Nov/Dec 2005

Next year Motorola is to unveil what it describes as the world's first PDA to work on TETRA digital wireless networks. It is expected to be available in the second half of the year.

TETRA's most enthusiastic adopters, especially in Britain, have been public authorities and emergency services, and Motorola has recognised this in the way it is targeting the new product. It says the device has been developed to meet the rugged requirements of public safety organisations that need secure access to real-time information on the move.

The company already produces wireless mobile units working under TETRA, but this new product takes on the more familiar appearance and function of a conventional PDA, offering classic personal productivity applications alongside its wireless functionality. The PDA analogy is extended by the use of Microsoft's Pocket PC-based operating system.

The unit comes with a large 3.5in TFT screen. Options include Bluetooth, WLAN, GPS and camera, allowing pictures to be circulated quickly from the PDA. It measures 145mm by 83mm and weighs under 500 grams.

 

TETRA stands for terrestrial trunked radio. Its main implementation in Britain is via the BT Airwave network, which is used widely by emergency services.