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July 9, 2008

A new mobile phone maker based in Asia, with roots in British-based wireless operator O2 has started selling handsets in the U.S.

While some would say it's a bit expensive, the unlocked Windows mobile-based handset is currently sold mostly over the Internet.

Dubbed the Zinc II, the new phone comes from the Mobile and Wireless Group Inc., formed in Nov. 2007 by the former management of O2 Asia.

Five months ago, the new Singapore-based company launched its first phone, the Atom V in its home country. Last month, it launched the Atom V and Zinc II in Europe.

MWG is selling the phone at $749 through online eTailers and retailers, including J&R, Datavision, RCS Experience, PCMall, Expansys and MobileCityOnline.com.

The company said it plans as many as five new models to be launched also in 2008.

Both phones are Windows Mobile 6.1 handsets with heritage from the old O2 XDA brand.

They’re W-CDMA/HSDPA-compatible models with built-in GPS. The quad-band Zinc II has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a Quick Menu that allows users to tap graphic icons on the screen as well as use their fingers to drag across the screen.

As could be expected, the new phone also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality.

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Source: Mobile and Wireless Group Inc.