O2 XDA Zinc Overview  

The new O2 Xda Zinc is a pocket pc phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and has support for 3G networks. The processor is an INTEL PXA 270 at 520 MHZ. The O2 XDA Zinc is one of the three new devices that have a QWERTY keyboard, the other two devices are: the ETEN M700 (NO 3G but built-in GPS) and the HTC TyTN (3G but no GPS).

O2 XDA Zinc Features 

The slide-out QWERTY keyboard allows you to send and receive emails and messages fast. When not in used you can work with the stylus and the buttons available on the front of the device.

The XDA Zinc is 3G enabled. This essentially means that you can make phone calls with real-time video from anywhere and be entertained with movies or music downloaded from the Internet. The really fast processor (INTEL Xscale 520MHz) makes it easier and more enjoyable to work with the device and also enjoy videos and music.

The design of the Zinc is almost identical to that of HTC TyTN and ETEN M700. The thickness of the device is 22.6mm and it is as good as it can get taking into account that the device has a built-in QWERTY keyboard.   

In terms of functionality besides the phone features the Zinc offers the O2 Message Plus that gives a single view navigation plane for easy manoeuvring between messaging features and applications. You can use the O2 Message Plus to check your email or access the latest news on the web at the push of a button.   

The main camera of the device is at 2.0 mega-pixels with auto focus, preview mirror for sell portrait, Flash and support for still image and video capture. The secondary camera (located on the front of the device) is a VGA camera that can be used for video calls.

The XDA Zinc is running Windows Mobile 5.0 and comes bundled with the following applications:

• Microsoft® Office Outlook® Mobile with Direct Push Technology
• Microsoft® Office programs for Windows Mobile® 
• Pocket MSN® 
• Internet Explorer® Mobile
• Windows Media® Player 10 Mobile
• Windows ActiveSync 4.2
• Calculator
• File Explorer

In addition O2 offers the following useful utilities with XDA Zinc:

Code Wallet Pro
Application that is used to store and encrypt your important information (passwords, account numbers etc) on your device.
   
Cyberon Voice Commander
A voice command and control feature that allows you to control your O2 device via voice commands. This is very similar to Microsoft Voice Commands. In simple terms you can use Voice Commander to  make a phone call, look up contact person’s information or start a program without touching the device but with your voice.

Jeyo Mobile Extender 2.0
Once installed onto your PC, you can send text messages from Microsoft Outlook by connecting your device to your PC.

Jeyo SMS Backup
Jeyo SMS Backup provides security and backup for crucial data and restores options of your SMS data.

Video Telephony
Share the moment or show what you mean face-to-face when words are just not enough. Using video sharing is easy - just switch camera from the front camera to the rear camera during the video call to share what you are seeing with the call recipient. At a touch of a button, choose to show either yourself on the recipient’s phone or an alternative picture, for example, a shot of you on your last vacation.

WorldMate
A very popular application that is very handy when travelling. Enjoy the convenience of having all your travel information and multiple conversion tools (World Clocks, Size and measurement, Currency Exchange, Weather information) at your fingertips. Travel is made easier, be it for business or leisure.

XT9™
Input text faster and easier with the alternative input method, XT9. This useful method turns the regular T9 up a notch by adding stylus support, next-letter prediction and regional error correction, a complementary tool with QWERTY keyboards. Now you can alternate between numbers, letters, symbols and languages at ease. By using the common T9 method, you will find a trusted way to message at your fingertips.

O2 AutoConfig
O2 AutoConfig is designed to make O2 devices plug-and-play friendly by detecting operator settings on individual SIM cards and then configuring the O2 device accordingly. Stay connected quickly and conveniently wherever you are even when travelling around the region frequently and own multiple phone lines or SIM cards. You will find it easy to switch between networks and operators in different countries during business trips.

O2 AutoInstall
Manage your applications with ease. O2 AutoInstall allows you to select the applications that you wish to install via its intuitive interface. Descriptions of applications are provided, allowing you to make your selection effortlessly.

O2 Connect
Giving you direct access to everything, O2 keeps users updated on latest products and promotions, software upgrades, downloads, helpdesk numbers, repair centre locations, and tips and tricks to enhance their mobile lifestyle.

O2 Message Plus
A single overview allows you to keep track of all your messages and news. A journal-style summary gives you quick access to your messages, minimising the need for multiple clicks to get to the one you want.

O2 Plus
O2 Plus is an application manager that gives you control over the running applications and it comes with 7 Today items that provide the user a wealth of information on the Today screen about operator name, battery, memory, names of running applications, alarms, sound profile, call divert status, tasks and appointments statuses.

O2 Phone Plus
O2 Phone Plus is a dialler application that simplifies local and overseas calling. This easy-to-use program enables simpler and faster dialling from your O2 device by reducing the number of steps and keystrokes needed to make a phone call.
You can block unwanted calls.

O2 SMS Plus
O2 SMS Plus is an alternate SMS application to the Inbox application that allows you to send and receive your SMS messages via a chat style user interface. The feature allows you to view both incoming and outgoing SMS messages or to show only unread message in the same list window. Plus, set up a delivery time for created messages, send and receive vCard contacts via SMS from other compatible devices, and even search through messages for keywords.

• Click here for more images of O2 XDA Zinc and features comparison with HTC TyTN
• More Devices by O2
• Click here for a comparison review of ETEN M700 and HTC TyTN

O2 XDA ZINC SPECIFICATIONS