Palm Pre exclusive for O2

The eagerly-anticipated Palm Pre smartphone has been announced for launch across a host of European nations, with British shoppers set to get access to it through O2.

According to the network’s parent company Telefonica, the device will be released in the UK exclusively to the carrier, with other countries such as Ireland, Spain and Germany also being among those that will see it on shelves by winter.

Consumers have been advised they can register online for email updates on the status of the launch, including details of an official date as and when one becomes available.

Matthew Key, chairman and chief executive officer of Telefonica Europe, said the move to supply O2 customers with the Palm Pre was reflective of the network’s status as “home of the smartphone”.

“Our customers will be the first outside of North America to experience one of the most successful mobile devices of the year,” he explained.

The Palm Pre features 3G connectivity, a full qwerty keyboard and the new webOS software designed specifically for the gadget. The manufacturer has claimed this system allows better integration between contact details and calendar information.

In other news, Orange has also announced the launch of the LG Touchscreen Watch Phone this week, which it suggested could be the must-have device of 2009.

The network added the item would be followed by a new range of phones that have been “chosen specifically for their unique digital lifestyle benefits” and will be made available over the next 18 months.