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HTC adds that the phone's 4.3-inch display, with an expansive resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, also allows users to type using the onscreen keyboard without the assistance of a stylus. 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.
HTC revealed in November that the highly-sought-after phone -- already shipping in the rest of the world -- would come to the U.S. in early 2010, courtesy of a "a major carrier." That carrier will be T-Mobile, which will offer the HD2 this spring, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer revealed last night in his CES keynote address.
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). The HD2 includes 448MB of available RAM, 512MB of flash storage, and a microSD expansion slot, HTC adds.
As well
as offering a bevy of HTC software, the HD2 also employs Windows Mobile 6.5. The operating system upgrade includes the Windows Marketplace for Mobile online store, voice recognition, mini-programs known as widgets, My Phone cloud-based backup, a new "honeycomb" Start menu, plus a new home screen that shows new e-mails, missed calls, and calendar appointments. The mobile operating system upgrade also includes an updated Internet Explorer 6 web browser (right), though the HD2 offers a customized version of Opera Mobile 9.5.
Features and specifications listed by HTC for the 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.
