mobile phone

Getting online with your phone isn’t as fussy as it once was. That said, we still want to see the basics of web browsing done with aplomb and will be looking out for speedy online skills from these Android phones at every turn. How does playing back YouTube clips or, in some cases, Flash video work? And how does the browser itself look – does it have added extras that make us coo in admiration?

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
The browser on the Xperia X10 hasn’t gone under much modding by Sony Ericsson, resulting in a basic version which doesn’t compare so well to the Desire and Legend. That’s not to say it’s bad. Getting around pages is easy, but entering web address should be easier than having to go through the hard menu key at the bottom. YouTube clips streamed and played with no stutter within about 10 seconds. Impressive.

HTC Desire
The Desire’s web browser is great. Not only can you use pinch-to-zoom to get into the nitty gritty of a page, you can also directly tap into Wikipedia and Google Translate on any search term, just by highlighting and holding down on the phrase at the top of the page you’ve tapped in. That means one less page to visit when you need info stat. YouTube streaming is snappy and the inclusion of Flash is ace, even if clips on The Guardian took an eternity to start playing.

Google Nexus One
The standard Android browser that comes on the Nexus One is good, but it’s no match for the tweaked version on the Desire and the Legend. Navigation requires tapping into the menu button, something we’re not fond of. However, the Snapdragon processor helps video from YouTube load up sharpish, a theme we’ve warmed to across a number of the phones on test. The whole thing isn’t quite up to scratch compared to its rivals though.

HTC Legend
The browser on the HTC Legend is very much the same as the Desire. That means it’s speedy and can handle jumping around pages with aplomb. YouTube streaming is great and works within around fifteen seconds of starting a three minute clip. Flash, again, causes some issues and takes an age to fire up. You have to wonder of having Adobe’s video software on board is worth it.

HTC Tattoo
The browser on the HTC Tattoo is pretty standard for Android. It doesn’t have any added extras and isn’t the best you’ll ever use. However, it serves up pages in quick smart fashion and renders them fine if you’re using mobile optimised sites especially. YouTube clips look dandy too and make the Tattoo a very decent bet for budget conscious punters.

Verdict
The web browsing experience on the HTC Desire is the business and definitely squeaks top spot from the Legend. It’s the complete package, with Google Translate and Wikipedia baked in, and it’s a doddle to use. The X10 is a mite disappointing, while the Legend and Nexus One deserve honourable mentions.

Highlights

Express yourself with changeable covers and customization possibilities that make your phone truly unique.	Stay close to your peeps with Facebook, Twitter and Flickr woven into the heart of your phone.
Share your life adventures via easy photo and video uploads to your favorite social networking sites.	Listen to your favorite tunes on the go with your music library organized by artist, album or the playlists you create.
Enjoy multiple phones for the price of one with Scenes that let you create and save different screen arrangements for different shades of your life. To be continued HTC.COM

Tattoo embodies three core principles of HTC Sense: Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected

TAIWAN – September 8, 2009 – HTC Corporation today introduced the HTC Tattoo™, an Android-based phone that brings broad personalization to the masses. With its distinct design and ability to personalize all aspects of the phone, from its hardware to its applications and content, people are able to express themselves and create their own individual mobile experience.

“Everyone wants their own phone to feel like it was specifically made for them. The Tattoo, with HTC Sense represents an easy way to shape your own distinct mobile experience and really make it your own,” said Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corporation. “The HTC Tattoo ensures that you can create the most engaging and appropriate mobile experience through simple yet powerful personalization.”

HTC Tattoo is the second phone to embody HTC Sense, a mobile experience focused on putting people at the centre by making your phone work in a more simple and natural way. Designed by listening and observing how people live and communicate, HTC Sense revolves around three fundamental principles Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected.

With HTC Tattoo, you stay close to the important people in your life by integrating your communications and applications including voice calls, emails, texts, photos and status updates into one consolidated view, providing innovative and fun phone experiences.

The stylish HTC Tattoo is small and compact, fitting snugly into your hand or pocket. People are able to design and purchase their own unique covers or search and select from popular cover designs, altering the look of the phone to reflect their mood or individual tastes.

HTC Tattoo integrates Google’s innovative mobile services including: Google Maps, search, Google Mail, and Android market where users can download thousands of popular applications and games. It also comes complete with a broad variety of hardware features including a 3.2 megapixel camera, 3.5mm stereo headset jack and expandable microSD memory.

Availability
The HTC Tattoo will be available in Europe first at the beginning of October, and will roll out in markets around the world in the following months.

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 is 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.

Android OS lovers on a shoestring budget have found a new reason to rejoice. New found Android favorite, HTC, has introduced yet another Android based phone this time for users who are looking for a budget device.
So, those of you were unhappy about the HTC Magic and the HTC Hero being out of bounds for you, the HTC Tattoo is all set to offer the same Android experience albeit on a lesser budget.

What is the price you pay for this price cut, you may ask? Well, to start with, the touch screen phone has a resistive screen, unlike most other devices that posses a capacitive display. Surprisingly, the Tattoo will have the Sense user interface running atop the Android core the Sense UI, which was thought to be premium has now climbed down from being only available with the Hero to other mid to low end handsets like the Tattoo now.

The Tattoo will also come with the consumers getting an option to design and purchase multiple phone covers for the device. And yes, it does come with Android Market preinstalled. Additionally, users will be able to download new software via the Android Market to augment preloaded programs such as Google Maps and Google Mail. The Tattoo is a 3G-capable, Wi-Fi ready device and comes with A-GPS and Bluetooth. A 3.2 megapixel camera takes care of the imaging part. The memory is expandable with micro SD cards.

The Tattoo is expected to arrive by early next month in Europe and eventually to Asia and India at what is said to be an affordable price range. We will watch closely how affordable this one actually turns out to be.