Dell's first Android smartphone just took another step toward being released in the U.S.: it has received FCC approval. And the version being approved has features not seen in this device before, possibly making it more appealing.
The Dell Mini 3i was released in China earlier this year as a stripped down, entry-level model. The FCC signed off today on a more advanced version, the Mini 3iX. This will include Wi-Fi and 3G mobile broadband, the two features most notably absent from the original.
The Mini 3iX will have the same design as its little brother, giving it a 3.5-inch, 360-by-640 touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera, GPS, and a microSD memory card slot. In addition to Wi-Fi and 3G, it will have Bluetooth.
This device will run Google's Android OS. A special user interface was created for the Mini 3i by China Mobile, but this won't be on a version released in other regions. Instead, Dell has developed a second custom UI (shown here).
Coming to America?
While FCC approval is an indication that the Dell Mini 3iX may be released in the U.S., it isn't proof. Devices have to get FCC approval before they can even be legally be used in the United States, and many companies get approval from this government agency for models they know customers will carry when traveling.
Still, the CEO of Dell was asked recently if his company will release a phone outside of China, and he responded by saying "Maybe next year."
There have been unconfirmed reports that AT&T will release a "Dellphone" in 2010. It's not clear if this will be the mini 3iX or a new model, such as the the Dell Streak, a high-end device with a 5-inch, WVGA touchscreen.
Source: FCC
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