HP Unveils iPAQ 500 Smartphone

HP today introduced the latest HP iPAQ device, a sleek and small smartphone that delivers a flexible wireless email experience for business customers through convenient voice control and hands-free operation.

The HP iPAQ 500 series Voice Messenger features voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) capabilities, “push” email and the latest Windows Mobile 6 operating system. With up to six hours of continuous talk time on a fully charged battery, the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger also leads the competition in battery life. As the first in HP’s new smartphone lineup, the HP iPAQ 500 series helps highly mobile professionals stay connected wherever they are.

More than 20 voice commands available on the iPAQ offer customers hands-free operation. Using a powerful “voice reply” feature, people can reply to email by dictating and sending a voice response, without the need for any typing. Users also can listen to email and text messages, navigate through phone and calendar tasks and speak to start applications.

Additionally, the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger has built-in Wi-Fi to provide business customers a VoIP alternative to traditional office phone setups. By integrating the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger with office phone systems, businesses can eliminate the need for desk phones and benefit from streamlined communications and reduced IT management. The smartphone also includes GSM/EDGE and Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity options.

Based on the new Windows Mobile 6 platform, the HP iPAQ 500 series provides business professionals with an enhanced Outlook Mobile experience, allowing customers to view emails in their original HTML format and enjoy quick access to contacts with the ability to search a call history and contacts database. Plus, the built-in Microsoft Office Mobile suite provides customers with a familiar, easy-to-use experience.

The HP iPAQ Voice Messenger is the first iPAQ device to offer the over-the-air device management capabilities that HP acquired with its purchase of Bitfone Corp. With these capabilities, businesses can remotely manage and support the HP iPAQ devices’ performance, security and access to applications, data and networks. For example, IT managers can remotely erase data on lost or misplaced devices, configure and repair units, and provide updates and security applications.

Additionally, on-the-go professionals can enjoy rich digital entertainment features such as listening to music, watching videos, playing games, and capturing and sharing photos wirelessly.

The HP iPAQ 500 series Voice Messenger is expected to be available this spring in the United States direct from HP and select authorized dealers.

Source: HP