- Siemens unveils the U10 - its first UMTS colour-screen mobile phone operating both in W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) networks and in GSM/GPRS 900/1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands - in New York.Siemens mobile will distribute U10 3G handsets, a first result of the technical collaboration with Motorola, to selected operators to help build up UMTS networks and services.
One of the first manufacturers to offer 3G handsets to UMTS carriers, the Germany-headquartered company has also created a dedicated 3G service and customer support team to assist their customers to drive next generation telecomms development.The U10 is a mobile multimedia powerhouse. It has an integrated camera which rotates 180� and captures video with sound and still images. With its Multi Media Messaging and Email capabilities sending and receiving images, video clips, and melodies happens fast and easily.
With high speed Internet access via WAP 2.0 it allows data streaming at up to 384kbs and offers the download of additional applications based on JavaTM Wireless Technology as well as connectivity to peripheral devices such as laptop computers through Bluetooth, USB or infrared.The U10 supports video streaming with file formats such as MPEG-4 and music files like MP3 and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding). It has 2MB worth of memory expandable with a MultiMediaCardTM.
Siemens mobile aims to use the 3G network trials as a platform to test its first 3G consumer product. The European number two mobile manufacturer will first use the U10 for selected customers and formed a new 3G customer support department to support those clients and assess their feedback of the phone�s capabilities. Recording, watching and sending video for instance, as well as testing video download speeds will not only reveal the performance of UMTS features, but also help both network operators and Siemens mobile to assess consumer expectations to ensure the 3G promise matches its delivery.