If you built a web browser but nobody used it, would it still exist? Well, yeah, of course it would. But nobody wants that to happen. So Mozilla is reportedly talking to wireless carriers about the possibility of bundling Firefox Mobile with Windows Mobile and Linux-based cellphones.

While Firefox is a big name in desktop software, the truth is that most people don't think of cellphones the way they think of computers. If a phone comes with a decent web browser, only the geekiest of cellphone customers are going to look around for an alternative browser that they can install on the phone. So while we're seriously hoping that Firefox Mobile can be installed on any phone, much like Opera Mini/Opera Mobile, if Mozilla wants to make a dent in the mobile market, it makes sense that they would want to preload the software on as many handsets as possible.

Google has just added a new feature "My Location" feature to Google Maps for mobile phones. Basically, it works like GPS, but instead of connecting to a satellite, it gathers information from nearby cell towers to determine your location. So your phone doesn't need to be GPS enabled, it just needs to have a data plan in order to plot your position on a map.

Google Maps for Mobile runs on most J2ME-enabled devices, including BlackBerry phones, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Symbian devices. Although you can run Google Maps on Windows Mobile PDAs that are not cellphones, you won't be able to use the My Location feature, since your device won't know how to connect to cellphone towers.

Oh, and while Google could theoretically use this information to stalk you, if you believe the promotional video above, the company claims that it doesn't keep tabs on your personal information and location.

[via Google Operating System]

When Mom calls the cell phone, you might have a special ringtone just for her--like Squeezebox by the Who. When Dad calls, maybe it's Simple Man by Skynyrd. For your significant other, maybe it's a cheesy 80's power ballad. Ringtones are fun, and they've become a huge segment of business for the music industry. Of course, who's willing to settle for ringtones that employ just audio, when you can use video, too?

Vringo offers sharable video ringtones that work with smart phones from Sony-Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia (like the affable N73 in the picture). You can choose a "VringForward"--that is a video ringtone--to assign to each person in your phone's buddy list. The cool part is--they'll see the video when you call them. A "VringBack", on the other hand, is a video that one of your buddies has chosen for you to see when they give you a call.

What's even more nifty, you can record videos with your phone's camera and share those as VringForwards, too. So, if it's your best friend's birthday, you could create a special birthday greeting just for her. Plus, Vringo offers a slew of licensed video content from big-name music publishers.

The catch? Vringo's video ringtones work for buddies that are members of the service. You've got to join Vringo by entering your wireless number on their web site. They'll send their software to your phone via the Net, and you're in.

Google's CEO Eric Schmidt is dreaming about free cell phones. Schmidt said that he definitely sees a future where consumers who accept to watch targeted advertising on their mobile phones, will in turn get them for free. As advertising is starting to hit the mobile market with consumers spending large amount of time talking, texting, and using the mobile Internet, this new form of mobile advertising makes it highly viable. This is a great option for people. Why not offer free phones and usage for targeted ads? What do you think? Would you grab a free phone for listening to, watching, or receiving text ads?

Teleflip allows users to send messages from computers to cell phones. It is extremely convenient, and the ability to utilize this application without requiring software installation is beneficial in keeping some hard drive space left on your computer. So how does it work? Pretty simple stuff, just open any email application or webmail that you use, and type in the recipients area code and cell phone number, then type @teleflip.com. [555 555 5555@teleflip.com]. Sorry, Teleflip currently supports only North American providers.

[via CNet]