Smartphone phreaks rejoice: high-end smartphone challenger HTC will launch its flagship phone, the One, on the local market towards the end of April.
HTC, which has struggled against robust competition from Apple and Samsung, is pinning its hopes on the new Android-powered device, which wraps the Google operating system in a custom skin (at the software level) and a unibody aluminium chassis.
The company is going all-out, partnering with Telstra, Optus and Vodafone for the launch. Some carriers get access to an exclusive black-bodied phone (pictured), while others are restricted to the raw aluminium finish.
The software skin includes a feature HTC has dubbed “Blinkfeed” which channels notifications and social media status updates to the home screen. The device also boasts a feature-competitive camera called Zoe, which allows the simultaneous shooting of stills and video, along with a panorama feature.
The phone also has front-facing stereo speakers, and incorporates Beats Audio technology, a feature sure to appeal to the youth market.
Costs depend on carrier and plan.
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