HTC and Sony Ericsson announce WM 6.5 devices coming next month

Last week I talked about the summer Windows Mobile lovefest, but it is not quite over yet as both HTC and Sony Ericsson announced Windows Mobile 6.5 devices launching as early as 6 October. The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 has a form factor very similar to the X1 with some improvements in specifications while the HTC Touch2 takes a bit of a step back from the latest HTC devices we already see on the market. The Touch2 should be the first WM 6.5 device available though with launches in Europe and Asia.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2

I really enjoyed the XPERIA X1, but I just couldn't keep if for the $700+ price point and returned it after a couple of weeks. The XPERIA X2 has the same side slide form factor, but includes updates such as Windows Mobile 6.5, slightly larger 3.2 inch 480x800 WVGA, and 8.1 megapixel camera. There will be a version that supports AT&T's 3G network, but there is nothing in the press release about the T-Mobile 1700 MHz band. I imagine this will be another very expensive device that may only appeal to the die hard smartphone geek.

HTC Touch2

The HTC Touch2 looks to be a mid-level device with a standard 528 MHz processor, 512MB RAM/256MB ROM, 2.8 inch QVGA (240x320) display, and 3.2 megapixel camera. It does have a 3.5mm audio jack and the HTC ExtUSB port so that is good to see. If it had a higher resolution display it may be a good choice over the Touch Diamond2, but the lower res display should make it more affordable for many markets.