Cell phones cheaper than $30 are on the way

Posted on Sunday, November 12 2006 @ 23:04 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Texas Instruments unveiled plans for a chip that will let consumers in emerging markets buy inexpensive video cell phones by 2008.
The chip, called "eCosto," combines the multimedia functions found in phones sold in Europe, Asia and North America into the same piece of silicon that handles the essential communications and processing functions for the phone. TI already produces a chip called "LoCosto" for emerging markets. It lets phone makers produce so-called single-chip cell phones, but the LoCosto phones don't include cameras or other extras.

The eCosto phones will sport, depending on the final configuration, 3-megapixel cameras and video capable of 30 frames per second, and will support the GSM, GPRS and EDGE standards.

LoCosto phones (not to be confused with the LoCosto three-entree platters at El Torito) cost around $30 and will continue to decline in price. TI has said that sub-$20 phones will come out in the relatively near future. Phones with the eCosto chip will likely follow a similar price decline. In most cases, the price of the phone will be blended into the service contract, so the up-front payment will be lower.
More details at CNET.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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