One of the first handheld devices to take advantage of Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 software is the HTC Universal, a revolutionary new Pocket PC Phone Edition device that will raise the bar—a couple notches—on the functionality consumers will demand from future Windows Mobile devices.
The Universal was developed by High Tech Computer Corporation., an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that designs and manufactures devices for Hewlett-Packard, I-mate, Audiovox, and other Windows Mobile device vendors.
The HTC Universal, a new Pocket PC Phone Edition device, raises the bar on what consumers will demand. It will be one of the first devices to incorporate the new Windows Mobile 5.0 OS and apps suite.
Pivoting screen and QWERTY keyboard
Most noticeable about the HTC Universal is its clamshell look and integrated QWERTY keyboard. The device folds open to expose a reasonably sized QWERTY keyboard and a VGA touch screen. In this mode, the display automatically switches to landscape viewing mode. The display is on a pivoting hinge, which allows you to swivel the screen 180 degrees, fold it back down over the keyboard, and use the device as a traditional Pocket PC. When you do this, it switches back to the more traditional portrait view.
The built-in keyboard makes it easier for users to create and answer e-mail, or edit Word and Excel documents. Also found on the front of the device is a VGA-capable video camera next to the navigation pad, allowing the device to be used for video conferencing. In addition to this camera, the Universal has a 1.3 megapixel camera located on the back of the device, allowing the user to capture still images and short videos. To enhance your video and audio experience, the Universal has dual speakers for stereophonic sound.
The HTC Universal is a Phone Edition device with an integrate GSM/GPRS phone that also supports 3G (UMTS) high-speed wireless networking. In addition to the phone, the Universal has integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability. The device can "sense" which networks are available and will automatically switch between Wi-Fi and 3G/GPRS.
The HTC Universal comes with 128 MB of RAM and 96 MB of flash ROM. Since this is a Windows Mobile 5.0 device, all data and user-installed applications are saved to flash ROM (what Microsoft is calling "persistent storage"). The device is powered by a 520 MHz Intel processor and includes an SDIO expansion car slot.
Windows Mobile 5.0
This will be one of the first devices to incorporate the new Windows Mobile 5.0 OS and application suite. The new software includes enhancements to the operating system and user interface, as well as improved versions of Word, Excel, Contacts, and other of the built-in applications. It also includes under-the-hood changes that make the device faster, and make wireless connections easier and more reliable. No word yet on when the HTC Universal will be released.
Dale Coffing's first impressions of the HTC Universal: http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/sep05/htcuniversal.aspx
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