| Windows Mobile MID gains IP telephony |
Jul. 15, 2008
 Japanese carrier Emobile has announced a "pure IP" telephony service using a Windows Mobile 6.0-based tablet computer with HSDPA, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The service lets users of Sharp's EM-ONE MID (mobile internet device) make and receive calls without a traditional mobile connection, the company says.
(Click for larger view of the EM-ONE mini tablet)
The EM-ONE -- first introduced last year with Windows Mobile 5.0, but since upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.0 -- supports HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) "broadband wireless" connectivity at up to 3.6 Mbps, according to Sharp. The unit also has built-in 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 1.2, along with a terrestrial digital broadcast television receiver.
The EM-ONE has HDSPA connectivity but no standard voice mode
Despite its HDSPA data mode, the EM-ONE is not capable of traditional cellular voice calls, which is where Emobile's IP telephony service steps in. Via bundled Jajah Mobile software, the EM-ONE can make VoIP calls using either its HSPDA or 802.11b/g IP interfaces. For approximately $5 a month, users can obtain an incoming phone number that can receive calls, effectively turning the tablet into a fully functioning mobile phone.
The touted advantage for customers is lower rates, including free calling from one Emobile subscriber to another. Long distance connections are provided by Jajah's VoIP network gateway; meanwhile, calls within the Emobile network are handled purely via SIP (session initiation protocol).
Emobile chief executive Kengo Masuda said, "The whole world is talking about the move towards a pure IP network for mobile. To build a revolutionary device in the most advanced mobile market is a real achievement, and we are very proud of what Emobile and Jajah have been able to accomplish together."
Sharp EM-ONE
 Sharp's EM-ONE tablet bears a striking resemblance to Nokia's Linux-based N810 tablet, which arguably inspired Intel's MID (mobile internet device) format. The Sharp device has a 4.1-inch display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, plus a two-way sliding keyboard (right). The keyboard can be slid down to reveal a full QWERTY layout, or just to the right, making the scroll wheel and pointing device accessible.
Sharp lists the following key features and specifications for the EM-ONE: - Processor -- Marvell PXA270, clocked at 520MHz
- Memory -- 128MB SDRAM; 512MB flash
- Display:
- 4.1-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen
- Nvidia GoForce 5500 graphics processor
- Camera -- 1.3 megapixel
- Wireless:
- HSDPA up to 3.6 Mbps
- 802.11b/g WiFi
- Bluetooth 1.2
- I/O ports:
- miniUSB
- Audio -- built-in mic and stereo speakers; headphone jack
- External VGA connector
- Expansion -- miniSD slot, EM chip slot
- Dimensions -- 5.5 x 2.76 x 0.74 inches (140 x 70 x 18.9 mm)
- Weight -- approx. 8.8 ounces (250 g) including battery
- Power consumption -- 7 Watts (approx.)
In addition to the usual Windows Mobile 6.0 software stack, the device also comes with the Opera Mobile browser, the Picsel PDF viewer, electronic dictionary software, and bar-code reader software, among other bundled applications.
Availability
The EM-ONE is available now in Japan, and the Jajah Mobile-based telephony service will be available nationwide starting Aug. 1, according to Emobile.
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