Motorola i605: First Bluetooth-Enabled Rugged Mobile Phone

Nextel Communications Inc. and Motorola Inc. today announced the Motorola i605, the first rugged Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The rugged Motorola i605 handset offers exclusive features, including Nextel’s new Group Connect walkie-talkie service, which enables group walkie-talkie conversations nationwide, and a large screen that is optimized for outdoor usage to reduce glare from sunlight.

The Motorola i605 is designed for users in industries such as field services, construction, transportation and government segments. Its rubberized monolith design meets military specifications for resistance to dust, shock and vibration. Its large memory and maximum battery life provide the optimal operation of Java-powered business solutions, and its GPS capability enables location-based services, including fleet tracking and turn-by-turn directions. The Motorola i605 also offers Nextel Multimedia Messaging service (MMS), which allows users to send and receive messages that include text, images and audio together.

The integrated Bluetooth technology enables the wireless exchange of information between devices within a range of 10 meters/30 feet, eliminating the need for wire connections between, for example, the phone and a compatible Bluetooth enabled hands-free headset. The Bluetooth wireless technology also eliminates the need for a data cable to connect the phone to a compatible Bluetooth-enabled laptop using the phone’s wireless modem functionality. (The i605 supports Bluetooth headset and handset profiles.)

The Nextel Group Connect service allows up to 21 participants on a group walkie-talkie call. Participants can be located virtually anywhere within Nextel’s nationwide network, and their status can be viewed on a screen on their phones, including if they are active, opted out or unavailable. Group Connect service allows users to create groups directly on the phone and instantly begin a conversation, without prior setup.

“By incorporating Bluetooth wireless technology into the Motorola i605 phone, we are offering users a convenient way to go hands-free, eliminating the need for wires or cables between the phone and a compatible Bluetooth enabled headset, laptop computer and potentially other compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices,” said Rey More′, senior vice president and general manager, Motorola’s iDEN® Devices.

“The Motorola i605 is a data workhorse that powerfully runs various industry solutions while withstanding the outdoor elements with a rugged design. The Motorola i605 and its exclusive features, such as Group Connect service, are more examples of Nextel’s diverse product and service offerings designed to meet the varying needs of all our customers,” said Blair Kutrow, Nextel’s vice president of Product Management.

Features of the Motorola i605 handset include:

• Daylight-readable color display. The handset’s screen measures 2.2” diagonal and offers a rich 262,000-color resolution with high contrast for easy daylight viewing.
• Strong battery life. The standard battery delivers approximately 240 minutes of talk time and 290 hours of standby.
• Large memory size. With 32 MB of flash memory and 6MB of free memory for downloading applications, the i605 provides large amounts of storage for business solutions.
• Direct Send. By pressing the walkie-talkie button, contact information (names, phone numbers, email addresses) can be instantly sent to another phone.
• Voice recorder. This feature allows the user to capture memos or incoming phone conversations for future playback.
• 600-entry contact manager. Users can store up to eight numbers for a single name.
• Voice-activated dialing. Keeps hands free with speak-to-dial numbers.
• Downloadable applications. The handset is equipped with pre-loaded programs such as Advanced Calculator, TeleNav 3.0, Trimble Outdoors, @Road Pathway and 1KTV, and a Boulder Dash demo.
• Airplane mode. The network connection can be turned off to use applications, games, voice recorder and date book while in flight (subject to FAA regulations).
• Audio caller ID. User-assignable ring tones allow users to instantly identify important calls without having to look at the phone.

The Motorola i605 handset weighs 5.9 ounces with a high-capacity battery and measures 4.9 (H) x 2.0 (W) x 1.1 (D) inches. It is available through all Nextel distribution channels, including retail stores. The Motorola i605 handset costs $299.99 with a two-year service agreement, new activation and credit approval. Taxes, fees, early termination fee and other charges apply.