Smart launches the Netphone

Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) today officially launched the much-awaited Netphone. Originally revealed last February during the 2011 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, the Netphone is the first and only smartphone in the Philippines to come with a full suite of Internet services at no extra cost.

Netphone 701: Not your ordinary Android

The Netphone is the only phone of its kind that guarantees a worry-free Internet experience. No longer will subscribers have to worry about unexpected charges in their load or bill thanks to Safe Browse, a patented app which allows the Netphone to connect only to a set of approved sites and services such as the Smart Stream feed aggregator.

“At just P9,900, the Netphone 701 is the best smartphone in its class. The hardware is sleek and solid, and it is powered by Google Android—the world’s best and most popular mobile operating system,” said Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Head Giovanni Bacareza. “More than that however, the Netphone ensures a worry-free Internet experience unlike anything that you could get from other smartphones.”

The Netphone also lets users keep track of their load credits in real time and send custom messages with special effects (FX messaging) to other Netphone users.
"Why settle for just texting the word “kiss” when you can now send a virtual kiss? And with the power of the web now on your fingertips, you can easily keep in touch with everybody using the Global Directory," said Bacareza.

Locally-developed apps such as Smart’s all-in-one chat app Uzzap, Smart Games, Smart Videos, and Yahoo! Mail will be made available to Netphone users. Smart’s very own “Locate” app which lets you find phone numbers and directions for nearby businesses, restaurants, and personal contacts, will also be pushed over the air.

Specs Appeal

Proudly designed by Smart, the Netphone 701 runs on Google’s Android mobile operating system (version 2.2 “FroYo”) allowing it to run the latest mobile apps. Coupled with a 3.5-inch multi-touchscreen and an energy-efficient 600MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the Smart Netphone 701 makes for a great mobile Internet and productivity device.

• Network




• GSM: 850/900/1900/2100


• 3G: 850/2100 HSPA




• Screen




• Type: TFT LCD capacitive touch screen


• Size: 3.5 inches


• Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels


• Colors: 256,000




• Connectivity
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  • Bluetooth: yes, with A2DP (stereo Bluetooth)
  
  
  • Cable: microUSB 2.0 (USB charging)
  
  
  • GPRS: yes
  
  
  • WLAN: 802.11b/g + WiFi hotspot capable
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon  600MHz MSM7227 (S1 Class)
  
  
  • Memory
  
  
  
  
  • RAM: 512MB
  
  
  • Expansion: microSD up to 32GB
  
  
  
  
  • Camera
  
  
  
  
  • Resolution: 3.2 megapixels
  
  
  • Autofocus: yes
  
  
  • Flash: no
  
  
  • Video capture: yes
  
  
  • Front Cam: VGA
  
  
  
  
  • Operating System: Android ver. 2.2 “Froyo”
  
  
  • Size: 114x56x12.2mm
  
  
  • Weight: 130g
  
  

  
  Mobile Internet for all
  
  “The Netphone is our answer to the Filipinos’ increasing demand for mobile Internet access. It’s versatile, the services are relevant, and best of all it’s something the ordinary Filipino can afford,” said Bacareza. “This is only the beginning. Soon, we will introduce more Netphone services and phone models.”
  
  The Netphone 701 is now available for pre-order at the official Netphone site,  www.smart.com.ph/netphone. Units will be available in all Smart Stores and Smart Wireless Centers on September 10.