Mobile Devices

May 20, 2013

New MeeGo Based Smartphone Announced

There is a new smartphone OS being released. Jolla, a Finnish startup, has revealed a new smartphone that runs a MeeGo based OS that they call Sailfish. The company is reluctant to talk about the exact hardware specifications, but it is available to pre-order for €399 ($519 U.S.) and will ship by the end of 2013.

There is no demo unit, nor can users go see it in the store. Internet videos and Jolla demos show the new handset looking and acting like a smartphone is supposed to act. The Sailfish OS is supposed to run most Android apps, but there is no comment on Jolla how that works. Based on that, though, users should expect Sailfish to have GPS, Wi-Fi and voice-to-text. While the company refrains from providing detailed specifications, they do say that the phone packs a 4.5-inch display and is powered by a dual-core processor. The handset also has 16GB built in, microSD slot, an 8 MP back-facing camera with autofocus, removable battery and 4G cellular connectivity (only in supported markets). This is the list of typical user expected specifications. Still no ‘wow’ factor.

How does Jolla plan to compete in a constantly growing smartphone market? There is no clear intent for the new handset to threaten the likes of Apple or Google; rather, Jolla is trying to gain awareness of its Sailfish OS and gain a testing bed for developers. 

The smartphone is available for pre-order only in a limited number of European countries, including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Jolla says that more locations will be added to the list "very soon."

As users get more sophisticated with how and what they use their mobile devices for, the issue is no longer about how the device looks. There are plenty of devices with a variety of user interface designs to satisfy the most image conscious user. The space that is left is in services. Smartphones are essentially computers. Users must look at what these devices can do and what they cannot, and then choose the device that best suits their needs. Right now there is nothing to get excited about with the Sailfish phone, but as developers grow with the OS and exploit its abilities, users may be surprised. Yet with a new iPhone just around the corner, and new Android phones coming out every month - half a year is a long time wait.




Edited by Alisen Downey


comments powered by Disqus

FOLLOW MobilityTechzone

Subscribe to MobilityTechzone eNews

MobilityTechzone eNews delivers the latest news impacting technology in the Wireless industry each week. Sign up to receive FREE breaking news today!
FREE eNewsletter