"HTC Touch 2" - new touch-screen "smartphone"

HTC introduced Wednesday the Touch 2, a touch-screen smartphone that will be one of the first devices running Windows Mobile 6.5 when it launches in October.

The handset will join the Touch Diamond 2 and the Touch Pro 2 in HTC's lineup of finger-friendly devices, and the Touch 2 is aimed at a more casual user. The handset has a 2.8-inch resistive touch screen that comes with accelerometers to automatically orient the screen depending on how the user is holding it.

The Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system means the handset will be able to download new applications and content from Microsoft's Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Touch 2 owners will also be able to use the My Phone feature to back up and sync their contacts, text messages, photos, and other information.

Even though one of the big features of Windows Mobile 6.5 is a refined user interface, HTC has layered its TouchFLO software on top of it to make it easier to navigate the Touch 2 with a finger. The handset will also be capable of receiving push corporate and personal e-mail on the go, and it will have Google Maps for Mobile and YouTube preloaded.

"The HTC Touch 2 delivers a familiar touch experience that millions of people have come to expect and rely on from HTC in their daily lives," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC, in a statement. "Whether it's making a call, checking in with a friend, or simply responding to an important e-mail, the HTC Touch 2 puts you in touch and in control."

To stay connected, the Touch 2 has Wi-Fi, EDGE, 3G, and Bluetooth. The handset also comes with multimedia capabilities, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and GPS. HTC did not give an expected retail price.