HTC launches MAX 4G world's first GSM/WiMAX handset

13 November 2008 10:22 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

HTC has launched a new handset, the MAX 4G, in conjunction with Scartel in Russia. What's notable about this launch is that it is the world's first integrated GSM/WiMAX handset.

Under the Yota brand the touchscreen device will offer "rich multimedia" and a broad range of services on the company's WiMAX network.

The Yota Mobile WiMAX network offers high-speed wireless internet access with package providing subscribers with instant access to online games, maps, messaging and file exchange applications while on the move.

In addition, the high-capacity Mobile WiMAX network allows online films and TV programmes to be viewed on the phone's WVGA screen with a full video on demand service available, as well as a music download offering, while Yota TV offers 14 free channels with more planned before the end of the year.

Running Windows Mobile 6.1, the MAX 4G gets HTC's TouchFLO 3D user interface, a 5-megapixel camera and GPS capabilities.

The MAX 4G boasts a 3.8-inch 800 x 480 screen, 8GB on board memory, Bluetooth, a GSM SIM for "ordinary" calls and the auto-option to make calls via VoIP on the Yota network.