I'd say the 3rd generation has been available for several years now. Both Kenwood and ICOM manufacture VHF and UHF mobiles, handhelds and repeaters for the new standard.
The key advantage is its spectrum efficiency. It supports both voice and data but uses 6.25 kHz channel spacing. D-STAR typically needs 10 kHz channel spacing. 2010 - NXDN™ Forum and dPMR MoU collaboration http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2010/nxdn_dpmr_collaboration.htm 2009 - Guide to Digital PMR http://www.southgatearc.org/news/august2009/guide_to_digital_pmr.htm 2008 - Icom IC-F4029SDR Transceiver for Digital PMR 446 http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2008/digital_pmr_446.htm 2008 - The Gadget Show tests digital and analog walkie talkies http://www.southgatearc.org/news/november2008/gadget_show_radio_tests.htm 2007 - Ofcom statement on Digital PMR-446 http://www.southgatearc.org/news/september2007/digital_pmr446.htm 73 Trevor M5AKA ----
