HTC expands brand with four new smart Windows Mobile devices
The new HTC brand which orginated from the old Qtek introduced today their second new line of smart devices containing specifications like Windows Mobile 5.0, GPS receiver, build-in navigation system, QWERTY keyboard and HSDPA.
The new HTC brand which orginated from the old Qtek introduced today their second new line of smart devices containing specifications like Windows Mobile 5.0, GPS receiver, build-in navigation system, QWERTY keyboard and HSDPA.
The four new HTC devices do not use their specific codenames like Artemis, Trinity, Excalibur and Oxygen. In stead of these codenames HTC introduced alphanumeric indexes fimilar to the way in which Qtek used their indexes. The new devices have the indexes S310 or P3300 depending on the device. "S" stands for smartphone and "P" for PDA. However it is quite hard to understand that the Qtek S200 was a PDA and the HTC S310 a new smartphone.
The main reason for the change was the fact that customers had problems pronouncing the words TyTN or MTeor. It even made it hard for the marketeers. The confusing aspect of the changes will continue in the upcoming months when the devices hit the shops. We hope that HTC will end this change of brand names and device indexes after this introduction. It will ensure a steady start of the new branding.
Let's talk about the new devices. Each device has it own key features. Let's start with the new S620.
HTC S620
The new S620 is a smartphone based landscape display device with QWERTY keyboard. The device supports Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone, AKU 3.0 and has an unique touch-sensitive control panel (JOGGR) located on the right of the screen. The basis of the new device is the Qtek 8500. The same processor and memory is used. Even the camera and battery are likewise.
If we look into the market more devices with QWERTY keyboard are available. The new S620 will be the fourth device containing WM 5.0 and QWERTY keyboard in this form factor. Other devices like the i320 from Samsung, the Q from Motorola, the Treo 750v from Vodafone/PalmOne and the Nokia E61 show that the market is ready for keyboard/messaging devices.
Wifi is a major advantage for the new S620. Models like the i320, Q and Treo 750v lack this functionality. However there is another model from Samsung mobile; the i600 which will be a strong competitor for the S620.
HTC P3300
The first PDA with a build-in GPS receiver and phone functionality from the Taiwense brand is the new HTC Artemis also called HTC P3300. The new device is based on the HTC Prophet platform and has an added SiRF Star 3 chip, FM radio, TomTom navigating software and newly implemented controls. The controls consists of a central scroll wheel and trackball that never have been incorporated into a mobile device like this.
Other specifcations are likewise to the Qtek S200 or Orange SPV M600 with one main difference. The P3300 uses MicroSD memory cards which are not hot swappable. The HTC P3300 will be available with a "taster pack" of regional maps or as a full version pre-loaded with a complete set of maps for Western Europe. An ideal navigating compagnion!
HTC P3600
The new P3600 is also based on the HTC Prophet series. The new HSDPA and UMTS supported device is the first 3G PDA with this form factor. It enables the user to make video calls, download data via the high-speed internet connection or shoot pictures via the internal 2.0 Mpixel camera.
The P3600 will be introduced to market around September. We expect that the P3600 will replace models like the S200 and Orange SPV M600 on the current market.
HTC S310
The only real smartphone within this set of four is the new S310. The S310 is first low-end smartphone for the brand and shows that HTC wants to expand their newly introduced brands throughout the complete market segment.
However the S310 is not more than a re-designed and downgraded version of the HTC Typhoon series using the new Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. The model is quad band and supports EDGE connectivity. There is a MiniSD memory card slot and a 65.536 color TFT screen with an outdated resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. Even the 1.3 Mpixel camera is not new and has the outdated quality from the Hurricane series (Qtek 8200, SDA II, SPV C550).
The devices mentioned here will have their own version within several operators. O2, T-mobile and Orange already showed their versions of the new devices. Names like O2 XDA Mars, XDA Cosmo, Orange SPV C100 and T-mobile MDA Compact III have already emerged in the pas weeks.
For more information on the new HTC devices click here!
Official press release:
~ Targeting new audiences with innovative product designs tailored for specific market segments ~
HTC, the world's leading provider of Microsoft® Windows Mobile® devices, today launched its Q4 product portfolio. The four new additions to the HTC range are each specifically designed to appeal to new market segments, bringing the benefits of Microsoft's smart mobility to new audiences.
