Mini versions of larger and more expensive handsets/smartphones is becoming one of the trends in this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Earlier today, HTC released 3 new mobile devices at MWC 2010. First one is the HTC HD Mini which specs-wise is a mini version of the HTC HD 2. The other 2 handsets are the HTC Legend, a sexy aluminum-cased phone and the HTC Desire which has a very striking resemblance to the Google Nexus One.

The HTC HD Mini is a small version of the HD2 running on Windows Mobile 6.5.3, a 600MHz MSM7227 processor, has a 3.2″ HVGA multi-touch capacitive display, a 5 megapixel camera and 512MB ROM / 384MB RAM. It will be available in Europe and Asia in the 2nd quarter of this year.

Product Photos

HTC HD Mini product page

Next is the HTC Legend, a beautiful and sexy mobile device running on Android 2.1, a 600MHz MSM7227 processor, sporting a 3.2″ HVGA AMOLED display and the Sense UI, a 5 megapixel camera, 512MB ROM / 384 RAM and an optical joystick. The HTC Legend will start shipping in Europe next month and will be available in Asia in the 2nd quarter of this year.

Product Photos

HTC Legend product page

Last, but not least is the HTC Desire which is actually the most impressive one in this new batch of HTC phones. The HTC Desire is an Android 2.1-powered device running on 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 512MB ROM / 576 RAM, with a 3.7″ WVGA AMOLED display, a 5 megapixel camera, an optical joystick and full Microsoft Exchange support. This phonen will be available both in Europe and Asia starting in the 2nd quarter of this year.

Product Photos

HTC Desire product page

Inspite of being 3 totally different mobile devices, the HTC HD Mini, HTC Legend and HTC Desire have these things in common: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, G-sensors, 3.5mm headphone jacks, dual-band (900/2100MHz) 7.2Mbps HSDPA connectivity and a new social media app called “Friend Stream”. There’s no word yet when or whether the HTC HD Mini, HTC Legend and HTC Desire would be made available here in the US or in North America or how much each handset costs.

Among these 3 new handsets released by HTC, which one do you like the most? The HTC HD Mini, HTC Legend or the HTC Desire?

Microsoft launched Windows Mobile 6.5 today and with that, they released several mobile phones running their new mobile OS. The list includes the Toshiba TG01, HTC Pure, HTC Tilt 2, HTC Imagio and the HTC HD2.

The most anticipated device among these mobile phones is the HTC HD2 which is more popularly known by its codename “Leo”. The HTC HD is the first Windows Mobile powered phone that features HTC’s Sense UI. It features a 4.3″ WVGA capacitive touchscreen display, a 1GHz Snapdragon procoessor, a 5 megapixel camera, 512MB ROM/448MB RAM, 7.2Mbps UMTS/HSPA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and G-Sensor.

Here’s a hands-on video of the HTC HD2 from SlashGear.

Product Photos:

I loved the HTC HD and I definitely love the HTC HD2 more! Not only does it have a bigger screen, it also has a faster processor and a more beautiful user interface, thanks to the HTC Sense UI.

Good news for HTC fans here in the US. Unlike its predecessor the HTC HD, the HTC HD2 will be brought here in North America and will be available early next year, 2010. No word yet though on how much will this mobile phone cost but I’m hoping it wouldn’t be too expensive.

Verizon Wireless and HTC officially announced today the release of the HTC Imagio, which will be the carrier’s first smartphone to support the V Cast Mobile TV service. The HTC Imagio features Windows Mobile 6.5, a 3.6″ WVGA touchscreen display, a 528MHz Qualcomm processor, 512MB ROM/256MB RAM, a 5 megapixel camera CDMA and Quad-band GSM support just to name a few.

Key Features:

• Global roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations (Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 + 2100 HSPA)
• High-speed connectivity in the United States over Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband network (CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A 800/1900 MHz)
• Support for Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• Large 3.6” LCD touch-sensitive screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution
• 3.5-mm audio jack and five quick launch buttons, including one-touch access to multimedia capabilities
• On-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy typing
• 1500 mAh battery delivers extended operating time

Screenshots:

HTC Imagio Official Press Release

Here’s an unboxing and hands-on review video from SlashGear:

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES for work and play WITH the HTC Imagio Exclusively from verizon wireless

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and BELLEVUE, Wash. – Verizon Wireless and HTC today introduce the HTC Imagio™, a stylish multimedia smartphone that combines an intuitive user interface with global roaming capabilities for data access in more than 185 destinations. Verizon Wireless’ first smartphone to support V CAST Mobile TV, the Imagio brings news, sports and entertainment from popular broadcast channels to life on its extra-large 3.6” color display. The HTC Imagio’s mobile productivity is made possible by Windows Mobile® 6.5. It is a Windows® phone that is engineered to keep customers connected to both entertainment and work.

