Telecom Italia will join forces with Dutch Polymer Vision to develop and launch the world's first 'cellular-book' in 2007, an Associated Press report said.
The Associated Press report said the mobile device will use Polymer Vision's display technology, which allows mobile phones to incorporate a large screen that rolls and is as easy to read as printed paper even in bright sunlight.
The new terminal will be unveiled at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, starting February 12, Telecom Italia said in a statement, the report said.
The device is smaller than the average cell phone, but includes a screen that extends up to 5 inches and can be folded after use.
The firm said the display will allow its users to read entire newspapers as well as books, which can be bought through TIM's mobile network with a SIM Card.
The information can then be stored in the terminal's memory, which will start from 4Gb, available in the first models, the reort said.
The Associated Press report further said the new device will also be able to download and play music, audiobooks and audio podcasts, and Telecom Italia said future developments will include color and moving images.Telecom Italia said it will market the new terminal exclusively in Italy.