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It’s been a hot second since we’ve heard about the little-known manufacturer Saygus and their VPhone which was rumored to be Verizon Wireless bound. With specs that included Big Red’s CDMA requirements and 2-way video conferencing capabilities, the VPhone was an intriguing potential entry. Now that Verizon and Skype have announced an official partnership, it’s safe to suggest that the Saygus VPhone will capitalize on these developments.
I’m surprised that Verizon isn’t working with a more well-known manufacturer in the launch of a Skype targeted phone – it’s a pretty big step for Verizon. My guess is that this will not only allow them to get a permanent exclusive on the device but also brand it however they like and I’m interested to see how this phone is officially announced (when/if it is).
Highlights include a 3.5-inch screen, 800MHz processor, FM Radio, 512MB RAM/ROM, 5MP camera, Front-facing VGA camera and running on Android 1.6. Here is a full list of specs pulled from AndroidSpin:
- Processor: Marvell PXA 310 800 MHz
- Operating System: Android
- Memory: 512 MB ROM, 256 MB SDRAM, SDHC memory card to 16 GB
- Dimensions: 116.5 59.5 x 20.3 mm
- Screen: 3.5-inch capacitive with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels
- Network: CDMA2000 EV-DO REV A
- Communication capabilities: WiFi 802.11b / g and Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR with A2DP
- Camera: 5 megapixel main camera with autofocus and flash
- Front camera: VGA-camera with built-in microphone
- Supported audio formats: MP3, MIDI, AAC, AAC +, AMR-NB, AMR-WB
- Supported video formats: MPEG2, MPEG4, H.263, H.264
- Battery: Li-Po 1500 mAh
- Hours Talk Time: Up to 7 hours
- Hours of standby time: up to 250 hours
- Hours videoconference: up to 4 hours
- GPS-module: with A-GPS E911
- Accelerometer
- Digital Compass
- USB: USB 2.0 OTG / USB Mass Storage
- FM-radio
- Other possibilities: Document viewer, file manager, web browser, calculator, Email, Instant Messenger, Recorder / Voice Notes, Alarm clock, Calendar
Looks like the processor got a bump! One would think this would be announced in the first half of the year and I would personally think the next couple months so Verizon and Skype can keep the buzz going on their new partnership.
The vphone was initially designed for the Deaf and hard of hearing. Its the only device in the US market that supports the two way conferencing, which allows two users to sign back and forth to each other.