New Microsoft-Powered Phone From HTC To Hit US Shores
FCC approval was recently granted to a Microsoft Windows Mobile OS phone made by Taiwan’s HTC and apparently named Vivada. Some may remember HTC as the makers of the first MSFT-powered smartphone, the SPV, which was launched first by Orange in France. The phone is doubtless headed for Verizon Wireless, since it operates using CDMA on 800/1900 MHz frequencies. Microsoft is continuing its (apparently successful) strategy of pairing with low-cost Asian manufacturers to access the wireless market. The Vivada phone spec offers Bluetooth, but we expect this function to be deliberately crippled by Verizon Wireless, as they have recently done to their first Motorola Bluetooth phone (a real shame).
