We first reported the appearance of the progenitor to the Neonode N2 way back in 2002 (read our original article here), but that phone, the N1, saw delay after delay. At 3GSM 2007, Neonode has taken the wraps off their newest phone, the N2, a phone that not only looks remarkably similar to the Apple iPhone, but which also relies on gestures to navigate the touch screen interface, much like the multi-touch interface on Apple's upcoming device.
The phone is less than two inches long, making it half the length of the iPhone, and is just over half an inch thick. It features a 2-megapixel camera and an MP3 player, and stores media files on miniSD cards. The phone uses a quad-band GSM radio, which includes the 850 band used in the U.S., but specifications from Neonode don't mention any 3G or even EDGE support, so it seems the phone may use the slower GPRS for data.
One of the more interesting, and mysterious aspects about the device is the operating system. Though Neonode describes their platform as being Windows-based, they also claim the phone will support an open architecture. Screenshots, of which there are a scant few, don't show any hints of a Windows Mobile underpinning, so perhaps they mean that developers tools will be available for Windows. The company claims ActiveSync support, and says that many third party applications are available for download, but gives no further details on their site.
Interestingly, Neonode, which is a Swedish company, has recently merged with SBE, an American company that specializes in "remote access internetworking products and high speed intelligent computer communications controllers." We're not sure what thay means, either, but Neonode claims this partnership will allow them to be listed on the NASDAQ. How this merger will pan out for American availability of Neonode products remains to be seen.
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