EDIT: A more accurate post about the Netphone Project
Today, SMART Communications launches the Netphone at Mobile World Congress 2011. It is an Android 2.2 device with SMART branding and features that are exclusive for SMART subscribers.
With the phone being announced, Filipinos are definitely excited about the unit’s hardware (see press release below). However, on a more global scale, the Netphone from SMART is more than just a phone. It is a proof of an actual WAC enabled device.
What the hell is WAC? WAC stands for Wholesale Applications Community. WAC is an organization composed of telcos and suppliers around the world having the goal of helping developers easily create apps for multiple platforms. Here’s an example: there are many versions of Android running on different devices across several telcos around the world. If you were a developer, it would be a big hassle to create apps across so many versions. With WAC, a developer needs only to create one app which then becomes compatible across all devices globally. What does this mean? For instance, let’s say you have a Jollibee Delivery application for Android. This app can be installed by any telco globally which means that your OFW dad can always order Jollibee for his kids in the Philippines using a different carrier and version of Android.
PRESS RELEASE
Smart Introduces Pioneering Emerging-Market Smartphone
(14 February 2011) BARCELONA, SPAIN – Smart Communications, Inc.(SMART), the Philippines leading wireless communications provider, unveiled today the Netphone™ — a path-breaking smartphone designed for emerging markets.
The Netphone comes with a suite of applications that provide users one-touch, one-screen access to the most popular communications and social networking services, as well as relevant customer account services.
The phone is specially designed to enable users to access the Internet in bite-sized amounts.
Powered by the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, the device is highly customizable by the user. Moreover, the Netphone comes with its own branded software and applications relevant to emerging market customers.
The Netphone provides simultaneous access to Facebook, Twitter and MyGroups social networks. Beyond that, the device combines Yahoo Messenger, Facebook Chat and other chat services in one seamless interface.
Netphone users can also find out his prepaid airtime balances with one touch.
These customized applications are compliant with the specifications of Android and the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC), a global alliance of the world’s leading telecoms operators, applications developers, handset manufacturers, and operating system owners that is defining open industry applications standards.
“With the NetPhone, Smart can rapidly deploy new widgets, applications and services over the air, continually enhance the Netphone’s value to our subscribers, and in the process create healthy revenue streams,†said Napoleon L. Nazareno, Smart President & CEO.
Orlando B. Vea, Smart Chief Wireless Adviser, said: “By providing easy, bite-sized access to the web, the NetPhone perfectly complements our Internet For All advocacy. Designed for emerging-market mobile phone users, this device further democratizes access to the Internet just as Smart led in putting cell phones in the hands of millions of Filipinos.”
Danilo J. Mojica, Smart Wireless Consumer Division Head, explained further: “Smartphones are powering tremendous growth in mobile Internet usage. Last month, Smart began offering our subscribers a line of affordable Android-powered smartphones combined with even more affordable mobile Internet rates. The introduction of our Netphone also at an attractive price point offering relevant services is a major enhancement of our strategy to unlock this new revenue stream.â€
A founding member of the WAC, Smart has received numerous international innovation awards including two from the GSM Association for its breakthrough services Smart Money, the world’s first cash card linked to mobile phones, and Smart Load, the world’s first prepaid airtime electronic loading service.
Nota Bene: Images taken of the unit are in no way indication of the final product. This is a pre-beta unit which will be officially launched sooner than later in 2011. Stay tuned! 🙂
23 replies on “Smart Communications announces the Netphone at Mobile World Congress 2011”
[…] I was made privy (well, me and all 60,000 people) to prototypes of future devices that carry the Netphone branding that will be launched by […]
[…] By the way, check out the new Android 2.2 Netphone from SMART. […]
mer0n dn kya ang gl0be ng kanilang customized Cellphone? Hehe, .grabe ang smart, maganda naman ang design. Na shock ako sa jolibee app. Meron na kya?hehe. .super easy na mag order pg gnyan, kht ang dad mu nsa america at ikaw ay d2 sa pinas, pwd kana nya orderan ng super easy clicks. .grabe. .
nga pala @sir Jayvee, so nakita mu na po ba ang LG Optimus Pad 3D? Balita ko ni unveiled yun sa MWC. grabe.hehe. .
[…] SMART announces Netphone running Android 2.2 and support for WAC […]
bat kaya karamihan ng android phones, walang flash ang cam?
naglalabasan na ang kanyakanyang phone ah, sana meron din ang GLOBE!
Hi, Jayvee!
I like your Barcelona updates! Keep ’em coming.
Netphone FTW!
Got more interested in ordering food from jollibee than this phone 🙂
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Gerry Dulay, SMART Customer Care. SMART Customer Care said: SMART unveils the Netphone at the Mobile World Congress. #MWC2011 http://ow.ly/3VJH2 (via @jayveef) […]
What are the specs on this phone?
specs are not yet finalized according to SMART since this is still pre-alpha but it will be launched soon.
Wow! It’s nice! More update please 😀
Smart at MWC, uber cool!
Any more specs about this phone?
[…] SMART announces Netphone […]
How much will this be priced ?
dude check this out:
https://www.abuggedlife.com/2011/02/16/an-explanation-of-netphone-its-not-a-phone-neither-is-it-an-os/
[…] first SMART Netphone running on SMARTNET is almost here. Who cares about unlimited text when you can have a BBM-like service for the entire […]
[…] to study would be the highly anticipated 701, the first of the Netphone smartphones. Exciting! Back in February, I was able to play with a pre-alpha release. This is the real thing and it comes in a nice box […]
great..!but i think its so mahal since kalalabas lng ng product
[…] Way back in February, I talked about my trip to Barcelona and divulged the whole deal with SmartNet and the Netphone which is essentially Smart’s plans to turn itself into one big social network and make mobile […]
[…] he took of a Samsung ad on the bridgeway of the convention center for Mobile World Congress 2012. It’s been a year since I was last in Barcelona for the Netphone launch and seeing these photos and videos brings about a tech nostalgia that only […]