China Mobile, partners launch first 5G devices
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Members of the China Mobile-led 5G Device Forerunner Initiative have used Mobile World Congress to announce the launch of their first batch of devices, including China Mobile’s own in-house developed Forerunner One.
Forerunner One is a 5G mobile smart hub device powered by Qualcomm’s inaugural Snapdragon X50 5G modem.
The device supports connections in sub-6GHz 5G frequencies including the 2.6-GHz band, and is designed to convert high-speed 5G data into Wi-Fi and WiGig signals.
It comes installed with Android 9.0 and an AI voice assistant, and is expected to reach the market in the first half of 2019.
Meanwhile the members of the initiative have also used the event to launch four 5G chipsets – from Qualcomm, Huawei, MediaTek and Unisoc respectively – as well as 5G devices from Huawei, vivo, OPPO, ZTE, Xiaomi and Samsung.
Some of the launched devices support both nonstandalone and standalone 5G, and others support peak throughputs of up to 4.67Gbps in sub-6GHz frequencies.
The 5G Device Forerunner Initiative was established a year ago during the GTI Summit in Barcelona. So far 36 members comprising all aspects of the device industry have participated in the initiative.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary function of China Mobile's Forerunner One device?
What is the primary function of China Mobile's Forerunner One device?
The Forerunner One is designed to convert high-speed 5G data into Wi-Fi and WiGig signals. It acts as a 5G mobile smart hub and supports sub-6GHz 5G frequencies, including the 2.6-GHz band.
Q.Which companies have launched 5G devices as part of the initiative?
Which companies have launched 5G devices as part of the initiative?
Huawei, vivo, OPPO, ZTE, Xiaomi, and Samsung have launched 5G devices through the China Mobile-led initiative. China Mobile also launched its own in-house developed Forerunner One device.
Q.When is China Mobile's Forerunner One expected to be available for purchase?
When is China Mobile's Forerunner One expected to be available for purchase?
The Forerunner One is expected to reach the market in the first half of 2019. It was announced at Mobile World Congress by the 5G Device Forerunner Initiative members.
Q.Which companies have contributed 5G chipsets to the initiative?
Which companies have contributed 5G chipsets to the initiative?
Qualcomm, Huawei, MediaTek, and Unisoc have launched 5G chipsets as part of the initiative. These chipsets contribute to the development of the new 5G devices.
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