3. Wistron NeWeb previews Linux-based WiFi Google Phone

A new handheld phone that is designed to be used as a standard GSM cell phone, PDA, and can connect to networks using Wi-Fi was announced at CES by Wistron NeWeb Corporation. The WNC PDA Dual Net Phone has Wi-Fi built in, allowing the phone user access to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or at Wi-Fi hotspots. The Wi-Fi capability allows the user to access the Internet or local networks supporting Wi-Fi.

The WND PDA Dual Net Phone can be used as a Google Phone, according to the company. Using a Linux 2.6 core, the phone provides applications for creating and editing documents, a web browser, PIM and E-Mail software. The phone can also manage spreadsheets and multimedia presentations, and includes a PC Sync application and an MSOffice reader.

In addition to integrated Wi-Fi, the phone also supports USB 1.1, for connection to PCs. The phone features a 2.5" QVGA (240x320 pixel), 262 color touchscreen and a QWERTY keyboard. Model GW1 includes GSM capabilities built in to the phone enable it to be used as a standard cellphone on systems using GSM when a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable. (GSM is a standard used by many carriers, including AT&T Wireless and many others). Model GW3 supports GPRS cell networks.

A 2 MP camera (1600x1200 pixel) camera can be used to take photos or MPEG4 video. The phone supports voice recording and voice and music playback using MP3. The phone has 128 MB of RAM and a memory card slot supporting cards up to 2 GB capacity. A video viewer integrated into the WND PDA DualNet Phone enables the user to view television and videos received over GSM or a Wi-Fi network.

The phone is expected to have an FOB price of $200, according to Gen-Kwo Lee Ph.D., president of Wistron NeWeb’s MobileCom business unit. The WND PDA Dual Net Phone will be available in silver or black, and will begin shipping in the second quarter of 2008.