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Verizon's XV6900 Touch, in all its shockingly white glory
If you hate ridiculously out of focus shots of unreleased handsets as much as we do (it's actually more of a love / hate relationship, but you know what we mean), this here is a welcome sight for sore eyes. About all we can say is this: Verizon's XV6900 Touch from HTC features EV-DO, Windows Mobile 6, and a 2 megapixel camera like its Sprint and Alltel cousins, it includes GPS, and yep, we're now absolutely certain it's real. There's still no word on whether it's actually thinner than Sprint's version, but it looks pretty chubby from the diagrams in our gallery, so we have our doubts. See the biggie-sized visuals over in the gallery![Thanks, anonymous tipster]%Gallery-14378%
Verizon getting in touch with its Touch?
A poster over on HowardForums has a series of convincing shots of a little something we'd like to call "Sprint's Worst Nightmare." Okay, that's going way too far, but if this Verizon-branded HTC Touch is legit, Sprint has to be just a little bummed that it's about to lose exclusivity on the fancy little Windows Mobile piece among the big four US carriers (though Alltel's on the ball already). If it's simply the same Sprint hardware we know and love repackaged in white, we can expect EV-DO, microSD expansion, Windows Mobile 6 Professional dressed up to be about as finger-friendly as it possibly can be, and a 2 megapixel camera. Thing is, the poster says that this one's "a little thinner" than Sprint's -- amazing if true, considering that it's already a svelte and manageable 0.6 inches -- so all bets on specs are off until we get some official confirmation. Word on the street is that we'll see it in March.
Alltel makes Touch official
As we reported last week, Alltel has now become the second major US carrier to offer the CDMA version of HTC's Touch. Not unlike Sprint's version, the diminutive, finger-friendly Windows Mobile 6 Professional device has been customized for Alltel with a fourth panel on the home screen that essentially acts as a portal into the carrier's content deck (whether that's a feature or a blight, we'll leave to the readers to decide). Alltel's site is still taking preorders at the moment, but expect to be able to find them in store and online either today or tomorrow for $199 on contract after rebates.
HTC Touch about to hit Alltel? UPDATE: yep!
Now that there's a CDMA version of the HTC Touch available, it stands to reason that pretty much every CDMA carrier under the North American sun would have at least a moderate interest in adding it into their mix; after all, it's attractive, it's functional, it's 3G, and what marketing department wouldn't be happy to hear that they've got an iPhone alternative in the lineup? Indeed, we're hearing from multiple tipsters that Alltel's own version of the Touch is poised to launch as soon as the 10th of this month, slotting in alongside the PPC6800 to shore up the regional's WinMo 6 Professional offerings. We'll follow up on this one as soon as we know more.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Update: Yeah, seeing how Alltel's already taking preorders for the darned thing, we'd say it's pretty much a lock. $499.99 off contract, $199.99 on a two-year plan after rebates. Thanks, everyone!
Hands-on with Sprint's HTC Touch
We'll admit, when we caught wind that there was a CDMA version of HTC's stylish Touch in the pipe, we were skeptical that it'd be a faithful reproduction. We can't even really put our finger on why, either; we just somehow assume (unfairly so, may we add) that when you take a GSM device and shove it through the CDMA transmogrifier, the phone that comes out the other end is going to be a little thicker, a little less attractive, a little slower, a little harder to use, or some combination of the above. We're delighted to report, though, that the fears are utterly unfounded with this little gem. In fact, if it weren't for the silkscreened Sprint logo front and center, we wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The similarities carry through to the UI, where the TouchFLO-driven interface gets an ever-so-mild Sprint makeover to add in support for Sprint TV (also, notice how all the icons have a Sprint Yellow hue -- cute). The thing about TouchFLO is that the finger friendliness doesn't go far beyond the home page -- all the standard Windows Mobile apps are here and are designed with a stylus in mind -- and while the stylus is there on the Touch if you need it, we were pleasantly surprised with how accurately we were able to navigate using one hand and a thumb alone. Bottom line: if you liked the original Touch, you'll like Sprint's version, and the addition of 3G certainly doesn't hurt.%Gallery-10899%
HTC said to be planning 2-3 Android-based handsets next year
There's not exactly a flood of information here, but HTC CEO Peter Chou reportedly let loose a few details about the company's plans during a recent analyst meeting, including the tantalyzing tidbit that it plans to release 2 or 3 Android-based handsets in 2008. While the so-called "Dream" handset (pictured above) would seem to be a sure bet for one of those, Chou apparently didn't drop any hints as to what we might be able to expect from the other handsets. In other HTC news, according to DigiTimes, Chou also said the company plans to release a non-Qualcomm-based 3G handset in the "near future," along with a new user interface that'll be "better than its current TouchFlo technology," with a couple of WiMAX / TD-WCDMA devices thrown in for good measure as well.
