Sun, Samsung teaming up on 'Java phone'

Sun Microsystems and Samsung Electronics are jointly developing a mobile phone to challenge Apple's iPhone, a South Korean newspaper, quoted by an Associated Press report said.

The Associated Press report said the mass-circulation JoongAng Ilbo quoted Sun chairman Scott McNealy as saying that the companies were working on a 'Java phone' that would surpass Apple's iPhone in functionality and cost less.

The Korean language report did not elaborate, the report said.

Spokespersons for Sun in South Korea and the US could not immediately be reached for comment, the Associated Press report said.

The Associated Press report also quoted Samsung spokeswoman Lee Soo-jeong in Seoul as saying that 'no decision has been made regarding co-development of the Java phone.'

She said that a meeting has taken place between the two sides 'to introduce the idea' but would not elaborate on its timing or any details.