While the ThunderBolt has certainly been the most-rumored HTC handset as of late, the Merge was the subject of quite a bit of speculation late last year. Things surrounding the Merge have been pretty quiet lately, but HTC just came forward and gave up some official details on the landscape-sliding Android. The Merge will feature a 3.8-inch display, 5 megapixel camera, Froyo, and will be HTC's first Android-powered CDMA world phone. HTC says that the Merge will be available on "multiple North American operators" this spring, but no specific carriers are mentioned. Check out the full press release down below.
We've heard that the Merge could be destined for either Verizon, Alltel, or perhaps even both, and a recent appearance on Best Buy's site seems to show that a Big Red launch isn't far off. I wouldn't be surprised if much of the interest in the device has disappeared at this point, especially in the face of devices like the ThunderBolt and DROID Bionic, but the Merge still looks like a capable Android smartphone, especially with its physical QWERTY keyboard. Are any of you still interested in the Merge, or have you packed up and moved on to a different handset?
HTC Introduces the Powerful, Feature-Rich HTC Merge
The HTC Merge™ Smartphone Brings Android™ and HTC Sense™ to HTC's First CDMA Android World Phone
BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC Corp., a global designer of smartphones, today announced that the new HTC Merge smartphone will be made available through multiple North American carriers beginning in spring 2011. The HTC Merge smartphone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the power of Android 2.2, the HTC Sense experience, a large 3.8-inch touch-screen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience for those looking for a truly complete smartphone. The HTC Merge is also HTC's first Android-based CDMA world phone.
"HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment," said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. "Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it's at home or travelling around the world."
Customers will appreciate seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with the Android Market™ with more than 100,000 applications. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.
In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smartphone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p video.
Availability
HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011.
About HTC
HTC Corp. (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.
HTC, the HTC logo, FriendStream, HTC Merge, and HTC Sense are the trademarks of HTC Corporation. All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE HTC Corporation
