It seems UAE-base handset vendor i-mate has ceased operation. The vendor is reported to have told staff at its Dubai HQ to take two months off, but it seems many are expecting full closure.
Those who have somehow forgotten their somewhat bizarre demos of their ruggedised 810F smartphone at MWC can refresh their memories here.
The vendor, which built its phones on the Windows Mobile platform, never had much success getting ranged by operators and carriers outside of some Asian markets, although its devices provided an early alternative to other touch screen phones.