The iPhone is having a big effect on the mobile industry. It is a bit like watching an ice dam melt. For the longest time, everything was just about frozen in the mobile web. Internet companies were hoping for things to change, but the status quo was maintained for years as the world moved on. Finally, the thaw has come, and things are really starting to move quickly as the blockage is getting ripped away by forces too strong to be stopped.

Before the Apple Apps store launched on iTunes, one of the best ways to distribute an mobile app was via Handango. Finally Handango is partnering with a mobile phone maker, Sony Ericsson, to have a Handango storefront app included on all of their phones.

Once again, I think that the mobile web industry should send a nice Thank You note to Steve Jobs.

Sprint has just announced a revival of their Java-based mobile app development program. Sounds great until you get the the juicy parts of potential applications such as GPS capabilities that would be used in Geogad applications. You might think that Sprint would be glad to get new applications developed for their network. You would be wrong. To get access to the APIs and other code for advanced functions, such as GPS, multi-media and messaging, you have to join Sprint’s Professional Developer Program……for $5000…..per year. Yeah, right.  

Sprint is the number 3 carrier in the US. (And if the company does not get its act together and stop hemorrhaging customers, they will not even be that.) Charging developers for the privilege of making apps for a company’s network is the norm. But it is a crazy way to do business if you are really interested in innovation and development of the mobile web.

It is understandable why there is so much interest in the Google Phone and its new operating system. If it can solve this headache and allow developers a one-stop shop for free or low cost mobile app development, it could release a vast amount of pent up programmer energies and ideas.

On a related note, Clearwire and Sprint have announced the formation of a new Clearwire that will create a national WiMax system.  Over $3 billion is being invested in the new company by a series of partners including a $500 million investment by Google. Let’s hope that part of the agreement includes allowing Google Phones and giving developers more access to the network.