3G Linux Smartphone

luvly_eone · Post time 31-1-2008 09:36 PM

3G Linux Smartphone for Under US$100
NXP Semiconductors and Purple Labs have jointly announced the release of a 3G Linux reference feature phone at a transfer price below US$100. The new Purple Magic phone serves as a reference design for phone manufacturers creating entry-level 3G handsets, including those targeting mobile markets such as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Concept model of 3G Linux phone

"During the recent holiday period, mobile operators were purchasing entry-level 3G phones for $120 to $145," commented Simon Wilkinson, CEO of Purple Labs. "Leveraging our Linux technology, the Purple Magic design now enables manufacturers to deliver compelling 3G products at a transfer price below $100."

The Purple Magic reference phone is based on the NXP Nexperia Cellular System Solution 7210 for 3G, coupled with the Purple Labs Linux suite, and is available as a fully integrated, turnkey solution. Production of an initial quantity of fully working phones has enabled Purple Labs to undertake considerable testing and validation, further reducing investment and time to market for OEMs and ODMs that leverage the Purple Magic design.

NXP offers 3G and 3.5G multimedia platforms running on a single ARM926 processor core.

"The Purple Magic reference phone clearly demonstrates our combined leadership in the mobile Linux arena," added Wilkinson. "While the mobile Linux industry has largely concentrated on high-end devices, the Purple Magic is the first 3G Linux mass-market reference feature phone available today."