Sprint's SPH-i350 Intrepid appears to be a replacement for the Samsung Ace, a Windows phone released in February 2008 that similarly targeted travelers. Once again, the device includes an integral QWERTY keyboard, an unlocked SIM slot, and both CDMA and GSM capabilities.

Two views of Sprint's Intrepid

(Click either to enlarge)

Like the Ace, the Intrepid is said to operates globally on any network whose operator has a roaming agreement with Sprint, but in addition has an unlocked SIM slot. Owners can buy SIM cards in countries they are visiting, then pop them into the phone for lower rates, according to the company.

Significant upgrades from the Ace include a touchscreen display, now also upsized to 2.5 inches, plus the addition of WiFi to the Bluetooth connectivity that was offered preivously. Also touted for the Intrepid is its inclusion of Windows Mobile 6.5, said to allow a "richer browsing experience" via Internet Explorer Mobile 6. The phone is also compatible with Microsoft's new Windows Marketplace for Mobile online store and web-based My Phone backup service, according to Sprint.

Sprint says the Intrepid is its first device to offer voice recognition, stemming from Microsoft's acquisition two years ago of Tellme Networks, a provider of voice recognition technologies to carriers and enterprises. Users will be able to press a button on the phone, then simply speak in order to send texts, make calls, or search the web.

According to Microsoft, its Tellme technology makes it possible to perform operations such as the following:

• Send a text by saying "text" to open a text box, then speak the text message and say "send" to send it to anyone in their contact list
  
• Initiate a call simply by saying "call" and then the name of anyone in their contact list
  
• Search the Web with Microsoft Live Search by speaking a request, such as "weather in San Francisco, California," "pizza in Kansas City," "movies" or "Mother's Day gift ideas"

As noted earlier in this story, Sprint's SPH-i350 Intrepid is said to include a 2.5-inch display (with 320 x 240 pixel resolution), a 3.2 megapixel camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a QWERTY keyboard. The device also includes a microSD expansion slot, according to the company. However, at the time of writing the carrier had not released information about the phone's processor, battery type/life, dimensions, or weight.

Availability

According to Sprint, the Intrepid will be available starting Oct. 11 for approximately $150, following the usual two-year service agreement and rebates.A copy of the carrier's press release announcing the device may be found here.

---

Related stories:

• Windows Mobile 6.5 phones launch this fall with voice recognition
• Microsoft acquires voice tech leader Tellme
• Windows phone targets world travelers
• Samsung phones get Windows Mobile 6.5
• $99 Blackjack successor gets WiFi
• Samsung spins four Windows phones