Benq is going to release an UMA-enabled pocket pc

[Guest ultimasnake]

according to news on Kineto (and the source http://www.tweakers.net/nieuws/36196 in dutch where i found this info) Benq will be releasing a new Pocket PC device which will have a full qwerty keyboard and a Intel Bulverde-processor allong with something (new to me) called UMA, which is

Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology is the standard for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). UMA technology enables access to mobile voice, data and IMS services over IP broadband access and unlicensed spectrum technologies.

BenQ Providing Fixed-Mobile Convergence Solutions

BenQ, a leader in networking lifestyle devices, and Kineto Wireless, the key innovator and leading supplier of UMA Technology (Unlicensed Mobile Access), announced today that BenQ is collaborating with Kineto Wireless to develop UMA-enabled dual mode GSM-WiFi handsets. The collaboration is a result of growing demand for UMA Technology, the standard for fixed-mobile convergence, from network service providers around the world.

BenQ's P50 Pocket PC phone is the first product from this collaboration. The P50 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS product with an integrated 802.11b Wi-Fi radio and UMA Client Software from Kineto. The P50 also has an integrated QWERTY keyboard and a complete Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC Phone environment including Windows Media 9 capabilities.

"In forming a strategic relationship with Kineto, we hope to better meet the demand among carriers for UMA-enabled devices." said Irwin Chen, Vice President and General Manager of BenQ's Networking and Communication Business Group.

a little bit about uma

Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology is the standard for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). UMA technology enables access to mobile voice, data and IMS services over IP broadband access and unlicensed spectrum technologies. By deploying UMA technology, service providers can enable subscribers to roam and handover between cellular networks and public and private unlicensed wireless networks using dual-mode mobile handsets. With UMA, subscribers receive a consistent user experience for their mobile voice, data and IMS services as they transition between networks.

The UMA specifications were created by Alcatel, AT&T Wireless, British Telecom, Cingular, Ericsson, Kineto Wireless, Motorola, Nokia, Nortel, O2, Research in Motion, Rogers Wireless, Siemens, Sony-Ericsson and T-Mobile US. The specifications are available for download at www.umatechnology.org

More info can be found here http://www.kineto.com/news/press_releases/benq.htm

[Guest ultimasnake]

I found a screenshot of the device @ http://www.infosyncworld.com/

[Guest Metoo]

I found a screenshot of the device @ http://www.infosyncworld.com/

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The Benq P50 itself is old news (see the Expansys forums if you want a lesson on how not to handle pre orders) - but it's use of UMA has only just been discovered. Adds to its appeal somewhat - if we ever get to see it!