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News
Issue #2001 - 15
(Apr. 2001)
(Updated
April 11, 2001)
DEVICES
Nextel Rolls Out First Wireless Java Phone in U.S.
Nextel Communications Inc.
has introduced the first Java wireless phone in North America.
Manufactured by Motorola, the i85s phone is pre-loaded with several
Java applications, including specialized business calculators and an
expense pad. With the development of more J2ME™-enabled
applications, Nextel said that its subscribers will be able to
download these applications onto their phones via the nextel.com Web
site.
"This is just the beginning. The incredible thing about Java
is that software applications that many find critical to running
their businesses can run on a Nextel phone," said Nextel’s
president and CEO Tim Donahue. "And with the hundreds of Java
programmers developing new programs, our customers will always have
easy access to the latest software developments."
Commenting on the launch, George Paolini, vice president,
technology advocacy and marketing at Sun Microsystems, said,
"The integration of Java technologies into Nextel phones
enables Nextel to deliver compelling and easy-to-use wireless
interactive services to its business customers."
Features of the i85s
- Voice Activated Dialing records 20 of the most-frequently
called numbers to be dialed via voice prompt
- Datebook for inputting appointments with alerts to remind the
user when meetings are about to begin
- Enhanced Phonebook that stores 250 entries
- Voice Recorder ideal for recording and playing up to 20
messages
- Larger Screen enabling users to adjust fonts and text to suit
their preference
Besides the i85s, Nextel is planning to introduce a second Java
phone, the i50x, later this month.
For more information: www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/
Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: PIM-like
applications will make smart phones more useful. On development,
Nextel did the right thing in selecting J2ME platform for these
applications. However, PDAs like Palm Pilot, Visor and Pocket PC
devices are not ready to give PIM-functionality over to smart phones
too soon.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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