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Motorola's mass-market mobiles
By Reuben Lee, CNET Asia
21/06/2006


Motorola's W375 comes in four different colors
(click for larger image)
SINGAPORE--Motorola yesterday announced five new entry-level mobile phones at its CommunicAsia2006 press briefing, among which were three GSM and two CDMA offerings.

Expected to be available later this year, this latest portfolio of MotoMobile products follows the company's launch of seven mass-market phones at last year's 3GSM Asia Congress held in Singapore. This will further reaffirm Motorola's vision to create stylish yet functional handsets for the emerging markets.

In a press statement, Steve Lalla, vice president and general manager for mass-market products, mobile devices, believed that Motorola's "new range of MotoMobile handsets set a new milestone in connecting the next billion by ensuring there is a stylish, value-based solution for everyone".

Interestingly, one of the key similarities of the five mass-market phones announced is an onboard FM radio. Other noteworthy features on selected models include 2.5mm audio jacks, color TFT displays and the familiar Lantern illuminator. Of the five handsets, the triband W375 clamshell is the only phone with onboard VGA camera and USB mass storage support, and comes in four colors. According to Motorola, the new handsets were developed mainly in Singapore.

The press launch also saw the US conglomerate showcase new color renditions of its RAZR V3x clamshell, including the earlier-announced Hot Pink as well as the new Pumpkin (or Orange) offerings. That's not all. The P790 Portable Charger will also be offered in six matching colors to go with the phones.

Also unveiled at the event for the first time worldwide were two mobile accessories. The Portable Bluetooth Car Kit T305 is targeted at those seeking for an affordable wireless solution for their car, while the Motorola S705 SoundPilot Bluetooth Stereo Controller for Wired Headphones gives consumers an alternative to wireless Bluetooth stereo connection using earphones with 3.5mm jacks.

Visitors to Motorola's booth at CommunicAsia will be able to try the super-sleek Moto Q smart phone (GSM version expected later this year in Asia), the upcoming ROKR E2 music phone, Motorola RAZR V3i Gold D&G Limited Edition, and the red SLVR candy bar endorsed by soccer superstar David Beckham.

Model name In a nutshell
Phone category: Camera-phone for the budget-conscious consumer

Other notable frills:
  • Triband GSM
  • 128 x 160-pixel TFT screen with iconic CLI
  • VGA camera with 4x digital zoom
  • MP3 ringtones and FM radio
  • Onboard 2.5mm audio jack
  • Speakerphone
  • Zoom font when dialing
  • USB mass storage supported
  • Available in four colors
  • 99 x 45 x 18.6mm; 88g

    Expected: Q4 2006
  • Phone category: Basic phone aimed at users looking for FM radio and color display

    Other notable frills:
  • Dualband GSM
  • 128 x 128-pixel CSTN screen
  • Built-in FM radio
  • Lantern illumination feature
  • WAP 2.0
  • 95 x 45 x 16.7mm; 88g

    Expected: Q3 2006
  • Phone category: A CDMA handset targeted at those with a preference for FM radio and color display on their phones

    Other notable frills:
  • CDMA 800MHz
  • 128 x 128-pixel CSTN screen
  • 32-chord polyphonic ringtones
  • Speakerphone
  • FM radio
  • 500-entry phonebook
  • Lantern illumination feature
  • Various language packs available
  • 108 x 44 x 14.6mm; 75g

    Expected: Q4 2006
  • Phone category: Entry-level candy-bar handset with FM tuner and color TFT display

    Other notable frills:
  • Dualband GSM
  • 128 x 128-pixel TFT color screen
  • FM radio
  • Onboard 2.5mm stereo audio jack
  • Speakerphone
  • 200-entry phonebook
  • Zoom font when dialing
  • Available in Fire Red/Black Slate and Silver Sail/Black Slate
  • 108 x 44 x 14.9mm; 78g

    Expected: Q4 2006
  • Phone category: Budget CDMA handset for emerging markets

    Other notable frills:
  • CDMA 800MHz
  • 128 x 128-pixel black and white display
  • 32-chord polyphonic ringtone
  • FM radio (optional)
  • Personalizable ringtones and screensavers
  • Speakerphone
  • 108 x 44 x 14.6mm; <75g

    Expected: Q3 2006
  • Phone category: RAZR clamshell with strong multimedia features

    Other notable frills:
  • Triband GSM with 3G
  • 2.2-inch 240 x 320-pixel TFT colour main display
  • 96 x 80-pixel, 65K-color TFT external display
  • 2-megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom
  • Onboard media player
  • TransFlash memory expansion slot
  • Speakerphone
  • Bluetooth and USB connectivity
  • 53 x 99 x 19.8mm; 125g

    Expected: Q4 2006
  • Who's it for: Car owners looking for an affordable wireless car kit

    Other notable frills:
  • Bluetooth 2.0
  • Echo and noise reduction technology
  • Visor clip and vehicle power adapter included
  • Charging through mini-USB port
  • Multifunction button on device
  • 12 hours talk time; 200 hours standby time
  • 46.5 x 74 x 26.45mm; 69g

    Expected: Second half of 2006
  • Who's it for: Portable battery charging solution for heavy mobile users

    Other notable frills:
  • Designed to charge phones with mini-USB port
  • Available in various colors (see them here)
  • Provides up to two charges for phones and 10 charges for Bluetooth headsets
  • Can be used with an optional Y-cable to charge both phone and headset at the same time

    Expected: Q3 2006
  • Who's it for: Music lovers who want to use their 3.5mm-jack earphones to connect wirelessly to a Bluetooth-enabled phone.

    Other notable frills:
  • Bluetooth (Class 1)
  • Onboard music playback controls
  • 3.5mm jack supported
  • Built-in FM radio with RDS technology
  • S200 Hi-Fi stereo headphones included
  • 8 hours listening; 7 hours of talk time
  • 63 x 16 x 40mm; 29g

    Expected:Q3 2006



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