Two Australian software developers have been selected as finalists in the Asia Java Mobile Challenge, a competition aimed at finding 'killer' mobile applications.

Travel guide company the Lonely Planet is trialing a mobile city guide. Another company, Hashbang Pty Ltd, is providing timezone information - a handy resource for the busy traveler.

The initiative is organised by SingTel, Optus and regional partners, Advanced Info Service (AIS), Bharti, Globe Telecom and Telkomsel, in conjunction with Sun Microsystems.

The 20 finalists were selected from more than 1,000 registered participants from 23 countries worldwide. They have all developed innovative applications for mobile phones using Java2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME), the de facto computing language adopted for writing wireless programmes for mobile phones.

The 20 finalists have a chance to win cash prizes as well as the potential to be awarded commercial contracts with the six participating regional mobile operators.

Paul Kitchin, Director Mobile Marketing, Optus said, "We are very excited by the standard, creativity and depth of the applications and we are delighted to see some Australians as finalists.

"By working with the SingTel Group on this project, we can help open up some exciting opportunities for Australian applications developers. We can also ensure that Australian consumers will get access to the very best mobile applications available."

The finalists' applications include mainly games as well as utility and functional tools. The criteria used by the team of judges for the shortlist included appeal, quality, usability, commercial potential and ease of deployment.2003. The winners will be chosen by a public trial.

From 15 October to 31 December 2002, mobile subscribers with Java-enabled handsets can download the finalists' applications to decide five winners who will win US$5,000 in cash.

More information is available at www.singtel.com. Downloads are free during the public trial. Normal data traffic charges still apply.

The Top 20 applications (in alpha order)

The Asia Java Mobile Challenge marks the first time in the world that six regional mobile operators have come together to push for the development of the content and applications industry. It is also supported by four industry heavyweights - Motorola, Nokia, Siemens and Sony Ericsson.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: (02) 9342 5042

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision - "The Network Is The Computer...." - has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that power the Internet and allow companies worldwide to take their businesses to the nth. Sun can be found in more than 170 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com or the Asia South website at http://www.sun.com.sg.

About Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME)
The Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition is the portion of the Java platform that addresses the emerging base of mobile, handheld devices, such as cellphones, personal digital assistants and pagers, as well as other client systems, such as TV settop boxes, automotive systems, residential gateways and smartcards. The Java platform is a key piece of the Sun Open Net Environment (Sun ONE) architecture and provides the software for creating and deploying interactive and increasingly intelligent applications and services across multiple hardware platforms and client device types.