By Brandon Miniman | January 7, 2010 9:18 AM
HTC is expanding their portolfio of devices once again, this time with a device called the Smart. It doesn’t run a traditional smartphone operation system (which makes us question the use of the name “Smart”). Instead, it uses Qualcomm’s Brew MP platform, which should allow the device to be sold at very low prices. Not much is known about the Smart except that it uses elements of HTC Sense to bring a similar experience found on HTC’s Windows Mobile and Android offerings. The design of the device is similar to that of the HTC Touch2.
Update: Well it look like the official HTC site for the Smart is up now, and we have some specs! Here they are:
CPU: 300MHz
RAM: 256MB
ROM: 256MB, microSD expansion
Size: 104 x 55 x 12.8mm, 108 grams
Screen: 2.8″ QVGA resistive
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0, no WiFi (gasp!); quadband GSM and single-band UMTS (for Europe)
Camera: 3.0MP
Battery: 1100mAh
From the press release:
LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Jan. 7, 2010 HTC Corporation, a global smartphone designer, today unveiled HTC Smart a new type of smartphone that creates a new category of easy-to-use, connected smartphones that are accessible by people all over the world. The HTC Smart will be available this spring across Europe and Asia.
“HTC has always focused on listening to customers and setting the stage for new mobile categories, and HTC Smart is the response to customer demand around the world for an easier-to-use, affordable smartphone,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC Corporation. “Just adding a touch interface doesn’t mean a phone is a smartphone. The integration of HTC Sense brings an unparalleled smartphone experience for people looking to do more on their phone.”
Bringing HTC Sense to the Masses
HTC Smart begins with a friendly, compact touch design and integrates an intuitive user experience that is centered around HTC Sense, an HTC design philosophy that puts people at the center by focusing on three core areas: Make It Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected. HTC Smart enables personal customization of each person’s own phone experience. It also provides a quick and easy way to see what friends are up to via various social networks as well as quickly communicating over the phone, through text messaging or e-mail.
“HTC Smart breaks new ground in delivering the powerful, in-demand smartphone features that consumers want on a more accessible device for global markets,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. “We are pleased to be supporting HTC as they utilize the capabilities of Qualcomm’s Brew Mobile Platform open operating system to offer high-end capabilities and a compelling mobile user experience at mass-market price points.”
Qualcomm Brew Mobile Platform (Brew MP)
HTC Smart utilizes Qualcomm’s Brew MP, a popular mobile operating system that enables smartphone devices to be offered at more aggressive price points, providing HTC with the flexibility to deliver smartphone features on devices across multiple tiers.
