China's e28 to be Google's Gphone Handset Supplier
On the heals of the latest Google and Verizon announcement, we've just confirmed a tip from an industry insider that China's e28 is going to be a Google Gphone software and handset manufacturer (this is from one source only - not two as we usually receive). We have not been able to confirm whether the Chinese smart phone manufacturer will have the exclusive Gphone software and handset rights. E28 is a leading provider of mobile Linux convergence technology and will fit the Google mantra of keeping everything open.
The Latest e28 Smart Phone (is this the next Gphone?)
e28's road map includes a statement about the "Era of Convergence" where converged media, converged networks, and converged devices all interact seamlessly. They also plan to implement a robust wireless VoIP system that will reshape the entire mobile industry. One has to wonder how Verizon will react to a VOIP phone unless they are receiving a cut.
e28 and partner NewStep recently completed testing of a seamless handoff of GSM/VoIP interoperability over WLAN and cellular networks and may be another reason Google chose e28 as their manufacturer. In a recent press release, NewStep Network announced their solution for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) can now provide customers with a fully-VCC (Voice Call Continuity) compliant handset running on a Linux open source operating system from E28.
Roger Kung, chairman and CEO of E28 Limited said, “We recognize the value of assured interoperability between NewStep's leading FMC solution and our advanced open source handsets optimized for price/performance and deployment flexibility.” NewStep currently offers its' patented, carrier-class CSN server-based software platform in two versions—the CSN30 for enterprises and small carriers, and the CSN1000 for large carriers. Both platforms converge services across diverse networks to enable subscribers to have a single number, single voicemail, simultaneous ringing across multiple phones and other features like corporate extension dialing, from a single handset.
From the e28 website:
E28 Limited is a World leading Linux Mobile Converged Smart Phone solution provider. It provides dual mode Linux mobile smart phone solutions to Telecom and Broadband Operators, service providers and mobile manufacturers. E28 provides solutions with customized formats according to customers' needs.
The Company is Focusing on
1、 Smart Phone
2、 Linux SW
3、 Mass Market Mobile Convergence (looks like a Googlism)
In Summary
Choosing e28 as the Gphone manufacturer and Linux software provider is an ingenious move that will certainly trump the popularity of the iPhone. Imagine a phone that makes calls using a low cost VOIP system on cellular networks and WIFI while seamlessly integrating data across diverse technology platforms. Add to that an open platform that will allow any programmer to develop add-on applications (see Facebook) and you have the makings of a revolution in Mobile technology.
Additional Gphone Articles
definitely looks good
This looks like a DREAM
What I love:
-Big touchscreen.
- A REAL treo-esque qwerty keyboard, only far prettier than ANYTHING palm could do.
-VERY, VERY, VERY thin. Thinner than the iphone too.
It looks very attractive, at the same time "businessie", unlike the toy-like iphone design.
Did I say how much I love the QWERTY keyboard?
I hope the phone is finger-friendly as I'd HATE to use a stylus.
Unfortunately, everything about this phone smells like RUMOR.
This looks like a DREAM
What I love:
-Big touchscreen (I hope it's finger-friendly, as I'd HATE to hold a stylus in my other hand).
- A REAL treo-esque qwerty keyboard, only far prettier than ANYTHING palm could do.
-VERY, VERY, VERY thin. Thinner than the iphone too.
It looks very attractive, at the same time "businessie", unlike the toy-like iphone design.
Did I say how much I love the QWERTY keyboard?
Unfortunately, everything about this phone smells like RUMOR.
The American video codec