Motorola's iDEN phone - clutch it

Motorola has launched the Clutch i465 recently. This phone seems to be a serious communication device. The Clutch uses a new PTT technology called iDEN which gives a PTT performance not found in any other phone in the market. PTT is gradually getting to be mainstream and this phone would make it more attractive.

The Clutch sports a full QWERTY keypad enabling double-thumbed fast messaging making heavy texters feel at home. The messaging application supports IM-style threaded messaging which is becoming common nowadays. With a nice form factor, light weight (96 g) and long talk time, the Clutch is a statement from Motorola - text or talk, this is the direction. The Clutch is a ruggedized phone. It is designed to work in some tough conditions like a typical road warrior would use it.

On the negative side, the camera is VGA which is passe in the media-centric market. A higher resolution camera would have given the Clutch a more rounded out character.

Nokia, Motorola, Qisda gear up to launch WiMax devices in 2008

Digitimes reports that Nokia, Motorola and Qisda (formerly BenQ) are gearing up to launch WiMax devices in 2008. Motorola has plans to release a dualmode CDMA/WiMax handset in the first half of 2008. Nokia is expected to launch an Internet tablet around the same time supporting WiMax. Taiwan-based Qisda plans to launch an EDGE/WiMax device in 2008.

In most markets 3G spectrum auctions are around the corner and service providers in some countries such as India have already thought to have completed trials of WiMax technology.

Handset manufacturers are gearing up for the launch of their devices in time for availability when the 3G rollout happens.