>> Groundbreaking Ericsson R520- Supports Wap 1.2, Integrated Bluetooth and GPRS
Simon Buckingham
Mobile Lifestreams
7 January 2001
Ericsson's R520 mobile phone is a new handset packed with technologies and functionality that is particularly important for 3 reasons- it finally commercializes WAP version 1.2, it contains an integrated Bluetooth chipset and it is the first volume handset to be shipped supporting GPRS.
The Ericsson R520 phone is also tri-mode, supporting GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies, supports High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) and Chinese characters.
The R520 is Ericsson's 6th WAP handset and the first phone in the world to support version 1.2.1 of the WAP standard. WAP has been released in stages and version 1.2 contains essential features such as WAP Push and better security to enable mobile commerce and other wireless applications. WAP 1.2 therefore an important release if WAP is to be successful. (See www.yes2wap.com)
Bluetooth is a much discussed wirefree short range radio standard that Ericsson has led and pioneered. Whilst many companies have committed to the Bluetooth standard, the availability of commercial Bluetooth enabled devices has been delayed. (See www.mobileBluetooth.com).
The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) too is a key technology introducing as it does packet data technology to GSM networks for the first time. Whilst most network operators have committed to GPRS and begun integrating GPRS technology into their networks, GPRS enabled handsets have been limited until now. (See www.mobileGPRS.com).
The R520 was tested by network operators during Q3 and Q4 2000, was available in limited volumes during Q4 2000 and in commercial volumes during Q1 2001. The sooner the R520 ships in commercial volume the better- let us hope that the built-in software is shipped early but stable. Terminal rollouts do tend to lag network rollouts for many technologies. Not having terminals can be terminal.
These technologies- WAP 1.2, Bluetooth, GPRS - are essential for the success of the mobile Internet. Congratulations to Ericsson for putting so many technology building blocks into one device- the Ericsson R520, which if successful, would mark a resurgence in Ericsson's handset business. <<
- Eric - |
