Toshiba TG01 hits Orange UK on July 10th [Video]

We're not sure whether Orange have scooped Toshiba in advance of their event later on today, or this is all carefully planned, but the carrier has announced it will exclusively be offering the Toshiba TG01 from July 10th.  Already on sale with Orange France, the UK version of the handset will be priced from free with a £39.15 ($63) 24-month contract with unlimited on-device browsing.Video demo from Orange after the cut

The Toshiba TG01 is the first phone to launch using Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and it pairs it with a huge 4.1-inch QVGA touchscreen running an Orange-customized version of Toshiba's own UI.  Underneath there's Windows Mobile 6.1 together with WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 and GPS.

In the box will be an 8GB microSD card, and Orange are saying that the TG01 will be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.5 once it's released; no word on whether that will be a free upgrade or something you'll have to work out with Toshiba.  SlashGear will be attending Toshiba's event later on today, so will have all the details together with hands-on feedback.

Press Release:

Orange brings the portable cinematic experience to mobile users in the UK with the exclusive launch of the Toshiba TG01
  • Orange to range the Toshiba TG01 exclusively across its own retail channels in the UK
  • The TG01 will be available for free on selected pay monthly price plans from 10th July
  • The TG01 is the first handset in the UK to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 1GHz processor
  • Orange today announced it will be exclusively ranging the Toshiba TG01 in the UK across all its own retail channels in time for the weekend. Offering the widest high-definition touch-screen available on a mobile, the TG01 provides users with a cinematic viewing experience on a handheld device and is testament to Orange UK's focus on ranging innovative multimedia handsets so consumers can make the most from the latest shifts in modern technology. It follows the announcement earlier in the week that Orange will also be launching the world's first Touchscreen Watch phone in the UK.

    A powerful and feature-rich mobile entertainment device, the TG01 offers uses the largest widescreen handset yet and comes with an exclusive pre-loaded film trailer for the forthcoming summer blockbuster "GI Joe". What's more, the 4.1" W-VGA screen is the perfect size for watching TV, videos and looking at pictures in high quality.

    The TG01 also bridges the gap between notebook and mobile by featuring the latest in chipset technology and is the first handset to be sold in the UK which has a 1GHz processing power, offering fast mobile internet connectivity for a richer multimedia experience. This also enables users to make the most out of their phone, whether it be for watching video, updating social network pages or just browsing the web – just like they do on their PC.

    The handset is the first from Toshiba to be part of Orange's successful Signature Series and comes with quick links so users can easily get to grips with the handset's great functionality. Shortcuts to the best of Orange TV & Video (which recommends great video content such as Sky 24/7 Football), Orange Maps (Orange's own sat nav service which utilises the TG01's inbuilt AGPS), and Orange World (Orange's own mobile internet portal), come integrated on the device's user interface.

    Francois Mathieu, Director of Devices, Orange UK "We're really pleased to have teamed up with Toshiba to bring the TG01 exclusively to the UK. We believe the TG01 is a prime example of manufacturer innovation, and is a device that is at the very top of its game which will allow users to make the most from their mobile experience."

    "The TG01 is quite simply the next step in cutting edge mobile technology that will enable us to deliver mobile content for Orange customers at unprecedented levels of speed and quality. We are delighted to be partnering with Orange to launch the exciting new TG01 handset into the UK Market," said Bernard Labaume, VP Business Development & Trade Marketing, Toshiba Information Systems (UK) Ltd, Mobile Communications Division.

    The TG01 will be free to customers who take out a £39.15 per month, 24 month price plan. The package includes 1200 any network call minutes, unlimited texts, Orange Maps as well as inclusive anytime internet browsing, and is exclusive to Orange in the UK.

    The device is already available from Orange in France, and will also be shortly available from Orange in Switzerland, Romania and Poland.

    For further information on the TG01's UK availability, please visit Orange Shops or www.orange.co.uk/shop

[via CoolSmartPhone]