HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today joined with Telstra to unveil the Android-powered HTC Desire smartphone, which will be available exclusively in April on Telstra’s Next G network - Australia’s largest and fastest 3G network.
The smartphone, which was previewed at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, takes Android 2.1 to the next level with the latest HTC Sense user experience. It also utilises a fast 1 GHz Snapdragon processor and an advanced 3.7 inch, WVGA AMOLED display to deliver the performance and visual experience needed for the best smartphone experience possible. HTC Desire is the richest way to visually experience news, friends, photos, favourite places and whatever else that is important.
"At its essence, the mobile phone is the most personal item you have in your possession. HTC Sense was created to magnify your ability to create and define your own unique mobile experience," said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC Corporation. "HTC Desire takes Android to another level in both substance with HTC Sense, and style with a slim, stylish design."
Telstra Chief Executive Officer, David Thodey, predicted that Australians would adopt smartphones in record numbers this year thanks to fast 3G networks, the growing range and popularity of mobile applications, and the introduction of user-friendly Android devices like the HTC Desire.
"We are delighted that our close relationship with HTC means that Australia’s most advanced Android smartphone will be available to Telstra customers first," Mr Thodey said.
"Australians want to use their mobiles to explore the online world of social networking, entertainment, web browsing and e-commerce. The Android-powered HTC Desire handset will give Telstra customers the best of Google’s web services like Gmail, Google Calendar and applications like Mobile FOXTEL, as well as the unmatched combination of speed and coverage available on Telstra’s Next G network.
"HTC Desire owners will also have access to thousands of applications thanks to the international market for Android applications that tap the imagination of software developers around the world," Mr Thodey said.
THE NEW HTC SENSE EXPERIENCE
HTC Sense is a user experience focused on putting people at the centre by making phones work in a more simple and natural way. This experience revolves around three fundamental principles that were developed by observing and listening to how people live and communicate.
These core principles continue to be key to the new HTC Sense experience that begins with a new HTC application and widget called HTC Friend Stream that seamlessly aggregates all of your social communication including Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr into one organised stream of updates. This simple aggregation makes it easier than ever to focus on what friends are doing as well as the images and links they share. In addition to Friend Stream, people can be organised into specific social circles, such as groups of friends or colleagues.
The new HTC Sense experience also introduces broad improvements to applications including the web browser, email client, a new newsreader application and widget, as well as a new seven-screen ‘Leap’ thumbnail view for quick and easy access to specific screens.
