Yes, we’re the first site to bring you news on the official launch of two new Orange handsets. Orange UK have just contacted us to announce the launch of the Orange SPV C600 Smartphone and the Orange SPV M3000 Pocket PC-style phone. Both are compatible with speedy EDGE connectivity (unfortunately currently only available on Orange networks in France, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Belgium), however the M3000 does also have WiFi (802.11b) too.
We’re excited to see these new Signature devices now getting their official launch along with news that they should appear sometime before Christmas this year! As for prices, Orange say The SPV C600 will be available at sub €250 (£170 / $302) and the SPV M3000 at sub €350 (£238 / $423).
Orange will be the first operator in Europe to deliver a Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0-based smartphone.
UPDATE – Hmm – Where’s the UK release date for the M3000 ? Is the UK to be left out ? (Sob!)
Official Press release is below (click “read more” to see)
TO GIVE BUSINESSES THE EDGE
Orange launches Europe’s first Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ 5.0 Smartphone
and a new Windows Mobile 5.0 PDA
The launch of the C600 and M3000 gives
The SPV C600 allows customers to access their email, use their calendar and synchronise data with their desktop, as well as making calls and sending text messages in the usual way. The SPV M3000 offers customers the same ability to do business effectively while on the move, with the addition of a high quality PDA screen and a full keyboard.
Both devices are designed to ensure that doing business out of the office is simple and effective. Underpinning these key business features is the faster data rates that EDGE provides, giving customers faster access to their email and other business data via
The SPV M3000 is
Both devices have built-in email and real time syncing with Microsoft Outlook™, giving business customers immediate access to their diary, contacts and emails enabling them to manage their time and work productively wherever they are. In addition, Windows Mobile 5.0 ensures the closest experience to the desktop version of Microsoft Office on a mobile device. A proven and reliable operating system, Windows Mobile 5.0 gives business users the type of functionality and applications they use on their Microsoft desktop PC.
As part of the Signature devices for business range, both models feature the unique Orange Homescreen, which is customised for business users. The Homescreen provides one click access to key business features including ActiveSync, File Explorer, Calculator and Notes. Customers also have the option to further personalise the menu to their individual requirements. The Homescreen ensures a straight forward and consistent user-experience across the entire range. For businesses the result is easier deployment, training and support – cutting mobile management costs and ensuring a smooth transition to a more mobile business.
“Devices like the C600 and M3000 are driving business mobility by giving people access to data when and where they need it. The key to really harnessing the potential of mobility however is to provide a broad choice of devices so businesses can select the one most relevant to any type of employee requirement. By offering an expanded range with a consistent operating interface,
Following in the footsteps of the top-selling SPV C500, the SPV C600 is launching across all Orange territories, with the SPV M3000 launching in
The SPV 600 and SPV M3000 bring
“We’re thrilled to see
“The majority of businesses use the Microsoft platform in their office environment,” says Philippe Bernard, Executive Vice President, Orange Business Solutions. “Therefore many of our customers want Microsoft in their mobile environment too. That is why we work so closely with Microsoft to make sure we offer the widest and most advanced family of Microsoft-centric mobile devices.”
As part of the Signature devices for business range, both devices have undergone stringent testing against business performance criteria. Key business features of the devices include:
- The
- Access to email and PIM synchronisation via ActiveSync
- Access to Pocket Microsoft Office applications including new Internet Explorer™
- An icon that provides one click access to the key applications required by business users
- Long battery life (4 hours talk time, 6 days on standby)
- Car kit
- Stereo headset
- Travel charger and international adaptor
- USB sync and charge cable
- Selection of screensavers, wallpapers and ringtones suited to business use
* Pricing will vary across territories according to local market conditions.
SPV C600
The SPV C600 offers many of the same features as the popular SPV C500, plus a number of enhancements such as Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. In addition, EDGE gives users faster connections speeds (up to 247 kbps), aiding the sending and receiving of email and files.
Ease of use is improved with joystick control and an integrated in-box for email, text and multi-media messages and a longer life battery. The SPV C600 also has a break-through high resolution colour screen (320×240 pixel colour screen), a 1.3 mega pixel camera and a 64MB internal memory. To help busy executives relax, it also features an MP3 and WAV music player and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile.
The SPV C600 will be available in
SPV M3000
A new connected PDA with an innovative design that features a slide out keyboard for easy data entry. It has a large high resolution (320×240 pixel) touch screen, that automatically switches from landscape to portrait display depending on its orientation.
Running Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 the SPV M3000 offers mobile versions of familiar applications such as Microsoft Outlook as well as Internet Explorer™
The SPV M3000 will be available in