In a press conference at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show, HTC have shown off its new range of 4G phones for the US market. The smartphones, and their respective operating systems are as follows:
- HTC Thunderbolt – Android 2.2 (Froyo)
- HTC Inspire 4G – Android 2.2 (Froyo)
- HTC Evo Shift 4G – Android 2.2 (Froyo)
The HTC Evo Shift 4G is what will eventually end up in Australia named the HTC Desire Z, and sports both a touchscreen and a slideout QWERTY keyboard.
Here’s the HTC press release:
HTC Launches 3 new 4G smartphones, solidifying its 4G Leadership with new devices at all national US carriers
LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show (CES), – Jan. 6, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in smartphone innovation and design, this week at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) unveiled three new 4G smartphones together with three U.S. wireless operators, further solidifying HTC’s position as the leader in 4G. HTC introduced the world’s first 4G smartphone in 2008, and the world’s first 4G Android™ smartphone in 2010. With these three new smartphones joining the HTC EVO™ 4G, HTC’s T-Mobile G2™ and HTC’s T-Mobile MyTouch™ 4G, HTC’s portfolio of 4G devices in the United States grows to six devices, demonstrating HTC’s ability to deliver advanced phones to support the launch of every major US carrier’s 4G network.
“HTC has always focused on delivering innovations that are inspired by our consumers to delight them in big and small ways. That pioneering spirit continues this week with the start of a new chapter through the introduction of three new 4G smartphones,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC Corporation. “HTC offers a diverse portfolio of devices that are designed to not only perform at 4G wireless speeds, but to put each of our customers at the center with the HTC Sense™ experience, which truly brings the power of broadband wireless to life. Whether people are looking for large-screen multi-media, consumer social media, touch or QWERTY 4G devices, HTC has a device that fits their needs.”
HTC Brings 4G Speed to the People
Earlier this week, Sprint and HTC unveiled the new HTC EVO Shift 4G, a 4G phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The smash-hit HTC EVO 4G introduced the world to the possibilities of 4G, and with the introduction of the HTC EVO Shift 4G, Sprint and HTC have created the first true portfolio of 4G smartphones in the industry. With a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, compact size, and a price point of US$149.99, the HTC EVO Shift 4G is a strong choice for mass-market smartphone users looking to explore the speed of 4G.
Unveiled today, HTC ThunderBolt on Verizon is one of the world’s first LTE smartphones, spearheading Verizon Wireless’ push into the world of 4G. Embedded deeply within the HTC Sense experience is Skype connectivity, allowing people to connect to other Skype users from virtually anywhere, and between mobile devices and from mobile to PC. This connectivity makes HTC ThunderBolt the ultimate device to connect by both voice and video, enabling the more than 100 million active Skype users to connect across networks and devices. With a 4.3 inch screen, front and rear cameras, integrated DLNA support, Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon™ processor and the latest version of HTC Sense, the HTC ThunderBolt is a cutting edge multimedia powerhouse.
The HTC ThunderBolt delivers the speed of 4G LTE by combining HTC innovation with the power of a Qualcomm LTE chipset solution. “Qualcomm is providing chipsets that can switch seamlessly between 3G and the next generation LTE networks that are coming on line,” said Steve Mollenkopf, executive vice president and group president, Qualcomm. “These multi-mode solutions are catalyzing the creation of advanced new devices – ones that truly unleash the power of mobile broadband and provide consumers a differentiated and unique experience. Our chipset roadmap enables innovative companies such as HTC to lead the charge, and we are very pleased to work with them.”
Additionally, HTC is joining forces with AT&T to launch one of the first 4G smartphones on AT&T’s HSPA+ network, the HTC Inspire 4G. The HTC Inspire 4G is the first device in the US to enhance the HTC Sense experience with htcsense.com, an online service that extends the HTC Sense experience beyond the handset. This allows people to find a lost phone on a map, send a command to make the phone sound an alert – even while on “silent” mode, and if needed, remotely wipe all of the phone’s data with a single command. Along with 4G HSPA+ connectivity, the HTC Inspire 4G boasts an impressive list of features, including an 8 megapixel camera, Dolby and SRS surround sound, active noise cancellation and a sleek unibody design machined from a single block of aluminum.
The HTC EVO Shift 4G, HTC ThunderBolt and HTC Inspire 4G join the most diverse and exciting lineup of 4G devices on the market, while also strengthening HTC’s leadership in 4G device development and deployment.