During CTIA Wireless 2007, ZTE North America has announced the global availability of its latest D-Series handset featuring Fastap keyboard technology. The first handset to be commercially available and include Fastap, ZTE-s D-Series provides a dramatically simplified text input experience.

By using raised letter and lowered number keys in combination with an error-prevention software, the Fastap technology enables the user to type faster and more accurately than by using a mobile phone with a regular keypad. This leads to a more simplified mobile experience and enables users to send text messages faster and search the web easier.

ZTE's handset also offers a series of advanced voice, data and multimedia applications, 3G capabilities and support for services including mobile music/video, location-based-services, mobile TV, email, instant messaging, SMS and MMS. Other features include a 1.3 megapixel camera with video recording, T-Flash memory and Bluetooth for connectivity.

'As 3G services continue to proliferate, mobile operators are demanding handsets that are simple to use, but also offer an array of advanced features, in order to increase the use of wireless data services in a 3G environment,' said He Shiyou, senior vice president of ZTE and general manager of ZTE's handset division. 'We are confident that ZTE handsets enabled with Fastap keypad technology will help usher in 3G mobile services to millions of mobile consumers worldwide. We are excited to bring the ZTE D-Series to mobile operators worldwide including the North American market.'

The D-Series will be available globally with multiple keypad configurations. One of the versions will come with the first Secret-Til-Lit Fastap Keypad that combines smart backlighting with semi-transparent key labels.