An iPhone Clone That Runs Windows Spotted

Another iPhone clone just surfaced and it ain't pretty, folks. Engadget this week got hold of video and photos of the DaXian X999, a device that looks and operates like the iPhone but supposedly uses the Windows Mobile operating system.The oddly-named DaXian X999 has a 3.2-inch single-touch QVGA screen, dual 2-megapixel cameras, motion and proximity sensors, and a user interface that mimics HTC's TouchFLO technology running on an unlicensed copy of Windows Mobile 6.0, according to Engadget. TouchFLO allows users to navigate through the phone's 3-D cube menus with a finger swipe. I wrote about it briefly here, when HTC announced its Touch Cruise smartphone in November.

Here are some additional specs provided by Fruper.com, an online retailer specializing in computer technology and electronics, which is selling the DaXian X999 for $369.95:

• Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional operating system • 1 GB Transflash/TF memory card • 128 MB built-in RAM • Built-in Pocket Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • E-map (requires external GPS receiver) • Music: background play supported • Video: 3GP, MP4, AVI, ASF, WMV, RM • Data Transfer: USB/Bluetooth, ActiveSync • Operating Frequency: GSM • Talk time: 240-360 minutes • Standby time: 150-340 hours

A video has been posted on YouTube demonstrating the device, which is a medley of Apple's, Microsoft's, and HTC's technologies. Perhaps enough evidence for a lawsuit in the not-so-distant future? The video and photos can be found here.

The phone menus and Web browser in the video are in Chinese, although Fruper's Web site states that the device will only support English as its menu interface language. Not surprisingly, the DaXian X999 ships from a supplier in China and a tracking number is provided through the Hong Kong Post.

It's quite bizarre to see the iPhone with a Windows logo, a stylus (yes, it comes with one), and a 3-D menu interface that feels disconnected from the overall design. But you be the judge and let us know what you think about this iPhone clone.