3 unmasks Facebook phone

13 November 2008

3's exclusive INQ 1 has social networking functionality at its core

The new INQ 1 handset is described by 3 as the 'world's most advanced social networking phone'. Whether or not the INQ 1 deserves its enthusiastic brief, the device does feature Facebook, Skype and Windows Live Messenger at a mass market price. The handset is the brain-child of INQ, a new mobile phone manufacturer.

The INQ 1 features a live contact book which lets users interact with their friends on Facebook in real time. Your friends' Facebook profile pictures and online status appear on their contact details. The phone also offers Last.fm, Skype-to-Skype calling, instant messaging functionality and RSS feeds.

The slider device also sports a 3.2-megapixel camera and users can upload their photos directly to Facebook. In addition, users will be able to make wall posts, poke friends and update their status even in areas that have no reception. Upon entering an area with reception, these actions are automatically carried out.

As the phone's name suggests, this is the first of a range of INQ handsets planned. Having had a quick play with the device we found it to be an intuitive, easy-to-handle handset that appears to be a bargain. 

According to 3, the INQ 1 will be on sale in time for the run-up to Christmas. It will be available for free on a £15 contract, which include free Facebook, Skype, Windows Live Messenger and web access, plus 75 minutes of cross network calls, unlimited texts, unlimited emails and unlimited 3 to 3 calls.

Meanwhile, the £20 monthly tariff will give you all this with 200 minutes of all-network calls. The device is also available on prepay for £79.99 and internet packages are available from £5 per month.

INQ 1 Specifications:

• Size: 97x47.6x14.4mm
• Weight: 110g
• Battery: 329 hours (standby) 324 minutes (talktime) application dependent
• Connectivity: Bluetooth A2DP, USB 2.0
• Camera: 3.2 megapixels
• Network: HSDPA-enabled
• Screen: 2.2-inch QVGA, 262K colour TFT
• Memory: internal 50MB, external to 4GB (1GB card supplied)
• Music: MP3 player
• Integrated Facebook
• Integrated Skype
• Integrated Windows Live Messenger
• RSS support
• Widget support