Microsoft sends FCC wireless phone prototype, possibly ‘ZunePhone’

 Yes, news of the ZunePhone continues and this time it is regarding Microsoft sending the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) a prototype for a wireless device that is simalar to the iPhone.

  Microsoft describes the wireless device as one that uses OFDM, which is generally regarded as a 4G wireless technology. OFDM allows the use of digital TV, Voice call among devices and the ability to share files across the network. OFDM is being tested and deployed for cell phones by Sprint Nextel Corp. and should have rising coverage in the coming year. However, OFDM is not going to be as widely used as 3G technologies for now, which infact has only been in the US for a short time. So while it provides better speeds and more possibilities, it won’t be available to everyone for awhile. However, if US adopts the technology faster than they adopted 3G then it is possible.

  However, it appears that the phone will use VOIP to make the calls. So it is accually quite abit different from other phones and the iPhone. From my understanding it appears that Microsoft will use the internet connection via the phone to access the VOIP service. Regardless, it will be quite interesting to see how this is rolled out.

  Also in this report Google Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Intel Corp are all mentioned in submiting the device for testing. So it may be indication this is indeed the Zune Phone. Microsoft also said that they would avoid partnering with large cellular providers who would make demands. So I think it is possible Microsoft is going to go the way of Mobile Virtual Network Operator or at the least not offer the phone exclusively with a certain network.

 CrunchGear is also reporting that we can possibilly hear an announcement on the ZunePhone in March and possibly even have it in store by May. But I will have to disagree because it take quite abit of time for FCC to process the work and also 4G cellphone technolgies are fairly new in the US and will probably cover only 15% of the population.

  However, I think there is a strong possibility that this is the ZunePhone, and my prediction is that it will launch it late 2007. And lastly there are rumors that with the ZunePhone, you will be able to share music from anywhere. But considering that it is 4G technology full access to the Marketplace will already be included, so is wireless sharing really needed?

This news came from MarketWatch and also CrunchGear. If you’d like more detailed information check out the above links.