’re looking into utilizing mobile phones to make it easier for drivers to find parking slots, and the use of credit cards to pay for parking.

“If you think of how the parking garages operate downtown, at Navy Pier, etc., that’s what the new parking system would look like,” Chicago Department of Aviation spokeswoman Tammy Chase said. “We’d have those machines that allow customers to pay before they exit or allow them to insert a credit card when they arrive and use the same credit card to exit.”


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