14 DAY TRIAL // On Thursday, global smartphone designer HTC Corporation announced the launch of HTC Smart in the Philippines. The Smart comes to the market as a new type of smartphone, creating a category of easy-to-use, connected devices that are available to a wider range of consumers than before. The handset is expected to become available for purchase in Europe and Asia this spring.
“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 enhanced HTC Sense brings an unparalleled smartphone experience for people looking to do more on their phone.”
The HTC Smart is powered by Qualcomm's Brew MP operating system, on top of which HTC has pre-loaded its own experience, the HTC Sense. The solution is based on three main principles, Make It Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected, and should make the way in which one uses the device fell more natural. Moreover, it has been designed to offer fast access to communication options such as social networking, text messaging or email.
The Qualcomm Brew Mobile Platform (Brew MP) that powers Smart is a popular mobile operating system, created so as to offer handset makers the possibility to bring to the market devices that sport aggressive price points. Thus, HTC has the flexibility of providing appealing smartphone features on devices across multiple tiers.
“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 Kaneungjit Suriyathumrongkul, senior director of business development for Qualcomm Incorporated. “We are pleased to be supporting HTC as they utilize the capabilities of Qualcomm’s distinctive Brew MP operating system to offer high-end capabilities and a compelling mobile user experience at mass-market price points.”
According to the Taiwan-based mobile phone maker, the HTC Smart is expected to become available for purchase in the Philippines from mid-May, via all authorized resellers. The suggested retail price for the device has been set at Php12,900.