A mobile phone/PDA that gives high-speed Internet access using a
new compression method has been launched by Pogo, writes Antony
Adshead.
The device acts as a thin client, with Pogo Technology's server
sending the Web pages requested by the user. The server strips out
unusable animations, fonts and colours and compresses pages to
about one sixth of their normal size. This means that it can
deliver content at speeds comparable to a 56.6kbps modem rather
than the 9kbps available via GSM.
While the device operates as a thin client for Web use, some data,
such as address lists and the message body of e-mails, is stored
locally. E-mail attachments are held on the server, a method also
used by the RIM Blackberry.
The Pogo, which measures 150mm diagonally across, is pillow-shaped
and uses low-power technology to ensure long periods between
recharging. Touchscreen commands are used for phone, PDA and Web
navigation functions. An aerial socket, power socket, power switch
and stylus occupy the four corners of the device.
Most of the software used on the Pogo is based on the free-to-use
Flash 4.0. Developers who want to write programs for the device
will be able to get an API known as Boing from Pogo.
The radio module used in the device is the same as that used in
Handspring's Treo and is compatible with GSM and GPRS.
Although the screen size is 320x240 pixels, the device shrinks Web
pages to fit rather than forcing the user to scroll around the
page. The device also has diary, alerts, games, SMS, hands-free, PC
access and MP3 playing functions
Processing power is provided by a 75MHz ARM 7100 with 4Mbytes of
Rom and 16Mbytes of user memory, although Pogo plans to supply
modules to expand this to 64Mbytes or 128Mbytes in the future.