Windows Mobile 6.5 Microsoft has officially launched Windows Mobile 6.5, an upgrade to its mobile operating system. While not a major overhaul of the OS, 6.5 does bring a number of enhancements and new services. Interface changes were made to make Windows phones more touch- and consumer-friendly. Internet Explorer Mobile got some much-needed attention, adding new navigation tools as well as Flash Lite support. Microsoft also launched its own app store, Windows Marketplace for Mobile, and a backup service called My Phone.
Of course, with new software, also comes new hardware. Microsoft has already said that it will launch more than 30 Windows 6.5 phones by the end of the year. Here is a photo collection of some of the smartphones that have already been announced.
HTC Imagio The HTC Imagio is Verizon Wireless's first Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone and the carrier's first smartphone to offer V Cast Mobile TV, Verizon's live mobile TV service. It is also one of a few smartphones to support the V Cast array of multimedia services. The Imagio is a slate-style phone without a keyboard, and is available for $199.99 with a two-year contract and a $100 mail-in rebate.
2 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
HTC Pure for AT&T
The HTC Pure is available now from AT&T for $149.99 with a two-year contract. The Pure is a rebranded version of the HTC Touch Diamond2 and features a 3.2-inch WVGA touch screen, a 5-megapixel camera, and full wireless options.
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HTC Tilt 2 for AT&T
The HTC Tilt 2 will be available from AT&T on October 18 for $299.99 with a two-year contract and after rebates. This is AT&T's version of the HTC Touch Pro2 and comes with a 3.6-inch WVGA tilting touch screen, a full QWERTY keyboard, and HTC's
Straight Talk Technology for improved speakerphone quality. Unfortunately, the Tilt 2 and HTC Pure do not come equipped with 3.5 millimeter headphone jacks.
4 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
HTC Touch2
The HTC Touch2 is an entry-level smartphone that will be available in European and Asian markets in Q4. The smartphone is the successor to the HTC Touch and HTC Touch 3G, but unfortunately will not be imported to the U.S. You may be able to buy it unlocked through a third-party retailer, but pricing was not released at this time.
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HTC HD2
The HTC HD2 is the fifth Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone announced by HTC but the first Windows Mobile device to run the company's HTC Sense user interface. The HD2 is also powered by Qualcomm's new 1GHz Snapdragon mobile processor and boasts a 4.3-inch WVGA (480x800) capacitive touch screen. The HTC HD2 will be available through select European operators later in October and will ship to other regions of the world in the coming months.
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Samsung Intrepid for Sprint
The Samsung Intrepid is a business-focused smartphone with world roaming capabilities, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and support for Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A network. Running Windows Mobile 6.5, the smartphone includes a 2.5-inch touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard and will be available from Sprint starting October 11 for $149.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate.
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Samsung Omnia 2
The Samsung Omnia 2 was announced for Verizon Wireless back in June, but we still don't know an official availability date or pricing. As the successor to the Samsung Omnia, the Omnia II brings new improvements, such as a 3.7-inch AMOLED WVGA touch screen and an updated TouchWiz interface.
8 of 8 Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson Xperia X2
As the follow-up to the Xperia X1, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 keeps its interactive panel interface while adding something called the SlideView feature that notifies users to missed calls or new messages and provides quick access to them. Other highlights of the quad-band world phone include a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, an 8.1-megapixel camera, and TV-out capabilities. Sony Ericsson did not reveal a specific release date or pricing but said it will be available in select markets in early Q4. It will come in two colors: black or silver.
