The phone includes Qualcomm's highly efficient Snapdragon platform and a 1GHz processor

Feb 3, 2009 15:11 GMT  ·  By

Toshiba announced the development of its first mobile phone that includes Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, the TG01. The new handset comes with a 4.1-inch touchscreen display and is only 9mm thick. This way, the phone provides a bigger screen as well as a slimmer profile than its competitors.

According to the computer maker, it used a series of features included in its TV technology, which allowed it to pack the 800x480 pixel WVGA screen on the phone, while also delivering impressive capabilities. The TG01 also sports a virtual trackpad, offering increased accuracy in controlling the cursor while surfing the web or performing other tasks.

“This launch forms part of Toshiba's commitment to the European mobile market,” said Hidehito Koka, general manager for Toshiba's mobile communications division. “Toshiba has listened to what customers demand from their mobile devices, and has launched a brand new category of product that offers a true convergence of mobile IT devices.”

Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform was demonstrated at CES 2009 running under Google's open source Android mobile operating system, yet the new Toshiba TG01 uses the Windows Mobile platform, which allows its interface to provide 3D gesture-based input system. Through this UI, users are able to control the device via finger swipes or by tilting and shaking the handset.

The Toshiba TGO1 packs a Qualcomm QSD8250 chipset and a 1GHz CPU. The internal storage capacity of the handset can be expanded through the addition of up to 32GB of removable storage via the microSD memory card slot.

The feature list of the phone also shows 3G capabilities, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS functionality. The handset will sport Microsoft's Internet Explorer 6 mobile web browser with support for Adobe Flash, as well as a number of enhancements meant to leverage users' browsing experience.

According to the company, the battery of the device should deliver at least one day of heavy use, given the fact that Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform has been designed to offer increased power efficiency. The Toshiba TGO1 should become available on the European market this summer, but no information on its price has been unveiled at the moment.