Verizon's HTC Imagio offers digital TV on a massive touchscreen display

HTC Imagio

Today Verizon Wireless launched its first Windows Mobile 6.5 powered smartphone, the multimedia-centric Imagio from HTC. As if being among the first Windows Mobile 6.5 devices to hit the market, the Imagio is also the first Verizon smartphone to include support for the MediaFLO^(INFO) based V CAST Mobile TV service that Verizon offers for $15 per month. The digital TV service comes through to the Imagio via its antenna, which serves double duty as a viewing kickstand.

The TV should appear big and bold on the Imagio's massive 3.6-inch touchscreen display, which sports a monstrous 800 x 480 pixel resolution. And since there are TV programs and channels from over 19 networks to choose from, there's sure to be something for everybody to enjoy. Of course, if you prefer to do it yourself, there's also a 5.0 megapixel autofocus camera with camcorder ability on the Imagio.

The HTC Imagio can do more than just keep you connected in the U.S. since it also offers quad-band GSM/EDGE and 2100MHz UMTS/HSPA support for world roaming capability when it can't rely on Verizon's speedy EV-DO Rev. A 3G network. WiFi connectivity is also available, and the large 1500mAh battery should give the device plenty of power.

Verizon claims that the HTC Imagio also provides users with seamless social network integration and an HTC TouchFLO 3D powered user interface. The Imagio supports V CAST Music with Rhapsody, too, and even offers a 3.5mm port for use with standard stereo headphones - no adapter required.

The HTC Imagio will be available online on October 6, 2009 for $199.99 with a 2-year agreement, after a $100 mail-in rebate that comes in the form of a debit card. The Imagio will be available in Verizon Wireless retail locations starting on October 20.