Touchy-feely for Moto's mobile TV device

Motorola last week introduced a mobile TV device with a touchscreen user interface and navigation capabilities.

The DH02 builds on the DH01 unveiled in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The latest addition to the portfolio features a touchscreen UI with intuitive click, drag, and scroll icon-based menus.

In addition, the new gadget supports HSDPA 3G and GPRS 2.5G data networks, making it possible for wireless carriers to offer interactive services. Other features include support for DVB-H TV, which is one of three prevalent technical specifications for bringing broadcast services to mobile handsets.

The device also has personal video recorder capabilities for time shift, live pause, and frame grabbing. There are also navigation capabilities with GPS and Tele Atlas map views, points of interest, and voice-activated directions.

The DH02 has automatic channel scan and listing, a WQVGA display, and a digital video playback quality of 25 frames per second. The device uses microSD cards for storage and has a five-minute memory buffer for live pause and time shift of TV channels. In addition, it supports Bluetooth for wireless connections to other devices.

Motorola didn't release the size of the screen of the DH02, or pricing. The DH01, however, has a 4.3-inch screen. Motorola plans to showcase the DH02 at the CTIA Wireless show this week in Las Vegas.

Motorola also announced last week that it would split itself into two independent publicly traded companies. One would handle the company's mobile devices operation, the other would be a catchall entity that would include Motorola's government and public safety units, telecom gear, and cable set-top receivers.

- Antone Gonsalves
InformationWeek