O2 Dell Mini 5 Launch Tipped By Dell/Telefonica Alliance?

With a headline like "Dell and Telefonica form strategic alliance", we'd forgive you for skipping past this latest press release and onto shinier things.  Still, we've a feeling it's potentially hinting at far more exciting news: an imminent Dell Mini 5 launch on O2 in Europe, perhaps?

The press release, with phrases like "enhanced data-first experiences," certainly seems to point to a device like the Mini 5, which – although it can be used for voice calls – primarily uses its 3G connectivity for data services.  The Android-based MID has a 5-inch capacitive touchscreen and a customized, widget-heavy interface, and you can see it cavorting with an iPad here.

We've pestered our contacts at Dell, but unfortunately their lips are well and truly sealed on this one.  At the very least, we can probably expect O2-connected data modules in upcoming Dell netbooks and notebooks.

Press Release:

Dell and Telefónica Form Strategic Alliance to Deliver Innovative Connectivity and Communication Solutions

April 14, 2010 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

MADRID & ROUND ROCK, Texas–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Dell and Telefónica today announced a strategic alliance that marks the beginning of a new collaboration effort to develop future products and services designed around enhanced data-first experiences, enabling customers to interact with family, friends and businesses whenever and wherever they choose.

"And we are very excited to work with Dell to develop these solutions."

"The demand for pervasive, instant-on, web-connected devices is everywhere," said Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions Group. "We are excited to align with Telefónica and leverage our combined strengths to create products and services that provide a simple and seamless experience for our customers."

"The new digital ecosystem, under construction, creates huge opportunities and advantages for all industries that transform and adapt to the digital world, and not only in terms of productivity, but also in terms of new lines of initiative, new applications and new business opportunities," said Vivek Dev, Director of Innovation at Telefónica. "And we are very excited to work with Dell to develop these solutions."

The alliance with Telefónica is part of Dell's continued focus on developing smart mobile products and services through value-added relationships with leading operators.

The Alliance focuses on three areas:

Provide customers with choices they value most now

Deliver next generation solutions first

Enhancing the digital customer experience and driving information communications technologies to market

About Dell

Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to its customers and uses that insight to make technology simpler and create innovative solutions that simplify daily activities and help people stay entertained, connected and in touch. Learn more at www.dell.com.

About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world in terms of market capitalisation. Its activities are centred mainly on the fixed and mobile telephony businesses with broadband as the key tool for the development of both. The company has a significant presence in 25 countries and a customer base that amounts to 265 million accesses around the world. Telefónica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy. Telefónica is a 100% listed company, with more than 1.5 million direct shareholders. Learn more at www.telefonica.com.