Aircell announces the first in-flight smartphone, powered by Android

The open model of Google's Android is seemingly making waves in every possible sector. One such sector is in-flight communication, where Aircell has announced the first in-flight smartphone.

Their new in-cabin device, called the Aircell Smartphone, operates on the 800MHz spectrum, which is reserved for Aircell's wireless communication. Aircell reports that the device will enable passengers to "place and receive voice calls aboard business aircraft as easily and conveniently as they do with mobile phones on the ground." And that desire for familiarity is probably what led them to choose Android.

The Aircell Smartphone uses the Android OS, but Aircell doesn't specify which version it is. And that shouldn't really matter, considering that this is a shared device, and won't likely be getting heavy use beyond voice calls. Aircell's device also features a 3.8-inch touchscreen of unspecified resolution, a 3.5mm headset jack, Bluetooth, and a physical alphanumeric keypad.

Aircell's new device will be available later this year, and will reportedly gain "rich-media features and functions in the future". As the device is a drop-in replacement for the Axxess systems currently on many business flights, we expect the Aircell Smartphone to be implemented fairly quickly.

source: Aircell via Unwired View