The Hitachi G1000, a Pocket PC with built-in camera and keyboard, is now available from Sprint and shipping with Fonix VoiceDial as a standard feature. It enables users to place calls hands-free by simply speaking the phone number or contact name. It costs about $650 from Sprint locations, the Sprint website and CompUSA stores.
The Hitachi G1000 combines a camera, phone and PDA. The addition of VoiceDial to the G1000 allows users to easily dial a contact or name without using a stylus or taking their eyes off the road.
The SD card slot in the G-1000 is not SDIO-compatible. That means an SD Wi-Fi card could NOT be used. Samsung’s i700 does have an I/O compatible SD slot. Samsung’s SCH-V310, is a camcorder phone. It can shoot up to 30 minutes of video clips and may be available in the U.S. in August. Real Video Phones really NEED a Wi-Fi connection.
According to a recent report by IDC, worldwide smart handheld device shipments will increase from 14.6 million in 2001 to 31.6 million in 2006. By 2006, IDC believes Microsoft will have about 27 percent of the market for these more powerful phones.
Microsoft’s PocketPC Phone Edition is fighting an uphill battle with Symbian, Linux and Palm OS for “smart phones” with enhanced audio/video and data capability.
