In another indication of the momentum behind the idea of Linux on mobile phones but also of the fragmentation that plagues the segment, a startup company on Monday announced an open Linux mobile smartphone platform. A la Mobile said the platform, which comprises a complete software stack including the kernel, middleware and application layer, will become available for handset manufacturers in September and that it will be certified, supported, tested and maintained. A la Mobile said using the platform will allow handset makers to reduce development, testing and deployment costs and cut down on development time.

Despite having been on the market only a few months, ultramobile PCs, the keyboard-less handheld computers capable of running Windows XP, have already been panned by analysts and many reviewers. But Microsoft and partners expect to see more diversity in the UMPC space in the near term. New manufacturers will bring forth additional usage models and design improvements such as integrated, drop-down keyboards and built-in wireless wide area networking, while also driving down prices.

MobiMate announced the availability of WorldMate Professional Edition for Sony Ericsson’s new line of smartphones. WorldMate Professional Edition for the M600 is already selling through mobimate.com as well as Sony Ericsson’s Application Shop. A trial version of the application also arrives pre-loaded on the memory stick of the M600 and P990 phones. WorldMate 2006 Professional Edition for UIQ features an entirely new and enhanced graphical interface and navigational design. It includes a range of services for travelers and business people, including World Clocks, Global Weather Forecasts, Worldwide Flight Schedules, Real Time Flight Status, Currency Rates updates, converters, packing lists and more.

MobiMate and Mio Technology announced that WorldMate is pre-installed on the Mio Digiwalker P550 personal navigation devices shipping throughout Asia. In this partnership with Mio Technology, MobiMate customized its best-selling WorldMate to run flawlessly on the P550’s Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system and localized it to meet the needs of travelers throughout the region. This version of WorldMate features flight status, a travel itinerary manager, 5-day weather forecasts, currency exchange rates, world clocks, measurement converters, international tip recommendations, and many other services.

The new Belkin TuneDeck for iPod nano offers an all-in-one, in-car audio solution for mounting, powering, and playing your iPod nano. This easy-to-use device simply plugs into your cassette deck, to play high-quality audio through your car stereo. Its mounting option (included) rotates so you can easily view your iPod nano screen. TuneDeck will ship in North America in July 2006, with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia to follow shortly.

Ikivo AB announced that Ikivo Animator is to support the new Mobile SVG 1.2 industry standard. Ikivo Animator is one of the first tools to support Mobile SVG 1.2, enabling rich multimedia content for handheld and mobile devices. The new version of Mobile SVG 1.2 combines interactivity with audio and video to enable a more real, rich media experience. In addition to supporting initial audio and video capabilities for playback and previewing of multimedia content and raster image import (JPG, PNG), Ikivo Animator is also JSR226 enabled.

Aleratec announced another “Only from Aleratec” product, the first Expandable LightScribe DVD/CD Publishing System. The 1:2 DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro LX is a stand alone 1:1 DVD/CD Duplicator; when connected to your PC via USB 2.0, it becomes a 1:2 DVD/CD Duplicator, a 2 drive external DVD/CD recorder, and with LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling technology it can laser burn silkscreen quality labels on 2 discs at once. This exciting new disc publisher can be easily expanded to a DVD/CD publishing system with double this capacity. Since the “Only from Aleratec” Software Suite included supports simultaneous use of up to 4 drives, the 1:2 DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro LX is easily expanded to a desktop publishing system capable of double capacity by simply plugging in another unit to your PC. Now you have a 1:4 DVD/CD duplicator, a 4 drive DVD/CD recorder, a 4 drive direct to disc labeler, and two stand alone duplicators when you need them.

It gives a completely new meaning to the phrase “rock ‘n roll.” For boffins have invented a cutting-edge gadget combining a portable music player and a toilet paper dispenser. The state-of-the-art device–called an iCarta–makes it easier for people to listen to beats while using the bathroom. The gadget merges an iPod docking station with a loo roll dispenser.

Vodafone and Research In Motion introduced the BlackBerry 8707v in the Netherlands. The UMTS-enabled BlackBerry 8707v allows customers to make voice calls and simultaneously send or receive emails, browse the Internet or use other applications. The BlackBerry 8707v can also be used as a wireless modem for laptops, offering mobile users more choice for how they stay connected to the Internet. The BlackBerry 8707v is available in the Netherlands exclusively from Vodafone.

LUXGSM and Research In Motion announced the launch of the UMTS-enabled BlackBerry 8707v in Luxembourg. The BlackBerry 8707v supports UMTS networks for national and international connectivity. It features popular and proven BlackBerry functionality including support for “push” email, phone, text messaging, organizer, browser and other corporate data applications, and can also be used as a tethered modem for laptops. Leveraging LUXGSM’s UMTS network, customers can also speak on the phone and simultaneously send and receive emails, browse the Internet or use other data applications.