When it comes to mobile VoIP, what is the biggest challenge?

Well, duh, it’s the sound quality, silly. VoIP can deliver crystal clear calls …. um …  providing there is optimal interoperability between the mobile device and the network.

But there are ways to overcome the myriad of signal “anomalies” that often pop up when VoIP packets are delivered wirelessly - such as built in jitter buffers that help smooth out the digital signal. That is one of the key features of Paragon Wireless’ new, second generation SIP-based dual-mode smartphone, the “hipi-2300,” which was unveiled this week at the 3GSM (News - Alert) World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. This dual mode smartphone – which delivers seamless handover between cellular and WiFi networks - is ideal for the business executive looking for a better quality mobile phone experience.

In addition to its built-in dynamic jitter buffer (perhaps the best analogy is an “anti-skip” buffer on a portable CD player), this slick new dual mode phone features the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system to further expand its usability and functionality. In addition to facilitating mobile access to the Internet, as well as next gen services such as mobile VoIP and mobile TV, via WiFi (News - Alert) hot spots, the phone also sports a 1.3 megapixel camera, an MP3/MP4 player and a camcorder/recorder (so you can make video clips of your friends doing embarrassing things when they’re not looking and post them on YouTube).

The hipi 2300’s 1100mAh Li-ion battery delivers up to four hours of WiFi talk time - and up to six hours GSM talk time - or up to 100 hours of “standby” time while waiting for some (anyone?) to give you a buzz.

“The hipi-2300 establishes precedence for the mobile workforce - a single smartphone for all your mobile device needs,” said Ilkka Pouttu, vice president of sales and marketing for Paragon Wireless (News - Alert), in a news release. “Our commitment to technology, innovation and performance has enabled our dual-mode family of products to demonstrate a measurable difference when it comes to user productivity. With the hipi-2300 Windows Mobile smartphone, we have the honor of working closely with Microsoft (News - Alert) to continue developing the world’s best dual-mode smartphones.”

If you want to learn more about this cool new smartphone, by all means fly to Barcelona and check it out at Paragon Wireless’s booth (2.1A70) at the 3GSM World Congress. (Or just check out the new phone here in the U.S., as soon as it becomes widely available.)

To learn more about Paragon Wireless’ full portfolio of products, check out its website at www.parawireless.com.

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Patrick Barnard is Assignment Editor for TMCnet and a columnist covering the telecom industry. To see more of his articles, please visit Patrick Barnard’s columnist page.