Sprint Nextel’s Motorola i870 ($224.99 with service), is an update to the popular i860. It’s loaded with all the latest features such as a 1.3-megapixel digital camera with flash and 4x zoom, microSD 32 MB card, MP3 player, Bluetooth, and MOTOtalk push-to-talk capabilities.
- Built-in 1.3-megapixel camera with 4x zoom, flash, self-timer, and video clip capture and playback capabilities
- Integrated MP3 Player with convenient front-plate controls
- Advanced Push-To-Talk functionality supporting MOTOtalk off-network digital walkie-talkie service
- GPS-enabled for location-based services
- WAP 2.0 compliant browser with WiDEN technology for high-speed data transmission
- Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free connectivity and OBEX enabled for file transfers
- TransFlash memory expansion slot for additional storage with optional card
Meanwhile, Helio (formerly Sk-Earthlink), is shipping their first phone for a US launch. The VK Mobile 650c features a QVGA display, a 2 Megapixel camera, MP3 player, stereo speakers, and TransFlash slot. The FCC has recently approved the SK Teletech SKY 8300, which is a slider EV-DO phone that shares most the 650c’s features but adds additional buttons for gaming.
Question:
Would first responders rather use a cheap (WiFi/WiMax/Cellular) phone with push-to-talk, GPS, camera and high speed data or a $4,000 Project 25 radio with no camera, GPS or high speed data connections and little or no connection to the outside world?
Will metropolitan wireless be put to good use for first responders? We’ll find out soon enough.
Sprint/Nextel must offer wireless broadband services to at least 30 million Americans in the next six years (see Unstrung’s Sprint Nextel Preps Wireless BB). The merged company now has a near-nationwide footprint of 2.5GHz spectrum.
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