Mobile-phone enthusiasts the world over witnessed the release of several new devices and gadgets, including one phone that actually takes a step back from the technological cutting edge.
Sprint announced it will sell a version of its PalmOne Inc. Treo 600 smart phone that does not include an integrated digital camera. The carrier said the move was to alleviate corporate security concerns over the use of camera phones.
“Camera phones can bring a great advantage to many industries, especially real estate and insurance, but some companies have credible concerns about the devices being used to copy sensitive information,” said Phil Bowman, vice president of integrated solutions for Sprint Business Solutions. “This additional version of the Treo 600 gives mobile professionals a way to utilize the high-speed data capabilities of the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network and remain productive without worry of violating any company restrictions when they are visiting clients or back in their own offices.”
The non-camera Treo 600 is available for $600. Sprint said it will continue to sell a version of the device that includes an integrated digital camera.
In other phone news, European carrier Orange released a new smart phone running Microsoft Corp.’s Smartphone operating system. The carrier said the device is the smallest yet to feature the operating system. Orange’s new SPV C500 weighs 100 grams and is 108 by 46 by 16 millimeters. Orange was the first carrier in the world to sell a Microsoft Smartphone device.
Separately, Motorola Inc. released several new phones, including two new BREW-capable devices. The company’s V265 features a camera, speaker independent voice dialing and location service capabilities, while its V260 features advanced speaker recognition, integrated speakerphone and picture-messaging support. Both are scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter. The company released the phones in conjunction with Qualcomm Inc.’s BREW developer’s conference.
Motorola also released its new i830, which the company said is its smallest iDEN phone to date. The phone will sell through Nextel Communications Inc. for $300 with a two-year service agreement.
