3 Mobile ink out the INQ1 Facebook phone

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3 Mobile ink out the INQ1 Facebook phone

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By Thomas Newton (Thursday, 13th November 2008)

Leaked pictures of the forthcoming 'Facebook Phone' from 3 Mobile have caused something of a social networking stir. With the INQ1 (pronounced 'ink one'), 3 are hoping to capitalise on the runaway success of Facebook direct access to which is granted by the simple touch of a button. Facebook's user base has swelled by some 10 million signups since the start of the year.

The INQ1 is aimed at social network addicts who want mobile internet access specifically to update their profile, but don't want to shell out for a high-powered smartphone.

To whit, the INQ1 will be available in the UK as of next month for free to any customer who signs up for an 18-month contract at just £15 a month, which provides unlimited access to Facebook, unlimited texts, unlimited calls to other 3 customers and 75 cross network minutes, as well as 1GB of monthly web access.

For an extra fiver, customers can get 200 cross network minutes for £20 a month. The INQ1 will roll for around £80 on PAYG. By comparison, the 8GB iPhone 3G is free on an 18 month contract of £45 or more, for which you only get a paltry 75 minutes.

Developed by INQ, an in-house venture set up by 3's parent company Hutchinson earlier this year, the INQ1, which looks distinctly Nokia-ish in its build, is based on an open platform similar to Android. It is understood that INQ were looking at incorporating the Google OS into the INQ1, but it was thought that the cost of the Android would have seen 3 having to hike up the price of the INQ1, thereby nixing its raison d'être.

The open nature of the INQ1 means that integrated support for social networks such as Myspace and Bebo could be easily included in updates.