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HTC Touch Cruise becoming "Touch Find" for Movistar?
Oh, to be a fly on the wall in one of those meetings once in a while where product names get hammered out. Seriously, what possessed Movistar to latch on to "Touch Find" for this one? Was HTC's own name, Touch Cruise, not good enough for 'em? Or heck, how about the Xda Orbit 2 (pictured) moniker used by Movistar's own O2 subsidiary? Alas, yeah, the latest rumor here is that the Touch Cruise will be christened Touch Find for Movistar's networks, featuring 3.6Mbps HSDPA, WiFi, GPS, and a 3 megapixel cam. We don't know for certain whether the Touch Find will adopt the O2's same pebble-esque case or the Touch Cruise's harder lines, but it certainly seems like it'd make more sense to be consistent within the company ranks and go Xda Orbit 2-style. Then again, the name change itself doesn't seem to make much sense, so who knows?[Via Unwired View]
Come get your Touch Cruise: Xda Orbit 2 now available from O2
It's bad enough that we're getting teased with the HTC Touch Cruise from afar, but to hardened customers in the US, the fact that O2's offering the Xda Orbit 2 for as little as £0 is just icing on the hate cake. The phone looks arguably even better in O2's very customized trim, too, sporting a glossy black case in which to stuff its 3 megapixel camera, GPS, 256MB of ROM, and WiFi. Were it not for the 2100MHz-only HSDPA, we'd be liable to smuggle a few across the pond, we reckon.[Via CoolSmartPhone]
O2 finally getting HTC Kaiser as "Xda Stellar" -- or "Stella" perhaps
Seems like a pretty egregious error on O2's part to throw up a promotional image of its upcoming HTC Kaiser variant with a big, fat typo up top -- but at the same time, we have an easier time believing that they're coining it the "Xda Stellar," not the "Xda Stella." The text below the picture uses the Stellar name, so that's what we're going with for the time being until we hear otherwise. Anyhoo, by all appearances, this is pretty much the same Kaiser everyone else has gotten, and with a projected release window in December, we're a little surprised to see O2 so far behind the curve here. Too little, too late, or is HTC's finest QWERTY device still going to find droves of buyers by the time it finally launches?[Via MoDaCo and Mobiholics]Update: O2's already corrected its mistake, it's officially the Xda Stellar. Makes more sense that way, eh? Thanks, Gears!
HTC Touch getting upgraded on some carriers
Time flies, doesn't it? Seems like it was just a few months ago that HTC announced the HTC Touch. Ah, that's right, it was just a few months ago. Anyway, time stops for no phone in the wireless industry, and HTC's been hard at work re-upping the Touch with twice the RAM and ROM -- now up to 128MB and 256MB, respectively -- and O2 Germany, T-Mobile Germany, and T-Mobile UK have all snapped the new model right up into their inventories. Get 'em now, if you're lucky enough to be within range of such a carrier.[Via the::unwired]Read - T-Mobile UKRead - T-Mobile GermanyRead - O2 Germany
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]
O2 Germany's turns HTC Touch Dual into "Xda star"
Didn't take long at all following HTC's official announcement of the Touch Dual for carriers to start getting on board. First up is O2 German with the "Xda star," continuing O2's longstanding tradition of appending somewhat random words onto "Xda" to come up with names for its smartphone hardware. The Xda star's design differs slightly from the Touch Dual reference design -- note the retooled button layout below the screen -- but specs are otherwise unchanged. It'll be available in the SureType-esque 20-key layout only when it launches next month for just shy of €30 (about $43) on a two-year contract. Man, can we get it for $43 on contract, please?
O2 Germany getting Xda Atom Life as "Xda comet"
O2 has a track record of running largely different product lineups between its European and Asian operations, but German subscribers might be delighted to hear that they're getting a particularly strong import from their cousins on the other end of the globe. This here device, sold in the Asia Pacific region as the Xda Atom Life, is getting rebranded as the "Xda comet" (yes, lower case "c," as annoying as that is) -- and it's picking up an upgrade to Windows Mobile 6 as part of its transcontinental transformation (though Atom Life owners have access to an official upgrade now too). The handset holds its own with 3.6Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth, WiFi, a healthy 624 megahertz of XScale action, 2 megapixel cam, and a full 1GB of storage onboard; the lack of a slide-out keyboard might be a deal breaker for some, but otherwise, looks like HTC's got a solid bit of Bavarian competition on its hands. Look for it to hit in October for a yet-to-be-announced price. [Warning: PDF link][Via the::unwired]
Details surface for O2's XDA Denim
We've seen the Gigabyte O2 Denim pop up a couple times in the past, once as the O2 XDA "Helen" and then it reappeared on the pages of our favorite Gov't site, the FCC. While not much new is gleaned with its confidentiality agreement expiring, feel free to browse the manuals -- if that type of thing makes you happy, we def enjoyed it -- in preparation for its expected launch this month. No news on pricing, of course, those cards are usually kept pretty close but you know we'll be here for ya with an update as soon as we hear word.[Via UnwiredView]
O2 Germany spices up Xda trion with WM6 upgrade
Germans on O2, relish in this moment, for you are much of the world's envy. After promising a Windows Mobile 6 upgrade path for the Xda trion (that's the HTC Hermes / TyTn for lay folk) not long ago, the carrier has now made good by rolling out the package. Walk, don't run -- it'll wipe your data -- but we figure it's more than worth the hassle nonetheless.[Via the::unwired]
O2's Xda "Helen" peeped?
