By As you have probably heard by now, HTC isn’t skimping on the 4G phones at this year’s CES. They have officially unveiled devices for three out of four of the major US networks with the HTC ThunderBolt for Verizon, the HTC Inspire 4G for AT&T, and the HTC EVO Shift 4G. Here is the run-down on each:
HTC ThunderBolt
- 4G LTE on Verizon Wireless
- 4.3-inch display
- 8MP camera with HD video capture
- Front-facing camera with Skype video chat
- No pricing or availability announced
HTC Inspire 4G
- HSPA+ on AT&T
- 4.3-inch screen
- Dolby and SRS surround sound
- Unibody construction
- Available Q1
HTC EVO Shift 4G
- 4G WiMAX on Sprint
- Android 2.2
- Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
- $149.99 available January 9th
Here is the full press release:
HTC LAUNCHES 3 NEW 4G SMARTPHONES, SOLIDIFYING ITS 4G LEADERSHIP WITH 4G DEVICES AT ALL NATIONAL US CARRIERS
HTC EVO Shift™ 4G, HTC ThunderBolt™ and HTC Inspire™ 4G Bring the
Power and Speed of 4G to People Across the U.S.LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show (CES), – Jan. 6, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in smartphone innovation and design, this week at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) unveiled three new 4G smartphones together with three U.S. wireless operators, further solidifying HTC’s position as the leader in 4G. HTC introduced the world’s first 4G smartphone in 2008, and the world’s first 4G Android™ smartphone in 2010. With these three new smartphones joining the HTC EVO™ 4G, HTC’s T-Mobile G2™ and HTC’s T-Mobile MyTouch™ 4G, HTC’s portfolio of 4G devices in the United States grows to six devices, demonstrating HTC’s ability to deliver advanced phones to support the launch of every major US carrier’s 4G network.
“HTC has always focused on delivering innovations that are inspired by our consumers to delight them in big and small ways. That pioneering spirit continues this week with the start of a new chapter through the introduction of three new 4G smartphones,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC Corporation. “HTC offers a diverse portfolio of devices that are designed to not only perform at 4G wireless speeds, but to put each of our customers at the center with the HTC Sense™ experience, which truly brings the power of broadband wireless to life. Whether people are looking for large-screen multi-media, consumer social media, touch or QWERTY 4G devices, HTC has a device that fits their needs.”
HTC Brings 4G Speed to the People
Earlier this week, Sprint and HTC unveiled the new HTC EVO Shift 4G, a 4G phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The smash-hit HTC EVO 4G introduced the world to the possibilities of 4G, and with the introduction of the HTC EVO Shift 4G, Sprint and HTC have created the first true portfolio of 4G smartphones in the industry. With a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, compact size, and a price point of $149.99, the HTC EVO Shift 4G is a strong choice for mass-market smartphone users looking to explore the speed of 4G.Unveiled today, HTC ThunderBolt on Verizon is one of the world’s first LTE smartphones, spearheading Verizon Wireless’ push into the world of 4G. Embedded deeply within the HTC Sense experience is Skype connectivity, allowing people to connect to other Skype users from virtually anywhere, and between mobile devices and from mobile to PC. This connectivity makes HTC ThunderBolt the ultimate device to connect by both voice and video, enabling the more than 100 million active Skype users to connect across networks and devices. With a 4.3 inch screen, front and rear cameras, integrated DLNA support, Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon™ processor and the latest version of HTC Sense, the HTC ThunderBolt is a cutting edge multimedia powerhouse.
The HTC ThunderBolt delivers the speed of 4G LTE by combining HTC innovation with the power of a Qualcomm LTE chipset solution. “Qualcomm is providing chipsets that can switch seamlessly between 3G and the next generation LTE networks that are coming on line,” said Steve Mollenkopf, executive vice president and group president, Qualcomm. “These multi-mode solutions are catalyzing the creation of advanced new devices – ones that truly unleash the power of mobile broadband and provide consumers a differentiated and unique experience. Our chipset roadmap enables innovative companies such as HTC to lead the charge, and we are very pleased to work with them.”
Additionally, HTC is joining forces with AT&T to launch one of the first 4G smartphones on AT&T’s HSPA+ network, the HTC Inspire 4G. The HTC Inspire 4G is the first device in the US to enhance the HTC Sense experience with htcsense.com, an online service that extends the HTC Sense experience beyond the handset. This allows people to find a lost phone on a map, send a command to make the phone sound an alert – even while on “silent” mode, and if needed, remotely wipe all of the phone’s data with a single command. Along with 4G HSPA+ connectivity, the HTC Inspire 4G boasts an impressive list of features, including an 8 megapixel camera, Dolby and SRS surround sound, active noise cancellation and a sleek unibody design machined from a single block of aluminum.
