FreedomPop – a US mobile service provider – has recently signed a deal with California based chip-making giant ‘Intel’ for introducing a ‘Wi-Fi first smartphone’ next year. The phone will be using Wi-Fi hotspots for providing calls, messages and data instead of the existing tradition of providing cellular services. The deal makes it possible for the former to secure strategic financing from Intel Capital for expanding its branded smartphone line-up. The attempt on ‘Wi-Fi First’ is being made for the first time. It may be noted that FreedomPop has the largest ‘aggregated’ Wi-Fi network in existence.
The company would be using Intel’s low cost Atom x3 processors, called SOFIA (Smart or Feature phone with Intel Architecture) and leverage Wi-Fi hotspots, wherever possible, for even calling and messaging. The chip’s ability to switch seamlessly between WiFi and cellular during a phone call makes the experience a novel one. In fact, the switch over between the Wi-Fi to cellphone networks would be so smooth and seamless that the user would hardly get a feel of it. While switching to cellular mode, the service will obviously be free of charges. FreedomPop has Incidentally been offering a similar service already, where the calls and messages are being transmitted through mobile data instead of being sent through the usual cellular mode.
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The new handset is expected to be fairly popular as FreedomPop offers unlimited calls, messages and data at a monthly cost of just 5 USD. Several aspects of the new phone is still not clear. It is for instance not known which smartphone maker would supply the hardware for the handset. It is understood that a 3-G version of the handset would be made available in the UK in 2016, while the higher version (4-G) will follow for the US market soon thereafter.
Compiler : Syed Zafar Ahmad
Designation: Executive Editor & Compilor
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