Meet O2's newest Windows Mobile 6 Pro device, the Xda "Helen" (what happened to the slick device names?) a decidedly vanilla pocket-sized slider. The Helen packs quad-band GSM and EDGE, 3G in the 2100 MHz range, Bluetooth, WiFi, 64MB RAM, 256MB ROM, and a wee forward-facing cam for video calling. What the pics barely show (look carefully at the image on the left) are the touch sensitive softkeys on the face, a 2 megapixel shooter mounted on the back, and the fat 570 MHz CPU hidden under the hood. This is a bit of a unique departure for the Professional version of Microsoft's new mobile OS, as we get the slide-out dialpad and a touchscreen interface -- we haven't spotted a stylus yet, but hoping it is there somewhere. If this really does end up rolling out on O2 -- and it certainly looks branded to do so -- we'll be hitting you up with more specs, a release date, and some pricing soon.[Via the::unwired]
O2's Xda orbit and trion get Windows Mobile 6
Windows Mobile 6 fever: catch it! That's slowly but surely getting easier to do on carriers around the globe -- including, surprisingly, one of our own -- and O2's the latest to add a bit of upgrade cheer to its lineup with support for the Xda orbit and trion. Known to HTC as the Artemis and Hermes respectively, both devices are well-suited for the splendors that Windows Mobile 6 Professional has to offer; in fact, AT&T's variant, the 8525, is scheduled to get its own facelift in the next few months. In the meantime, though, might we recommend staring longingly at the official upgrades across the Atlantic?[Via the::unwired]Read - Xda orbitRead - Xda trion
O2 gets HTC Panda as "Xda Argon"
If this wasn't actually on O2's website, we'd think it was just a late (really late) April Fool's joke; alas, it now seems that the HTC Panda is the real deal in all its throwback glory. Looking pretty much like an HTC Himalaya or Alpine, the Panda reminds us of everything that was great about 2004 -- and thankfully, O2 has decided in its infinite wisdom to pick up the device as the "Xda Argon." Don't get your hopes up for modernized guts, though -- those are throwback, too, with EDGE data and Windows Mobile 5 leading the charge. On the other hand, Bluetooth, WiFi, a 2 megapixel camera, and a gloriously large 3.5 inch display all help make the Panda's case for a place in the sentimental Pocket PC user's pocket. Get it now on O2 for as little as... well, nothing, depending on the contract you select.[Via the::unwired]
Xda terra becomes first WM6 Pro device to ship
Just over a month ago, O2 Germany came clean and announced the future availability of the Xda terra, and now the carrier will forever hold the crown of being the first major provider to offer up and ship a Windows Mobile 6 Professional handset. Sure enough, O2's Germany webstore proudly displays the dashing mobile, lists the specs that you've already memorized, and mentions that it now includes a two-megapixel camera to boot. Of course, being first in line always comes at a premium, and from what we can gather through the (admittedly sketchy) translation, the lowest price point you'll be reaching is €279.99 ($382) bundled with a contract. Additionally, O2 lists the handset sans agreement for a stiff €519.99 ($710), but it looks like those will only be available from retail locations -- decisions, decisions.[Via Unwired]
O2 Ireland gets the XDA Orbit, aka HTC Artemis
Irish O2 customers shouldn't feel slighted that other O2 peeps received the nav-enabled HTC Artemis way back when, 'cause now you all have the same goodness. Following O2 Germany's launch of the Artemis as the "XDA Orbit," ye Irish O2 customers should have have access to this beauty now or very (very) soon. Just like the German folks have, this appears to be the exact same Artemis with WiFi, GPS, 2 megapixel cam, Windows Mobile 5 and a trackball thrown in for good measure. We're a little surprised that O2 didn't upgrade the Orbit with Windows Mobile 6 and provide an update for existing customers, but whatever -- perhaps soon. Until then, pony up the €272 (about $365), not including VAT, for the Orbit should you wish it.[Via the::unwired]
Say it ain't so: O2 kills Xda Zinc
It's not terribly often that we're here to tell a sob story about a European carrier killing off a hotly-anticipated handset prior to release, but alas, it does seem to happen from time to time. Such is the case here, where O2 first delayed the ASUS-supplied Xda Zinc -- a rather delicious Windows Mobile QWERTY slider, if we do say so ourselves, replete with 3G data -- and now has apparently deep-sixed it entirely, claiming it wasn't up to snuff with its "testing requirements." To be fair, O2's Xda line of Windows Mobile-based devices is deep and wide enough to accommodate nearly any user's needs, Zinc or no, so we're not going to be sending any flowers or cards expressing our condolences. If anything, ASUS might be the one needing consolation here, with the Zinc possibly proving to be a breakout handset for the company in Europe's white-hot smartphone market.
