O2 launches HTC Polaris as Xda Orbit 2 with Wi-Fi

O2 Germany today released the Xda Orbit 2, one of its most advanced smartphones yet. Better known as the HTC Polaris, the device boasts the same finger-oriented TouchFLO interface as the HTC Touch but includes both built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, allowing it to plot directions and connect to the Internet without using cellular service; it also brings tri-band HSDPA that connects to 3G networks both in O2's European home and North America. Users on these high-speed networks can either upload photos taken from the 3-megapixel rear camera or participate in video calls with a front camera, O2 says.

In the German carrier's shipping version, the Xda Orbit 2 comes with a 1GB microSD card preloaded with navigation software from GPS device maker TomTom as well as detailed maps of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Primary roads for Europe are also included for long-distance travel, the carrier notes.

O2 expects to carry the Orbit sequel in December for 99 Euros ($144) when paired with a two-year contract; other rates are currently unavailable. A North American version of the device is possible as the Touch Cruise but is unlikely to occur until 2008, when it has the potential to arrive for either AT&T or Rogers.