We had to read over the confirmations a few times before it finally sank in, but apparently, Verizon users that are somehow still interested in the XV6800 can place their orders and -- gasp! -- actually expect a handset to arrive. According to a slew of users over at Howard Forums, VZW is finally selling the aforementioned handset online( (via chat) and over the phone for $249 after all applicable rebates / agreeing to a two-year contract. Additionally, mclass555 substantiated the claims by posting up a shot of his mobile (seen above), which came with a home charger, USB cable, and an extra stylus. Interestingly, the carry pouch that came bundled in lacked the oh-so-necessary belt loop, which seems downright ludicrous, nay, unconscionable to us. Nevertheless, the XV6800 is available now to Verizon users who have stomached the wait, but for whatever reason, we just aren't feeling the excitement.

[Thanks, Jeremy and mclass555]

While AT&T customers have had the same technology for awhile in the 8525 -- and heck, even Sprint users can pick up a Mogul now -- those folks unfortunately locked into a Verizon contract are about two generations behind when it comes to HTC Windows Mobile devices. Well according to a purported insider going by the name "verizonguy" on the PPCgeeks forum, the long wait for VZW's XV6800 version of the Titan may soon be over, with the company reportedly planning a November 16th hard launch. What's more, an online-only soft launch could occur as soon as November 2nd, according to the writeup -- good news indeed, as long as you haven't already left Verizon in frustration for greener pastures.

No surprises in the mix here, but we're delighted to see that Verizon is finally getting official with four smart devices that have been rumored to be in its pipeline for ages. Of the four, only the i760 from Samsung's been priced and slated for release -- October 19 online, November 2 in stores for $350 on contract after rebates -- featuring Windows Mobile 6 Professional, QWERTY slide-out and offset numeric keypads, and a 1.3 megapixel camera. The XV6800 succeeds the tired XV6700, going up against Sprint's Mogul by offering the HTC Titan reference design in a custom Verizon skin; it shows up with a 2 megapixel cam, WiFi, and a full QWERTY keyboard. Already released on several CDMA carriers, the HTC Libra sees the light of day on Verizon as the SMT5800 bearing Windows Mobile 6 Standard and a 2 megapixel cam (we loved the Libra's GSM cousin, and we're guessing this one's great too). Finally, make some noise, Palm OS fans -- it's okay, don't be shy! Verizon finally gets down with the Treo 755p, a phone that could ultimately serve as the platform's swan song in the classic Treo form factor. As we mentioned, only the i760 has been priced and dated at this point, but we'll keep ya in the loop just as soon as we know more.

The existence of HTC's follow up to the venerable Apache comes as a surprise to no one; after all, we've seeing it time and time again. Still, there's some sort of wave of reassurance that washes over us when we see a promised new handset get two thumbs-up from our boys and girls at the Fed. Still no word on exactly when we'll see the device materialize -- which is expected on Sprint and Verizon alike as the PPC6800 and XV6800, respectively -- but this filing should at least clear the path for both carriers to hold to their roadmaps; with EV-DO Rev. A, Bluetooth 2.0, and beefed-up internal storage all in the cards, those roadmaps really can't come quickly enough.

Hold on, Apache owners, your knight in shining armor is just around the corner! At least we think it is, now that we've seen some shots of a Verizon-branded XV6800 doing its thing in the wild. It may not look much different than the XV6700 it replaces, but we figure that if the EV-DO Rev. A doesn't tempt you -- or the promise of a Rev. A upgrade at some point, at least -- the 2 megapixel camera and 256MB of Flash just might. Hit the gallery for more pictures.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

We have an early Christmas present for you Verizon smartphone users: three new Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices leaked over on Engadget Mobile, including the oh so hotly anticipated CDMA followup to the HTC TyTn / Hermes. Check 'em out:

Verizon UTStarcom XV6800: the CDMA TyTn lives!
Verizon's Samsung i760 out-BlackJacks the BlackJack?
Verizon UTStarcom SMT5800: Libra comes stateside in green?