Showing posts with label verizon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label verizon. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

China's e28 to be Google's Gphone Handset Supplier

On the heals of the latest Google and Verizon announcement, we've just confirmed a tip from an industry insider that China's e28 is going to be a Google Gphone software and handset manufacturer (this is from one source only - not two as we usually receive). We have not been able to confirm whether the Chinese smart phone manufacturer will have the exclusive Gphone software and handset rights. E28 is a leading provider of mobile Linux convergence technology and will fit the Google mantra of keeping everything open.

The Latest e28 Smart Phone (is this the next Gphone?)

e28's road map includes a statement about the "Era of Convergence" where converged media, converged networks, and converged devices all interact seamlessly. They also plan to implement a robust wireless VoIP system that will reshape the entire mobile industry. One has to wonder how Verizon will react to a VOIP phone unless they are receiving a cut.

e28 and partner NewStep recently completed testing of a seamless handoff of GSM/VoIP interoperability over WLAN and cellular networks and may be another reason Google chose e28 as their manufacturer. In a recent press release, NewStep Network announced their solution for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) can now provide customers with a fully-VCC (Voice Call Continuity) compliant handset running on a Linux open source operating system from E28.

Roger Kung, chairman and CEO of E28 Limited said, “We recognize the value of assured interoperability between NewStep's leading FMC solution and our advanced open source handsets optimized for price/performance and deployment flexibility.” NewStep currently offers its' patented, carrier-class CSN server-based software platform in two versions—the CSN30 for enterprises and small carriers, and the CSN1000 for large carriers. Both platforms converge services across diverse networks to enable subscribers to have a single number, single voicemail, simultaneous ringing across multiple phones and other features like corporate extension dialing, from a single handset.

From the e28 website:

E28 Limited is a World leading Linux Mobile Converged Smart Phone solution provider. It provides dual mode Linux mobile smart phone solutions to Telecom and Broadband Operators, service providers and mobile manufacturers. E28 provides solutions with customized formats according to customers' needs.

The Company is Focusing on
1、 Smart Phone
2、 Linux SW
3、 Mass Market Mobile Convergence (looks like a Googlism)

In Summary

Choosing e28 as the Gphone manufacturer and Linux software provider is an ingenious move that will certainly trump the popularity of the iPhone. Imagine a phone that makes calls using a low cost VOIP system on cellular networks and WIFI while seamlessly integrating data across diverse technology platforms. Add to that an open platform that will allow any programmer to develop add-on applications (see Facebook) and you have the makings of a revolution in Mobile technology.


Additional Gphone Articles

Google in Discussions with Verizon over new Gphone


According to the Wall Street Journal, Verizon is in discussions with Google to develop a Gphone. In a direct competitive play to Cingular/AT&T’s relationship with the iPhone, Verizon would become the main hardware provider for the Google Gphone operating system. No word yet if there is to be an India launch of the Gphone as earlier and widely reported across the internet a few months ago. We correctly blasted the Gphone rumor story then.

According to the Wall Street Journal; for Google, a partnership with Verizon, the second largest U.S. wireless carrier, would give it access to 63.7 million potential customers. Google is also targeting at least one other major U.S. operator, Deutsche Telekom AG's T-Mobile USA Inc.

Within a couple of weeks, Google will announce the new Gphone software and services that handset makers can use to develop customized applications. This may be a Facebook for mobile phone opportunity if developers find it easy to program.

Some of you may have noticed that Google and Verizon have fought in the past when Google was suing to force wireless carriers to open up their networks. Verizon tried to overturn the rules that Google successfully pushed through the Federal Communications Commission regarding the forthcoming radio spectrum auction.

However recently, Verizon dropped its appeal of the FCC rules. I’ll bet the Verizon decision to drop the case stemmed from this forthcoming agreement. We'll follow this story and report back to you on developments.

Additional Gphone reading




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