Microsoft working on Fone+ for developing countries

David Gonzales — Sat, 10 May 2008 07:02:47 +0000

Quite remarkably, Microsoft has been working on an idea called Fone+ for a number of years already, and yet we are finding more info about it only now. It is said that this project went full speed from the time that Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft, took over the company’s Unlimited Potential Group to focus on the developing world.

Fone+ is simply Microsoft’s idea of an affordable phone, which would be nothing more than a Windows Mobile based handset that can connect to a larger display for better viewing for users. In fact, this idea sounds so ridiculously simple, I’m surprised no one has come up with a similar solution to it yet, considering all the technology that we have now.

The idea, according to recent reports, is to “connect a low-to-mid-end smartphone based on the Windows Mobile OS to a TV via a docking station so data on the handset can be displayed on the TV screen. That way, people can use the computing power in the smartphone on a big screen.”

“It’s a lot cheaper than having to buy a whole separate computer,” said Mundie in an interview at Microsoft’s Government Leaders Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia last Thursday.

It’s a great idea, and when it finally comes to fruition, it’s certain to impact a lot more people than say, a UMPC or low-cost desktop. Simply because more people have cellphones. (Some people even have more than one phone.) When this finally happens, that’s the time to say that “portable computing” really exists.

Via PC World

Motorola Buzz ic502 phone for combined Sprint CDMA/Nextel services

Staska — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:44:53 +0000

Sprint has launched it’s PowerSource offering that combine Nextel Network’s Walkie-Talkie services with data capabilities of Sprint Nationwide CDMA Network. Using PowerSource enabled cellphones Sprint Nextel customers will be able to make voice calls, use all of Nextel’s Walkie Talkie services, send and receive SMS and use GPS Navigation through Sprint network from a single phone.

The PowerSource launch is accompanied with the introduction of new Motorola phones that support all advanced combined network features. One of these phones is Motorola Buzz ic502.

Motorola Buzz ic502 is a rugged, professional grade clamshell, certified for military specifications for dust, shock and vibration. Other features of Buzz ic502 include:

Color display (65K colors)
Support for all Walkie-Talkie services like (group, one-touch, speaker and privacy modes)
Support for Sprint Vision
Support for location based services through integrated GPS chip
Direct Talk (off network, to other compatible phones with 6 miles)
Web and e-mail capable
JAVA app support
Productivity tools (calendar, task list, world clock, calculator, memo pad, countdown timer and alarm clock)
Dimensions: 3.66″ x 2.05″ x 0.87″
Weight: 4.06 oz
Battery: Li-Ion Up to 2.8 hours talk time

Motorola Buzz ic502 with Sprint PowerSource will cost you $249 retail and if you sign up for 2 year plan with Sprint, the price will drop to $59.99

Unwired View » Buzz ic502

Microsoft working on Fone+ for developing countries

Motorola Buzz ic502 phone for combined Sprint CDMA/Nextel services