(23 December 2006 2:30 pm)

MUMBAI: O2 has announced the launch of its latest
additions to its Xda range of devices into India. The official release claims that the new Xda Atom Exec is the company's latest PDA-phone geared toward meeting the needs of rising professionals and high-flyers in the business world, while the Xda Stealth is designed with the multi-tasker in mind, offering the ease of use of a mobile phone with the full functionality of a PDA device.

O2 Asia Pacific CEO Mark Billington is quoted in the official release, "It is important to always focus on customer needs, which is why O2 continually strives to design and develop devices that offer compelling solutions combined with sexy silhouettes. We are always on the lookout for gaps in the market and how we can fill those gaps."

The Xda Atom Exec has been targeted at  solutions-driven executives who need a "true mobile office" that pushes the standards of design, technology and usability. Packed under its matte "gun metal"-coloured casing are core functions of the Xda Atom, with upgraded software and enhancements to features and overall performance.

Besides its compact size and sleek design, the Xda Atom Exec is equipped with a host of productivity and connectivity features - including Wireless LAN, Bluetooth? and a sleek Infrared keyboard - it's a mobile office that doesn't look like an office.

Operating on the Microsoft Windows MobileÔ 5.0 platform with Messaging and Security Feature Pack, the Xda Atom Exec gives the convenience of direct push technology with real-time access to corporate email anywhere. It has an Intel 520MHz processor and 192MB of on-board memory.

Xda Atom Exec comes with many O2-exclusive applications like O2 AutoInstall, O2 Plus, O2 MediaPlus, O2 PhonePlus and O2 SMS Plus to help manage communication and entertainment needs and has an in-built FM radio and a 2.0 mega pixel camera with flash.

The Xda Stealth is the first device created by O2 in a new product category they have termed "hybrid". Billington envisions this will be the first in a long line of devices from O2 that merge the best capabilities and sensibilities of different mobile platforms to better engage customers whose needs are not met by standalone PDA-phones, Smartphones or mobile phones.

One can access MSN Messenger, SMS and email capabilities by using the slide-out 12-key alphanumeric keypad with one hand or by tapping the 2.4-inch QVGA TFT-LCD touchscreen if you prefer. An intuitive eZiText function of touchscreen with a virtual alphanumeric keypad for texters and customers who want the convenience of a full-fledged PDA but do not want to lose the way they currently use their phones.

The Xda Stealth is powered by an Intel Xscale PXA 272 Processor at 416MHz and comes with 192MB Flash ROM of onboard memory. It operates on the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform with messaging and security feature pack, and comes with the latest editions of Microsoft Office programmes for Windows Mobile (including Pocket Outlook, Word Mobile, Excel Mobile and PowerPoint Viewer) and ActiveSync. Connectivity options include Wireless LAN 802.11b+g and Bluetooth.

The Xda Atom Exec is retailing at Rs 41,990 (MRP), while the Xda Stealth will retail at Rs 32,990 (MRP), starting third week of December through Brightpoint India outlets in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore,Ahmedabad, Pune & Chandigarh.  Prices include GST (octroi is extra as applicable) and a one-year local warranty.