HP Unveils the iPAQ 500 Voice Messenger

HP has just announced its latest smartphone, the iPAQ 500 Voice Messenger. As its name suggests, this will be more of a voice-oriented device. This company's previous smartphones have put more emphasis on data.

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The iPAQ 500 will use the traditional "candybar" design and include a numberpad. Earlier iPAQ smartphones have been much larger and included a keyboard.

Nevertheless, this upcoming HP model will sport push email, as well as the ability to access Microsoft Office documents and other file types that come in as email attachments.

In addition, it will support voice commands. Users will be able to reply to email by sending a voice response, for example. They will also be able to use their voice to start applications.

This smartphone will run the recently announced Windows Mobile 6.

"Busy professionals are constantly flooded with email and looking for ways to quickly and easily manage it and move on with their day," said Dave Rothschild, VP of this company's Handheld Business Unit. "Our HP iPAQ Voice Messenger smartphone gives mobile users an easy way to manage all types of communications and stay focused on their business."

Communications Abilities

The iPAQ 500 will be a GSM-based phone with support for the 2.5G cellular-wireless standard EDGE.

In addition, this smartphone will include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth short-range wireless networking.

It will also have a 1.3 megapixel camera.

Availability

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. International pricing and availability will vary.

More details on this model will be available as it gets closer to release.

Additional Images

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