If picking a phone manufacturer based on operating system partnerships seems like an unfair practice for consumers, Alcatel's new Pixi 3 may make you happy by allowing any mobile OS between Android, Windows Phone, and Firefox OS.
Right now, the Pixi 3 is available as a 3.5-inch display 3G model, but you'll soon have the option of getting one with a 4-inch, 4.5-inch. or 5-inch screen with LTE.
As for the choice of operating systems, that's something that Acatel is doing after working with Google, Mozilla, and Microsoft on previous versions of the Pixi. The previous Pixi ran Google's Android system while Acatel's Fire phone ran the Firefox OS. The POP 2, meanwhile, ran Windows Phone with a 64-bit processor.
Unfortunately, further specs on the Pixi lineup are not yet available, but the Alcatel is teasing that it will reveal much more information at this year's CES in Las Vegas on January 6th through the 9th.
"Our users do not want complicated systems -- they want something familiar from their work environment in the office, but also on a smartphone," said Alcatel Onetouch Chief Marketing Officer Dan Dery in a press release.
The company also announced its new Onetouch Watch that is set to compete against a long line of wearables including the Apple Watch, the LG G, Samsung Gear Life, the Moto 360, and more.
"Offering the WATCH at a fraction of the cost of competitors, the smartphone brand has implemented its compact design expertise to offer a series of fine finishing that meet the demands of everyone looking for the same look and feel as a traditional watch," the press release continues. "While offering choices and styles, the WATCH is also packed with sensors and apps that allow users to monitor daily activity, and connects to Android smartphones to control music, take photos, receive notifications and more."
Interestingly enough, Alcatel's president, Nicolas Zibell, owns a small shell company that bought the "Palm" trademark last month. When visitors visit the palm.com website, they're redirected to mynewpal.com which displays the words "smart move," which also happens to be Alcatel's slogan.
While the connection is uncertain between the classic Palm products and whatever Alcatel is planning to do with the name, it's a sure bet that we'll find out more during the International CES 2015.
Alcatel will be at the Las Vegas expo throughout the event at booth #9829, where the company promises a colorful and interactive experience with its new lineup of products.
"Visitors to Alcatel Onetouch's CES booth will not only be able to test the brand's products but also really get in the game with activities such as the Interactive Color Run," the company's website promises. "Color Run is a five-kilometer race during which runners are doused with color at every kilometer. In this virtual version, a video wall will display landscape at a scrolling speed that matches the runner's speed. To win points, players will be able to throw colored sand at the images of other people as they run. Four different smartwatch functions will also display onscreen."
