Is ASUS prepping a 5-megapixel Omnia challenger?

It looks like ASUS has more in store when it comes to touchscreen phones than that P552w we saw the other day. According to pictures leaked to the Mobile01 forums, the company is planning an Omnia-esque device that will feature a large (WQVGA or WVGA) touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera, a trackball for non-touch navigation, and the predictable 3G radios / WiFi. Not much is known about the device at this point, though speculation is running rampant on the forum as to CPU specs and on-board memory. It's likely this will be at least competitive in comparison to recent Window Mobile devices we've seen of this variety, though nothing's certain till we get word from ASUS... which we're waiting patiently for, fellas.

[Via wmpoweruser]

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2008 7:16PM]

If they want this to compete, they'll need a nicer UI than the standard Windows Mobile kit. Give it a nicer interface, like Samsung or HTC, and get some deals happening with carriers [don't rely on unlocked sales, very few people get them like that, I'm one of the only ones that does here in Aus, at least in my circle of techy friends], and you should have a winner on your hands if it's sexy looking enough.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2008 8:06PM]

Or better yet, have it come with Android (or support for Android when it's out).

I too am the only one in my circle of friends that buys his phone outright and unlocked (in Aus), and so my next phone really needs to offer me a lot for me to buy it. WinMo doesn't really cut it for me with GUI friendliness.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2008 7:57PM]

After having a Treo700w, i will NEVER go back to a WinMo phone...

WinMo is trash...regardless of how pretty they make it

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2008 8:54PM]

Looks real nice if they can get this out around the same time or before the Xperia, with a competitive price and better specs I'd jump on board. Android support would also be a huge plus (I'm surprised we're not seeing this being listed as bullet point on the top line phones).

Re: Interface, doesn't Asus have the Glide front end? Granted it looks like poo but they might spruce it up some for the release of this phone (it would be wise considering it'll be facing Touch3D and Panels)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 15th 2008 3:50AM]

it's O2 XDA Zest ODM by Asus
http://www.coolsmartphone.com/news4271.html