Singapore's Verzio unveils a couple of firsts

Duplii

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Singapore-based Verzio has launched what it claims is the world's first dual-SIM phone with tri-band 3G, called Duplii. While not much has been revealed about how its dual-SIM functionality actually works, the handset apparently supports "simultaneous dual mode standby" and is "switch-capable between two incoming calls." The Duplii also comes with a 2-megapixel camera, 2.2-inch QVGA TFT display, expandable memory card slot, and a built-in music and video player.

In addition to Duplii, Verzio has announced the lower-end dual-SIM handset, Twinn, which it also claims is the world's first EDGE/E-GPRS tri-band dual-SIM slider phone. Some of its key features include a 1.3-megapixel camera, 2.2-inch QCIF TFT display, TransFlash card slot and multimedia player.

The Twinn

(Credit: Crave Asia)

According to the company, Duplii and Twinn have launched only in the Philippines. However, it is in talks with distributors in Hong Kong and Singapore and expects a global launch in the first quarter of 2008. The Duplii and Twinn are retailing for $350 and $280, respectively.

Samsung has recently also announced its first dual-SIM handset, the SGH-D880. Slated for a Singapore rollout in December, the D880 will come with a 3-megapixel camera and FM radio, but not 3G/HSDPA.

(Source: Crave Asia)