Running on Microsoft’s PocketPC 2002, the O2 xda is designed to offer GSM and always on high-speed GPRS market connectivity for a host of next generation software applications.

The decision to design and source the manufacture of our own device has greatly benefited from our close relationship with Microsoft," said Dave McGlade, managing director of BT Cellnet, "It gives a head-start as we exploit the advantages offered by our GPRS capability."

Similar to other next generation smartphone, the O2 xda incorporates a PIM for use either as a phone or organizational feature. For instance, the user simply taps a contact on the screen and the O2 xda will access the record from the thousands of contacts that can be stored in its memory, said the British wireless operator.

• Full-color, touch sensitive screen for reading and inputting data
• Unified messaging for receiving voice-mail, e-mail and SMS
• Any Internet site can be accessed, not just wireless Web sites
• Microsoft Pocket Word and Excel documents can be created and saved
• Third-party applications and O2’s own applications will be available
• Advanced-powered battery for longer talk and standby time

The new mmO2 device will be launched across the wireless operator’s five European markets, U.K., Germany, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Isle of Man, in 2002, at a cost of over $700.