Smartphone supports Windows Mobile and 3G

HTC has introduced a 3G-enabled Windows Mobile smartphone plus a Pocket PC phone with tri-band UMTS support

Device maker HTC has introduced the world’s first 3G-enabled Windows Mobile smartphone plus a Pocket PC phone with tri-band UMTS support that can be used on 3G networks globally. HTC also announced better support for end-users and channel partners in Europe in a bid to push into the enterprise market.

HTC’s Mteor and Tytn handsets, available from late July, will be the first devices to be sold under the company’s own brand, but HTC said it will continue to work with carriers such as Orange and T-Mobile to deliver branded devices for their networks.

The Mteor is the first “candy-bar” Windows Mobile handset with 3G support, according to the firm. Weighing just 120g, this device adds high-speed connectivity for web browsing to voice functions and Direct Push email when used with Microsoft Exchange servers.

“This is a significant step to have in such a small device, and we feel it will be a natural fit for a lot of enterprise users, said HTC’s vice-president in Europe, Florian Seiche.

Meanwhile, the Tytn builds on the earlier HTC Wizard, which featured a sliding screen concealing a full qwerty keyboard, but is slimmer than the earlier model. It is the first Pocket PC phone with tri-band UMTS support, enabling roaming capability on 3G networks in Asia, Europe and North America.

The Tytn also has Wi-Fi support, which combined with tri-band UMTS “adds attraction to it as a true mobile device that makes data transfers possible almost anywhere in the world”, said Seiche.

HTC has also launched a web site to offer customers support, training and product information.