Aava updates Atom-based dev phone, platform to ship in 2011
updated 10:15 pm EDT, Mon July 12, 2010
Dev phone adds slew of new sensors
Aava Mobile has unveiled an updated version of its Atom Z600-based smartphone prototype, the Virta 2. The handset sports a revised housing with a gunmetal frame, without the chrome bezel of its predecessor.
The Virta 2 now integrates a full set of sensors common to high-end smartphones, along with two cameras for video conferencing. Developers can take advantage of a compass, accelerometer, ambient light sensor and proximity sensor. Connectivity options include quad-band radios, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
The company is still previewing the device running the MeeGo OS, although the device is said to be capable of quickly switching to Android by swapping the microSD card. Early tests showed MeeGo to run the SunSpider series of JavaScript operations much more quickly than an iPhone 4 or even the Nexus One with Android 2.2.
The Virta 2 is still designed as a smartphone development platform, with handsets priced at $2,400. The commercial variant, which is expected to be available sometime next year, will likely feature completely different hardware. [via Engadget]
