HTC released a new firmware version for Alltel's HTC Touch, which brings, first off all, support for Alltel's EVDO Rev. A network, allowing faster data transfer speeds as well as faster Web browsing. Moreover, the update enables Touch users to receive video messages and it also comes with enhanced Bluetooth performances (connectivity problems with some devices have been fixed).

The new firmware version, 3.04.671.2, is available for download from HTC's website, found at this address, but it's only for the Touch handsets that work on Alltel's network. Although the device is also available from other important US carriers (Verizon and Sprint), Alltel is the first to come with this firmware update.

Having only about 13 million subscribers (compared to 54 million on Sprint and 66 million on Verizon), Alltel surely won't manage to sell more HTC Touch handsets than the other two carriers, but at least now it has the best possible Touch.

First released in 2007, HTC Touch weighs 3.95 ounces (112 grams), measures 3.93 x 2.28 x 0.55 inches (99.9 x 58 x 13.9 mm) and runs on Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional (soon to be upgraded to 6.1). The handset offers a 2.8 TFT touchscreen display with 240 x 320 pixels, 65K colors and handwriting recognition, TouchFLO users interface, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, Internet Explorer mobile browser, Outlook Mobile, Pocket Office, Instant Messaging, Music player, mircoSD card support for up to 8GB, and a 2 Megapixel camera with video recording.

The new 3.04.671.2 firmware version with EVDO Rev. A capability makes the Touch an even better device, so users should download it as soon as possible (if they haven't done so already, of course). Before installing the update, users should remember to back-up all their data found on the phone, to make sure they won't lose any precious info.