Sprint Launches Motorola Debut i856, First PTT Slider Phone

Collaborators and business users have a new option in the Motorola Debut i856, the first slider phone with push-to-talk service, available from Sprint as of Oct. 12.

The Debut is the first device to allow users to switch from an active PTT conversation to an interconnect voice call by just touching a button. It was designed for one-handed operation and makes it simple to speak with one person or a group. With Sprint’s Group Connect productivity tool, a two-way call in progress can expand to include additional colleagues or friends.

The walkie-talkie-like PTT capability, rest assured, works nationwide.

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According to Sprint, the Debut also offers sub-one-second call setup, a large selection of GPS solutions and connection to the world’s largest PTT community and integrated business solutions.

“Motorola Debut introduces an attractive and convenient form factor unlike any Nextel Direct Connect users have seen before,” said Danny Bowman, president of Sprint’s integrated solutions group, in a statement.

“Debut is even more interesting when you combine Sprint’s industry-leading push-to-talk capabilities of the Nextel National Network and our affordable rate plans, with a rich array of multimedia and texting capabilities that help users communicate faster and more flexibly both at work and at play.”

The Debut can send and receive data such as messages, calendar events, pictures and location information without interrupting a Direct Connect call. It also offers threaded text messaging, allowing users to view an entire conversation on one screen, as well as enables users to play music while texting or talking.

Other features include a 3.5mm audio jack, for use with the music player, a “3D audio equalizer” for creating special musical effects, and a 1.3-megapixel camera with digital zoom, video and GPS tagging capabilities. It’s Wireless Web enabled, has Stereo Bluetooth, a microSD card for expanding the memory by 8GB,  speakerphone with voice-activated dialing, Multi-media Messaging Service (MMS) and comes pre-loaded with applications such as Sprint’s mobile email and TeleNav Navigation.

The Debut can be purchased with Nextel Direct Connect calling plans for $99.99 with a two-year contract and $50 mail-in rebate.

Sprint also recently launched the HTC Hero smartphone, with Google’s Android mobile operating system.