Cincinnati Bell announced on Monday that it was the first mobile phone carrier in the United States to launch the Pharos Traveler 137 Smartphone from Pharos Science & Applications. The new device comes as a Windows Mobile-based touchscreen handset with award-winning features and capabilities, including integrated GPS and navigation software.

According to Pharos Science & Applications, the new Pharos Traveler 137 Smartphone is the third generation of Windows Mobile-based device it brings to the market. The mobile phone measures 4.6 by 2.4 inches and weighs in at 4.9 ounces, while boasting a touchscreen display of 480 x 800 pixel resolution, with touch-and-sweep interface.

The key features of the new handset include:
Windows Mobile 6.5 Operating System
Award-winning Pharos Smart Navigator GPS software and server-based travel information and navigation service
Corporate and personal e-mail connectivity
Quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G wireless network capabilities for improved roaming experience worldwide
Dual camera with 3 megapixel for picture or video and 0.3 megapixel for video conferencing
FM radio tuner.

“We are constantly striving to bring the best technology to our wireless subscribers and excited to offer a 3G Windows Mobile Smartphone as advanced as the Pharos Traveler 137,” said Eric Bernard, senior manager, Wireless Product and Supply Chain for Cincinnati Bell Wireless. “Business customers in particular will find this device appealing. It offers a full suite of Windows applications, the new look and feel of Windows Mobile 6.5, and full 3G wireless network capabilities allowing for faster data connections when using the Cincinnati Bell Wireless network.”

According to the handset's maker, the new Pharos Traveler 137 was included in the best Smartphone and best Mobile CE device categories of the “Hot for the Holidays” awards program. Moreover, the handset was also awarded the 2009 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Innovation award courtesy of its Smart Navigator software solution. “We are delighted that Cincinnati Bell will be offering the Pharos Traveler 137 Smartphone to their customers,” said Bob Serafini, VP Enterprise Sales for Pharos. “We are certain that the Cincinnati Bell customers will find the Traveler 137 to be the most capable and elegant Smartphone available.”