Panasonic enters smartphones in Europe with Eluga
updated 10:15 am EST, Mon February 20, 2012
Panasonic Eluga teased ahead of MWC
Panasonic teased first details of its promised first smartphone outside of Japan on Monday. The Eluga will be very thin yet water- and dust-proof while dominated almost exclusively by its 4.3-inch, 540x960 OLED display. Along with supporting NFC beyond Japan, the Android phone will serve as a remote for Panasonic TVs, although whether it's through Wi-Fi or infrared wasn't explained.
At 103 grams (3.6oz), it would be one of the lightest smartphones available.
Several mysteries remain open for the Eluga, such as the choice of processor, the network, and the OS version. Going to just three hardware navigation buttons at the bottom implies but doesn't guarantee Android 4.0. Panasonic might not be pressured to go to LTE for networks given the lack of 4G in Europe relative to North America.
More details are expected in the run-up to Mobile World Congress, which starts up next week. Panasonic has hinted it might go to the US as well, which could see an adaptation of the Eluga later in the year.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
FAIL!
It's a rectangle WITHOUT rounded corners.