Key features:

* Global roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations (Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 + 2100 HSPA)
* High-speed connectivity in the United States over Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband network (CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A 800/1900 MHz)
* Support for Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
* Large 3.6” LCD touch-sensitive screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution
* 3.5-mm audio jack and five quick launch buttons, including one-touch access to multimedia capabilities
* On-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy typing
* 1500 mAh battery delivers extended operating time

Lifestyle features:

* Support for Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Mobile TV and V CAST Video on Demand services, while the Imagio’s V CAST Mobile TV antenna doubles as a convenient kickstand for easy, hands-free viewing
* Support for Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music with Rhapsody service gives customers access to millions of songs to download over the air; get the master copy of the songs on their PCs; and sync their favorite tracks, albums and playlists from their PCs to their phones using a separately-sold USB cable
* Complete Windows Mobile® 6.5 Professional support with Microsoft® Office Mobile and Microsoft Office® Outlook® Mobile
* Fully-customizable home screen with ability to add applications of interest
* Integrated communications and seamless access to social networks
* Intuitive HTC TouchFLO™ 3D interface to allow for easy navigation between menus
* 5.0 megapixel camera with auto focus to capture memories with friends and family

Price and availability:

* The HTC Imagio will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 6 and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning Oct. 20 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
* Monthly access package for V CAST Mobile TV is $15 per month.

V CAST Mobile TV

As Verizon Wireless’ first smartphone to support V CAST Mobile TV, HTC Imagio customers can enjoy the best of broadcast and cable television programming – including live shows and other mobile television content – 24 hours a day from many of the best-known entertainment brands including Bravo, CBS, CBS College Sports, CBS News, CNBC, Comedy Central, ESPN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Radio, FOX, FOX News, FOX Sports, MSNBC, MTV, MTV Tr3́s, NBC, NBC Sports, NBC News, and Nickelodeon. The live mobile TV service is provided by FLO TV Incorporated. For the latest information on V CAST Mobile TV from Verizon Wireless, including programs, handsets, pricing and availability, visit the V CAST Mobile TV Web site at www.verizonwireless.com/mobiletv.

The HTC Imagio is no iPhone killer but it is a feature-packed smartphone that has a lot of features that can attract a lot of customers. The HTC Imagio will be available online on October 6th and in Verizon Wireless stores nationwide on October 20th and will retail for $199.99 with a new two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate.

HTC has just announced the release of their latest Android-based phone, the HTC Tattoo. The Tattoo, formerly known as the Click will be the second device to make use of the HTC Sense user interface that offers a lot of customization features – 7 home screen panels that can be personalized with different wallpapers, widgets and shortcuts. Aside from that, the HTC Tattoo will also have interchangeable backplates with several ready-made custom designs to choose from.

Product Specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7225™, 528 MHz
• Platform: Android™
• Memory: ROM: 512 MB
• RAM: 256 MB
• Dimensions (LxWxT): 106 x 55.2 x 14 mm ( 4.17 x 2.17 x 0.55 inches)
• Weight: 113 grams ( 3.99 ounces) with battery
• Display: 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with 240×320 QVGA resolution
• Network: HSPA/WCDMA: Europe/Asia: 900/2100 MHz, Up to 384 kbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Device Control: 4-Way navigation control with Enter button
• GPS Internal GPS antenna
• Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g
• HTC ExtUSB™: (11-pin mini-USB 2.0) 3.5 mm audio jack
• Camera: 3.2 megapixel color camera
• Audio supported formats: MP3, AAC(AAC, AAC+, AAC-LC), AMR-NB, WAV, MIDI and Windows Media Audio 9
• Video supported formats: MPEG-4, H.263, H.264 and Windows Media® Video 9
• Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
• Capacity: 1100 mAh
• Talk time: Up to 342 minutes for WCDMA, 390 minutes for GSM
• Standby time: Up to 520 hours for WCDMA, 340 hours for GSM
• Expansion Slot: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
• AC Adapter: Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
• DC output: 5V and 1A
• Special Features: G-sensor, Digital Compass, FM Radio

Product Photos:

Here’s HTC’s official Press Release for the HTC Tattoo:

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 autofocus 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.

