Facebook Phones Released
February 16th, 2011 | by Mobile Data Group |Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC unveiled overnight two social networking phone models, with a focus on Facebook access, and introduced its first tablet computer to a crowded marketplace.
The world’s fifth-largest smartphone maker also introduced new versions of its hit models Desire, Wildfire and Incredible.
All six new devices will run Google’s Android software, which ended the 10-year reign of Nokia’s Symbian as the pre-eminent smartphone platform last quarter.
“We believe customers want choice; one size does not fit all,” said Philip Blair, product director at HTC Europe.
In a statement, local carrier Telstra said it would exclusively carry the HTC Desire S in Australia. It would be available in the first half of this year.
HTC’s strong push into smartphones using Google’s Android operating system has helped the company to grow market share against bigger rivals like Nokia and Samsung.
It held 9 per cent of the global smartphone market in the December quarter, according to research firm IDC.
HTC joined the throng of tablet makers with its Flyer model, which comes with a 7-inch screen and a separate stylus.
HTC is hoping to replicate the success of smaller vendor INQ Mobile, which has built a business by focusing solely on social networking models.