Hello, M’sian firm has got your back
CYBERJAYA: Whether you are deep in the jungle, up on a mountain or far out at sea, you can stay connected using just an Android smartphone.
A Malaysian company has scored a world first with its invention of an Android satellite smartphone.
Running on Google’s Android operating system, the Xplore X7 is able to send text messages via satellite in remote areas where there is no phone connectivity.
It will be available in the market in two months, with its pricing said to be within the “mid to high end” range of smartphones.
The X7 will have a 5.2 inch Full HD screen, 64GB internal storage, 4GB RAM and run on Android 8.0.
Commending Advance Tech Communications Group Sdn Bhd for its invention, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the X7 was believed to be the first smartphone equipped with satellite messaging service.
She said the iridium satellite linked to Xplore X7 has the capability to cover up to 98% of the globe.
“As a satellite-based system, the communication capability of the Xplore X7 can be extended to the remotest part of the world normally not accessible by conventional smartphones.
“I am proud that the Xplore X7 was developed by a Malaysian company.
“It is my hope that this product will be a game changer and will be accepted in the global market,” she said when launching the X7 at the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) here yesterday.
The company’s executive chairman Datuk Ahmad Ghiti Mohd Daud said its interest in developing a satellite smartphone was due to many parts of the world not being equipped with telecommunication infrastructure.
“During natural disasters, conventional phone services break down.
“Satellite phones have provided the answer. However, its high cost is a put-off.
“With advances in ICT and through miniaturisation of electronic components and microchip designs, the cost of satellite phones is coming down,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Entrepreneur Development Minister Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli and MaGIC chief executive officer Ashran Ghazi.