O2 announces O2 Xda orbit 2, aka HTC Polaris and HTC Touch Cruise
The O2 Xda orbit 2 enters officialdom and adds yet another name to an already confused HTC device. The TouchFLO-enabled replacement for the 2006-ish Xda orbit brings a pile of new niceties to the line and a pretty slick new look to boot. Featuring 128 MB / 256 MB of RAM and ROM, a 400 MHz Qualcomm CPU, GPS, quad-band GSM, HSDPA (we've heard tri-band and also only 2100), and a 3 megapixel camera with typical Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity thrown in for good measure. Availability is slated for early December from a rock bottom €99 (roughly $140) on contract. If you're in the know and can provide frequency clarity for us, please do.[Via the::unwired]
Rogers Wireless launches HTC Touch
Rogers' website has seen some updates -- and lordy, have they been busy -- in the last couple days and our mention that the HTC Touch was coming seemed to have been bang on. Pricing is rumored to be $349 on a 3 year data only plan, $299 on a 3 year voice plan or $199 on voice and data. So if you're looking for a non-3G Windows Mobile handset -- and we feel for ya if you are -- keep refreshing the read link 'til the handset goes live.[Thanks, Treatz]
HTC Polaris gets specs leaked, renamed the Touch Cruise
The next step in the HTC Touch line -- the GPS-equipped Polaris -- has been re-christened the Touch Cruise, and has gone and gotten its juicy specs all leaked out to the internet. In addition to having improved TouchFlo capabilities, like rotation and zoom, the new model will sport a quad-band GSM radio (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900), tri-band UMTS (850 / 1900 / 2100), HSDPA and HSUPA data connectivity, a 400MHz MSM7200 Qualcomm CPU, 128MB of RAM and 256MB of ROM, a 2.8-inch, 320 x 240 QVGA display, 3-megapixel camera (plus secondary, 0.3-megapixel camera), WiFi, Bluetooth, and a microSD slot. Apparently, the design of the device hasn't been finalized, though it will likely feature four buttons and a navigation wheel (similar to the pics up above). Mouth watering? Eyes tearing up? We understand. The Cruise is expected by the end of November, so go easy on your credit cards till then.Update: Thanks to CoolSmartPhone and Smart Mobile Gadgets, we've gotten a proper view of the Touch Cruise, and it's sweet!
Sprint gets official with HTC Touch: November 4 for $249.99
Is it safe yet to declare that carriers are looking at finger-friendly touchscreens as The Next Big Thing in wireless? Sprint today has officially announced its HTC Touch, a device codenamed "Vogue" that brings all of the original's unique personality to the world of CDMA (and, thankfully, EV-DO). Besides the touted support for 3G data, features include a 2 megapixel cam, microSD slot with support for up to 4GB of expansion, Windows Mobile 6 Professional with HTC's TouchFLO interface, and comprehensive support for Sprint's media features including Sprint TV and the Sprint Music Store, all packed into a shell measuring 4 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches and weighing in at 4 ounces (trust us, it looks and feels pretty flippin' small). Interested parties don't have terribly long to wait, either -- look for it to start showing up in retail channels November 4 for a penny under $250 on contract with rebates.
HTC's 3G Touch Dual slider with HSDPA (but no WiFi) arrives in Europe
You've already seen it in Japan for months, now HTC has officially launched their HTC Touch Dual (as they now call it) for Europe. Once only known as the Nike, the Touch Dual now measures in at 107 x 55 x 15.8-mm / 120-grams (slightly different than its Japanese sib) and packs WCDMA/HSDPA 2100MHz and GSM/EDGE 900/1800/1900MHz radios. Of course, it brings the TouchFLO interface riding atop Windows Mobile 6 Professional and 2.6-inch QVGA touch-screen as you'd expect. Inside you'll find a 400MHz Qualcomm MSM7200 processor; 256MB flash, 128MB RAM and microSD expansion; Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; 802.11b/g WiFi; HTC ExtUSB (HTC's mini USB 2.0 jack with support for data and audio); and enough juice to power WCDMA talk for up to 240 minutes or up to 360 minutes on GSM frequencies. Available this month on Orange in select European countries. Pricing? Yeah, we'd like to know that too.Update: Whoa Nelly, what's this? No WiFi? Although we're fairly certain we saw it (wishful thinking?) a second look at the specs reveals the lack of WiFi on this HTC device. Oh my.Update 2: We just received confirmation direct from HTC: no WiFi unlike its Japanese twin. Yes, we're also surprised.%Gallery-8016%[Thanks, Rob]
HTC Touch Slide pictured ahead of October 1 announcement?
