14 DAY TRIAL // Qualcomm and Qingdao Hisense Communication announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, their Hisense C108 mobile phone, the world's first handset with Qualcomm MEMS Technologies' mirasol display.
Qualcomm's mirasol displays are based on a a reflective technology called interferometric modulation (or IMOD) and require no backlight, hence needing very little power and allowing the phone to work more with a single battery charge. Moreover, the mirasol display automatically adjusts its view mode allowing users to see what's on the screen in any lighting conditions.
Hisense C108 is a lightweight candybar phone that weighs only 80 grams and uses significantly less power than a usual mobile phone. It is based on the QSC6010 chipset from Qualcomm and brings a 1.2 inch, 128 x 96 pixel mirasol display that shows all the important information users need: text messaged, phone book entries, time, date and so on. Moreover, the handset packs 32 Mb ROM and 8 Mb RAM and supports multiple languages.
"We are pleased to announce the first mirasol-enabled handset with Hisense," said Jim Cathey, vice president of business development for Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc. "The mirasol display is a key enabler of the C108 handset's low-power capabilities, extending consumers' usage time between charges and allowing them to expand their use of mobile phone services."
Being one of China's leading electronics manufacturer, Hisense has a vast experience in providing advanced technology for international markets like the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Hisense has collaborated until now with top consumer electronics companies like Philips, Sony, HP, Sharp, LG, Siemens and Sanyo.
"The Hisense C108 will serve as our entry point into new markets with a competitive mobile phone offering," said Shi Yongchang, general manager of Qingdao Hisense Communication Co., Ltd. "As mobile phones become the primary method of communications in these emerging markets, consumers will continue to look for new innovations that enhance their mobile experience. We are confident that consumers will find value in the benefits of mirasol displays and view it as a strategic advantage that sets us apart from our competitors."
I couldn't find any image with the Hisense C108 phone, which means, as odd as this may seem, that there isn't any for the moment. However, the handset will be first available on the emerging Chinese market from the second half of 2008, for an affordable price that hasn't been disclosed yet.