Gadgets
The One Smartphone You Want But Can't Buy
By Chris Ciaccia
Seemingly everyone has a smartphone these days, whether it be an Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Blackberry, etc.
Yet, there's one smartphone that looks pretty cool that you just can't trade in your old smartphone for. Boeing has decided to get into the smartphone business, courtesy of Google's Android operating system.
Best known for making airplanes, helicopters, and satellites, Boeing President Roger Krone said the defense company is going to release a phone, though it hasn't decided on a name yet. (Do I hear 747phone? What about the flyPhone?) The specs on the phone probably aren't going to be on par with an iPhone or latest offering from Samsung.
The focus is more on security, something which Research In Motion thought was its number one advantage, but has seemingly lost that edge.
There's no word on the price yet, but given Boeing's competitors usually price their own devices for tens of thousands of dollars, you can bet this isn't going to be $99 with a two-year contract from AT&T. Boeing is going to take advantage of the fact that Android is free and price their offering less, but it'll still be pricey for its customers, namely the Department of Defense.
It makes sense that Boeing would offer communications equipment as it tries to expand its product offerings and into new markets. Boeing after all, is one of the largest defense contractors, and being able to offer secure communications equipment is something that is right up a defense contractors alley.