Remember that press event HTC's got coming up early next week? There are plenty of rumored HTC devices that could be announced -- and a few in particular we know readers are pulling for -- but it looks like we've got at least one here that's a lock to see the spotlight. Known to many by the codename "Nike," the HTC Touch Slide takes the original Touch's small, finger-friendly package and makes good on two of its indiscretions by adding a slide-out keyboard (similar in layout to RIM's SureType) and a 3G radio. Other features should include WiFi, 128MB of RAM, 256MB of Flash, and from what we can tell, a diminutive case that holds true to its forebear despite the fresh slide mechanism. Oh, and you NTT DoCoMo users over there, stop gloating that you've had this thing for a few weeks, would ya?[Via MoDaCo, thanks ZSX]%Gallery-7912%
HTC Juno headed to T-Mobile?
Not a lot of dirt on this one just yet, but BoyGeniusReport has it that the HTC "Juno" should be headed to T-Mobile, and soon. Of note, the Juno moniker is apparently just a codename that could change upon official launch, but this sexy handset will purportedly include Windows Mobile 6, a "consumer friendly interface (TouchFlo?)," and a whole lot of wow-factor in the display. Regrettably, that's practically all of the details available at the moment, but considering that it should hit T-Mobile exclusively late next month, official word shouldn't be too far behind.
HTC's HT1100 (Nike) with TouchFLO lives... on Japan's DoCoMo
There it is, the HTC HT1100, aka Nike, aka the Touch II WinMo 6 Professional slider we've been anticipating. This FOMA handset packs HSDPA (naturally, for DoCoMo) and GSM for international roaming while representing HTC's second handset to feature the TouchFLO interface. The QVGA display has been trimmed back to 2.6-inches while the sliding keypad chunks it up a bit to 112 x 51 x 16.9-mm / 130-grams. 802.11a/b/g WiFi, SIP support, Bluetooth, 2 megapixel camera (with a 1 megapixeler up front), FM tuner (?), and microSD round out the specs. So it's official, now we just need a release a bit say, closer to home.
Is HTC's P5500 "Nike" the Touch II?
We saw hints of HTC's "Nike" back in March, and the word now touts that set as the Touch II. Interestingly, it would seem that the yet unreleased -- and officially unannounced -- handset has morphed since our first meeting from a Sammy-like square-shaped number, to the egg inspired thing you see above. We're mostly unsure which version is most believable at this point, the new render certainly isn't showing off any TouchFLO features -- or even Windows Mobile 6 -- so color us unconvinced. Either way, the supposed hardware specs are the same, so we'll just have to sit back and wait til the aesthetic mystery gets solved by HTC.[Via Just Another Mobile Phone Blog]
HTC Touch gets hooked up on Orange France, too
Germany isn't the only country getting all the TouchFLO fun in Europe -- turns out Orange France has launched the HTC Touch, too. Pricing seems a bit high compared to T-Mobile Germany's offerings, though; the cheapest you can apparently snag it for is €129, scaling all the way up to €429 without an agreement. For the record, that's $177 to $588 in US coin -- and this is a 2.5G handset, mind you. Almost $600 for a phone with no 3G capabilities, imagine that![Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
HTC Vogue sees FCC approval
Thanks to the characteristically loose-lipped folks at the FCC, it looks like HTC's making good on the rumor that a CDMA rendition of the Touch was in the pipeline. The "Vogue" has just gotten hooked up with regulatory approval, and though the documentation is kept to a bare minimum, we've already heard enough to suspect that Qualcomm's pride and joy (CDMA, that is) will be the lucky recipient of a TouchFLO-enabled handset in the not-too-distant future. Where the Vogue is ultimately headed remains to be seen -- but it could be argued that both Sprint and Verizon are in pretty desperate need of a smartphone lineup overhaul, so by all means, bring it on.
HTC Touch spotted on sale in Hong Kong
Book your flights and whip your checkbooks out, folks -- especially if an iPhone isn't in the cards for you next Friday. HTC's lovely Touch has been spotted (in Dopod trim) on the streets of Hong Kong for $478, which seems like a reasonable sum for a latest-gen Windows Mobile 6 Professional device, does it not?
HTC's Touch with TouchFLO -- the Elf with new 3D sweep interface
HTC just made their "major" announcement. Are you ready for it... wait... it's the Elf now official with its "Touch" street name. Right, the Windows Mobile device we first saw six months ago and already formally announced by O2 Germany as the Xda nova. HTC's big surprise? Well, the Touch is the first device to feature TouchFLO touchscreen technology "developed by HTC" -- though we think Microsoft had a little something to do with it. It's not multi-touch like the iPhone, but it does offer a "new and unique" way to sweep a finger (or stylus) across the screen to control the 3D interface. To recap, the diminutive 99.9 x 58 x 13.9-mm Touch runs Windows Mobile 6 with TouchFLO UI on a 2.8-inch display and OMAP850 processor while packing tri-band 900/1800/1900 GSM with EDGE, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 1GB microSD expansion included, and a 2 megapixel cam. Best of all, it's available now in the UK, later this month around Europe and Asia, and then North and Latin America in the 2nd half of the year.%Gallery-3652%Read -- press releaseRead -- TouchFLO interactive