Carrier Devices have published a revised press release about the i-mate Phone Edition in Australia, while removing the original press release (dated December 30, 2003). I say revised rather than new. as they both have the same release number (CDL0014). It seems that they're very eager to get the word out.

So what's different? After all, the i-mate Phone Edition has been available in Australia since mid-December, and it would be of little benefit to re-release a press release unless there was something really notable to include. It's generally pretty poor form to revise a press release, and most companies would choose to release a new one with updated information.

The "earth-shattering" news that Carrier Devices have to offer is that Vodafone Australia have agreed to carry the device. This is quite interesting given recent public statements from Vodafone  that they won't be carrying the devices anytime soon. There's no matching press release on Vodafone's website - and their techs who I spoke to today in renewed efforts to get my XDA II working with MMS (which appears to have been successful) haven't heard anything - but no matter.

After all, Telstra have yet to officially announce availability of the i-mate Phone Edition or Smartphone other than the original November press release  (which mentioned unlimited data that has ultimately turned out to be less than people were hoping for ). But they do sell the i-mate Pocket PC Phone, with the Smartphone somewhere on the horizon.

I'll keep you posted as this unfolds.