BenQ selects Kineto Wireless UMA

[Barry]

BenQ has selected Kineto Wireless UMA technology for a pair of upcoming dual-mode handsets. BenQ intends to launch an open OS smartphone and a feature phone “later in 2007.” BenQ’s former attempt to go global via BenQ Mobile—the No. 6 handset vendor in the world last year by volume—had been faulted for late launches. They have 11 months in which to deliver the handset.

Kineto’s UMA technology offers hand-offs between cellular and Wi-Fi networks. UMA technology is being trialed by T-Mobile USA.

BenQ Mobile entered insolvency proceedings recently in Munich, Germany, the former headquarters of the BenQ-Siemens effort. The company has since announced it would pull back from various global operations to focus solely on Asian markets.

Market observers will look to full-year results for 2006 to see how the top dozen or so handset vendors—including the chastened BenQ—fared in terms of market share.

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