Several handset makers and carriers have taken advantage of the spotlight of the CTIA show in New Orleans to release handset-related news this week.
Cingular Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America announced the availability of the Samsung p777, the first phone in Samsung’s new line of high-speed, high-bandwidth, multimedia phones. The tri-band handset features a slider design, MP3 technologies and up an hour of video-recording capabilities.
“The trend for wireless in 2005 will be complete integration of advanced multimedia features, and the p777 is leading this wireless revolution,” said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president of wireless terminals for Samsung. “With the p777, consumers now can enjoy the true benefits and advantages of Cingular’s high-speed EDGE networks.”
The p777 is exclusively available at Cingular Wireless retail stores, in select markets throughout the United States, for as low as $300 with a two-year service contract.
Hop-on launched a low cost MP3 cell phone. The company’s Model 1895, the second in its multimedia line of cellphones, features an MP3 player with a popular clamshell design. The GSM tri-band 900/1800/1900 MHz has a 1.8-inch 65k color display screen, 16 ringtones, and a phonebook, capable of holding up to 300 names. Hop-on said it will offer its MP3 cell phone for $115 during the CTIA show for orders of 2,000 pieces or greater.
“MP3 and portable music players, in general, are seemingly everywhere. We hope that we can capitalize on current consumer market trends by offering this low-cost phone that combines the practicality of a cell phone with the entertainment value of an MP3 player,” said Dan Gannon, chief executive officer of Hop-on.
Hop-on also announced its Model 1893 (a multimedia phone for mass and emerging markets), Model 1813 (a $36 GSM dual band phone targeted for India), Model 1872 (the least-expensive GSM tri-band color flip phone) and Models 1809 and 1811 (GSM tri-band phones for under $45).
SouthernLINC Wireless announced the availability of the Motorola i325 IS phone featuring LINCaround, which allows off-network two-way private and group communication between users up to 6 miles apart, depending on terrain.
The i325 IS is a rugged, multi-functional phone that meets military specifications for dust, shock, vibration, high/low temperatures and pressure, solar radiation, humidity, and salt fog. The i325 IS phone is also water resistant.
“With LINCaround, our customers can manually transfer to a two-way radio-to-radio communication mode, ensuring reliable communications even outside of the network coverage area,” said Bob Dawson, president and CEO of SouthernLINC Wireless. “Plus, the unique capabilities of the i325 IS will appeal to our industrial customers that operate in hazardous environments, targeted for sectors such as public safety, manufacturing and construction.”
Nokia and Virgin Mobile launched a handset dubbed “Shorty” set to hit stores in time for back-to-school shopping this fall.
“The Shorty is high on style, function and reliability, and comes with an attractive price tag,” said Dan Schulman, CEO of Virgin Mobile USA. “Custom content and graphics will make this an extremely popular phone within the youth market.”
Shorty will be available through Virgin Mobile retail partners for $60.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. and Boingo Wireless will develop dual-mode wireless phones with commercial Wi-Fi network roaming capabilities. The phones will include functionality to roam seamlessly between wireless cellular networks and Wi-Fi hot spots.
LG Mobile Phones and Sprint launched the Sprint PCS Vision phone VI-125, a lightweight clamshell phone offering sleek style and some of the most popular device features from both companies, including compact shape, internal antenna and Java-enabled features.
