NFC-equipped phone surfaces at FCC... with Citi logo

We've handled handsets with unorthodox keypads before, but there's quite a bit more about this here device that's off-kilter than just a unique method of input. Discovered in the always unpredictable database of the FCC, the Mobicom-built mobile plays on the 850 / 1900 GSM bands and features a built-in MP3 player, file manager, speakerphone and accelerometer -- you know, for accessing icons by simply tilting the phone. The most astounding inclusion, however, isn't the integrated NFC technology that allows users to make payments on the go, but rather the unmistakable logo of a financial services company. Sitting front and center. On a cellphone. Something tells us this thing better print greenbacks if it hopes to seriously lure any suits away from their precious BlackBerrys.

[Via PhoneScoop]

[yelohbird @ Mar 20th 2008 6:40AM]

Think this is intended for the customers who have accounts at Citi, not the Blackberry-toting suits who work AT Citi.

Probably comes free with opening a checking account with a certain minimum balance or something.

[Phoenix @ Mar 20th 2008 7:16AM]

The "Blackberry-toting suits" aren't meant as people who work AT the bank, but as CUSTOMERS of the bank who have blackberries.

[Student Driver @ Mar 20th 2008 3:31PM]

Nah, probably some Chinese company bought the bank for the logo, and got the rest of the company and buildings for free...

[Zippy @ Mar 20th 2008 7:36AM]

...contrary to the average Engadet reader, the lion share of older folk prefer less buttons...

As you will too in 30 years....

[superfresh @ Mar 20th 2008 8:58AM]

Then, according to your statement, the iPhone is perfect handset for the older crowd.

[UKNigel @ Mar 20th 2008 11:05AM]

Not really, because the iPhone has lots of buttons. He didn't say only physical buttons, so you gotta include to virtual ones as well.

[KangMin @ Mar 20th 2008 8:35AM]

Citi bought the frequency.... everybody was wrong
lol

[mpfromnl @ Mar 20th 2008 8:44AM]

we have something simmilar in the netherlands. RaboBank Mobile. you get an adjusted phone to make payments and it also has a logo of the bank on it. Doenst come with an accou nt, or special bonusses. just cheap prices ( yeah right ) and good service. Probably CityBank ( german bank, maybe other countrys too ) now has the same.

[Umang Saini @ Mar 20th 2008 9:39AM]

Looks good, but why would I need a new cellphone for every other thing. Just give me a good NFC payment keychain OR a module that plays nice with my 'to-be' iPhone.

[lolocaust @ Mar 21st 2008 1:37AM]

Maybe hardware makers have caught on to Engadget/Gizmodo sneak-peek, fcc-found photos so they're now f**king with everyone. What about bluetooth shoes or a Vista-toilet?