Powered by QCT Chips and Brew MP, INQ's Social Mobile Handset Tops MWC Awards

At first glance, the INQ1 Social Mobile handset looks like just another mass-market cellphone with slide-out keyboard and a 3.2-megapixel camera.

But switch it on, get initialized and you're immediately online with Facebook, Skype, Yahoo, Google, MSN Messenger or a variety of other built-in applications of your choice. The tightly integrated, always-on software automatically updates email, instant messages, friends' online status and Facebook profile pictures to your phone. It also makes Skype Internet calls as easy as ordinary carrier calls and allows you to take pictures and immediately upload them to Facebook, MySpace or other sites. In addition, the user-friendly interface makes the INQ1 so simple and intuitive that it's easy and fun to stay connected.

Making waves
Based on Qualcomm chipsets and the capabilites of the Brew® Mobile Platform, the innovative INQ1 handset has been making waves since its launch by INQ Mobile in October. In February, it won the "Best Mobile Handset or Device" award at the GSMA Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona, Spain. The INQ1 surprised show audiences by winning the coveted award over several pricier and better-known contenders, including the T-Mobile G1, RIM's BlackBerry Storm, Nokia's E71 and LG's KS360.

"The INQ1 represents superb value for money" noted GSMA judges in their comments accompanying the award. "Its approach to the deep integration of services such as Facebook outshines that of much costlier Smartphones."

Developed by INQ Mobile, a subsidiary of Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa, the INQ1 is currently available in the U.K., Ireland and Australia for less than $120 on a prepaid plan or for as low as $25 with a service plan.

Qualcomm contributions
Qualcomm's integrated chipset technology and the Brew Mobile Platform software played a key role in enabling the INQ1's impressive blend of software integration and affordability. "Because it's actually an open platform, Brew Mobile Platform enabled third-party developers – including Facebook and Skype – to work together and achieve a tight implementation on the device," says Jason Kenagy, vice president of product management and business development for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. "And best of all, they were able to do it on mass-market, available low-cost hardware, without an upfront licensing fee."