Siemens adds Java to phone mix

Siemens has unveiled its M50 Java-enabled mobile phone at the CeBit show in Hannover, Germany. Integrated Java will also enable consumers to download various games and applications onto their phones.

The dual-band GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phone comes equipped with class eight GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) for high-speed, always-on connections, and is expected to ship in June.

Its support of the MMS (multimedia message standard) means that consumers will be able to send and receive images and ring tones, and the phone will be able to display pre-loaded images of the caller on its 101x64-pixel black-and-white display. The M50 is expected to be available in June, and a color-screen model is likely to follow.

Thanks to so-called Magic Buttons, Siemens said, customers can access applications such as games or the Internet with a single click. According to the company, the 650 mAh lithium-ion battery will provide up to 260 hours in standby mode and up to six hours of talk time.

Dirk Delbrouck reported from Germany.