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Today at CTIA 2008, HTC announced that the HTC Touch Dual will be made available in the U.S. starting this quarter. If you recall, last year saw the arrival of the HTC Touch, a touchscreen-based smartphone rocking WinMo 6.0, Wi-Fi, 3G, and the TouchFLO user-interface under the hood. The HTC Touch Dual is a new iteration of that previous device, now offering the added convenience of a slide-out keypad and an updated OS with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. But if you’re a mobile computing warrior, don’t get too excited. It looks like they took out the Wi-Fi feature from this baby.

All differences set aside, the HTC Touch Dual is worthy of some praise of its own. After all, it’s going to be one of the first few devices running Windows Mobile 6.1, and it will be fully integrated with HTC’s proprietary TouchFLO technology, their answer to Apple’s multi-touch.

The HTC Touch Dual will feature a 400MHz Qualcomm processor, 256MB of ROM and 128MB or SDRAM, a 2.6-inch touch-sensitive TFT-LCD screen, 3G, HSDPA, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity, as well as Bluetooth, a MiniUSB port, dual cameras and a MicroSD card slot. A 5-way navigational pad also sits between the call and end keys up front, for you to run to in case you get tired of the touch-based TouchFLO user interface. Be sure to check out more HTC updates and announcements here on Gadgetell as CTIA 2008 continues. Continue reading for the full HTC Touch Dual press release.

Debuting in the United States, the HTC Touch Dual Incorporates an Intuitive Touch Screen, Slide-Out Keypad and Windows Mobile 6.1 Software

HTC offers customers an enhanced mobile experience through the introduction of Windows Mobile 6.1 software updates for a variety of HTC devices.

LAS VEGAS — April 1, 2008 — HTC Corp. (TAIEX: 2498; “HTC”), a global leader in smartphone design and manufacturing, revealed that the popular HTC Touch Dual™ will debut in the United States this quarter. Announced today at the Cellular Telecommunication and Internet Association (CTIA) Wireless 2008 spring conference, the HTC Touch Dual™ combines an intuitive touch screen with integrated TouchFLO™ technology and slide-out keypad and Microsoft Corp.‘s Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional software, making it easier for customers to communicate on the go.

“HTC has witnessed incredible support and demand for the Touch product portfolio, and we are pleased to provide our customers with the opportunity to experience additional iterations of the Touch product family,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of HTC America. “The Touch Dual will be among the first devices in the United States to run Windows Mobile 6.1 and will be followed by a range of 6.1 updates for several other HTC products.”

Software Upgrades Available on HTC Devices

In partnership with Microsoft and key mobile operator partners, HTC will continue to extend the functionality of many current HTC devices both in the United States and abroad by providing Windows Mobile 6.1 updates. Windows Mobile 6.1, an update to Windows Mobile 6, provides new timesaving features, easier phone navigation and management, stronger security safeguards, and support for Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008. Some of HTC’s most popular smartphones including the Touch by HTC and Mogul by HTC from Sprint, AT&T Tilt, Alltel Wireless’ HTC Touch and PPC6800, and the HTC TyTN II, will be among the first of many devices available for a Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade.

Supporting existing customers and enhancing their experiences continues to be a focus for HTC; Sprint and HTC recently provided an update for the popular Mogul by HTC, making it the industry’s first EV-DO Rev. A-capable handset while also enabling additional GPS functionality.

“Windows Mobile enhances people’s lives by providing them with an experience that keeps them close to what’s important to them — anywhere, anytime,” said John O’Rourke, general manager of the Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. “HTC has a history of providing a great selection of popular Windows Mobile phones, and we are pleased to bring the latest in software to a range of its products around the world.”

HTC Touch Dual Availability and Features

Best Buy will be the first to offer the HTC Touch Dual, which will be available through select Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile retail outlets, online at BestBuy.com and htc.com.

“At Best Buy we are committed to providing customers with a wide selection of high quality handsets,” said David Ryan, director of merchandising, Best Buy Mobile. “We look forward to adding the innovative HTC Touch Dual to our current lineup of unlocked phones.”

Taking user control to a whole new level, the HTC Touch Dual combines an intuitive touch screen and keypad within a stunning design. The versatile device offers an interactive cube interface for quick and easy navigation to e-mails, text messages, calendar appointments and contacts. Features include the following:

• TouchFLO™, a touch-screen technology that allows finger-touch scrolling, panning and photo zooming
• Slide-out 20-key keyboard for quick dialing, text messages and e-mail
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Microsoft Office Mobile for working on documents and getting your Outlook e-mail
• Live HTC Home™ featuring time and weather display, quick launcher, and one-touch ring-tone settings
• 2 megapixel camera for shooting photos/videos and a second camera for video calls
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) and HSDPA (850/1900Mhz) connectivity

Come Visit HTC America at Booth 1624
At CTIA Wireless 2008, HTC will show the latest lineup of HTC devices, including the Touch Dual. Those interested should stop by booth #1624, located in the C hall, to see the latest innovations from HTC.

Product [HTC Touch Dual]