Device news continued at a flushed pace with Motorola Inc. releasing details on its iTunes phone, Hop-on announcing a $36 handset, Sanyo Corp. offering an innovative new messaging product, and U.S. mobile virtual network operator Boost Mobile going “old school” with a vintage telephone receiver.
First up, Motorola’s E1060 will be the company’s first phone to connect to Apple Corp.’s popular iTunes music download service. Motorola signed an iTunes licensing deal with Apple last year. The phone features a TransFlash memory chip from SanDisk Corp. expandable to 512 MB as well as a 1.3-megapixel camera and Bluetooth technology, according to reports. It is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of this year. Motorola said it plans to use music-playing services from other companies as well, such as RealNetworks Inc.
Separately, Sanyo said it will use technology from startup IXI Mobile Inc. to launch a series of innovative messaging devices under its new WiPOQ brand. The first such device, which will feature a QWERTY keyboard and large screen, will be available in the second quarter. IXI’s operating system platform allows a variety of devices to wirelessly share information. IXI also announced it will begin selling its own messaging device to European carriers starting in the second quarter. The device will be a European version of Cingular Wireless L.L.C.’s Ogo messaging device, which AT&T Wireless Services Inc. began selling last year.
For its part, Hop-on announced it is offering a mobile phone to wireless carriers that can sell for $36. The 900/1800 MHz candybar-style GSM phone features text messaging and ringtone downloading capabilities, as well as 50 address book entries. The company said it is in discussions with carriers for the phone, which is available for the price in quantities of at least 10,000 units.
Finally, Boost Mobile said it will sell an “old school” telephone receiver that users can plug into their mobile phones as an accessory. The telephone handset accessory will be free with Boost phone purchases while supplies last.
