“Grundig Mobile has launched a Linux phone based on a single-core, single-chip architecture, long considered to be the “holy grail” of modern handset technology. The U900 runs Linux and an RTOS (real-time operating system) on an NXP ARM9-based SoC (system-on-chip), using VirtualLogix platform virtualization technology. Grundig Mobile demonstrated the U900 at the 3GSM mobile technology tradeshow earlier this month in Barcelona. The device was one of two single-core Linux phones demonstrated at the show — the other being Comneon’s MP-Elite. Additionally, Motorola has confirmed its forthcoming MotoRIZR Z6 to be based on a single-chip architecture, and a MontaVista Linux OS.In a nutshell, single-core phones tend to reduce design complexity and bill-of-materials cost by using a single processor for both time-critical baseband and non-time-critical application tasks. Single-chip designs are the norm in low-cost handsets, but squeezing “open” OSes such as Linux, Symbian, or Windows Mobile into such architectures — and thus lowering smartphone costs — has proven a challenge. No single-chip Symbian or Windows Mobile phones are believed to exist today, and while Linux appears to now have three single-chip phone designs, none are actually shipping quite yet, it appears.The U900 has a compact clamshell design with integral antenna, a sleek form factor belying its powerful touted multimedia capabilities. It has a “dual mode” cellular radio supporting both UMTS+EDGE and quad-band GSM/GPRS frequencies. It also integrates a 2-megapixel CMOS camera supporting video telephony, video record and play, and video streaming with progressive download. It has a built-in MP3 player, and a microSD card slot for user file storage. It also has an FM Radio, and can be used a modem via USB and Bluetooth connectivity. ” Read more here:
IXI Mobile Launches Ogo 2.0
“IXI Mobile announced the launch of a new mobile communication device – Ogo 2.0.The new Ogo2.0 enhances the communication features offered in the previous Ogo version, emphasizing Web2.0 interactive content interface, a QVGA screen resolution, built-in stereo speakers and microSD memory. The first member of Ogo2.0 family is the CT-25E, will first be launched in Switzerland, through IXI’s strategic partnership with Swisscom Mobile. Swisscom was the first carrier to launch Ogo in Europe, and will continue to collaborate with IXI on the first European launch of Ogo2.0Specifications: Size [mm] – 118 (L) x 69.5 (W) x 20.2 (H) Weight [g] – 150 Keyboard – 5 row QWERTY or QWERTZ Navigation – 8-way navigation, menu selection wheel, application hard keys, talk/end & volume Display – QVGA 320×240 TFT 64k colors Sub display – 132×32 pixels, mono STN Memory – 32MB RAM, 64MB Flash Connectivity – Bluetooth 2.0, optional WiFi (802.11 B/G) on CT-25EW Wireless – GPRS/Edge Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 class 10 Battery life – 4hr talk time, 160hr standby time Removable memory – microSD Connectors – Mini-USB (charging and synchronization), stereo 2.5mm headset connector Operating system – IXI-Connect OS 2.0” via slashphone.com