Motorola and Nextel launch P2T handsets
Nextel Communications has added Motorola’s i760 to its handset suite. The GPS-enabled i760 lets users communicate via Nextel’s Direct Connect and Group Connect walkie-talkie services as well as via digital cellular phone service and text messaging. Nextel also offering the i560, a rugged handset that meets military standards for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, low pressure and solar radiation. In addition to the P2T capabilities offered by the i760, the i560 handset also offers Nextel’s Direct Talk service, which provides short-range walkie-talkie service in areas without network coverage.
In other news, Motorola announced the deployment of a push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) network for Optimus in Portugal, which will let the commercial wireless carrier provide walkie-talkie style individual or group conversations. Optimus’ subscribers will be able to choose from the Motorola V400p and Symbian Series 60 devices equipped with Motorola’s PoC client.
Also, Motorola introduced Moto Q, a streamlined QWERTY phone that features an “antenna-inside” design and a navigation thumbwheel and which offers mobile e-mail, voice-activated dialing and Bluetooth functionality. It also offers wireless Internet access, a 1.3 mega pixel camera with flash and digital video and audio capabilities. The Moto Q is Windows Mobile 5.0-based and is expected to be available in Q1 2006.