A startup in Penang, Malaysia is readying a Linux-based dual-mode WiFi GSM/GPRS phone expected to ship in Q2. Gupp Technologies's “Phreedom” phone boasts a Treo-style QWERTY keyboard, a 2.5-inch QVGA color screen, and VoWiFi (voice-over-WiFi) capabilities based on the SIP standard.

Gupp says the Phreedom targets “consumers and cost-conscious businesses,” which can reduce roaming costs by using VoWiFi when possible, with GSM/GPRS used as a backup. Additionally, the phone offers smartphone features such as Internet browsing, music downloads, and email.

Gupp Phreedom

Along with a QWERTY hardware keyboard, the Phreedom has a landscape-mode 2.5-inch QVGA (320×240) LCD display with 265K colors. Connectivity options include an 802.11b/g WiFi radio with WEP, WPA, and 802.11i support, and a “double tri-band” GSM radio apparently supporting 850/1800/1900 MHz and 900/1800/1900 MHz.

Additional touted Phreedom features and specs include:

• PXA270 processor clocked at 312MHz
• Boots from NOR Flash
• Combined 320MB flash and SDRAM
• 2200mAh lithium ion battery
• USB
• Claimed five hours of talk time in WiFi mode
• Claimed 144 hours standby time
• 4.4 x 2.6 x 0.75 inches (112 x 65 x 19mm)
• 4.6 ounces (130gm)
• Mobile Linux 2.6 kernel

A La Mobile announced last fall that Gupp had licensed its stack for a Linux smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard “similar to the Palm Treo,” A La Mobile CEO Pauline Lo Alker said at the time. The phone was also expected to use a VoIP stack from Hellosoft.

Blogger Jeff Pulver, of Pulver.com, stated, “The convergence of VoIP and mobile has been a long time coming and while many barriers still remain, innovative organizations like GUPP are paving the way towards the development and availability of true dual-mode phones.”

Availability

The Phreedom phone will ship in Q2, 2007, according to Gupp. It will be distributed by 3P Electronics, a global electronics vendor described as serving “a broad network of retail chains,” according to Gupp co-founder Guy Tessens. 3P is one of Gupp's backers. Pricing was not disclosed.

 
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