PalmSource Welcomes First Smartphone from GSL

Group Sense Ltd. and PalmSource, today welcomed the first Palm Powered smartphone from GSL, the Xplore G18. The Xplore G18 runs Palm OS 4.1.2 and will be targeted at the Asian and European markets.

The Xplore G18 is a sleek and compact smartphone that integrates PIM functionality, multi-media, and telephony features. The Xplore G18 runs Palm OS 4.1.2 and comes bundled with several productivity, communication and gaming applications. The device has a built-in 320 x 240 digital camera with digital zoom; 16 MB RAM; 160 x 240 pixel TFT LCD screen; and SMS / MMS support. It also features a powerful 850 mAh battery for 100 hours standby, Web browser, and one-handed navigation.

The model was previously shown on PIC as the GSL Zircon. The Smartphone uses a class 10 GSM/GPRS 900/1800 dual band radio. TheXplore G18's dimensions are 100 x 48 x 21.1 mm (3.9 x 1.9 x 0.8 inches) and it weighs approximately 105 grams (3.7 ounces).

"The modular architecture of Palm OS allows GSL to create differentiated products for the China market, like the Xplore G18, that expand GSL's current product offerings," said Samson Tam, Chairman and CEO of GSL. "Our collaboration with PalmSource enables us to bring innovative mobile devices to market and extend our reach into new market segments."

"The launch of the Xplore G18 from GSL marks an important milestone in the innovation and distribution of Palm Powered mobile devices in the China market," said David Nagel, president and CEO of PalmSource. "Xplore G18 extends the power and flexibility of Palm OS to enable a new generation of fully-featured Palm Powered smartphones, and opens up new opportunities for Palm OS developers and carrier partners in China."

There is no information on pricing or carrier availability at this time. It is expected to be marketed in China and Europe in the third quarter. The device will not likely see a North American release because it lacks a tri-band cellular radio. Most North American GSM carriers operate at the 1900mhz band, which this model does not support.

Group Sense PDA Limited became a licensee of the Palm OS in December 2002. Under the terms of that agreement, GSpda announced it will develop and market mobile devices based on the Palm OS for the Asia Pacific region, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore.