Verizon Officially Announces the HTC Imagio -- Will Be Released Next Week

[Ed Hardy]

Verizon has made it official -- the HTC Imagio is no longer just a rumor, and is going to debut on Oct. 6. This high-end Windows phone will have a tablet shape centered on its large high-resolution touchscreen.

The Imagio will be one of the to run Windows Mobile 6.5 Pro, and will be released on the same day that this new version of Microsoft's operating system for smartphones is introduced.

An Emphasis on Video
This device will be the successor to the HTC Touch HD, and will have much in common with its predecessor, including a 3.6-inch WVGA (800 x 480) screen, mobile broadband, and a tablet design.

It will have a focus on multimedia, and include a small stand so it can hold itself upright when playing movies (see here). In addition to playing music and video stored on the device, the Imagio is going to be Verizon Wireless' first smartphone to support V CAST Mobile TV and V CAST Video on Demand, which offer news, sports, and entertainment.

It will also have support for Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music with Rhapsody service

Global Capabilities
This model will support CDMA networks and the EV-DO Rev. A mobile broadband standard.

In addition, it will be a worldphone, able to access GSM networks when roaming outside of the U.S., including 3G (quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and 2100 MHz HSPA).

Wi-Fi b/g and Bluetooth will also be included. 

Other Features
As a Windows Mobile 6.5 device, the Imagio will come with Microsoft Office Mobile and Microsoft Outlook Mobile.

A list of this smartphone's other specifications includes 256 MB of RAM, a 528 MHz processor, 5 MPx camera, a GPS receiver, 3.5 mm headset jack and a 1500 mAh battery.

Pricing & Availability
The HTC Imagio will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 6 and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning Oct. 20.

It will sell for $200 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year service agreement.

The Imagio will join the recently-released HTC Touch Pro2 in Verizon's lineup. Both models have 3.6-inch WVGA touchscreens, but the current one has a sliding keyboard.

Source: Verizon

Related Articles:

• Verizon Getting a Redesigned Samsung Omnia II
• Microsoft Promises 30 Windows Mobile 6.5 Devices this Year
• HTC Desire Now Cleared for Release by Verizon
• Maybe Verizon Will Get the Palm Pre After All
• Verizon Is Now Offering the HTC Touch Pro2

[Girt]

Looks nice, but I suppose it will have a mandatory Data Plan. *sigh*.

Without a keyboard, I presume it will be attractively thin?