Announced earlier this year during the 3GSM World Congress, Orange Business Services today launched the first Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0-powered smartphone on the UK market. Available exclusively from Orange until the beginning of May, the compact SPV E650 (aka HTC Vox - see the::unwired's hands-on here) combines powerful functionality with sleek design and the ability to connect with Wi-Fi, EDGE and GPRS networks, making mobile messaging easier than ever before.
Designed for business users, the SPV E650 offers all the advantages of a PDA, alongside quad-band functionality for ultimate connectivity. Users can update spreadsheets or documents on the move, using the mobile versions of Microsoft Excel and Word. Windows Mobile 6.0 means that documents appear on the device screen just as they would on a PC, avoiding formatting headaches.

The Orange SPV E650 also conceals a unique slide-out QWERTY keyboard, making it easier than ever before to respond to emails on the move. A generous screen, which switches automatically between portrait and landscape modes, provides optimum conditions for viewing and amending documents.

"We're naturally excited to be the first operator to launch a Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphone onto the UK market," comments Nick Horton, Head of Business Devices, Orange Business Services UK. "By offering this powerful new operating system in a device that combines a compact, attractive design with full QWERTY functionality, we believe the SPV E650 represents the best option yet for today's mobile professional," he added.

Windows Mobile 6.0 offers full compatibility with Microsoft Exchange Server, ensuring seamless synchronization between users' email accounts and mobile devices. Even hyperlinks are supported, enabling web pages to be accessed directly from emails whilst on the move.

Security features are another important feature of the SPV E650, allowing data to be erased remotely in the event of device loss or theft, via Microsoft Exchange Server.

The SPV E650 is now available to UK business customers for GBP 165/around 242 Euro (excluding VAT) or from free depending on contract. The device is also available to consumer customers from free to GBP 161/around 236 Euro, depending on package.

Further availability in other Orange countries is expected soon.

Cheers ~ Arne