T-Mobile announces Dash 3G and confirms 2nd Android announcement

One of the more impressive devices I had a chance to see at CTIA in April was the HTC Snap. Today T-Mobile USA announced that the HTC Snap will be coming to T-Mobile as the T-Mobile Dash 3G and serve as the successor to the very popular T-Mobile Dash. THe T-Mobile Dash was the smartphone that had my wife switch to the Windows Mobile platform and never look back and she actually went through three of them. I imagine I will have to pick one of these new Dash 3G devices up for her when they are released in July too.

The T-Mobile Dash 3G is a Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard, non-touch screen, smartphone that has a fantastic QWERTY keyboard in a slim form factor. It will also be the first T-Mobile 3G-enabled Windows Mobile device. GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth wireless capabilities are present on the Dash 3G. One feature on the HTC Snap is the Inner Circle utility that helps you stay connected to those selected individuals you want to communicate with more than others. This should be part of the T-Mobile Dash 3G, especially given that they have the MyFaves service as well.

I would like to see this same form factor get an upgraded display like all the other HTC devices, but you will see it still sport the QVGA 320x240 pixel resolution screen. A 2 megapixel camera is also included with fixed focus so there are a couple areas that could be improved. Pricing hasn't yet been made available, but I imagine it will be in the $199 range given the specifications and comparative devices on other carriers.

T-Mobile also confirmed that we will see more details about their second generation Android phone next week, with even more smartphone (most likely the HTC Touch Pro2) announcements for Summer release following next week.

Since I cannot find the press release posted anywhere publicly, here is what T-Mobile sent me in the form of a press release:

T-Mobile USA To Offer New 3G-Enabled Smartphone

T-Mobile Dash 3G Helps Customers Stay Connected to Work and Life

Bellevue, Wash. – June 17, 2009 – T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of its newest 3G-enabled smartphone, the T-Mobile® Dash 3GTM, offering a balance of personal and professional connections in a sleek design with faster data delivery and Web browsing via T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g).

The T-Mobile Dash 3G, designed by HTC and powered by Microsoft’s Windows Mobile® 6.1, is available in a glossy-black finish with red accents, features a full-QWERTY keyboard, easy-to-use trackball and vibrant display. This latest version of the T-Mobile Dash delivers easy ways to stay connected and organized with voice calling, messaging, support for personal and business e-mail, GPS for location-based services, and synchronization with Microsoft Outlook®. Whether staying organized while traveling or simply staying connected with friends and family, the T-Mobile Dash 3G provides access to the life tools customers need in a small, sleek package.

“As millions of families prepare to hit the road this summer, T-Mobile is offering our first 3G-enabled Windows Mobile smartphone to help customers stay connected, organized and traveling in the right direction,” said Travis Warren, director, product marketing, T-Mobile USA. “We’re excited to offer the power and style of the T-Mobile Dash 3G with high-speed Internet access thanks to T-Mobile’s rapidly expanding 3G network.”

“HTC is designing products like the T-Mobile Dash 3G to appeal to the ever-growing number of customers who are using the empowering features of smartphones to benefit their busy lives,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president, HTC America. “HTC is pleased to continue its long history of working closely with T-Mobile as we today introduce the next generation of the popular T-Mobile Dash.”

According to new research by Yankee Group, 41 percent of consumers are likely to choose a smartphone as their next mobile device.* As consumer demand for feature-rich phones increases, T-Mobile is responding with an expanding lineup of 3G-capable smartphones including the new T-Mobile Dash 3G.

T-Mobile continues to expand its high-speed 3G network in 2009 to cover approximately 200 million people across the United States by the end of the year. At the end of 2008, T-Mobile USA’s 3G network was available to more than 100 million people in more than 130 U.S. cities.

The new T-Mobile Dash 3G is anticipated to be available nationwide in July at T-Mobile retail stores, select authorized dealers, and online at http://www.T-Mobile.com.

For information where T-Mobile 3G service is available or to see T-Mobile’s Personal Coverage Check tool, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com/Coverage.