HTC has unveiled two new Bluetooth smartphone accessories, including the Mini+, a companion phone for a phone.
The Mini+ is a small, remote control-like device that uses Bluetooth and NFC to pair with a larger HTC smartphone, acting as a replacement phone if it’s too much effort to take the handset out of your pocket or bag. It also lets you see text and call notifications if you're doing something else with your phone.
The Mini+ also lets you make and receive calls, and even lets you take pictures remotely using your phone’s camera. It also acts as a laser pointer or a remote control if you own an HTC Media Link streaming device. The silver gadget is 4.6in tall – almost as large as the HTC One mini – and 1.5in wide, and features a 1.5in, 128 x 128 resolution display.
The Mini+ version will pair, confusingly, with the HTC One mini, the HTC Butterfly S, HTC Desire 200, and HTC Desire 500. It’ll also be compatible with the HTC One after the 2.24.401.8 software update, according to the Phandroid site.
Smartphone tracker
The company has also shown off the Fetch, a small, black, cube-shaped Bluetooth tag that attaches to a key ring and can track down your phone if it’s somewhere nearby.
Pairing the two devices means both will make a noise if separated beyond a range of 15 metres – meaning you’ll be alerted if you’ve walked out the house without your keys or your phone, or if either has been stolen. According to HTC, the Fetch can work for up to six months on a single charge.
Although both devices are listed on HTC’s site, neither are available to buy yet, and HTC hasn’t confirmed pricing or release date.
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