HTC TyTN II debuts in Europe; U.S. launch far behind?
HTC TyTN II
(Credit: HTC)Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. For all of you who are dreaming sweet thoughts of the HTC Kaiser like I am, we're one step closer to seeing the vision come true. Today, the company announced the HTC TyTN II for Europe; hopefully signifying that the U.S. launch won't be too far behind.
Despite the different naming scheme, the TyTN II is the same smart phone as the Kaiser we've discussed before on Crave. The Windows Mobile 6 device features a 2.8-inch, QVGA touch screen that slides out and tilts up to give you a better view for reading and creating e-mails, work documents, and so forth. It's also fully stocked with Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), Bluetooth 2.0, HSDPA, and GPS. Other goodies include a 3-megapixel camera, 256MB ROM/128MB ROM, and a microSD slot. The TyTN II will launch with various carriers throughout Europe, including Orange, T-Mobile, and Vodafone, starting in September. You can check out the full press release here [PDF file].
(Credit:
HTC)
So what about us here in the States? Well, given that the quad-band GSM smart phone includes HSDPA support and only one of the two GSM carriers--AT&T and T-Mobile--has rolled out its 3.5G network, it's pretty safe to assume it'll land at AT&T. In fact, there are rumors that the HTC TyTN II/Kaiser will be rebranded as the AT&T 8925 (as the successor to the AT&T 8525) and/or AT&T Tilt. CrunchGear is reporting that the mobile could be available as early as September 3 for $499 with a two-year contract, but there's been no official confirmation from either HTC or AT&T.
Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie. 
Also, AT&T is upgrading its 3G systems to HSUPA, and adding videocalling so maybe they won't remove the front camera.
I'm just not sure when they'll release this phone. I'm so excited to get one for myself. The HTC Kaiser/P4550 is way better than that stupid iPhone everyone has been craving. This one has a real keyboard, for Christ's sake.
Also, AT&T is upgrading its 3G systems to HSUPA, and adding videocalling so maybe they won't remove the front camera.
I'm just not sure when they'll release this phone. I'm so excited to get one for myself. The HTC Kaiser/P4550 is way better than that stupid iPhone everyone has been craving. This one has a real keyboard, for Christ's sake.
The price ranges from $649.99 to $399.99 depending on contract length and voice/email packages selected.
One item to note is that both HTC and Rogers say the onboard camera is ONLY 2 megapixels, not the anticipated 3. Plus the Rogers version uses WinMobile 5.0. Maybe AT&T will get the better version?
The price ranges from $649.99 to $399.99 depending on contract length and voice/email packages selected.
One item to note is that both HTC and Rogers say the onboard camera is ONLY 2 megapixels, not the anticipated 3. Plus the Rogers version uses WinMobile 5.0. Maybe AT&T will get the better version?
I didn't stop and think about where Rogers provides service when I made the previous post, had been looking at a Michigan eBay seller offering this phone (unlocked) for sale and didn't realize he must have gone over the river to get it.
- oops, sorry
- by meanoldmom September 28, 2007 8:05 AM PDT
- I am sorry if I offended anyone by saying that this is available in the USA. Canada is NOT the 51st state!
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(8 Comments)I didn't stop and think about where Rogers provides service when I made the previous post, had been looking at a Michigan eBay seller offering this phone (unlocked) for sale and didn't realize he must have gone over the river to get it.