Social networking grows on mobile phones

In an exponentially evolving technological world, mobile phones are even quicker to supersede themselves than computers. But never fear, the Pocket Picks roundup is again making its weekly visit to the pages of Pocket Gamer, distilling the week's mobile happenings into a hard shot worthy of even the most refined mobile palette.

And there was a sweet start to the week, with news of a new kind of battery powered by sugar. Although these batteries are still a few years away from mainstream use, it seems likely they will appear in mobile devices, given that it's claimed that they last up to three times longer than conventional Li-ion batteries.

Looks like the li-ion's days are numbered, much like the humble pager, which is finally being put to pasture in Japan.

But the real focus this week was on software, specifically in the shape of (soundbite incoming) social networking.

Finally, a mobile trend capable of eclipsing even Apple's press magnet. It looks like social networking will soon be a cornerstone for connected devices, and those wanting to claim a slice of the mobile pie are making their moves. MySpace has already started holding hands with Vodafone, and now Orange is putting the moves on Bebo, another popular social networking site.

Fresh-faced upstart Twitter also revealed plans this week to unleash a mobile-specific social networking tool that works the core feature set of a mobile phone into the equation. Text-messaged mini-blogs and friends updates anyone? Yes please, says president of Hands-On Europe and Asia, Eric Hobson, who kindly let Pocket Picks bend his ear midweek on the push that Hands-On is making into mobile social networking, via deals with Meegos, PhameTV and FunkySexyCool.

Even in a quiet news week, the iPhone continues to strut about like the coolest kid in school. Mobile network AT&T (now rebranded as Cingular) has had over one million enquiries from gadget-hungry customers desperate to get their hands on the device. Meanwhile, in anticipation of how iTunes's entry into the mobile phone music market is going to shake things up, various operators have been hastily rehashing their services to ensure they're not left behind when the iPhone stomps onto the scene.

Long-term Apple adversary Microsoft has been consistently making quiet roads into establishing a relevant mobile presence. To that end two new applications-in-progress were unearthed this week. One is a new kind of mobile media organisation tool called ZenZui, and the other a new mobile internet browser called Deepfish. Both look tantalisingly fresh, but judgement will of course be reserved until the Pocket Picks team get their thumbs on them.

There was some welcome news this week for those of you who habitually react to their astronomical phone bill by first staring at it in disbelief before pouring over it meticulously only to realise that it is in fact correct and that the service provider has not over charged you. With a build up like that, this can only mean one thing; both landline to mobile and mobile to mobile costs are set to fall. Three cheers for 'About Bleeding Time'.

Lastly, one of those unconventional mobile snippets that present themselves with a regularity few would expect. A new application from Hala Soft that helps tutor mobile users in the finer points of Yoga was released this week. But physical and spiritual oneness comes at a price: £21.49 to be exact. We're guessing that the inevitable humiliation that would accompany using this app in public (coupled with its extortionate price tag) might hinder its popularity somewhat, but ten out of ten for originality.

Spend a month out of the loop, and when you return it's all holophones and texts delivered directly to your mind. Click 'Track It!' to stay in tune.