Optus, Vodafone Adopt A New Windows Smartphone

Written by Adam Gosling

Thursday, 09 August 2007

HTC has announced the latest Windows Mobile 6 based smartphone, the C730 from its Dopod International subsidiary. With full support for HTML-based email, high speed HDSPA network connectivity, the device is sure to find a few more friends. The 120 gram C730 runs on a speedy 400MHz processor to power its strong business orientation and support for advanced document and database applications. With Windows Mobile 6 onboard the device is able to deliver rich HTML email support, for example. This feature means allows you to read emails in HTML format, just like a desktop PC rather than delivering a trimmed down text version. The HTML email support works with any POP mail account and Exchange Server 2007 and really positions the C730 to be at the forefront of this advanced technology. The C730 is a sleek Smartphone only 13.5mm thick, but with a full QWERTY keyboard and 2.4 QVGA screen. Navigation is achieved with a 5-way navigational button and a 3-way smart jog bar. To ease things further, the C730 is also equipped with Voice Commander, enabling users to make calls and browse through messages and emails hands-free. You will also find support for MSN/Live Messenger chat and of course the Microsoft Direct Push Technology for emails delivered instantly to your phone. Being Microsoft friendly, it also gives users access to Windows Live on the go which enables you to have multiple conversations with friends, business partners and colleagues as well as instantly push your Hotmail directly to your phone. The device connects at mobile broadband speeds thanks to HSDPA and has support for the 56Mbps 802.11g WiFi standard. The phone is GSM Quadband and WCDMA Network and EDGE compatible so travels internationally quite well. On board storage is a 128MB built-in ROM with an additional 64MB RAM, so there's not a lot of room to store the photos from the 2 mega-pixel CMOS camera. There's no mention in the announcement about support for additional memory card storage. Users can access photo editing on the device and can store and record videos and sound. "HTC is continuing in its quest to provide a complete range of Smartphone and PDA devices that cater specifically to the needs of its consumers. In response to the rapid growth of mobile enterprise email subscribers throughout the Asia Pacific region, we've decided to market the 3.5G messaging phone that not only ensures total connectivity, but also enhance efficiency while meeting the rigorous demands of a professional lifestyle. In the business world, power and connectivity are essential tools and the C730 has them all," said Jack Tong, Vice President of HTC Asia. The Windows Mobile 6 device is available from both Optus and Vodafone or you can go direct to Microsoft to get one at a suggested retail price of A$899. www.htc.com Platform Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Standard Processor CPU: Samsung 400MHz Memory ROM: 128 MB RAM: 64 MB LCD Module 2.4" 320 x 240 QVGA color TFT LCD LED back light Dimension 112.5 mm (L) x 62.5 mm (W) x 13.5 mm (T) Weight 20g with battery pack Talk Time GSM: Up to 5.9 hours   UMTS: Up to 3.6 hours Standby Time GSM: Up to 200 hours   UMTS: Up to 209 hours UMTS/HSDPA/GSM/EDGE Functionality UMTS - Tri Band 850/1900 MHz & 2100 MHz   GSM/GPRS/EDGE - Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz   HSDPA (3.5G)   EGPRS Functionality - EGPRS class B   Wireless LAN WiFi 802.11b/g   Bluetooth 2.0 Memory Card slot microSD slot Digital Camera 2.0 Mega Pixels CMOS image sensor Power Battery Removable and chargeable battery, 1050mAh AC adaptor: AC input: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz Keyboard/Button/Switch Power Key Send/ Hands-free key End/ Key lock key 2 soft keys Home key Back key Voice dial button Camera button 5-way navigator 3-way Jog bar, Start key, Back key 10-column QWERTY keyboard Audio Microphone & Receiver Loud Speaker (Support Hands-free Mode) Interface 3V SIM Card slot & microSD Card slot HTC ExtUSB (11-pin, mini-USB & audio jack in one) External Antenna Connector Standard Applications Microsoft Pocket Outlook - Calendar, Contacts, Messaging, Tasks, & Voice Notes Windows Media Player 10 Mobile Microsoft Internet Explorer Mobile Microsoft ActiveSync Pictures & Videos Internet Sharing Direct Push E-mail Calculator Games File Explorer Windows Live (MSN) MSFT Office Audio Manager Camera capture utility MMS Client Adobe Reader LE Comm. 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