O2 caught in smartphone virus outbreak

O2 in Germany has stopped sending out Toshiba TG01 smartphones, which have been inadvertently infected with malware.

Speaking to German-language website, an O2 spokesman said the carrier began selling the TG01 - which boasts a 4.1in, 800 x 480 display - in early July.

It's not known how the virus ended up on the phones - pre-loaded or introduced on the memory card. Details of the virus are also unknown. The TG01 runs Windows Mobile Professional 6.1: and we do not suspect there are not many forms of malware targeting that platform.

The TG01-shipped virus does not appear to have caused any particular harm. But until a more detailed analysis takes place, no one can say what the malware's impact may be.

Toshiba is investigating the matter, and O2 expects to have TG01s back on shop shelves next week. It will replace the TG01s it has already sold with disinfected ones.

Orange began selling the TG01 exclusively in the UK last week. ®