Clearly, this is one cell phone you could use safely when you're pumping gas. According to Airo, the A25is (right) passed intrinsic safety testing in both the U.S. (UL 913) and European Union (ATEX), meaning that the device may be operated in potentially explosive environments. As a result, it's suitable for people operating in the petroleum, chemical, fertilizer, mining, or granary industries, among others, the company says.

Airo says the A25is also meets the MIL-SPEC 810-F standard for ruggedness, and is also IP67-certified for shock-proofing and water immersion. The phone can withstand shocks of up to 20g, and also survives at least 26 3.9-foot drops, adds the company.

Apart from all this, the A25is offers standard smartphone functionality, and is offered with either Windows Mobile 6.0 or Windows Mobile 6.1. According to Airo, the device also offers a "unique look and feel" thanks to a add-on user interface (UI) known as Airo Intelligence (below). The UI provides adaptive skin colors, animated pages, faster access to programs, and an X button that truly closes programs, the company says.

Sample screens from Airo Intelligence
(Click to enlarge)
The A25is offers a 2.8-inch touchscreen with 320 x 240 resolution, plus a numeric keypad, says Airo. Though the device apparently lacks a camera, it does Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, and optional WiFi. The processor used is Marvell's 416MHz PXA270, backed by 128MB of RAM, 128MB of flash storage, and a miniSD expansion card, notes Airo.

According to Airo, the A25is offers quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GSM, and is compatible with more than 600 networks worldwide, including AT&T in the U.S. The device is also said to offer PTT calling on carriers that have implemented technology from Kodiak Networks.

Features and specifications listed by Airo for its A25is include the following:

• Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 416MHz
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 128MB of flash storage
• Display -- 2.8-inch QVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen
• Keys -- Numeric keypad and five-way controller
• Wireless:
  • WAN -- Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GSM
  • LAN -- 802.11b/g (optional)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
  • GPS
• Other I/O:
  • USB 2.0 client
  • Headphone jack
• Expansion -- miniSD slot
• Battery -- 1570mAh; life n/s
• Operating temperature -- -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C)
• Dimensions -- 5.6 x 2.67 x 0.96 inches (142.4 x 68 x 24.4mm)
• Weight -- 9.7 ounces (275g)

Further information

According to Airo, the A25is will be available for delivery during the fourth quarter. Pricing was not announced, but more information on the device may be found on the company's website, here.

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