NXR Semiconductor, a Philips company, and the oddly named Purple Labs, a LIMO (Linux Mobile) member, have joined forces and will soon be offering a new Linux-based reference design for a mobile 3G mobile handset which will buy in (how much the carrier pays) at under US$100. The oddly named Purple Magic will not only feature WCDMA and HSDPA capabilities but also incorporate video calling and multimedia features, previously unheard of in an entry level device. The handsets also include a Java VM and web browsers. Head to the next page for pics of the interface. Just don’t look for it to come Stateside anytime soon.

- -

written by Tyler Regas