The HTC EVO Shift 4G, HTC ThunderBolt and HTC Inspire 4G join the most diverse and exciting lineup of 4G devices on the market, while also strengthening HTC’s leadership in 4G device development and deployment.
Continuing to Build the HTC Brand
HTC is continuing to build awareness by kicking off the next phase of its brand building growth with a campaign evolution, which was unveiled for the first time at CES. This campaign focuses on how HTC puts people at the center of everything it does, and the HTC innovations that have been inspired by listening to consumers, and responding to their needs.“At HTC, our long-standing focus has been to find new ways to make the mobile experience simpler for customers. We don’t believe in innovating for innovation’s sake, but rather to first gain a deep understanding of our customers to ensure that every HTC innovation creates a real customer benefit,” said John Wang, chief marketing officer for HTC Corporation. “This way of thinking about innovation is the inspiration behind the latest evolution of our brand advertising campaign.”
HTC launched its first global brand campaign at the end of 2009, with global brand awareness around 16 percent. Today, in the wake of HTC’s market success and brand campaign, HTC’s brand awareness is reaching 60 percent.
For additional information about HTC and these devices, please visit http://www.htc.com. You can also follow HTC on Twitter (@HTC) or on Facebook.
About HTC
HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry and continues to pioneer industry-leading mobile experiences through design, usability and innovation that are sparked by how the mobile phone can improve how people live and communicate. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.
so the thunderbolt will not be a Droid phone?
does Verizon consider it a mid range device?
No dual core phones announced, is HTC falling behind?
Its not a ‘droid’ which is made by motorola but its OS is android
wondering why HTC has not revealed any dual core phones. LG and Motorola seem to have found time to incorporate dual cores, Samsung is too busy ignoring their present phones, but where is HTc’s dual core phones? Are they falling behind?
Chase the incredible is a droid made by htc. I think with duel core on the horizon you may be right chris
uhhhh. “HTC DROID INCREDIBLE” was htv’s previous model. The term “droid” is exclusive to VZW when pertaining to android phones
I stand corrected
For real? That’s all they said about the thunderbolt? Consumers just looove being kept in the dark, verizon, this customer is close to jumping ship…
Dual core won’t be anything special until at least Q3 just as I figured.
Too big!
Will the Thunderbolt be gimped with Bing??? If so then NEXT!
The Inspire 4G is a Desire HD bt the looks of things. I do wish they would stop marketing HSPA as 4G because it isn’t.
Why hasn’t the other major carrier, TMobile, announced any drool worth phones? Getting tired of their second tier Android phones marketed at the budget shopper.
And the HTC Merge that’s been advertised for a month and leaked for 5? Where can we find that?
HTC where’s the upcoming 4g phone for TMobile G2 and Mytouch4g are old news.
I am VERY disappointed today. As a day 1 Verizon/Droid customer, I have been anticipating and expecting specific announcements today from HTC on the Thunderbolt, and Motorola on whatever their 4G phone for Verizon would be.
Instead we got announcements that AT&T will be better BETTER Android phones from both carriers as well as LG and Sumsung, and sooner or at least with more finite dates than Verizon’s lesser 4G phones. I’m shocked to see Verizon allow AT&T to swoop in and become the Android leader like this. The first carrier (between AT&T and Verizon, I just can’t handle Sprint and T-Mobile with my heavy U.S. travel) to get one of the dual-core, large screen, 4G smartphones gets my business. I hate the idea of switching back to AT&T, but I’ll do it tomorrow if they beat Verizon to market with this next generation of phones.
thank you @Whap !
@chase Verizon calls all their high end smart phones droids.. its funny.. 1st group was the HTC Droid Eris with The Motorola Droid, 2nd group was HTC Droid incredible with the Motorola Droid X, 3rd group was the Motorola Droid Pro and Motorola Droid 2.. and now its just the Motorola DROID BIONIC! lol
Paul, Verizon’s current LTE is not 4G either – if you want to get technical about it. But 4G is now being defined as anything that delivers ‘substantially higher speed’ than 3G. It’s crap, but it allows everybody to call their HSPA+14, LTE, WiMAX, etc, “4G.”
