Orange offers 'world's smallest smart phone'

Orange has announced the release of what it says is the world's smallest smart phone, the SPV C500, based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 operating system.

The handset comes loaded with applications such as Pocket Outlook, Pocket Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player. It is smaller than previous SPV models, weighing in at 100 grams and measuring 108mm x 46mm x 16mm.

In a statement, Orange called it "a marvel of miniaturisation" aimed at the professional consumer market - occasionally referred to as 'prosumers' - who want "their world in their pocket, not their briefcase".

Orange's relationship with Microsoft in terms of smart phones is a close one. It also ships models such as the MPx200 from Motorola - the SPV is manufactured by HTC of Taiwan - that run the Windows Mobile OS.

However, Orange is also keen to play up its range of 'signature phones' - those handsets it showcases above others and which bring in the most money from end users through various services.

Orange also said it will this year add signature handsets from Samsung and Siemens in its existing line up, which spans Alcatel, HTC, LG, Motorola, Sagem and Sony Ericsson models.

It plans 20 such devices over the second half of this year. So far its top two models are the Handspring Treo 600 and SPV E200, both of which bring in on average about €50 per month per user. They run on the competing Palm OS and Windows Mobile, respectively.

Pricing of the mini SPV C500 is not yet available, though the handset will be made available over the summer through Orange in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and the UK.

It also features Bluetooth and an integrated camera, both not included in the original SPV, which launched at the end of 2002.