Panasonic today announced the development of the company's first mobile phone designed for use on Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks. Panasonic unveil a prototype of the Z800 at PT/EXPO COMM CHINA 2004, Asia's largest telecommunications/IT industry event, which opens in Beijing today. Product launch of the Panasonic Z800 will be decided at a later date.

The Z800 features all the enjoyment and convenience of video communications from a 3G handset and the compactness of current 2.5G phones with a size of 100 cc (cubic centimeters). The Z800's 1.3 Megapixel CCD outer camera is equipped with auto-focusing function.

The new UMTS-based handset supports Bluetooth, MMS, USB 2.0 and IrDA.