Sharp intros full-screen 3G slider phone
updated 12:45 pm EDT, Wed May 30, 2007
Sharp 913SH for SoftBank
As part of SoftBank's summer phone collection, Sharp has released the 913SH. Considered one of the first "full face" sliders, the 913SH moves the arrow pad normally found on the top shell to the bottom to make room for a large 2.8-inch LCD as well as hidden, touch-sensitive controls for music and video playback. It also represents one of the more advanced 3G-capable phones, according to SoftBank. A 2-megapixel camera at the back is more common, but the use of HSDPA Internet access and newer hardware lets Sharp integrate a front 1-megapixel camera -- one of the largest ever of its kind -- for live video calls and recording clips.
Other features prevalent from many music phones are also present, including a microSD slot for storage, Bluetooth with stereo audio, and infrared for those using IR to beam contacts.
The carrier anticipates selling the 913SH to subscribers to SoftBank during July at an unknown price but with several colors ranging from wilder orange and pink shades to safer gray or white shades. The phone will likely remain limited to Japan.