@RandyB have fun side loading apps! lol
Chris if you didnt see after my first comment i put ‘i stand corrected’ it was a mistake and if you wanna just be a dick and sound smart then suck a CACK
The ThunderBolt has “with Google” on it. So, no Bing! Verizon doesn’t call of their high ends Droids, just most.
@Chase: Not all Droids are made by Motorola. Remember the Droid Eris and Droid Incredible?
@ RandyB. What information did you not get man? We have the specs and hands on now. The only difference between the bionic and the AT&T version is the At&T has 1 gig of ram. Is it disappointing? Sure but the Bionic is an incredible device. Look at it. Its Duel Core, front faceing camera and an achievement of design and function. I have hopes that Motorola will be bringing that lap top accessory to the Bionic too. Honestly if your willing to switch carriers over a date and and some more rom then clearly the money isn’t an issue. You can switch back when you feel Verizon has caught up to your schedule. lol
Oh well us SPRINT CUSTOMERS are happy today we welcome our EVO SHIFT 4G to the growing htc evo 4g family…… LOOK OUT FOR AN ANNOUNCED MARCH 2011 AT CTIA THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HTC EVO 2 4G… MR. CHOU MADE THAT CLEAR TODAY DURING VERIZONS CONFRENCE….. ANYTHING HTC RULES PERIOD ESPICALLY ON SPRINT THE ONLY UNLIMITED DATA COVERAGE CARRIER AROUND…. THE EVO2 WILL PUT THESE ANNOUNCED DEVICE TODAY TO SHAME COME MARCH AT CTIA…. VERIZON AND AT&T STINK
@Chase i was simply thanking someone for explaining it. i read your comment but i wanted to inform you more on droid line . jeez.. lol.
@tim424 you should be right about no bing on the thunderbolt, but all verizon smartphones not being called a droid is your opinion.
only 2 other real smartphones are out on verizon and thats the galaxy s phones (loaded with bing) and the thunder bolt which is the droid x with less.
@ Paul, HSPA IS NOT BEING CALL 4G, HSPA+ IS,HSPA+ IS JUST AS FAST IF NOT FASTER THAN LTE AND JUST SO YOU KNOW NONE OF THEM ARE TECHNICALLY 4G.
LMAO richard’s a troll
Breaking News!!! Thunderbolt was announced for T-mobile also!
@ Snook101, hahaha very funny.
January 9th is almost here!
I don’t care right now I NEED A GOOD ASS PHONE. I’m happy and surprise that AT&T done something right for a change that have nothing to do with Iphone. i will be getting the Inspire cause HTC inspires me to get their phone :)
So all BS aside if you were to pick an android device thats 4g capable what device would you pick (verizon being the carrier)?
Alright alright all BS aside whats going to be “THE PHONE” to get (verizon being the carrier) and why not cuz its “cool”. I am curious to see what people see and think cuz i hear great things about each phone and then alot of bads
OK.. I’m still waiting for my HTC email.. to find out if the phone under the sheet is the AT&T or the Verizon phone.. Remember the ad where they are supposed to again supply the 1st 4G phone ?.. this makes it clear as mud, as in the market speak above for both phones, they both say “one of the first”.. but I guess the ATT phone may be in the lead, as it has 1st quarter with no date for Verizon.. I don’t know why I care, other than all the people at the time who told me it had to be Verizon because AT&T had no 4G network.. not so crazy now.., am I ? .. (don’t answer that)
This phone has aluminum unibody and new gen processor!
Looks very like the HDH – but what about the important specs:
1) Phone memory – how much do you on what you can install apps (major failing in mid to low end phones – remember the original G1 with its paltry 128MB left you with enough space for about 5 apps).
2) Operating memory – great for switching etc and keeping everything running nice and smoothly – yet another place where mid and low ends miss – the original G1 was about 256MB.
So all crap aside what is the best smart phone being offered right now with 4g lte and on verizon. i have an upgrade coming up and was curious because they all have their own ups as well as downs but what phone all around is gonna be the best? and why?
G1 256mb??? U crazy? 90mb usable rom 70mb usable ram….u would be lucky to boost up available ram to 40mb for 10mins until it leaked out in to the 20mb range…..to the person that said AT&T is the leading android carrier now…please share whatever your on.. cause they have jack ish…is the inspire and the atrix supposed to tend to everyones mobile needs? They still havnt released a decent device with a physical kb…they keep releasing devices considered mid range wtf is the point, how many teeny texters do you see on att? Not many…so why the junk phones?..and they are sooo against side loading apps its ridiculous…until they have a high end devices of all types and sizes they are still in 4th place. They thought they could rely on the liephones to carry them look where thats got them