Telecommunication equipment maker Motorola Inc. on Wednesday announced eight new mobile phones with advanced features designed to appeal to several different kinds of consumers.
The new models were announced in Shanghai at an event that also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Motorola’s release of what it called the world’s first commercial mobile phone.
The new phones, which will be released under the Moto brand by Motorola’s Personal Communications Sector, will have a variety of special features, including integrated cameras, bigger screens and enhanced messaging and gaming capabilities, the company said in a statement.
All the phones support GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) and the lineup includes models that combine GSM capability with support for GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access) and third-generation UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service), the company said.
The E365 and V600 models will have embedded cameras to capture photographs or record video sequences, either of which can be sent as messages. The V600 will have a larger display that supports 64,000 colors and integrated Bluetooth short-range wireless capability, enabling it to communicate with other Bluetooth-compatible devices, the company said.
The V295 model will include instant messaging capabilities as well as an integrated camera. The A388c handset, based on a form factor designed by Motorola China, will boast instant messaging capabilities and allow access to e-mail in cities and countries where GSM network coverage and roaming agreements are present, the company said.
The E380 and C350 models will allow users to customize colour schemes, ring tones, sounds, lights and screen savers on the phone. The C350 handset will also feature customizable covers and the “MotoMixer” software, which will allow users to download and re-mix MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) ring tones, the company said.
The high-end T725 and A385 handsets will support UMTS and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution), allowing for additional network bandwidth and improved Internet access. These models will also support Java-based wireless applications, such as games. The combination of support for Java applications and quick wireless Internet access will make the models good for online gaming, Motorola said in a statement.
The A388c, C350 and V295 models will become available in the first half of 2003. The V600, T725, E365, E380 and A835 will go on sale beginning in the second half of 2003, the company said. Prices for the products were not immediately available.
