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In his Consumer Electronics Show (CES) keynote earlier this month, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer showed off the HD2 and disclosed that it would be coming to T-Mobile USA this spring. While pricing has still not been announced, as far as we're aware, T-Mobile's version of the HD2 will feature more memory and storage than others, according to a new page on HTC's website.
Where the rest-of-world HD2 includes a 512MB ROM, the T-Mobile version will include a 1GB ROM -- possibly allowing for a Windows Mobile 6.5.3 or Windows Mobile 7 upgrade in the future. Meanwhile, RAM is up to 576MB, and a 16GB microSD memory card will also be bundled with the system, HTC says.
All HD2s come with a 1GHz processor, a five megapixel camera, and a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixels. Similar to the one featured on Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch devices, the screen makes "viewing, zooming and resizing websites, Microsoft Office files, PDF documents and pictures easier with just a pinch of your fingers," HTC says.
HTC adds that while the display allows users to type using the onscreen keyboard without the assistance of a stylus, an optional stylus is available (pictured at right) for capturing signatures and other precise operations. As videos (see later in this story) make clear, capacitive touch may be used not only with HTC's custom applications -- known collectively as "HTC Sense" -- but also with standard Windows Mobile applications.
According to HTC, the HD2's Sense user interface provides a "people-centric" approach that makes it easy to switch between calling, texting, email, or interacting with social networks. The company touts a dedicated Twitter client known as HTC Peep, and says pictures taken with the HD2's five megapixel camera may be quickly shared via either Twitter or Facebook.
Sense also leverages the HD2's onboard sensors, HTC says. For example, a proximity sensor is used to prevent false screen touches when the phone is picked up to answer or make a call, and a light sensor automatically adjust screen brightness, the company says.
Another novel feature on the HD2 -- which may or may not be neutered by T-Mobile -- is a built-in WiFi router. According to HTC, the HD2 can share its 3G Internet connectivity with a notebook computer or other devices via WiFi. Internet sharing is also possible via Bluetooth or a USB cable, the company adds.
The HD2 is also said to include a digital compass, GPS, a five megapixel camera with autofocus, an FM receiver, and even a dual-LED flashlight. Processing power is provided by Qualcomm's Snapdragon, which includes both a 1GHz ARM-based applications processor and a 600MHz DSP (digital signal processor).
Features and specifications listed by HTC for the T-Mobile USA HD2 include the following:Further information
As noted, the HD2 will be available in the U.S. from T-Mobile this spring, though pricing was not announced. More information on the phone may be found on the HTC website, here.
