Guest omar_g Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ORANGE LAUNCHES NEW EDITION TO SPV FAMILY "SPVx" primed for games, music and entertainment services * New Windows® Powered SPV to launch in April - consumer focus * Orange in talks to release detachable gaming cradle * Internal Orange codename - SPVx February 18 2003. Cannes, France. Orange, one of the world's largest communications companies, today announced the launch of a new consumer-orientated SPV - codenamed the SPVx. The announcement follows last November's launch of the SPV - the world's first mobile phone to use the Microsoft® Smartphone platform -and comes on the back of Orange research and customer feedback. The research indicates that the average SPV user is either a mobile business worker or early adopter, with a high use of email and synchronisation with their PC. With the addition of the SPVx, Orange is widening the SPV portfolio to engage the consumer customer, bringing them even easier access to games, music and entertainment services. Orange will offer special SPV and SPVx retail packs which will include the phone and specific accessories or accessory discounts for different market segments. The SPV - focussed at business customers, application developers and early adopters - will be offered with accessories including a new plug-in soft keyboard (making texting and email even easier), a fully-integrated car kit and a bluetooth headset which plugs in to the phone's serial port. 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 even more flexibility when Photo Messaging. 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. Orange intends to launch the SPVx in April. The phone is intended to be offered in the UK, France, Denmark and Switzerland to sit alongside the original SPV. The SPVx has the same power and capabilities as the SPV, but the applications and look and feel have been designed specifically with consumer customers in mind. The SPVx - which has yet to be officially named by Orange - looks similar to the original SPV, but has a number of different features including: * new larger keyboard layout and "joystick" for menu navigation and gaming * new screen allowing even easier colour internet viewing * consumer-focussed menu layout and applications Richard Brennan, Executive Vice-President of OrangeWorld and Brand at Orange, said: "Initial data has shown us that many of our SPV users are either small business or corporate customers. That's why we decided to develop a new phone aimed at the mass market. We are modifying the menu structures on the SPVx so that the more consumer-focussed services, such as the internet, games, music applications, messaging services and Windows Media Player are the first programmes customers can access. We are also modifying the home screen to give a more consumer-orientated feel, and with the launch of cool accessories like the gaming cradle and entertainment memory cards, give customers even more opportunities to use its music, video and game functions. Orange customers now have a clear choice with regards to the SPV they wish to use - be it for business or pleasure." Today also sees the announcement of the first official Orange group release of new software for the SPV. The software update improves 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.com website on Monday 24th February. Brennan continued: "The launch of the first SPV has been a great success. We've sold over 40,000 units and had some great feedback. We've also listened to our customers - what they liked about the phone and how they would like us to improve the experience. That information has helped us focus our work on the SPVx and also formed the basis of the software update for the original SPV." He added: "While we focus on the launch of the new phone we will not be neglecting the original SPV. In fact, over the next few weeks we will be announcing new applications, further software updates and business-focussed accessories, including a soft keyboard, a bluetooth solution and a fully integrated car kit. "We now have two phones in the SPV family, with more to follow. In the future, we are looking to extend the experience even further, to include clam-shell handsets, built-in cameras, bluetooth capabilities and so much more." 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. ends For more information, images and interview bids, please call the Orange media centre on +44 207 984 2000 Thank you Ben AKA one.ear @ WhatMobile forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Thurstan Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Well it seems Orange have been reading the Modaco wishlist! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mike-oh Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Update 24th of Feb! HELLOOO! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Monolithix [MVP] Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Need pictures :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClintEastman Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 So does this mean that all us early-adopters/beta-testers/tech-support/advertisers/developers get left in the cold? Surly we deserve to be given a choice? IMHO most SPV owners are hobbyists, thus most of us would want a SPVx. What happens now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest strathclydezero Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 So they haven't learnt yet that de-certification is the 'killer application'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClintEastman Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 It's a pissin Tanager! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul [MVP] Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 That takes this piss, bet we don't get free updates to the vastly superior Tanager! :) P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SirGaz Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 "]That takes this piss, bet we don't get free updates to the vastly superior Tanager! ;) P No, but we blooming well should. We have all been beta testers after all, and some have even been developers as well (cheers to all :) ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClintEastman Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 "]That takes this piss, bet we don't get free updates to the vastly superior Tanager! ;) P You have an SPV and a Tanager! You lucky sod!!! :) Was the one you got from MS supplied by HTC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest spacemonkey Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 what is the actual differences of the tanager? Just the keypad? or does it have different battery life/processor speeds etc. Basically if it's just keypad then I'm not fussed. Everything else they are talking about seems to be accessories which are largely irrelevant. I think there is no way in hell Orange will replace all our handsets... but then, I'm only 9 months off the end of my contract now so I'll just buy something new at the end of the year anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jeeves Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Paul, Why is the tanager "Vastly Superior"? Everythng ive seen says it is the same but with a longer keypad and a 'better' joystick Look @ this, and then look @ ure SPV's joystick: only real difference i can see is that it looks a tad more rounded is there something else i don't know about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClintEastman Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 If it was just the keypad that it different then why would Paul call it "the vastly superior Tanager!" I mean, he's the man that would know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neilg Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 i think he (Paul) was being ironic. it is still a pity that all of us early adopter are going to be stuck with SPV MkI until the contract is up, its always nice to have the latest piece of kit, although if the software updates do arrive and keep coming I am not too bothered. Same thing happened with the T68, about a year and 20 trips to have the firmware flashed and it had metamorphosed (inside at least) into a T68i. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul [MVP] Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 I wasn't. The screen on the Tanager is so beautiful, I can't bear to go back to the SPV. And yes, the joystick and keypad are nicer. The build and finish also are seem better. The headphones seem to be a lot louder. The phone itself is also thinner. Now also, ask yourself this. The SPVx is aimed at 'consumers' rather than 'businesses'... and ideal opportunity for Orange to ship an application unlocked SmartPhone perhaps? I wouldn't be surprised! :shock: P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest benny Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 I prefer the look or the Mk I SPV. It would seem that O are going to shoot themselves in the foot here, but if they're gonna develop a whole range of SPVs, then this could be a good thing...so long as they finally sort out the app signing fiasco. Can't wait for that keyboard though...or the update! B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest paulend Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 noooooooo! is the screen really that much better?? is it any bigger than the spv cos of the key pad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul [MVP] Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 It is that much better, but no, it isn't any bigger. P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neilg Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 :) Damn, wrong again!! ;) Have to take your word for it being better , I have played with a prototype (soft plastics stage) version of the Tanager and it didnt feel that special but then most things dont at that stage of development. Is it the way the screen is housed/presented that makes it better or is it a better screen - I may try and get hold of the BOM for both as I thought they used the same guts?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul [MVP] Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 It is a DIFFERENT screen. P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest paulend Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 what is it about the screen thats so good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul [MVP] Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Much brighter, much sharper. I'll try and take a pic later of the 2 side by side running Doom or something... P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Monolithix [MVP] Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Still suffer from dust intrusion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest benny Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 Does Tanager do anything that SPV can't do? Voice dialling? Call recording? Full processor speed? Ability to make tea? Underneath the makeup, they don't seem to be a whole world apart. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ClintEastman Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 :cry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now