Yes, that's official now. I am writing this blog entry directly from the press conference as it happens.

Microsoft and Palm are introducing a Windows Mobile based Treo device, running Windows Mobile 5.0. The new device will be initially available on Verizon 3G CDMA EVDO.

The device is based on an Intel xscale CPU but no other specifications were disclosed. The device is made by Taiwan-based HTC. When asked if a UMTS version is being planned, Ed Cooligan, Palm CEO, said that "Yes", one is coming but most probably in the second half of 2006. And Palm will talk to other CDMA operators.

Contrary to expectations the new Windows Mobile-based Palm Treo does not have a name. It is simply "Palm Treo Windows Mobile". It is not Treo 670 neither Treo 700w.

I thought the event was quite nice - it was an "emergency operation" for myself - I was in San Francisco to attend the Smartphone Summit, on my way to Seattle for the Microsoft MVP Summit and I found about this just a day before. I managed to contact the PR firm and book a seat - very cool.

Also nice to meet other website owners - people from phonescoop.com, palminfocenter.com and some Microsoft employees in the mobile devices area.

Very worth my while here in San Francisco so far!

More information here.









More details here.