Details of the A920, touted as the world’s most advanced video mobile, first came to light on the US Federal Communications Commission’s web site in March. However, while photographs showed clear Hutchison 3 branding neither company would discuss the A920, despite intense interest centered on it being the first Motorola handset to use the Symbian operating system.
That has now changed, with considerably more detail about the device and its capabilities now disclosed. Chief among these is the revelation that the A920 is a co-development between Hutchison 3G and Motorola. As such it will be exclusively available on the operator’s 3 networks in the UK, Italy and Sweden when it reaches the market in September, according to a Motorola spokesperson.
As expected, the A920 will use Symbian OS v7.0 with the pen-based UIQ interface from Symbian subsidiary UIQ Technology AB. However, it is unclear to what extent applications will be compatible with those of Sony Ericsson’s now established P800, the only other device in the market currently sporting the UIQ.
Mobile Java (J2ME) is also supported and games programs, in either J2ME or native Symbian C++, can be played either in the usual upright position or with the device held lengthwise, when gameplay is assisted by console-style controls.
The A920 will also offer location-based services through the use of assisted global positioning system (AGPS) technology, in addition to the video and other multimedia capabilities that are 3’s signature.
According to Motorola, the A920’s battery life looks to be relatively strong. The spokesperson said the A920 offers 100 minutes talk time, 60 minutes video call time and 200 hours standby. While only about half that available on 3’s NEC-made phones, that should be enough for most usage.
Motorola also said pricing had not been decided although the A920 is seen as a high-end device by Motorola. 3’s pricing for its current handset range starts at 249 pounds ($392) for Motorola’s A830 rising to 449 pounds ($707) for NEC’s e808 and e808Y.
However, the company has recently been offering substantial subsidies in order to build subscribers. Handsets are now available for as little as 49 pounds ($77) or even free with the controversial Videotalk 500 tariff, designed to undercut other operators’ pricing with 500 minutes of free voice calls a month on any network. It is unclear whether the A920 will be incentivized in the same way.
Hutchison 3G did not respond to ComputerWire’s requests for comment before going to press.
Source: Computerwire
