Motorola Launches Two Digital Personal Companion Handsets
The Motorola i85s and i50sx Handsets, First in a New Generation of Wireless Devices, Combine the Freedom of Wireless Communication With the Power of Mobile Computing
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Motorola (NYSE: MOT - news) today announced the i85s and i50sx handsets, which combine many of the capabilities of a handheld computer, two-way radio, interactive text pager, and Internet-ready mobile phone in a single device. These mobile personal companions, which are expected to be available in certain markets beginning this month, are the first in a new generation of products from Motorola that allows users to expand the functionality of their phones by downloading and running applications to meet their individual needs.
The Motorola i85s and i50sx handsets are the first mobile phones in North America to use Java(TM) 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME(TM)) technology, which makes small wireless devices more intelligent. This technology allows users to constantly update their devices with applications to meet their changing needs, in much the same way users upgrade their PCs and handheld computers. Additionally users can retrieve information using the phone's ``always on'' Internet access, without the need to establish a dial-up connection. The offline capabilities of the Motorola i85s and i50sx handsets allow users to access applications residing in the phone even when disconnected from the network. Both handsets will come with several applications pre-installed, including productivity tools and the Sega game, Borkov.(1) Additional applications may be downloaded after purchase.
Examples of applications users will be able to download include, but are not limited to, business applications such as expense reporting, e-mail, and corporate directory access; entertainment applications such as games; and productivity tools such as notepad and calculator. Both handsets support powerful features including voice dialing, a voice recorder for recording incoming phone calls or verbal memos, and hands-free speakerphone.(2)
The Motorola i85s handset
The Motorola i85s handset is designed for the mobile business professional who needs to stay connected with people and information to increase productivity and save time.
``The Motorola i85s handset will allow users to merge their various devices into one personalized handset to manage their professional and personal lives,'' said Bill Werner, corporate vice president of Motorola and general manager of the company's iDEN Subscriber Group. ``This is the ideal business tool for anyone who needs to stay in touch with people and information to be productive and efficient.''
The Motorola i85s handset measures 130 x 50 x 30 mm (5.1 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches) and weighs 132 grams (4.7 ounces).
The Motorola i50sx handset
For users who want to express their individuality, the Motorola i50sx handset allows them to personalize the look of their handset with interchangeable colored faceplates, available in blue, black, green, bronze, purple, and silver.
``The Motorola i50sx handset will allow users to personalize their phones both inside and out,'' said Werner. ``Users can now tailor the phone with applications to meet their individual needs and change faceplates to reflect their personal style.''
The phone measures 133 x 52 x 30 mm (5.2 x 2 x 1.2 inches) and weighs 165 grams (5.8 ounces).
Both handsets will support a variety of optional accessories, including a foldable keyboard for messaging and convenient data entry, a hands-free car kit, several headsets, chargers, and holders. Interchangeable faceplates in a variety of colors will be available for the i50sx model.
Both handsets will be available through Nextel Communications, Southern LINC and Pacific Wireless Technologies in the United States. TELUS Mobility in Canada will be offering the i85s handset in the coming months. Prices will be determined by carrier.
About Motorola and iDEN
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - news) is a global leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. For more information visit www.motorola.com .
iDEN handsets combine the capabilities of a digital wireless phone, text pager, ``always connected'' Internet microbrowser, and two-way radio to enable users to instantly communicate with one or hundreds of individuals at the push of a button. For further information on iDEN handsets, visit www.motorola.com/iden .
1. Pre-installed applications vary by service provider.
2. These features ship with the i85s and may be added to the i50sx for an
additional charge.
MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo and all other trademarks indicated as such herein are trademarks of Motorola. Inc. (R) Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. Java and all other Java-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (C) 2001 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved.
