Japanese mobile firm Willcom is developing a Linux-based modular smartphone for sale in Japan starting in August. This phone is based on the W-SIM module standard, which combines antenna, wireless transceiver and SIM card functions in a removable module.

The W-SIM Linux phone will be based around a 416MHz Intel embedded CPU and features a 1.3-megapixel camera, according to Jan Kucynski, a research analyst with the Wireless World Forum.

The product appears to be based on Sophia Systems’ Sandgate embedded reference platform design. Information released by Tokyo-based Sophia indicates that the prototype runs version 2.6 of the Linux kernel and contains 64MB of SDRAM and 128MB of Flash memory. The phone also has a USB 1.1 socket and Bluetooth wireless.

The resolution of the 2.2in LCD display is described as QVGA, or 320 x 240 pixels. Onboard software includes an email client, organiser and Java-capable web browser.

Willcom operates Japan’s only major Personal Handy-Phone System mobile network. All the company’s W-SIM products are PHS-based.

The 4.2cm long W-SIM module weighs about 8g, and is similar in size to a traditional mobile SIM card. Providing both voice and data communications, it is intended for use in mobile phones, PDAs and notebook PCs.

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