Much Desired: HTC Launches HD Phones, Updated Sense
The HTC Sense's new features include the ability to record HD videos and edit images with various camera effects. HTC Locations, another new feature, provides on-demand mapping, and there's also an integrated e-reader and an e-book store powered by Kobo.
Also new is HTCSense.com, which will let users manage their HTC phones via an online service. They can locate missing phones and set phone features, such as ringtones and security, remotely. Users can also configure new HTC phones and access saved content, such as contacts and text messages, from a web browser.
"We're excited to take the HTC Sense experience beyond the phone to a whole new level with a series of connected HTC services we call HTCSense.com," said Peter Chou, HTC's CEO, in a statement. "Our customers will value the holistic approach we're taking to enhance their mobile experience."
The new phones themselves join a fleet of Android-based HTC phones, including the HTC Droid Incredible and EVO 4G, as well as an ever-expanding lineup of state-of-the-art Android mobile devices.
The HTC Desire HD, similar to the HTC EVO 4G, includes a 4.3-inch LDC display, Dolby Mobile and SRS virtual sound, a Qualcomm 1 Ghz 8255 Snapdragon processor, HSPA+ compatibility, 720p HD video recording capability, and an 8-megapixel camera with dual flash. It also includes a new HTC tool, HTC Fast Boot, which lets users perform basic functions, like making calls or checking e-mail, with a quick power-up sequence.
The HTC Desire Z includes a "pop hinge" that covers an full QWERTY keyboard. It also includes 720 HD video recording capability, a 5-megapixel camera with dual flash, and an 800 Mhz Qualcomm 7230 processor, plus HTC Fast Boot.
Both phones will be available in Europe and Asia in October, HTC said, though only the HTC Desire Z will ship in North America this year. HTC did not confirm pricing information or additional details.