Motorola to Demo 'Ojo' Video Phone

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.