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Microsoft launches Windows Phone 6, HTC makes HD2, Imagio, Pure and Tilt 2, Samsung Intrepid

By Caroline Mittermair for CEOWORLD Magazine Updated:October 6, 2009

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) introduced new software for mobile phones on Tuesday, promising a range of devices to compete with Apple Inc’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone and Research in Motion Ltd’s BlackBerry.

The world’s largest software company, in partnership with phone makers and phone companies such as Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, AT&T Inc and Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD), said more than 30 new devices with the new Windows Mobile 6.5 software would be on the market in more than 20 countries by the end of the year, Reuters reported.

The HD2 is the first Windows Mobile phone ever to have a capacitive, multi-touch screen and can respond much more quickly and accurately to finger input than the resistive screens most Microsoft-based phones are forced to use. It additionally supports pinching, flicks and other gestures in many apps, making it the first Windows Mobile phone to support iPhone-like commands.

The new US models (all prices with two-year contract) include:

HTC Imagio (Verizon, $199): The main selling point is access to the $15 a month V Cast Mobile TV service which offers 12 major networks, roughly equivalent to the basic tier on home cable services. While reportedly impressive in action, coverage for the service is limited to major cities.

HTC Pure (AT&T, $149): Reminiscent of the Touch Diamond2, this appears to be the new HTC device aimed most at the casual market. Early reviews say that with the clunky Windows Media Player software and no headphone jack, it’s somewhat disappointing for music lovers, which could have been its main audience had it been better designed.

HTC Tilt 2 (AT&T, $299): Largely a remake of the T-Mobile Touch Pro2 with the main difference being the new operating system, this appears to be aimed at the business market, particularly given the price tag.

Samsung Intrepid (Sprint, $149): With a QWERTY keypad, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and wireless broadband access, this is an economical model for business users. It has some model-specific features including an app to use the camera as a business card reader.

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