AT&T adds Sidekick-like Sharp FX
updated 04:10 pm EDT, Mon July 19, 2010
AT&T gets Sharp-branded FX handset to lineup
AT&T today said it will soon ship a revival of the side-sliding phone in the the Sharp FX. Built for Sharp by PCD, the device combines both a touchscreen and a center slide-out hardware QWERTY keyboard. Similar in form and function to the popular Sidekick handsets, also Sharp-branded, the Sharp FX is meant for heavy messaging and social networking.
In an unusual twist, the handset tunes into FLO TV-based Mobile TV service; like other phones, it needs a separate subscription.
The FX is simple and otherwise gets an MP3 player, a 2-megapixel camera and Bluetooth 2.1. AT&T will let users sync contacts with the AT&T Address Book feature, ensuring all contacts are backed up. Captured images and videos can also be backed up on AT&T's Online Locker. AT&T's Social Net, meanwhile, lets users access multiple social networks from one application. Turn-by-turn directions come through AT&T Navigator.
The Sharp FX ships in stores on July 25 for $100 after a mail-in rebate and two-year contract.
