Windows Phone Thoughts: Pharos Announces the GPS Phone

"Targeting business and leisure travelers, Pharos Science & Applications, Inc., a leading provider of real-time, location-based information and services, today launched its first GPS-enabled smartphone. The GPS Phone offers a full-featured navigation experience on a sleek smartphone with extensive wireless options and the added convenience of a two mega-pixel camera and FM radio. The GPS Phone will be available in February 2007 at national retail outlets and online stores."



Nope, it's not just a GPS Phone; it's the GPS Phone (we're wondering what Pharos will label the upgrade model, but that's another thought for another day). The sharp-eyed here may notice it to be a re-branded version of the E-TEN Glofiish X500 (which will be reviewed here at Pocket PC Thoughts in the coming days). It's a quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE Pocket PC Phone with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, an FM radio tuner, and a 2.0-megapixel camera - long story short, the works (no wait, no 3G or QWERTY keyboard, but hey, it's still a fine device). Expect the GPS Phone to drop in American stores next month.

UPDATE: Full press release and high-resolution images after the break.


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TORRANCE, CA – January 3, 2007 — Targeting business and leisure travelers, Pharos Science & Applications, Inc., a leading provider of real-time, location-based information and services, today launched its first GPS-enabled smartphone. The GPS Phone offers a full-featured navigation experience on a sleek smartphone with extensive wireless options and the added convenience of a two mega-pixel camera and FM radio. The GPS Phone will be available in February 2007 at national retail outlets and online stores.

“Pharos’ GPS Phone is the ultimate mobility device for travelers who want to stay in touch, stay on course and stay ahead of the game with a variety of productivity and entertainment features,” says James Oyang, Ph.D., Pharos President.

Powerful Communication
In a single, powerful handset, Pharos packed multiple wireless options designed to ensure that customers are always in touch via digital voice and data communications. The GPS Phone features quad-band Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cellular mode, Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS), EDGE, WiFi and Bluetooth – all in a lightweight, slim smartphone running the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC platform. The GPS Phone includes standard calling features and ships with an unlocked SIM slot so customers can use an existing GSM SIM card or sign up for service with the GSM carrier of their choice.

Advanced Navigation
The GPS Phone also combines Pharos’ industry-leading Ostia navigation software and real-time location services with the highly sensitive SiRFStarIII Global Positioning System receiver to provide an easy to use, precise navigation experience. Using the GPS Phone, customers can navigate to Outlook Contacts, Points of Interest or entirely new locations in just a few taps of the unit’s touch-screen display. Pharos installed detailed Tele Atlas street maps of the U.S. and Canada so users can view their route as they navigate door to door via voice-prompted, turn-by-turn driving instructions. Multi-stop routing and automatic re-routing when off-route round out the unit’s many reliable navigation functions.

Versatile Entertainment
Built to be an essential tool on the job or off, the GPS Phone features a two mega-pixel camera with flash that records and plays back pictures and video. The multi-purpose device also includes an FM radio and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. Its large, 2.8-inch, touch-screen, color display makes it easy to appreciate high-resolution video, watch TV, and access music files.

Mobile Office
The GPS Phone extends the office and enhances user productivity with Microsoft Office Mobile applications that include mobile versions of Outlook (for emails, contacts, calendars and tasks), Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player 10 and more.

User Friendly, Feature Rich
Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz cellular modem; GPRS, EDGE, Blootooth® version 2.0 class 2+EDR; and WLAN 802.11b/g.
Unlocked SIM card slot easily accepts user’s existing SIM card and wireless carrier service.
Free three-month subscription to Pharos Smart Navigator Web-based location services.
Windows Mobile 5.0 with Microsoft Office Mobile.
Digital camera with 1200x1600 pixel resolution; GPS location stamping capability for future “navigation by image” function.
Built-in microphone and speaker for hands-free operation; supports external stereo headset.
Lithium-Ion Polymer rechargeable battery: up to 5 hours talk time; 15 hours PDA use; 160 hours standby.
Bonus Microsoft Streets & Trips for trip planning on a PC.

The Pharos’ GPS Phone earned Honoree status for the prestigious CES Innovations award for outstanding design and engineering in wireless communications. The award is given by the Consumer Electronics Association. For more information visit http://www.cesweb.org/attendees/awards/innovations/rd_2007honorees.asp.

About Pharos
Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. is a leading provider of GPS navigation solutions and location-based services for mobile devices. The company is a charter member of Microsoft’s Partner Advisory Council, a Qualcomm BREW Developer, and a member of ITS America and CTIA. Pharos products are sold through a network of leading national retail locations and online stores. For more information, visit www.pharosgps.com.

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