Vodafone to introduce first LiMo Release 2 devices

As part of its new Vodafone 360 mobile Internet initiative [1], Vodafone is releasing the first two devices using the LiMo operating system Release 2. Both devices are made by Samsung.

[2]The first, called the Vodafone 360 H1, has a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen, HSDPA, a 5-megapixel camera, 16 GB of internal memory and support for GPS and WiFi.  The second, called the Vodafone 360 M1, has a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, HSDPA, GPS, push email, 3-megapixel camera and 16 GB of memory.

According to Morgan Gillis, executive director of the LiMo Foundation, the H1 and M1 devices are significant because they show the organization's founding members are moving into commercialization mode with the platform. "The Vodafone 360 H1 is a game changer," Gillis said.

Gillis also said that six other LiMo operator members intend to release handsets in late 2009 and 2010 that are based upon the existing R2 and planned 2010 R3 version of the LiMo platform. Those operators include Verizon Wireless, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, SK Telecom, Telefonica and Vodafone.

Gillis said that the LiMo platform gives operators complete freedom to shape the applications and services of the user experience, and doesn't support a potentially conflicting business model--like platforms from some other suppliers.

The LiMo Foundation didn't say which handset makers will be supplying handsets, but OEMs that are members of the organization include LG, Samsung, ZTE, Huawei, Panasonic and others.

For more:
- see these pictures and specs [2]
- see this CommsDesign article [3]
- see this press release [4]

Related Articles:
Vodafone's plans to revamp Internet services critical to future success [1]
LiMo Foundation adds new handsets, members [5]
LiMo Foundation announces platform updates [6]