This looks like a low-cost, thinner version of the SLVR with a more durable housing and no camera. I kind of like it and I think I might get one if it's available in the States anytime soon for GSM. According to the page, Motorola simplified the GUI and took out a bunch of stuff I don't need. This was probably done for the elderly, but I think it will work for me since I don't need about 1/2 of the stuff in my v620. MOTOFONE
I missed that, sorry. bono, why would Motorola release information about MOTOFONE before the actual, full-fledged SCPL was released?
MOTOFONE Makes Its Global Debut Introducing Stylish Connectivity for Everyone Worldwide launch kicks-off in India starting a global movement to bring Motorola's market-defining handset to consumers LIBERTYVILLE, Ill., Nov. 28 -- Motorola, Inc., a global leader in wireless communications, today announced the global debut of the highly anticipated MOTOFONE at an event held in New Delhi,India. MOTOFONE is set to redefine the mobile phone market place and strengthen Motorola's drive to connect the next billion mobile phone users. The Indian launch will be followed by a rapid international rollout. Based on Motorola's evolutionary new SCPL design platform, MOTOFONE is thefirst of a new breed of handsets designed to disrupt today's communications landscape by cutting across price tiers, product segments and international markets. "In the weeks and months to come, consumers from around the world will enjoy the benefit of the technological innovations packed into MOTOFONE," said Ron Garriques, president, Mobile Devices, Motorola Inc. "Today's global launch marks a major milestone as Motorola continues its drive to connect the next billion mobile phone users." In both GSM and CDMA, MOTOFONE re-establishes expectations over how a value-priced handset looks and feels and what it delivers. Offering an intuitive new interface built with icons and voice versus text, as well as voice prompts specifically tailored to local markets, the handset makes it easier and friendlier for first-time users to navigate, place a call, and retrieve messages. Its large, high contrast screen, powered by a revolutionary ClearVision(TM) display makes it easier to use the phone outdoors. E Ink Corporation, the leading supplier of electronic paper displays, is providing the display technology behind MOTOFONE's ClearVision. The changeableelectronic ink display is easy to read in bright sunlight or dimly lit environments from virtually any angle -- just like paper. Additionally, the display is plastic, lightweight and ultra-low power, making it ideal for mobile and power sensitive applications by eliminating the weight and breakability of glass used in LCD displays. "E Ink is unleashing the design freedom of Motorola which enables disruptive innovation," said Russ Wilcox, CEO of E Ink Corporation. "Today's launch marks an unique moment in the display industry as it shows that electronic paper displays are entering the mainstream." Availability The GSM version, MOTOFONE F3, is available today in India and will roll out in international markets in the coming weeks. Motorola is working towards shipping the CDMA version, MOTOFONE F3c, by the end of 2006. Accredited members of the media seeking additional details on availability, digital imagery and pricing please contact your local Motorola representative or visit www.motorola.com/motoinfo.. Consumers seeking additional product information please visit motorola.com/hellomoto/motofone for further details.
MOTOFONE The MOTOFONE handset redefines wireless communication with high design, smart features and easy functionality at a low price. Combining Motorola's award-winning design sensibility with intuitive and easy-to-learn functionality, the MOTOFONE enables even the newest phone users to embrace mobile communication with confidence and style. Connecting the Unconnected Billions of people around the world have yet to make a phone call - and billions more have only just begun to explore wireless technology. The need for communication is growing and the demand for cost-effective phones keeps increasing. The MOTOFONE is designed to specifically meet the universal desire to stay connected -- with friends, family, and business associates, old and new. Speaking Your Language To help bridge literacy gaps, the MOTOFONE offers a redesigned user interface with innovative voice prompts in local languages* to guide the user quickly and easily through menu navigation, messaging, and other functions. In addition, graphical icons visually demonstrate the menu features as well as network status and battery strength. For pre-paid customers, the MOTOFONE automatically reports the status of their pre-paid account after each call or message*, allowing consumers to stay in control of use and expense. Looks Good, Sounds Good, Built to Last Surprisingly thin and easy to carry, the MOTOFONE features a revolutionary ClearVision display that leverages Electrophoretic Display (EPD) technology to provide users with a large, high-contrast screen viewable even in bright sunlight. The ClearVision display combined with a flush-fitting keypad and dust-resistant design makes the MOTOFONE durable in active everyday use. And it sounds great too - with polyphonic ringtones, speakerphone and powerful volume - communication is loud and clear. Summary of Features * Voice prompts in local languages * Intuitive icon-based user interface * Stylish thin design * Extended battery life** * Durable housing for optimal performance despite dust and sun * High-contrast screen using new ClearVision display * Large font size for easy readability * High-volume for call clarity in loud environments * Automatic notification of current prepaid balance* * Embedded polyphonic ringtones in eight voices * Ability to download ringtones
I really happen to like the "e-paper" screen, I just wished it had some color, but none the less we shall see more of these. The upside is they are crisp, don't have to be square, and they are cheap woohoo.
Well, the MOTOFONE is actually based on the SCPL platform, so there will probably be a lot of SCPL-based handsets. If you're looking for high-end features with this basic design then start looking for the SCPL. I don't know when it'll be out, though.
Not really looking for high end, but it has to have bluetooth. I think even the cheap phones should have BT, at least for handsfree. Like the Samsung C417...a cheap phone with BT. IMO, don't even bother making the phone if it doesn't have BT.
I whole-heartedly agree. Bluetooth is indespensible to me. I'll never again buy a phone that doesn't have it.
My Mom loves her Motorola L2 I got her a few months ago. It is a basic phone with Bluetooth, and it was a free phone. RF is comprable, if not slightly better than a V3. No camera, but she'd never use it anyway. I doubt she'll ever use bluetooth, but it is there so Dad can put ringtones on it for her if she wants. The only mods I have made to it is that I edited her gain table to boost her ringtone volume so she can hear it ringing in her purse, and I lowered the mic sensitivity because it had an awful echo. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good basic phone with Bluetooth. -Jay
What ever happened with the MOTOFONE and SCPL? It's been months and I haven't seen anything about these phones. bono, any news?
