Motorola this week announced a new mobile phone described as the first Linux-based cellphone to support all of Microsoft's Windows Media technologies. The popularity of Microsoft desktop OSes in the U.S. suggests the MotoRizr Z6 will be the first of Motorola's Linux phones to be distributed here.

(Click for larger view of Motorola MotoRizr Z6)

Motorola announced in July of last year plans to migrate its U.S. phones to Linux/Java. Currently, Mot's most popular U.S. models, such as the Razr, use the company's proprietary “P2K” RTOS. However, Motorola has used its Linux/Java platform in several generations of phones for the Asian market, including the Rokr E6 recently launched by Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou with much fanfare.

MotoRizr Z6 features a compact “slider” form-factor

Linux-based “MotoMusic”

The Z6 will be part of a full line of MotoMusic phones based on Linux and Java. MotoMusic phones will interoperate with about 200 music stores, Motorola said, and will also support all of Microsoft's media compression, copyright protection, and music transfer technologies, including Windows Media DRM (digital rights management), WMA (Windows media audio), and MTP (media transfer protocol).

The Z6 will have a “slider” form-factor, with the dialpad sliding out from under the screen during use. It will connect to Windows-based PCs via USB 2.0, and offer an “easy music sync experience” for consumers with desktop PCs running Microsoft Windows Vista or XP, according to Motorola.

Key additional features, according to Motorola, will include:

• 64MB of user file storage onboard
• MicroSD slot for cards up to 2GB
• Dedicated “music” key launches library and file sorter
• Glistening, mirror-like metallic finish with “soft-touch feel” glass and metal
• 2-megapixel video-capable camera
  • “Holds like a camera”
  • Shoots landscape or portrait with slider open or shut
  • “Snaps like a camera,” with dedicated shutter button
• Airplane mode
• Messaging via MMS, SMS, IM, email/POP3
• Mobile Phone Tools for PC sync of phonebook, contacts, and media
• 180-420 minutes talktime, or 200-400 hours standby time

Motorola promised to reveal addtional details upon consumer availability, expected during the first half of 2007.

Scott Durschslag, CVP of products at Motorola's mobile device division, stated, “The MotoRizr Z6 is the world's first Linux-Java music phone integrating the full suite of Windows Media technologies. This will enable consumers to access whatever music content they want, from the music store they love, wherever they are, as simply and seamlessly as possible.”

Amir Majidimehr, CVP of consumer media at Microsoft, stated, “Through its support of both subscription and purchased content, and easy syncing with Windows PCs, the MotoRizr Z6 will enable millions of consumers around the world to enjoy high quality music experiences wherever they are.”

Availability

The MotoRizr Z6 is expected to be available in the first half of 2007.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.