Evolutionary Cell Phones, Headsets Debut

LAS VEGAS -- Some innovative mobile phones and accessories were shown for the first time Monday evening at MobileFocus, a showcase on the sidelines of the Comdex trade show here.

Research In Motion unveiled a version of its BlackBerry wireless handheld that includes two-way radio capability. The BlackBerry 6510, which will be sold by U.S. national mobile operator Nextel Communications, includes a Motorola two-way radio for Nextel Direct Connect service.

The 6510 is similar to current combination phone-handhelds from RIM, except for a button added to the top of the device that lets users make a direct "walkie-talkie" connection to anyone in a selected group of colleagues or friends in the same Nextel local calling area. A local calling area may extend over hundreds of miles, according to information on Nextel's Web site.

The BlackBerry 6510, which also has conventional mobile phone capability, is available now from Nextel for an introductory price of $500.

Nokia, Logitech Previews

Nokia showed off a variety of new handsets including the Nokia 3650, which features a large, 176-by-208-pixel color display and a keypad with the numbers arranged in a circle. The distinctive design was intended to appeal to a young audience, according to the company.

The phone has a built-in digital still and motion camera and supports audio capture. It also lets users send audio and video content along with text using Multimedia Messaging Service. It has Global System for Mobile Communications voice and data capability as well as support for high-speed data transfer using General Packet Radio Service and High Speed Circuit Switched Data. The 3650 is set to become available in early 2003 for $400 or less, Nokia officials said.

Logitech previewed a wireless headset for mobile phones that uses a proprietary ultra-low-power radio frequency technology. The headset can be used with existing mobile phones via a small dongle that snaps into the bottom of the phone.

Despite the new technology, the product doesn't represent a shift away from Bluetooth wireless data technology, according to spokesperson Susan Ross. In fact, Logitech is still exploring Bluetooth and hopes to use the wireless technology in a headset next year, she said.

"A lot of customers don't want to buy into a Bluetooth phone because they're locked into a service contract" with a mobile operator, Ross said

The RF headset has a range of about 12 feet to 15 feet between the phone and headset. Users can initiate calls and change volume using controls on the headset, which wraps around the ear and has a microphone on a small attached arm. Numbers can be dialed by voice. The setup could be used for safely making calls while driving, Ross said.

Logitech expects to announce the product officially at the Consumer Electronics Show in January and begin shipping it that same month for about $100.