The recently launched social media mobile INQ1 from 3 was named ‘Best Mobile Handset or Device’ at the Global Mobile Awards (GSMA) in Barcelona this week.
INQ1, beat strong competition from four other contenders: the Nokia E71, T-Mobile G1, RIM Blackberry Storm and LG KS360
Mobile network 3 launched the INQ1 to Irish customers in January 2009. The handset was developed by INQ Mobile, a subsidiary of 3’s parent company Hutchison Whampoa, with the aim of creating a category of consumer devices that put social networking, email and instant messaging at the heart of innovative mass-market mobiles.
“The INQ1 set out to change the way people communicate by integrating standard talk and text with the latest social networking trends and applications,” said Robert Finnegan, chief executive of 3 Ireland.
More than 20 million Facebook users currently access the site through their mobiles, said Henri Moissinac, director of mobile at Facebook.
“This number has quadrupled over the last 12 months and we expect it to continue to grow as more people begin to connect with their friends and family through Facebook on innovative mobile devices, like the INQ1. Congratulations to the INQ team for being recognised for the hard work they put into bringing a standout device to market,” Moissinac added.
The INQ1 is specifically designed to make social networking as easy as making a call or sending a text, integrating Facebook, Skype and Window’s Live into the heart of the handset.
The intuitive navigation offered by the switcher key and menu carousel, along with instant information provided by the home screen widgets and the integrated phonebook, deliver an experience so intuitive that it’s easy and fun to stay connected. The INQ1 has a 3.2MP camera that allows for photos to be directly uploaded to Facebook, while preloaded modem drivers mean the handset can double as a plug and play dongle.
By John Kennedy
