Texas Instruments said on Monday it would demonstrate a prototype cell phone based on Android, the highly anticipated mobile phone operating system being built by Web search leader Google.
The U.S. chip maker said the phone it will demonstrate at the
Mobile World Congress trade show has "one button access" to key
applications such as Web browsing, e-mail, messaging and video,
making it easier for consumers to use such features.
The device will also allow for the integration of different
applications, a capability mostly limited to desktop computers.
For example, a real estate agent could combine information from
its database with mapping software to let customers easily
locate properties on the go, TI said.
The prototype handset will run on TI's OMAP850 phone processor,
which includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth short-range wireless
connectivity.
TI is part of a group of about 30 companies that said they would
support Google's operating system, which is based on Linux, an
open-source software platform.
UK chip designer ARM Holdings is also expected to show
prototypes of devices based on Android at the show.
Service provider Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile and Taiwanese phone
maker High Tech Computer have both said they plan to sell phones
based on Android this year.
Korea's Samsung Electronics hopes to have a phone based Android by early next year.