Binatone, purveyor of cheap "TV-games" and faux-Walkmans back in 1980s Britain, has come out with a rather weird new product. It's a DECT cordless home telephone, and it runs Android.

I know, right? Who the hell would buy that? But take a moment to consider this: The iHomePhone is more like an oversized iPod Touch for the home, only - in some ways - better. Not only does it have Wi-Fi and a 320 x 240 2.8-inch screen, it'll run any apps that a regular Android phone would run. There is also a headphone jack on the handset itself, along with an FM radio, plus stereo speakers in the base station, which looks a lock like a dock you might by for an iDevice.

It starts to make more sense, doesn't it? A pocket-sized music and entertainment gadget which just happens to ring when somebody calls you. Add in a 14-minute answer-machine for when you're too busy watching YouTube or checking your email to actually answer a call and this could be a great upgrade to your tired old dog and bone.

Tech-wise, the version of Android is unspecified, the battery will run for 80-hours on standby with 8-hours of talk-time and there is a microSD-slot for storage.

The really great part is that it will cost just £100, or $160, and is of course contract-free. Available in time for Christmas.

iHomePhone product page [Binatone via Pocket Lint]

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