T-Mobile introduces new myTouch 3G models

On Wednesday, T-Mobile announced a new version of the myTouch 3G that brings additional features, such as a 3.5mm headphone jack, more preloaded apps, and Swype technology. It will replace the original model but still carry the same name and price tag of $149.99 with a two-year contract.

Like the recently released limited-edition Fender myTouch 3G, the revamped smartphone is equipped with a 3.5mm jack so you'll no longer have to use an audio adapter to plug in your headphones. In addition, the smartphone has an updated music player, ships with an 8GB microSD card, and comes preloaded with a barcode scanner app.

Another new feature is that the myTouch 3G now supports Swype technology for text input. We first saw this on the Samsung Omnia II, and it basically lets you spell out words by dragging your finger from letter to letter on the virtual keyboard instead of pecking at each individual button (though you can certainly still use this method). We were dubious at first, but it was surprisingly accurate in our tests on the Omnia II. On a somewhat related note, Swype will also be incorporated into the HTC HD2, which is due out with T-Mobile sometime this spring.

The new myTouch 3G is available starting today, in either black or white, in select T-Mobile stores and online.