What a difference a year makes in the fast-paced mobile game arena! Audio technology on mobile phones continues to improve at a pace faster than any game platform in history. Since last year's GDC, new audio developments have emerged from a new Java multimedia spec (JSR-234) to several enhanced CMX versions to a new Interactive Audio SIG initiative. Handset manufacturers have followed with sophisticated hardware featuring new capabilities such as Layered Audio, 3D positional sound, and multisequencing, to name but a few.

New technologies available on today's phones along with development and implementation issues are discussed. Solutions are presented for efficient audio implementation across a variety of handsets that not only result in superior game and brand-strengthening audio but also give developers the opportunity to leverage the market value of unique soundtracks in their games.