O2 Germany announces new HTCs as Xda "terra" and "nova"
Though O2 spends plenty of time getting cozy with Quanta for its Windows Mobile needs, that doesn't mean they've thrown HTC to the curb. The latest two HTCs to get the O2 treatment -- in Germany, anyway -- will be the Herald and Elf, released as the Xda "terra" and "nova" respectively. As you might recall, the Herald is the facelifted Wizard, replacing O2's own Xda mini S and offering all the same slide-out QWERTY action in a 17 millimeter shell; 3G data is sadly missing, though O2 is going to one-up the competition here by rolling out Windows Mobile 6 Professional on this bad boy out of the gate -- expect it in May for €150 (about $200). Meanwhile, the Xda nova (also a 2.5G device) brings Windows Mobile to the masses with a relatively low price point -- €100, about $130 -- while still managing to pack 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, microSD expansion, and version six of Microsoft's ubiquitous platform. Look for it a month after its Xda terra stablemate in June.Read - O2 Xda terraRead - O2 Xda nova
O2 prepping Xda "Atom Life" and "Flame" Pocket PCs
Ooh la la, Xda Flame, how could we forget you? You stole our hearts a couple months back with mere rumors of your existence, and now that your impending release has been confirmed, we're about ready to pack our bags and head for greener pastures (that is, parts of the world serviced by O2). Best of all, it sounds like everything we heard about the Flame might be spot-on -- the 3.6-inch display, NVIDIA GPU, 2GB of onboard storage -- everything. Then again, the also-announced Xda Atom Life is no slouch either, packing a full gigabyte of Flash, HSDPA, and the promise of a white variant down the road. We'll gladly take either -- with support for HSDPA 850 / 1900, please.[Thanks, h20]
O2 Xda Apollo strikes some poses
O2's Xda Apollo, the Trinity-alike Pocket PC packing UMTS 1900, rocked its way through our very own FCC a few weeks back; now, Thai site MrPalm has managed to lay hands on a unit as it preps for an early '07 launch on O2's Asian networks. Say what you will about the handset's visual appearance -- we've seen a million Pocket PCs in this form factor, and we're fully prepared to see another million -- but the real draw here is going to be the 3G radio (which, it bears mentioning again, does UMTS 1900) and the full gigabyte of ROM on board. Click on for the full host of visual stimulation, but reader beware: unless you're hanging out in... say, Singapore, these pictures are as close to the Xda Apollo as you'll likely ever get.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
HTC TyTN Music Dock charges, syncs, and delights
While we don't expect the Hong Kong-derived HTC TyTN Music Dock to produce the same level of audio fidelity as Orange's Bluetooth variety, we'll admit that getting a dock, charger, and paperweight for 28 bucks isn't such a bad deal. The device sports a charging / syncing cradle for your HTC TyTN (Hermes), i-mate JasJam, Qtek 9600, O2 XDA Trion, Dopod CHT 9000, Orange SPV M3100, or Cingular 8525, as well as touting a pair of stereo speakers, 3.5-millimeter line in jack, and that oh-so-important LED illumination. You'll even get a stereo cable to save you a trip to Radio Shack, but the lack of a headphone port (or line-out) sort of puts a damper on things. Nevertheless, the HTC TyTN Music Dock can be picked up now for HK$190 ($28), but the overseas shipping just might kill the deal.
O2 Xda Apollo hits the FCC
Yet another fresh O2 Xda variant has come to light courtesy of the FCC; this time it's the Apollo, a 3G Pocket PC with a rather uncanny resemblance to HTC's P3600 "Trinity" in our humblest of opinions. Alas, the Apollo doesn't come from HTC, it's a Quanta device (yeah, the OLPC folks), just like its Atom predecessor. Atom users should feel right at home with the Apollo, as the device's dimensions and major features carry over -- the major draw for upgraders, then, will be the addition of UMTS (including US-friendly UMTS 1900) and a front cam for video calls. We're not sure when the Apollo is going to drop exactly, but with its HTC P3600 doppelganger already on the streets, they'd best get a move on.[Via hpc.ru, thanks Surur]
