RSSMotorola to Demo 'Ojo' Video Phone
By Ed Oswald | Published May 2, 2005, 12:22 PM
Motorola announced on Monday that the Ojo, its consumer oriented videoconferencing solution, would be on display at several high-end electronics retailers across the country ahead of its debut later this month, when the company will start taking orders for the unit.
The Ojo (pronounced oh-joe) promises full motion video and works over a broadband Internet connection. The device will also work as a cordless phone over regular telephone lines when not used for a videoconference. While the Ojo carries a hefty price tag at $799 USD, Motorola hopes that the demonstrations will spark consumer interest.
"Consumers can now experience first-hand the power of visual communications by bringing a Motorola Ojo into their connected home," Motorola vice-president David said.
Part of Motorola's current push in products have been towards the 'connected home' concept - where the company is taking advantage of newer technologies such as 3G and broadband Internet to produce more advanced electronic devices for consumers.
Motorola announced the following retailers as the locations for the demonstrations: ABT Electronics in Glenview, Illinois; Bob and Ron's World Wide Stereo in Ardmore and Montgomerville, Pennsylvania; MyerEmco Audio Video in the Washington, DC metro area; and the RCS Experience and Hammacher Schlemmer showrooms in New York City.
As well as the cost of the phone, Motorola said that in order to use the video capabilities a $14.95 monthly service charge is required. The Ojo should work on any broadband connection, the company says.
The company making the mobile phone, such as Motorola, is not losing money off its phones. The service providers like Cingular are the ones selling the phones at a discount in exchange for signing a contract. Even if Cingular gives you a phone for free, they are still paying Motorola for the phone.
I also really do not understand what you are saying about mobile phones and the internet. Most phones today can browse the internet, some at the speed of low-end DSL. No one needs to develops software for it to happen. Sorry, but I think you are a few years too late with your idea.
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I don't think that most people are going to pay 14.95 a month for a video phone. I would if everyone else had one, but I think usage will be very spotty.
It won't catch on with a monthly fee, which is a shame, cause video phone is a very cool concept.
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