O2 has been building its XDA range of Windows Mobile devices for some years, and the original XDA Orbit has just been refreshed with advent of the rather uninspiringly-named XDA Orbit 2.

Exclusive to O2 as the XDA Orbit 2, fans of other networks can go the SIM-free route and obtain this smartphone as the HTC Touch Cruise. It may look slightly different as the Touch Cruise, but the key features are shared.

This is a smartphone with built-in GPS and you can get it from O2 in a bundle with the CoPilot navigation software, or without that software if you have a preferred satnav alternative.

GPS aside, the XDA Orbit 2 is brimming with other smartphone features. There is Wi-Fi, 3G with HSDPA and a 3-megapixel main camera to keep you happy. A VGA camera sitting above the 2.8-inch screen caters for two-way video calls. For voice calls the smartphone is quad-band GSM.

The XDA Orbit 2 incorporates HTC's TouchFLO interface. This is not loved by all, but if you are a fan then the ability to swipe the screen up, down, left and right with a finger to get to various services, and to scroll around within contacts, move around within Web pages and perform other functions just by dragging a finger around the screen, may appeal.

The front-facing navigation button looks like standard fare for a Windows Mobile Smartphone, but in fact it has nice a surprise on offer. You can press it left, right, up and down as you normally do with navigation buttons, but it can also be rotated under a fingertip for scrolling through lists such as your contacts. Add in the large Call, End and softmenu buttons and the XDA Orbit 2 should appeal to those with stubbier fingers, who can find some smartphones a bit of a fiddle to manage.

For those who like to listen to music via a smartphone there is good news in that the provided headset is two-piece. It is mini USB at the device end, but has a 3.5 mm connector just past the microphone. More good news comes in the fact that the XDA Orbit 2 includes an FM radio.

While it does cram in a lot of features, the XDA Orbit 2 is on the chunky side at 110mm tall, 58mm wide and a generous 15.5mm thick. It isn't overly heavy at 130g, but you are probably going to be aware of it in your pocket or bag.

Verdict
For O2 customers the XDA Orbit 2 represents the height of smartphone capability. If you already use a smartphone from this operator, it might be worth considering an upgrade.

Company: O2

Tags: global positioning system htc corporation htc touch cruise o2 xda wi-fi htc gps iphone