Psion and Motorola form wireless partnership

According to a Psion spokesperson the move comes as part of a strategy to develop appliances that will make use of the convergence of digital technologies, such as video and communications with the Internet.

The first device will be developed with Voice over IP (VoIP) capabilities, so that users are able to make phone calls over the Internet, at lower cost than existing mobile and fixed line tariffs. It will make use of second-generation (GSM) cellular networks in Europe, North America and Asia, having tri-band access. In the future the plan is to produce devices based on packet-switched GPRS systems, also known as 2.5-generation mobile phone technology, which will offer greater bandwidth speeds.

Although further information about form factors is yet to be released, Psion say the aim of the development is to eventually make diary, email and database information available to users over the Internet, regardless of access device.

Psion and Motorola already have links via the Symbian consortium, a group of suppliers which produce devices based on the EPOC operating system designed by Psion some years ago. The aim of the group, according to Psion, is to create a standard in which members can produce competitive products.

The devices, the first of which will be released in the Spring next year, will be the first in a range of products based on Symbian technology. The announcement comes within days of Psion's launch of a new division, Infomedia, which will focus on internet-based appliances.

Ericsson is also part of the consortium and although no deals have been struck to develop devices, Psion says that a possible joint venture is not beyond the realms of possibility.