HTC today launched Tattoo, a small, presumably low-cost Android phone running the phone maker's custom Sense user interface first seen on the Hero. Long rumored under the codename "Click," Tattoo will hit European stores and streets in October, followed by more countries in the months to follow. No timetable was given for a U.S. launch in HTC's press release.
Tattoo will likely be as cheap as free after contract subsidies on European carriers, and in HTC's words is meant to be "an Android-based phone that brings broad personalization to the masses." Consumers will be able to design and purchase or select from pre-made covers to customize the handset. You know, like T-Mobile's myTouch 3G here in the U.S. But smaller. And with Sense.
Cheap won't be cheap in Tattoo's case, however, if Tattoo's spec sheet is anything to go by:
I may or may not have gotten to play with an early protoype of Click/Tattoo a few months back. I think there's a lot of potential here, particularly if that touchscreen turns out to be capactitive and multitouch-capable (UPDATE: It's not - it's a resistive touch display). Android on the cheap backed by a decent processor, a highly customizable UI, and an easy way to order a back panel emblazoned with your kid's latest finger paint masterpiece? Sounds like a "mass market" winner in the making to me. And don't be fooled - while geeks like you and me love huge touchscreen displays, lots of people would be very happy to have a smaller little smartphone tucked away in their pocket or purse.