The innovative form factors and new designs showcase the latest mobile applications - from email to navigation:
HTC S620 - HTC's new, super slim form factor with integrated QWERTY keyboard: perfect for email and messaging
HTC P3300 - HTC's first dedicated navigation PDA with in-built GPS and complete with TomTom NAVIGATOR 6 software
HTC P3600 - HTC's next generation multimedia compact PDA with 3G connectivity and HSDPA-ready
HTC S310 - a small yet powerful messaging and internet smartphone for both business and consumer use
The launch of these devices, hot on the heels of the HTC TyTN and HTC MTeoR in June, underpins HTC's continual leadership in innovation and its commitment to extending the reach and appeal of smart devices to encompass both advanced business users and 'first-time' smartphone and PDA owners. All devices will be available under the HTC brand as well as in customised versions for operator partners.
HTC has already lined up leading European mobile operator partners for these new devices. As the first operator T-Mobile will be launching the HTC P3300 as its own customised version - called MDA Compact III - in several European markets. UK ONLY: New distribution partners Portix and Expansys are also promoting HTC's range across their relevant sectors.
HTC is growing rapidly in Europe. It has already extended its footprint to include a dedicated local presence in Italy and France, with plans for Germany, Scandinavia, Russia and Spain by the end of the year.
Customers requiring support for any HTC device can go direct to http://www.europe.htc.com/support/. Now live in six languages, the support centre answers more than 800 FAQs online and is constantly added to with fresh information, hints and tips.
Florian Seiche, Vice President of HTC Europe commented: "Being able to offer the best customer experience on a dedicated device is extremely important for us - no matter if it is for email, navigation or multimedia focus. This new range of devices will enable both consumer and business users to make their personal choice within the rapidly growing segment of Smart Devices based on the powerful Windows Mobile platform."
"We're thrilled to see HTC expanding its portfolio with the HTC S620, S3300, P3600 and S310 smartphones, which further add to HTC's stellar record of innovation on the Windows Mobile platform," Scott Horn, General Manager, Mobile & Embedded Devices Division, Microsoft Corp. "These devices are defining a whole new category of phones with a range of entertainment and productivity options for business users and consumers. With HTC, we're bringing more choice to Windows Mobile customers in a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse mobile market"
"As a preferred navigation partner for HTC going forward, we can collectively offer customers an easy to use, high performance handheld mobile navigation solution so they need never be lost while on the move again," said Eric Pité, vice president, Product Management at TomTom.
More about the products:
HTC S620
The HTC S620 smartphone is a break-through form factor for HTC. Super sleek - just 12.8mm thin and weighing 130g with battery - this device makes light work of email and document management on the go. It is the first device to feature HTC's JOGGR® touch sensitive navigation bar, ensuring easy access to a wealth of applications including: Outlook Mobile® via direct Push functionality available with Windows Mobile 5.0), Word Mobile, Excel® Mobile, PowerPoint® Mobile and PDF viewer, literally at your fingertips. Combined with a 2.4 inch, colour, landscape screen and fully integrated QWERY keyboard this is truly a smart messaging device.
The HTC S620 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options: Quad band GPRS/EDGE, WiFiTM and BluetoothTM. It will be available across Europe from October 2006.
HTC P3300
When it comes to personal navigation, devices don't come smarter than the HTC P3300. This is HTC's first dedicated navigation PDA with built-in GPS and features the latest TomTom software, NAVIGATOR 6. The HTC P3300, with NAVIGATOR 6 is the ideal solution for customers who need their PDA and navigation device integrated into one personal device. 2D and 3D maps are easy to install and view using HTC's RollRTM (Trackball and Track Wheel) and optimised 2.8 inch sharp colour screen.
Retailing from October 2006, the HTC P3300 will be available with a "taster pack" of regional maps or as a full version pre-loaded with a complete set of maps for Western Europe.
HTC P3600
The HTC P3600 is HTC's next generation PDA, building on its successful predecessors the Prophet and Magician. Packed with technology, the HTC P3600 is the perfect companion for work and play. Windows Mobile® 5.0 keeps you up to date with emails, calendar and documents; it features 3G connectivity and is HSDPA-ready, delivering Worldwide high-speed internet connectivity wherever and whenever it's needed. With serious multi media capabilities and a 2.0 megapixel camera built in, this feature rich PDA is ideal for messaging, video, pictures and music on the go.
Available in a high quality black or white glossy finish, the HTC P3600 will be available across Europe from September 2006.
HTC S310
Ideal for business and consumer users the HTC S310 is a small yet powerful candy bar-style messaging device. It offers affordable access to Windows Mobile 5.0 and high specification multimedia functionality. This Quad band device will be on the shelves from September 2006 in a range of colours - black, white and grey.
For more information on the new HTC devices click here!
