Upcoming Wi-Fi phones promise effortless roaming between GSM networks and wireless hotspots; handset makers Nokia, Samsung and Motorola ready their bids for your wallet.
It's YAA - Yet Another Acronym - as mobile network operators and handset makers ready Wi-Fi phones which incorporate GAN (Generic Access Network) technology to allow transparent switching of phone calls and data connections from GSM networks through Wi-Fi hotspots. Although pricing models have yet to be announced, the benefits of Wi-Fi phones range from potentially lower rates through increased data transfer speeds and representing the final nail in the coffin for the demise of analog landlines.
Nokia 6136
Bridging two of the world's most ubiquitous wireless standards, the Nokia 6136 will be the first GAN handset to spring from the loins of the world's most popular handset maker when it launches some time in the second quarter of 2006. Operator Orange has been lined up as an initial customer for the clamshell handset, which in addition to its quad-band GSM and Wi-Fi support features a 1.3 Megapixel camera, microSD memory expansion and a 262K colour internal display.
Also on tap is a stereo FM radio with Visual Radio support as well as Nokia Xpress audio messaging, with the 6136 claiming up to 280 hours of standby and 5 hours of talk time in GSM or alternatively up to 5.5 hours of talk time and 82 hours of standby in UMA mode. Pricing unknown.
Samsung SGH-T709
A high-end slider, Samsung's SGH-T709 takes most of its cues from the company's SGH-T809, adding Wi-Fi connectivity to enable the handset to connect to GAN networks. Quad-band GSM and EDGE support is complimented by a high-resolution 262K colour display, a 1.3 Megapixel camera and a microSD card memory expansion slot to extend the 32 MB of onboard memory.
Additionally, the handset also features an MP3 compatible audio player, an e-mail client and support for SyncML DS and DM, enabling synchronization and transfer of PIM information as well as remote configuration by carriers. Due out in the third quarter of 2006, the handset will also be compatible with instant messaging services from AOL, ICQ and Yahoo!; pricing unknown, unfortunately.
Motorola A910
Opting for Linux to power its first GAN offering, Motorola has promised to launch its A910 as the first commercially available dual-mode handset with an introduction date slated for the first quarter of 2006. Equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11g, the handset also incorporates GSM and GPRS connectivity - although which exact bands will be supported is currently unknown.
Other hardware features of the clamshell includes a back-mounted 1.3 Megapixel camera, dual displays and a microSD card expansion slot for adding memory to the device. In addition, the A910 will be able to play back and progressively stream audio and video with support for multiple codecs, with the mini USB connector of the A910 doubling as an audio out port, and business users are also sure to appreciate its built-in support for Microsoft Exchange 2003.
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