Toshiba previews two new smartphones at MWC

• 
• 
• 

 1 of 3

Gallery

Posted on 18 Feb 2010 at 10:30

MWC 2010: Toshiba has taken the wraps off its TG02 and K01 smartphones, offering a preview of the new devices at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The TG02 is a fairly large handset, but packs a 4.1in capacitive touchscreen with an 800x480 native resolution. Toshiba said that it uses its REGZA technology to deliver super-rich graphics and support for multiple video codecs, making it an ideal media powerhouse. What's more, at just 9.9mm thick, it's incredibly svelte despite having a relatively large screen.

It packs a 1GHz Qualcomm SnapDragon processor and offers what Toshiba claims is "a smooth integration of social network and media services", as well as a full screen mobile internet experience and graphically rich satnav. The TG02 uses Toshiba's 3D user interface and menu system, which attempts to hide the handset's Windows Mobile 6.5 origins. It does a good job, but it's still Windows Mobile.

Secondly, the K01 features a 4.1in capacitive AMOLED touchscreen with an 800x480 resolution, but also includes a slide out QWERTY keyboard, making it the ideal for mobile messaging and email. Toshiba has also included its REGZA technology, meaning that you'll get the same visual quality and codec support as the TG02.

Obviously, the slide out keyboard has added a bit of bulk, but it's under 13mm thick, meaning it's still incredibly slim. It's powered by the same 1GHz processor as the TG02 and Toshiba says that storage can be expanded to up to 32GB with microSD cards, allowing you to carry your favourite movies, music and games in your pocket.

The K01 uses a new user interface, but Toshiba didn't show it off on its stand - it says that you'll be able to instantly access your most-used features, though.

The firm hasn't announced pricing or availability for either phone, but what's interesting is that both of them meet the minimum specifications for Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Series (with an exception made for the cameras, which are currently 3.2 megapixels, but should be easily upgradeable), so there's a good chance that these may well be the first devices based on the exciting new Microsoft smartphone OS to be shown.

Author: Tim Smalley in Barcelona