GSLO: Sprint's ZTE Peel Not Apple-to-Apple with Peel 520

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Despite its similar name and use, the ZTE PEEL device currently available to Sprint customers lacks the built-in phone and SMS functionality of GoSolarUSA's (PinkSheets: GSLO) Peel 520. The ZTE PEEL is designed to give iPod Touch users "anywhere, anytime" access to the Internet via Sprint's (NYSE: S) 3G network.

According to Sprint, the ZTE PEEL hardware that encapsulates the iPod Touch costs $79.99 and the data plan is $29.99 per month with a 1 GB limit. Due to Wi-Fi compatibility, the device can also serve as a mobile hotspot and allow users to make calls using VoIP after purchasing additional hardware.

GoSolarUSA's Peel 520 device, however, differs from the ZTE PEEL in that it provides iPod Touch users with the ability to place voice calls and text messages over mobile phone networks, turning the media player into a powerful smartphone. GSLO President and CEO Tyson Rohde said Monday that the Peel 520 is currently being readied for its U.S. retail debut.

The similar name of ZTE's device

"Given the similar name of ZTE's device, it's understandable that some iPod Touch users may be confused as to its use," Rohde said. "We want to make it clear that GSLO's Peel 520 is still on track to be first-to-market in the U.S. for adding smartphone capabilities to the iPod Touch utilizing mobile phone networks."

Though the ZTE PEEL differs in functionality, the debut of this product is yet another indicator that the mobile electronic device market is ripe for communications accessories for the iPod Touch, Rohde said.

The possible joint venture

The possible joint venture would involve Yosion and China Mobile setting up a wholesale company that could provide the telecommunications giant with the Peel 520 for retail sales to its customers. GoSolarUSA signed a profit sharing agreement with Yosion last month that entitles GSLO to a portion of Yosion's net profits worldwide, including China.

GoSolarUSA is dedicated to aggressively acquiring, developing and marketing promising and potentially profitable technology. The Apple Peel 520 is a product of Yosion Technologies based in Shenzhen, China. The iPod Touch and the iPhone are products of Apple Inc., (NASDAQ:AAPL) which compete in the global smartphone market against Google's Android devices and the Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) BlackBerry line.