Pantech announces the Pantech Matrix Pro

Pantech has just announced the Pantech Matrix Pro, a dual-slider smart phone with Windows Mobile 6.1. If you think "Pantech Matrix" sounds familiar, it's because Pantech released its non-smart phone cousin, the Pantech Matrix, a few months ago as a dual-slider messaging phone. The Matrix Pro is also Pantech's second attempt at a smart phone, after the rather sad Pantech Duo of two years ago. Also note that Pantech is the manufacturer behind the Helio Ocean and the Helio Ocean 2, which have a similar form factor.

Like all of its dual-slider handsets, the Matrix Pro slides up vertically to reveal a number keypad, and horizontally to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. The Matrix Pro is a tad flashier than its regular cousin, with a mirror-finish exterior and sleeker design.

Of course like most smart phones, it has support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for syncing with calendars, email, and contacts, plus you get support for Microsoft Office documents. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera, A-GPS with AT&T Navigator, threaded SMS messaging, a music and video player, Video share calling, AT&T Mobile Music, stereo Bluetooth, and a microSD card slot that supports up to 32GB cards. The phone is GPRS/EDGE quad-band and UMTS/HSDPA tri-band.

We're still hunting down specifics on pricing and availability, but it'll likely be soon.