New handset maker launches ‘social’ mobile

Inq, the standalone handset manufacturer owned by mobile operator 3’s parent, Hutchison Whampoa, has released its first handset since its launch in October. It is positioning the phone as “the first social mobile”.

The new mobile phone will integrate Facebook with Skype, and feature Windows Live Messenger and Last.fm. They will all be available exclusively on 3.

The handset maker claims that the device is the first ever real-time interactive “live contact book”, as Facebook friends’ online status and profile pictures are displayed against their contact details.

The phone will offer integrated RSS feeds, free Skype-to-Skype calling and unlimited free instant messenger capabilities. It also allows users to directly upload pictures to their Facebook profiles from its 3.2 megapixel camera.

Kevin Russell, 3 UK chief executive, says: “Facebook has more than 120 million users worldwide and is as core to the phone as voice or text. Our network helps to unleash the power of these cutting edge handsets and offers consumers easy, great value access. We are democratising and mobilising the internet.”