Motorola and Sprint Nextel announced Nov. 9 the launching of Motorolas i880, an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network handset wireless phone that will have a 2.0 megapixel camera as well as other multimedia features.
“The i880 represents Motorolas philosophy of intelligent handset design while delivering an amazing music experience,” Peter Aloumanis, vice president of the U.S. Markets Division for Motorolas iDen Mobile Devices, said in a statement. Motorolas U.S. corporate offices are in Schaumburg, Ill.
The i880 targets a range of users from the home consumer to the business professional.
When asked how this product would be beneficial to a business user, Maria Parra, a Motorola spokesperson, said, “The i880 provides business users with the functionality of international, national and short-range walkie-talkie service and multimedia features that they could always take with them.”
The 2.0 megapixel camera/camcorder featured on the i880 offers a picture resolution that will be good enough for 5 by 7 prints, as well as video playback with sound.
In addition to the camera, the i880 also sports an integrated music player that will let users listen to MP3s and other audio files through the front dual-ported speakers in stereo sound, as the media files can also be stored on the included 64MB MicroSD removable memory card.
The i880 will incorporate Sprint Nextels nationwide and international Walkie-Talkie services, which allow users to communicate with each other over short or long distances with the touch of a button while also featuring the following services:
- Group Connect service, which facilitates group walkie-talkie conversations with up to 21 participants nationwide
- Direct Talk service, which allows for walkie-talkie communications over small distances in areas without network coverage
- Direct Send, which lets users send contact information and pictures to other Direct Send-capable phones in a short amount of time
“With all the latest walkie-talkie services, the i880 allows customers to communicate quickly when it matters most,” Danny Bowman, vice president of product marketing for Sprint, based in Reston, Va., said in a company statement.
The i880 will also feature preinstalled and downloadable Java applications; GPS capabilities; an Internet microbrowser; a 262K internal color screen; voice dialing; a voice recorder; a speakerphone; a datebook; and a 600-entry contacts list.
“The multimedia features make the i880 a well-rounded and attractive phone for businesses and consumers,” Bowman in the statement.
The Motorola i880 is available now through all Sprint and Nextel distribution channels and retail stores at a price of $499.99 or $299.99 with a $50 rebate and a two-year service agreement.
Editors Note: This story was updated to correct a spokesperson attribution.