The O2 XDA - a new mobile multimedia device equipped with a PDA, phone and Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition™ software - will go on sale across all of mmO2's European territories from May 2002.
It is the first product of its kind to support the Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition™ software platform and GPRS (2.5G), which is aimed at high value consumers as well as business customers. Benefits include full-colour Internet access, instant messaging, e-mail, music, information, location-based services, games and commerce to mobile users.
Available at launch across mmO2's territories, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland, the O2 XDA works on both conventional GSM networks and 'always on' high-speed GPRS mobile data networks. Corporate users will be able to immediately benefit from full GPRS roaming capability in these countries. During 2002, this capability will be extended to other countries where GPRS services can be accessed.
The always on functionality of GPRS greatly enhances the performance of the mobile Internet. The O2 XDA will always be connected to the network, putting an end to dialling in to access e-mails, surfing the Web, playing games online or sending a colour photograph.
Kent Thexton, chief data officer, mmO2, said: "New devices, including next generation handsets and personal digital assistants, are needed to exploit the full potential of high-speed mobile data networks. We are the first operator to custom manufacture such a device, enabling us to build on our strong position in data by targeting the fast growing market for next generation mobile devices. We aim to grow data service revenues from around 12 per cent to 25 per cent within three years."
Robbie Wright, director, Microsoft Mobility Group, EMEA , added: "Pocket PC 2002 has seen an enthusiastic response among consumer and enterprise users alike since the launch last October. The O2 XDA from mmO2 has a revolutionary design, combined with integrated high-speed connectivity. This product raises the bar for all integrated wireless PDAs, and we believe that it will be a huge success in the marketplace."
As a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), the O2 XDA offers all the benefits of Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition™, including adapted versions of Outlook™, Excel™, Word™, Internet Explorer™ and other familiar Windows applications, including Microsoft's latest media player. Customers can also install any of the wide range of third party applications developed for the Pocket PC platform.
mmO2 also announced partnerships with more than 15 leading content providers to create new multimedia mobile services and applications for the O2 XDA, including Amazing Games, AIM, Emblaze, MB Games, Purple Software to name but a few. Together, they will offer up-to-the-minute news, information and interactive services which will allow users, for example, to pay credit card bills, sell shares, listen to music, watch highlights of the previous night's football match, book an airline ticket, receive directions or check a bank balance - all from a mobile device.
Pricing
Indicative prices have been set for the O2 XDA, including network connection, between £400 and £500. Each of mmO2's businesses will publish final prices soon to take into account local market conditions.
