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CTIA Fall 2004

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Audiovox Windows Mobile FasTap Treo 650  

The Audiovox PPC-6600 is essentially Microsoft's answer to the Treo 650. Both devices feature high-res displays, QWERTY keyboards, Bluetooth, VGA cameras, and a full PDA OS with extensive e-mail capabilities, including Microsoft Exchange compatibility. Both devices will also be offered in CDMA versions by the end of the year with Sprint.

The PPC-6600 is actually manufactured by HTC, where it is known by the code-name "Harrier". HTC also makes the identical-looking "Blue Angel" for GSM networks, which will come to the U.S. as the Siemens SX66 for Cingular.

 

The PPC-6600 (Harrier) and SX66 (Blue Angel) differ primarily in high-speed data capability. The PPC-6600 has CDMA EV-DO hardware, while the SX66 has Wi-Fi instead.

Although Sprint will initially ship the PPC-6600 without EV-DO functionality, Sprint officials confirmed that the hardware technically will support it, and that a software upgrade to enable EV-DO is technically possible. Sprint is not committing to releasing any such upgrade, however. Sprint has announced plans to launch EV-DO throughout most of its network over the next year.

Also on display was the Audiovox SMT-5500, another HTC-built device previously known only by the code name "Vivida". This CDMA Windows Mobile Smartphone has a very unique sliding design.

 

Settling an earlier controversy when rumors of this device first leaked out, Audiovox claims the 5500 will include Bluetooth. Other features include a VGA camera, 400 MHz Intel "Dalhart" processor, and an SD memory card slot supporting SDIO.

Although the SMT-5500 has been spotted elsewhere with a Verizon logo, Audiovox claims no carrier has yet committed to offering the phone. There are also rumors Sprint is considering the 5500.

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