Cingular Launches iPAQ Mobile Messenger

Cingular will be the first U.S. carrier to offer the HP iPAQ hw6920 series Mobile Messenger with (count'em!) five built-in wireless communications technologies.

On October 31, mobile network operator Cingular will become the first U.S. mobile carrier to offer the Hewlett-Packard iPAQ hw6920 series Mobile Messenger. The Windows Mobile 5-based smartphone is aimed mainly at supporting the communications and applications needs of business customers—and, as such, is offered through Cingular’s business-to-business services. But the iPAQ hw6920 goes all out for offering wireless communications solutions, offering quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz global phone capabilities, GPS, Wi-Fi, infrared, and Bluetooth technologies. Users who can’t achieve some manner of connectivity with this device should check they’re not entombed miles beneath the earth’s surface in a lead-lined vault.

When the hw6920 series becomes available, it will also mark the Cingular’s first generally available GPS solution in the form of TeleNav GPS Navigator. TeleNav GPS Navigator will enable hw6920 series users to receive turn-by-turn voice-prompted and on-screen directions, along with information on more than 10 million points of interested. TeleNav GPS Navigator will be available as a subscription add-on for the hw6920 series; users can also choose from other GPS navigation solutions like Microsoft Pocket Streets or HP Navigation Maps and Software.

“The HP iPAQ hw6920 series is a powerful communications tool that will give our business customers multiple ways to stay connected to important information,” said Cathy Quaciari, Cingular’s Director of B2B devices. “Whether it’s through a wide area, local area or Bluetooth connection, customers will be able to access their email and other corporate data while having location-based capabilities with the device’s built-in GPS receiver. It’s yet another jewel in the long and fruitful collaborative alliance between HP and Cingular.”

The hw6920 series runs Windows Mobile 5 and comes with mobile versions of key Microsoft productivity applications, Windows Media Player, Outlook, and Internet Explorer. It also includes Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0 enabling advanced security features like wiping a remote device (in case it’s lost or stolen), S/MIME support, and enforcement of IT policy along with email, calendar, task, and contact updating.

Cingular will ship two versions of the hw6920 series—one with an integrated 1.3 megapixel HP Photosmart camera, and one without. Prices start at $359.99 for business customers with a two-year contract and qualifying voice and data plans. The hw6920 series is also available through HP and its channel partners.