Ericsson, a provider of communications infrastructure, services and multimedia solutions, recently unveiled a new Web development platform that can allow any connected device to become an "always-open communications device." This IMS-based WebRTC platform should ultimately lead to Web apps that expand the ecosystem for both consumers and the enterprise.
Specifically, allowing any device to be reached by a single existing mobile number can empower developers to reinvent communications services, while creating entirely new communication paradigms and increasing the value of mobile service.
"Developers will take the concept of the existing phone call, see it as a digital stream and innovate accordingly," said Geoff Hollingworth, head of Business Innovation at Ericsson North America, in a statement. "Recording, transcribing, contextualizing, translating, on any connected device, using people’s existing phone number — all are just the beginnings of possibility."
In fact, innovation has already begun by way of AT&T's Call Management API, which is powered by Ericsson's IMS Innovation Platform. The Call Management API was announced alongside the carrier's Alpha API Program, which aims to bring innovative APIs to market more quickly by enabling and encouraging communication between developers.
However, AT&T took this even further by hosting a Hackathon on January 5 and 6, which had developers competing for prizes using the Call Management API. The developer with the best new application or service based on the API would receive $30,000. In total, there was $200,000 in prizes given away.
The first place prize was awarded to Ruggero Scorcioni for the call management app, called "Good Times." This app can use a headset to read brainwaves and would deter callers during periods of busy brainwave activity.
Aside from enabling communications innovation, Ericsson has also been innovating itself with developments like the world's first WebRTC-enabled browser for mobile devices, "Bowser." The company also had solutions to let WebRTC-enabled browsers connect easily with IMS-based communication networks.
Edited by
Rachel Ramsey
