Smart debuts low-cost smartphone in Barcelona

Taking advantage of the global audience, local carrier Smart Communications chose the on-going Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to launch Netphone, a pioneering smartphone designed for emerging markets. The Netphone comes with a suite of applications that provide users one-touch, one-screen access to popular communications and social networking services, as well as relevant customer account services. The phone is specially designed to enable users to access the Internet in bite-sized amounts, Smart officials said, without revealing the cost of the unit. Powered by the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, the device is highly customizable by the user and comes with its own branded software and applications relevant to emerging market customers. The Netphone provides simultaneous access to Facebook, Twitter and MyGroups social networks. It also combines Yahoo Messenger, Facebook Chat and other chat services in one interface. Netphone users can also find out their prepaid airtime balances with one touch. The customized applications are compliant with the specifications of Android and the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC), a global alliance of the telecoms operators, applications developers, handset manufacturers, and operating system owners that is defining open industry applications standards. Orlando B. Vea, Smart Chief Wireless Adviser, said: “By providing easy, bite-sized access to the Web, the NetPhone perfectly complements our Internet For All advocacy. Designed for emerging-market mobile phone users, this device further democratizes access to the Internet just as Smart led in putting cell phones in the hands of millions of Filipinos." — Newsbytes.ph