While Motorola appears to have switched to the Linux-based Android software stack for its consumer devices, the manufacturer continues to favor Windows for enterprise-oriented devices, as today's announcement of the Vocera Smartphone demonstrates. The phone, which does not include cellular connectivity, is designed to be an adjunct to the WiFi-based, VoIP communications system Vocera is already selling to hospitals and other enterprises.

According to Vocera, its system -- which combines a wireless network with system software running on a Windows server -- provides call management, call connections, and user profiles, along with Nuance speech recognition and voiceprint verification software. Thanks to a two-ounce portable device, the Vocera B2000 communications badge, users within a hospital or other campus can find and speak to one another simply by using spoken commands such as "find Dr. Smith," says Vocera. Text messages and alerts can be sent to a display located on the back of the device, the company adds.

Vocera says its new smartphone (right) is compatible with the same system, and, yet again, does not require users to remember phone numbers in order to contact one another. However, the smartphone also works with Vocera telephony server software, allowing users to call to or from voicemail, PBX extensions, and the public telephone system, adds the company.

Also, it's said, the smartphone's Windows Mobile 6.1 software now allows healthcare professionals and other users to access business applications, such as clinical alarm/alert systems, asset tracking, and medical reference software. The device also will provide access to corporate e-mail, Vocera says.

Though it now carries both Motorola and Vocera badging, as pictured, the Vocera Smartphone's hardware appears to be identical to Motorola's EWP2000, announced last November as part of the manufacturer's TEAM ("total enterprise access and mobility") VoIP solution. The EWP2000 was said to use an unspecified TI OMAP processor running at 325MHz, with 128MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage.

Vocera's listed specifications for its smartphone otherwise confirm those previously listed by Motorola for the EWP2000. In addition to its display and numeric keypad, the device is said to have a USB 2.0 port, a 2.5mm headset jack, and a microSD expansion slot. Wireless capabilities include not only 802.11a/b/g wireless networking but also Bluetooth, the latter designed to support optional headsets, the company says.

The Vocera Smartphone is sealed against water and dust, in accord with IPx2 and MIL810F specifications, and is designed to withstand up to 16 four-foot drops onto concrete, the company says. A 1480mAh battery is said to offer a 6.2-hour talk time and 140 hours of standby.

Features and specifications provided by Vocera for its Smartphone (or Motorola for the similar EWP2000) include:

• Processor -- TI OMAP clocked at 325MHz
  
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage
  
• Display -- 2-inch display with 320 x 240 resolution
  
• Networking:
  • WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g
    
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
• Expansion -- microSD slot
• Other I/O:
  • USB 2.0
    
  • Microphone and speaker
    
  • 2.5mm headset jack with PTT (push to talk) functionality
• Battery type/life -- 1480mAh, with 6.2 hours talk time and 140 hours standby
• Dimensions -- 4.74 x 2.13 x 0.74 inches (120.5 x 54 x 18.7mm)
• Operating temperature -- -10 to 50 deg. C (14 to 122 deg. F)

Brent Lang, president and COO of Vocera, stated, "The Vocera solution delivers instant communication of critical information at the right time, to the right person, anywhere in a facility. We are expanding the Vocera solution with the Vocera smartphone to meet the increasingly complex communication needs of the healthcare industry. With these choices -- the wearable Vocera badge and the new Vocera smartphone -- we are bringing the benefits of instant voice access to newgroups of in-building mobile workers."

Further information

Vocera did not cite pricing for the Vocera Smartphone, but says the device is available now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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