| "Mobile companion" adds large screen, keyboard to Windows Mobile devices |
Jan. 02, 2008
 Celio Corporation plans to release an add-on for Windows Mobile smartphones that provides users with a laptop-like screen and keyboard. The Redfly Mobile Companion, making its debut at next week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), connects to a phone via Bluetooth or USB, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of the Redfly Mobile Companion)
Unlike Palm's abandoned Foleo, which was to have run Linux and offered its own Opera Web browser, among other capabilities, the Redfly merely acts as a screen and keyboard for the connected phone. Thus, says the company, all settings and data remain on the phone, and no synchronization is necessary.
A software driver supplied by Celio compresses data and manages communication between the phone and the Redfly. According to the company, Windows Mobile applications such as Internet Explorer scale themselves to the Redfly's eight-inch 800 x 480 screen. A VGA port allows connection to video projectors or other external displays.
With a size of 9 x 6 x 1 inches and weight of two pounds, the Redfly is comparable to mini-laptops such as the Asus Eee PC, to which it is also similarly priced. However, according to Celio, the Redfly not only avoids syncing hassles, but also provides added security, since it stores no data. In addition, it's claimed, battery life can be up to eight hours.
The Redfly has a touchpad and 80-key QWERTY keyboard, with function keys that offer control of standard phone functions such as send, end, OK, and escape. It also offers dual USB ports, one of which can connect -- and charge -- a smartphone. The other USB port can host a flash drive, which appears on a connected phone's file system, or other devices such as mice or external keyboards.
The Redly additionally provides Bluetooth 2.0, which is used to connect it to a phone wirelessly. However, any wireless LAN or WAN capabilities must be provided by the phone, not the companion device.
Bill Hughes, principal analyst for research firm In-Stat, is quoted in Celio's statement as saying, "The technology in the Redfly smartphone interface system is a true innovation. This is a technology with the potential to revolutionize the way users view and utilize smartphones today."
Pricing and availability
According to Celio, the Redfly will be available in March, with a $500 suggested retail price. A list of Windows Mobile phones that have been tested with the device will appear on the company's website.
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