14 DAY TRIAL // Following UK's Vodafone launch of the HTC Magic Android-based smartphone, it seems that Orange France will be the first to bring the second Android phone – HTC Dream. Even though it is not a member of the Open Alliance, Orange managed to strike this deal that will see it as the only carrier that will offer the device in France. Also known as the G1, HTC Dream is already available in the US, UK, Germany an other countries, sold via T-Mobile. The supposed launch should take place on March 5th and it will give all the customers of the operator the chance to get their hands on the handset.
Orange France will make the device available for 99 Euros (€149 - €50 refunded). The smartphone will be sold with any package, but Orange recommends that customers subscribe to the Origami "More" offer to get the best capabilities of the handset. That will definitely benefit owners, as the phone is known to be an 'always online' device.
Packages include Origami Zen Plus unlimited access to the Internet, email, 50 hours of Wi-Fi hotspots on the operator, 10 SMS per month and unlimited calls to Orange numbers or 3 sets. They are charged €39 / month for 1 hour, €47 / month for 2 hours, €52 / month for 3 hours and €62 / month for 4 hours.
Origami Star Plus packages include unlimited access to the Internet, email, 50 hours of Wi-Fi hotspots on the operator, 20 TV channels, and sending unlimited SMS to all operators. They are charged between 42 and €95.
Finally Origami First Plus packages also include unlimited access to the Internet, email, 50 hours of Wi-Fi hotspots on the operator, unlimited calls from 8 am to 18h to Orange mobiles and landlines, and a feature inherent in the professional package: all international calls are charged in the package. Fees go from 57 to €127 / month.Unlike US' G1 sold by T-Mobile, Orange's Dream aka G1 will feature a full AZERTY keyboard, and not a QWERTY keyboard. The rest of the features are left untouched: 3.2-inch TFT touchscreen display (320 x 480 pixel resolution), HSDPA 7.2 Mbps connectivity, Wi-Fi, GPS, digital compass, 3.2 Megapixel with autofocus, 192 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM, and microSD slot card.
