UTStarcom, Inc. launched its new dual-mode, dual-standby CDMA/GSM handset, the T66 and has collaborated with China Unicom to supply the handsets for their World Wind dual-mode phone service. With its CDMA and GSM capabilities, the makers are hoping that it takes off. It’s also been targeted at middle- to high-end users and thus will not been exorbitantly priced. Both the CDMA and GSM modes can stand by simultaneously , where users can switch between their desire modes. This wasn’t possible before as previous World Wind dual-mode phones could support either CDMA or GSM at a time.

The T66 has a clamshell design and sports both external and internal TFT LCDs capable of 176X220 pixels. There is an 1.3 megapixel camera with special camera modes with digital zoom plus a built-in 64M T Flash. The phone has a MP3 and MP4 player with dedicated menu controls and there is a FM radio too. The phone has a meager 64 MB of internal memory which can be expanded via a memory card and there is a 2.0 WAP browser for surfing the net.

The T66 measures 99X50X23.5mm and weighs 128 grams. Other connectivity options include GPRS Class 10 and infrared port. Some other features found on the phone include, 138 hours of standby time, MicroSD/TransFlash card expansion slot, Text input predictive software, MMS, Alarm clock, world clock, calendar, calculator, tip calculator, memo, dictionary, caller filter function, PC sync, photo album, photo editor, wallpaper and games.

The handset will be available in both black and silver, however no word on pricing and availability.