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Handset vendors stick to the mass market with gadget introductions

BARCELONA, Spain-The world’s handset makers rushed to show off the fruits of their labors on the opening day of the 3GSM World Congress trade show, but most of the newly unveiled gadgets were aimed at the mass market and included a relatively tame set of features and functions.

First up, the world’s largest handset maker Nokia Corp. introduced two mid-range camera phones, the 6131 and the 6070. Although Nokia did not say which carriers would sell the devices, both phones could show up in the United States.

Nokia noted that the clamshell-style, dual-mode 6131, features Unlicensed Mobile Access technology. UMA is designed to allow 6131 users to roam between GSM and Wi-Fi networks. Nokia said the phone-one of a growing number of duel-mode cellular/Wi-Fi devices-would be available starting in the second quarter. Nokia said European carrier Orange SA would be the first in the world to sell the device.

Not to be outdone, Motorola Inc. released a duel-mode GSM/Wi-Fi device that uses UMA technology. Interestingly, Motorola is teaming with a wireline carrier-BT plc-to promote the device. Motorola’s A910 is designed to connect to BT’s Wi-Fi network, Openzone, and is expected to be part of the carrier’s Fusion fixed-mobile offering.

Motorola also released a mid-range, clamshell-style phone, the W220. The phone features an integrated FM radio. Motorola said the phone is scheduled to be released in the third quarter. Motorola did not say which carrier would sell the phone.

In other handset news, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications L.P. released two new mid-range, candybar-style phones, the K610i and the J100.

Finally, T-Mobile USA Inc. announced it plans to sell two new EDGE-capable smart phones, the SDA and MDA. T-Mobile USA’s European parent also sells the Microsoft Corp. Windows Mobile-powered phones.

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