FreedomPop Looks To Wi-Fi First Smartphone

You can make and receive VoIP (Voice over IP) phone calls via a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as send and receive text messages and use the Internet.

Other companies receiving new funding from Intel Capital this week include LISNR, which supports the sending of data over high-frequency, inaudible digital sound files; Sckipio, an Israeli firm shipping G.fast chipsets for 2 GBPS broadband; and what3words, a United Kingdom startup addressing platform that lets users exchange location data without Global Positioning System or postcodes.

FreedomPop, the network that provides both free and low-priced mobile connectivity, has announced it’ll launch a Wi-Fi smartphone next year, which will use Intel’s new Atom x3 processor known as SoFIA. Now, FreedomPop has announced that it has signed a deal with chipmaker Intel to help it develop a Wi-Fi first smartphone, something that is currently not manufactured. “We look forward to working jointly with FreedomPop in improving the customer’s Wi-Fi first experience via this new smartphone utilizing FreedomPop’s Wi-Fi network”. “Intel’s investment shows the considerable opportunity we have to bring more mobile choice and value to consumers”. The company offers a suite of devices, services, and innovative social sharing and incentive benefits, providing consumers access to free high-speed Internet and mobile phone services worldwide.

Among the companies is FreedomPop, a wireless voice and data service that makes profit from voicemail and extra data allowances. These will allow the device to take advantage of Wi-Fi hotspots over cellular data connections wherever possible, even when when performing simple tasks like texting and calling.

The company stated that the numerous startups to join Intel Capital’s portfolio are “trailblazing disruptive innovation across a wide range of technologies”.

Intel Capital, the global investment arm of the chip maker, reaffirmed its goal to invest more that $500 million in tech startups by the end of 2015.

Today’s announcement was made at Intel’s 16th annual Intel Capital Global Summit.