At the Cellular
Telecommunications & Internet Association’s (CTIA) WIRELESS 2007(R), TELUS, a
leading Canadian telecommunications company and High Tech Computer Corp.
(HTC), (TAIEX: 2498; “HTC”), the world’s leading provider of Microsoft
Windows Mobile-based smart devices, announced a partnership to bring next
generation smartphones to Canada.
As part of this partnership, TELUS will launch two powerful and
innovative HTC smartphones in Canada, the HTC P4000 and HTC S720, which will
offer a robust line-up of services and applications that enable users to take
advantage of next generation EVDO technology. The devices will be forward
compatible for use on TELUS’ EVDO Rev A service, which the TELUS plans to
introduce in selected markets across Canada later this year.
“TELUS continues to see a significant increase in demand for wireless
data services. Our relationship with HTC is an important part of our data
strategy that will allow TELUS to deliver devices and services that appeal to
both consumer and business segments,” said Robert Blumenthal, TELUS senior
vice-president of Products and Services. “With high resolution cameras, full
QWERTY keyboards and compatibility with the future EVDO Rev A network, the HTC
P4000 and HTC S720 will offer unique form factors with the familiar Windows
Mobile platform that will meet the needs of both heavy and lighter data
users.”
With nearly a decade of experience designing and building cutting-edge,
innovative smartphones for a variety of international companies, HTC is the
world’s leading designer of Windows Mobile-based smart devices.
“With the introduction of the HTC P4000 and HTC S720, Canadian customers
will soon be the first globally to have access to these innovative QWERTY
devices,” said Todd Achilles, vice president of HTC America. “Merging HTC’s
innovative device designs and wireless connectivity with the TELUS network
will enable customers to have a cutting-edge mobile experience on the go.”
Available in the second quarter, both the HTC P4000 and HTC S720 will
provide access to vital business tools including data, Internet and email
services. Both devices feature a full sliding QWERTY keyboard, 2 megapixel
high resolution digital cameras with video capture and playback, optional
removable MicroSD memory card and Bluetooth support for accessories such as
wireless headsets, hands-free car kits or for use as a wireless modem. Users
can be entertained with multimedia access, including MP3s, via Windows Media
Player. With support for Microsoft Outlook Mobile and Microsoft Exchange
ActiveSync, clients can use over-the-air synchronization of e-mail, calendar
and task information with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. The devices offer
clients real time access to personal and business email with TELUS Business
inbox.
HTC P4000
Designed for the heavy mobile data user, the HTC P4000 provides enhanced
access to corporate and personal data, push e-mail services and the Internet.
The HTC P4000 lets clients take their office on the road with the ability to
create, view and edit Microsoft Office Word Mobile and Excel Mobile,
view Adobe PDF and PowerPoint(R) Mobile files. In addition, the P4000 will
include such features as:
– 2.8″ 240 x 320 color touch screen
– Wi-Fi 802.11 compatible
– Bluetooth 2.0
– Hands-free speaker
HTC S720
Clients who want access to mobile data, email and the Internet but prefer
a smaller, phone-focused design will enjoy the HTC S720 smartphone. This
compact and stylish messaging phone will feature a semi auto-sliding QWERTY
keyboard, redefining the smartphone form factor. Offering more than a sleek
new look, this model will be one of the first devices to use Microsoft Windows
Mobile 6 for a powerful and engaging mobile experience. Windows Mobile 6
offers new capabilities to view emails in rich HTML format, easier email
management through new shortcuts and new calendar views that enhance how
people can stay on top of their work when away from the office.
Viewing Microsoft Office Word and Excel documents on the go is a pleasure
on the 2.4 inch screen with landscape view option, and users can stay
connected via user-friendly, real-time email in its original rich HTML format
and the ability to chat over Windows Live.
TELUS upcoming EVDO Rev A network
The HTC P4000 and HTC S720 will offer forward compatibility with TELUS’
EVDO Rev A network through a simple software upgrade. EVDO Rev A is TELUS’
next-generation wireless network technology that will offer typical upload
speeds of approximately 300 to 400 kilobits per second with a maximum possible
upload speed of 1.8 megabits per second, and typical download speeds of
approximately 450 to 800 kilobits per second to a maximum possible speed of
3.1 megabits per second.
At launch, the devices will operate on the TELUS wireless high speed
network (EVDO Rev 0). With typical download speeds of approximately 400 to 700
kilobits per second and a maximum possible speed of more than 2 megabits per
second, TELUS’ wireless high speed service offers clients the speed they need
for powerful mobile computing.
TELUS wireless high speed (EVDO Rev 0) service is currently available to
more than two thirds of Canadians across the country, including all major
urban centres. TELUS clients can also access wireless high speed Internet
while traveling in more than 230 cities in the United States. Where TELUS
wireless high speed service is not available, TELUS clients can also access
the Internet through TELUS 1X digital service, which reaches 92 per cent of
Canadians. For more on service availability, please visit
telusmobility.com/coverage.
