12th November 2008 saw HTC and Scartel launch the world's first integrated GSM/WiMax handset - the HTC MAX 4G.
Scartel (brand Yota) are a Russian mobile WiMAX provider, founded in 2007, in order to provide mobile services of the most up-to-date mobile broadband access technology (4G).
"The introduction of the HTC MAX 4G represents the culmination of a close partnership between HTC and Yota to develop the world's first integrated mobile GSM/WiMAX handset" says HTC CEO and President, Peter Chou. "Russia is a key strategic market for HTC and Yota's WiMAX network sets a new global benchmark for next-generation mobile service".
To me, the MAX 4G is a pretty good looking handset; all in black with a stylish and modern design. Dimensions are 113.5 x 63.1 x 13.9 (mm) with a weight of 151grams.
It has a 3.8" (800×480) TFT LCD screen that is fully touch sensitive and incorporates HTC's TouchFlo 3D user interface, allowing sharp and speedy navigation.
The handset operates on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, using a Qualcomm ESM7206A 528Mhz processor. It has 256MB ROM, 288MB RAM and an 8GB internal flash memory.
With built-in GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi and VoIP, this phone is packed full of top of the range features. The handset uses a Motion G sensor that automatically rotates the phone's screen as you rotate the handset. It also has a Proximity sensor - this switches off the display whilst you're talking to save battery life.
It contains 2 cameras; a standard VGA on the front for video calls or self portraits and a high resolution 5 megapixel camera with autofocus on the rear of the handset.
The (oddly named) Yota Yap-yap service allows the user to "record their lives through a lens". The service allows contacts to be synchronised and edited online at www.yota.ru. Video clips and photos can also be uploaded and images taken with the camera can also be geo-tagged thanks to the integrated GPS.
Mobile WiMAX means that high quality multimedia entertainment is no longer restricted. Yota Video provides a full video-on-demand service allowing users to watch their favourite movies and videos anytime and anywhere. Yota TV will broadcast 14 free channels initially and 23 channels by the end of 2008.
Yota Music offers a widespread online music catalogue of more than 50,000 titles. Users can either play tracks direct from the online archive or download them to the MAX 4G's 8GB memory.
The Yota Phone service offers a more flexible means of communication allowing users to switch between English and Russian contact records as well as inclusion of call holding, conference calling and video calling features. Phonecalls between Yota customers are automatically routed as a VoIP call over the Yota Mobile WiMAX network
The Yota Home package provides subscribers with instant access to online games, maps, messaging and file exchange applications. There is also a catalogue of e-books for users to download and enjoy at their leisure.
Sounds pretty good to me. So now for the drawback - there's always one right?
Well, when I say from Russia with love… unfortunately, there's no love whatsoever – they're keeping this one all to themselves!
With one 'G' up from the top phones out at the moment, this handset looks good, has fab features and I reckon it would be extremely popular for those looking for a top of the range mobile to knock the iconic iPhone off its pedestal.
Perhaps one day in the not too distant future, we'll see our very own 'MAX 4G' phone out here in the UK.