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Ericsson Debuts 'Always On' Mobile Phones
By Jay Wrolstad, Wireless.NewsFactor.com
In an effort to recover from the beating it has taken in a slumping world economy, Ericsson (news - web sites) (Nasdaq: ERICY - news) is introducing what it hopes is the next big thing in handsets: "always-on" mobile phones -- including one the size of a credit card.
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Ericsson, which recently joined forces with Japanese electronics giant Sony (NYSE: SNE - news) to develop and market phones, said its new R600 cell phone model operates on the GPRS (general packet radio service) standard, which offers always-on Internet access. The phone will be available in selected GSM (global system for mobile communications) markets in the fourth quarter and in all GSM 900/1800 markets by the first quarter of 2002.
Shirt-Pocket Phone
The R600 supports enhanced messaging service (EMS), including mobile messaging and chat, and mobile Internet access at speeds of up to 43.2 kilobits per second (kbps), Ericsson said. It comes loaded with games, graphics, animations and sound effects. A built-in phone book stores up to 200 contacts, and a shortcut function provides quick access to any contact in the listings.
Ericsson also has unveiled the T66, its smallest and lightest mobile phone to date, which is roughly the same length and width as a credit card. It weighs just 59 grams, includes a built-in antenna and features several enhanced messaging features. The shirt-pocket phone is compatible with GSM 900/1800/1900 for international coverage, the company said, and will be available by the end of the year.
Head Start on Joint Venture
The new phones, with all of their bells and whistles, represent a concerted effort by Ericsson, the world's number three mobile phone maker, to regain market share as 3G (third generation) networks emerge around the globe.
And they are being unveiled just a week before joint venture Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications is officially launched on October 1st. While the new company plans to market its branded handsets in 2001, Sony and Ericsson will continue to produce phones under their respective names until the new products are released.
Ericsson's existing manufacturing partners and Sony's production facilities will continue to manufacture current and future products worldwide, accoridng to the companies. Ericsson said its Mobile Technology Platform unit will remain a separate organization and will supply technology to the new company. |
