Verizon ships HTC-made XV6800 smartphone

Verizon today launched sales of the XV6800, its long-delayed version of the HTC smartphone. Sharing the same platform as the Bell 6800 or the Sprint Mogul, the device is the spiritual successor to the PPC6700 and runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional with Office Mobile for handling work on the road. It also brings an upgraded 2-megapixel camera with flash and 802.11g Wi-Fi to back its EVDO connection, although unlike either Bell or Sprint the company makes no mention of an expected upgrade to the faster EVDO Revision A standard.

The XV6800 is already available online and for business customers today, all of which can have the smartphone for $400 after signing a two-year contract and taking advantage of a rebate. It ships to Verizon's physical stores on December 5th and should also be available as a contract-free purchase for an unknown price.