Vodafone, 3 to offer different HTC Magics

(Credit: HTC)

Australians will finally be able to get their hands on the HTC Magic with either Vodafone or 3 Mobile, though close inspection reveals the handsets available will differ slightly between the carriers.

Vodafone has exclusive rights to a white coloured handset, but the differences are more than skin deep. The black model offered by 3 will include Microsoft ActivSync software, an important element for customers who intend to use the smartphone as a business tool. Vodafone will include software it calls Firmware Over-the-Air used to automatically upgrade the Android operating platform whenever updates are made available.

Microsoft ActiveSync connects mobile devices to Microsoft Exchange email servers. When connected, the mobile devices can sync with the server, collecting new emails and updating calendar entries and contact information. ActiveSync was a feature notably absent when HTC released its first Android-powered handset, the HTC Dream, offered by Optus.

The HTC Magic is the world's second handset to run on Google's Android operating platform. This newer model includes HSPA connectivity, Wi-Fi and GPS plus a suite of Google's online applications, like GMail and Google Maps.

Both 3 and Vodafone have launched pre-registration for the Magic on their respective websites; however, both are yet to announce a firm launch date or pricing.