Orange customers will soon be able to get their hands on HTC's latest brainchild, the Shift, following an announcement today that the mobile device will be available to buy exclusively in the UK from the mobile operator from the end of this month.
Businesses users are hotly anticipating the new device, which merges the form and functionality of a phone with the capabilities of a small laptop, featuring a seven-inch touch screen, QWERTY keyboard and a whopping 30GB hard-drive.
The Shift comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Office in Vista mode, offering easy access to Word, Excel and PowerPoint functionality and users can take advantage of the device's always-on 'mob-top' which lets this flip between this software and Windows Mobile with the mere touch of a button. In addition the new product will support 3G/3G+ and Wi-Fi connectivity, moving between networks to ensure users can remain connected to both business and personal communications on the move.
"The HTC Shift is the first device of its kind, and Orange is the first UK operator to offer it to customers. It perfectly balances both personal and business needs, and it looks fantastic," said Nick Horton, head of business devices for Orange UK. "The Shift's highly portable design and ability to connect via both Wi-Fi and the Orange mobile network, means customers don't need to be in the office to keep up to date with their work."
Security has also been a key element in the device's design as it comes with a built-in fingerprint sensor to safeguard content.
