Web Phone Kit Makes Internet Access Easy

Vendors and Internet providers can quickly bring the Internet to people who aren't using computers, thanks to a Web phone kit using Lucent Technology's Inferno 2.0 software and Digital Equipment Corp's StrongARM chip. The Web phone reference design includes a six-inch VGA screen, a hands-free speakerphone, a QWERTY keyboard, a telephone, and the Inferno Network O/S and software platform- the latter includes a windows manager, an Internet browser, e-mail, and a phone directory. By combining the StrongARM chip with the Inferno operating system and application software, OEMs reportedly are provided with a 90% complete web phone product- the only activities remaining for the OEM are said to be customization and packaging.