Qualcomm and Verizon, both giants in their respective communications fields, recently announced a joint venture for automated machine-to-machine data transmission.  One example is the wireless transmission from home water and electricity meters to a utility company’s network server.  Healthcare applications are targeted for this as well, with Qualcomm gaining from Verizon’s existing sales force and access to its healthcare customers.  We may soon see Qualcomm health monitoring phones in Verizon stores.  MORE