14 DAY TRIAL // Australian mobile phone carrier Vodafone is expected to add to its offering in the not too far future two new Android-based handsets, namely the HTC ChaCha and Salsa, some of the latest reports on the matter suggest. The two devices, called Facebook phones, were unveiled to the world in February this year with specific integration with the popular social networking site.
Both mobile phones come to the market with Google's Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, and feature a Facebook button for fast uploading of files, updating statuses and more on the social media destination.
The two handsets are mid-level, and come with quite affordable price tags, which should make them appealing options for those who are constantly active on Facebook.
HTC ChaCha and Salsa were already launched in various markets around the world, and should make it to Australia as well on the airwaves of Vodafone, but no specific info on when that might happen emerged for the time being, nor on the price tag they might feature when released.
The specifications list of these two new mobile phones includes a 800MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon application processor, along with 512MB of RAM, and a 5-megapixel photo snapper on the back, complemented by a front facing camera for video calling.
However, the two come with different form factors, as the ChaCha sports a physical QWERTY keyboard and a smaller display, while Salsa is a full-touch device.
The batteries inside these mobile phones are different as well, with Salsa sporting a 1520mAh one, and ChaCha having only a 1250mAh battery.
Both devices come with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as with support for 3G networks, built-in GPS receiver, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB ports, and the like.
In addition to offering fast access to Facebook, these mobile phones also come with support for a wide range of Google Mobile Services, including Search, Maps, Gmail, Google Talk, or YouTube. On top of that, users can download and install various applications on them through the Android Market.