O2 TO LAUNCH XDA IQ WITH DIRECT PUSH-EMAIL

O2 to add real time* email connectivity to its Xda range and introduce a new addition to its successful smartphone portfolio

London, UK – 03 May 2006: O2 today announces both the launch of the O2 Xda IQ and the activation of Microsoft® Direct Push email solution on its successful Xda range. From 03 May, O2 Xda IQ customers will be able to benefit from push-based technology, automatically delivering email directly to the device. O2 Xda Exec and O2 Xda Mini S users are already able to activate the solution via a software upgrade from the O2 Xda website.

Following on from the popular O2 Xda SP, the O2 Xda IQ will be the first O2 device to launch with the direct push-email solution enabled. O2’s new Microsoft email solution delivers those important emails to the handset as they arrive*. And because the solution is powered by Windows Mobile® 5.0 Xda customers will benefit from the same easy-to-use format as Microsoft Office, making navigation between programmes effortless.

The solution also supports the messaging and collaboration features of Microsoft Exchange 2003 servers, so there is no need for additional servers to push email to the device. Customers have real-time* email delivery with no extra outlay, providing a secure, cost-effective mobile office solution.  In addition, the Microsoft Direct Push email solution also incorporates enhanced security via the Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP), allowing O2 Xda users to work securely, anytime, anyplace.*

In addition to being the first device to launch with the full Microsoft email solution, O2’s Xda IQ will give seamless synchronisation with Outlook® and the ability to open, edit and send Microsoft Office Excel® Mobile and Word Mobile attachments quickly and easily, providing the ultimate mobile office experience. And with both WiFi and GPRS functionality, O2 Xda IQ users can access the Internet at a range of speeds and set up Internet email efficiently.

Sleek, compact and weighing just 110g, the O2 Xda IQ manages to pack in voice and data applications together with real-time email all in the one device. The handheld combines a 1.3 MP camera including video capability, with a 2.2 inch 65k TFT QVGA screen, enabling users to work in full colour whether reading emails, working on documents or browsing the Internet.

For international users, the O2 Xda IQ offers quad-band functionality, supported by a battery life of up to 150 hours standby and 4 hours talk time for making all those important calls. The O2 Xda IQ also features Bluetooth® support allowing integration with car kits and hands-free headsets.

Russ Shaw, Marketing Director at O2 says; “The O2 Xda range will continue to strengthen its position in the marketplace with the addition of direct push-email to the Xda Exec and Xda Mini S. The Xda IQ’s lightweight and compact design complements the intuitive Windows Mobile platform, making it the perfect device to launch the new push-based email solution on. Providing a cost effective business tool for customers who want all the functionality of a PDA without the need for a larger device, the Xda IQ should prove a popular addition to our product portfolio”.

To enable push email on O2 Xda’s with Windows Mobile 5.0, existing users will be able to download a free software update from www.O2.co.uk/xda . The O2 Xda IQ will be on sale at various prices depending on the tariff, and will be available from today in O2 UK retail stores and online at www.o2.co.uk. The O2 Xda IQ will also be available in the UK from all direct and indirect business channels as well as other leading distributors. 

*  Subject to network coverage

*** Subject to customers’ IT infrastructure, permissions and policies

Microsoft, Windows Mobile, Outlook and Excel are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Technical Data

•          Weight: 110g

•          GSM: Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS networks)

•          Battery Life: 150 standby time, 4 hours talktime

•          Operating system: Windows Mobile 5.0 Smart phone Edition

•          Screen: 2.2 inch 65K TFT QVGA screen 1.3 MP Camera

•          Internal Antenna

•          Memory: Mini-SD, RAM 64MB, Flash 64MB

•          Built in Bluetooth 1.2

•          1.3 MP camera

•          Polyphonic Speaker supporting playback of WAV, WMA and 32 chords MIDI files as ring tone

•          Connectivity: Mini-USB connector for USB and power in, Infrared IrDA, Wireless Modem, Integrated WiFi

•          Messaging: MSN Messenger client, email (POP3, IMAP4 and ActiveSync)