Emblaze Mobile of Israel have produced a new multimedia handset, and it’s the first time that a network provider, in this case Partner Communications, has had almost complete control over the specification of a mobile and it’s applications.
Considering that the Alpha 8 is Israel’s first attempt at a mobile phone, the handset is amongst some of the most sophisticated handsets out there. Designed by Emblaze in tandem with Partner, the phone is based around video and gaming functions – it can record 30 minutes of video, play Java games and play MP3s. The user interface is via a 2.2 inch TFT screen which displays 65,000 colours.
Partner Communications, which trades under the Orange brand in Israel are hoping to provide a video on demand portal for subscribers – the phone can play back video at up to 30 frames per second, and can record at 15.
Emblaze are hoping to take the phone to other world markets – notably Europe and Asia: “It’s Israeli-based and we are producing cellphones, but we are selling across the world. Our intent is not just to work with Partner in Israel. We are looking at big names and all the number one (mobile) operators in Europe. We are talking to each one and we are in various stages and hoping to close deals,” said Emblaze’s Doron Cohen.