UK-based operator Orange will in April be launching a successor to its Smartphone 2002-based SPV, sporting an improved display and a sleeker form factor over the original SPV.
Following the launch of its Orange SPV smartphone, the first commercially available device based on Microsoft's Smartphone 2002 platform, Orange has now committed to launching a successor to the SPV in April. Codenamed internally by Orange as the SPVx, it features a slightly different form factor and an improved display.
 | Orange's SPV successor is based on Taiwan-based HTC's Tanager reference design, also to be used by T-Mobile for its upcoming smartphone
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Orange said its research indicates that the average user of the current SPV model is either a mobile business worker or early adopter, with a high use of e-mail and synchronisation with their PC. With the addition of the SPV successor, Orange aims to widen the SPV portfolio to target consumers more directly, with a focus on games, music and entertainment services.
To launch in April, the SPVx includes features such as a joystick for gaming and menu navigation, and will be offered with accessories such as entertainment memory cards (complete with games, songs and video clips) and a camera link cable that gives customers more flexibility when Photo Messaging. The SPVx will have the same power and capabilities as the SPV, but the applications and look and feel have been designed specifically with consumers.
Orange is also in talks with a number of companies with regards to launching a detachable cradle that transforms the phone into a gaming console. The accessories will also be available separately for purchase, allowing customers to independently mix and match their package depending on which phone or add-ons they require.
Special SPV and SPVx retail packs will be offered which will include the phone and specific accessories or accessory discounts for different market segments. The SPV will be focused at business customers, application developers and early adopters, and will be offered with accessories including a new plug-in soft keyboard, a fully-integrated car kit and a Bluetooth headset which plugs into its serial port.
In related news, Orange also announced the first official Orange group release of new software for the SPV. The software update was said by Orange to improve functionality and battery life, and also gives customers two new applications - sound manager and picture manager. The update will be available for all SPV customers to download from the Orange web site on Monday 24th February.
The SPVx is due to be available in stores across the UK, France, Denmark and Switzerland in the next six to eight weeks. The price point has yet to be announced.
Additional hi-res pictures of the SPVx are available on the following pages.
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