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Thursday January 31, 2008
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 It might be a stretch to refer to the NXP Linux phone as the smartphone equivalent of the OLPC, but what the two do share is a common drive to introduce affordable technologies to the developing countries. In NXP's case, however, the driving forces between NXP's 3G Purple Magic phone are more old-fashioned capitalist than altruist; the company cites a desire to help roll out 3G networks to nations that have largely been neglected by 3G coverage. Though this technology is spread out over 197 commercial networks in 87 countries, it's largely concentrated in "mature" Asian and European nations.
The 3G model being introduced today is a Linux reference model featuring video conferencing, music playback, high-speed Web access, and video streaming. The key, however, is the transfer price: It's set below $100, compared to the standard $120 to $145, thanks in part to the Purple Labs Linux suite on which it's based.
According to a press release issued today:
NXP offers powerful 3G and 3.5G multimedia platforms running on a single ARM926 processor core. The Nexperia Cellular System Solutions with Linux support true UMTS performance, delivering seamless service coverage in 2G and 3G networks as well as advanced multimedia features that allow consumers to take full advantage of next generation applications and mobile operator services.
"NXP believes in Linux as the basis for the next generation of mobile handset innovation," said NXP's Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cellular Business Dan Rabinovitsj,. "We've been working closely with Purple Labs to develop Linux-based mobile terminals that meet the cost and performance requirements of the mass market. Our joint achievement is to bring the advantages of an Open OS environment to the mass market based on industry leading silicon and software."
The phone will make its public debut at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month.
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February 4, 2008 12:38 PM
very cool phone. when is it coming out. and will come to the usa? keep me update on this purple magic 3g cellphone. I'm very interested