Like what the official release said, the HTC Tattoo will be available in Europe at the start of next month, October and will be available in other parts of the world a few months later. There’s no word yet on when exactly it will be available here in the US or North America and which carrier it will go to.

Since the HTC Tattoo is being marketed for a broader audience, it would be nice to see this phone would retail at around $100 or less.

[image source: HTC Europe]

Yesterday, HTC introduced their latest QWERTY smartphone called the HTC Snap at the CTIA convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. When I first saw it, what immediately came to my mind was that it had the resemblance of a Blackberry Bold and a Nokia E71 with its trackball and QWERTY keyboard in full public display.

The HTC Snap was designed for business people, executives and other users whose main purpose is using a handset for communications – sending emails, text messages and other documents. The HTC Snap smartphone is also the first HTC handset to use an email prioritization system called “Inner Circle” that allows the user to specify an exclusive group of people as high priority contacts or the users “Inner Circle”. With a touch of a button, all emails from people who belong to your “Inner Circle” will be sorted and pushed on top of the list/inbox for quick and easy access.

Specifications:

• Qualcomm MSM 7225 processor, 528 MHz
• Windows Mobile® 6.1 Standard OS
• QWERTY keypad with dedicated messaging, email and Inner Circle hotkeys
• 256MB ROM, 192MB RAM
• microSDHC support
• Dimensions: 4.59″ x 2.42″ x .47″ (LxWxT)
• Weight: 4.23 ounces (with battery)
• Display: 2.4″ (diagonal) QVGA (320×240)
• 1500 mAh battery
• HSDPA/WCDMA 900/2100 MHz or HSDPA/WCDMA 850/1900 MHz (HTC S522)
• Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
• Wi-Fi (b/g)
• GPS/aGPS

Additional Photos:

Here’s HTC’s Press Release for the HTC Snap smartphone:

HTC Snap™ makes staying in touch with more people less complicated

LAS VEGAS – April 1, 2009 – HTC Corporation today debuted its newest QWERTY smartphone, the HTC Snap™. Designed with a set of features selected to deliver everything customers need without overwhelming them with things they don’t, the HTC Snap makes it easier than ever to stay in contact with life’s most important people.

A recent study conducted by Harris Interactive® and commissioned by HTC* found that 44% of US adults are often overwhelmed by the amount of email they receive, and over half (55%) of US adults prioritize five or fewer people with whom they communicate via email. In response to these issues, HTC’s innovative Inner Circle feature allows HTC Snap users to press a dedicated Inner Circle key to bring emails from a preselected group of people to the top of their inbox, enabling important messages to be acted upon immediately.

“Recognizing that people are being overwhelmed by an avalanche of email, the HTC Snap introduces Inner Circle, an HTC innovation that makes it easy for people to prioritize messages from the most important people in their lives at the press of a button,” said John Wang, Chief Marketing Officer, HTC Corporation. “The HTC Snap represents the latest step in HTC’s mission to create a range of innovative smartphones, each with specific benefits designed to both surprise and delight our customers.”

With a slim, sleek profile designed to fit perfectly in the hand, the HTC Snap measures less than a half-inch thick (12 mm), yet it can deliver up to eight and a half hours of talk time with the standard 1500mAh battery. The full QWERTY keyboard is ergonomically designed with extra-large domed keys and responsive tactile feedback to make typing emails and text messages fast, accurate and comfortable. High-speed 3G HSPA connectivity makes it quick and easy to send pictures to friends, access favorite social networking sites, or download large files while on the go.

The HTC Snap is powerful enough for experienced business users looking for an affordable, straightforward choice for remotely synchronizing email, calendar and contacts with their Microsoft Exchange server. However, the flexible Microsoft Windows Mobile® 6.1 Standard platform allows the HTC Snap to also be simple enough for first-time smartphone users wanting to keep their family life organized.

The HTC Snap is expected to be available in select channels during the second quarter of 2009, rolling out in markets around the world throughout the second half of the year. Additionally, an unlocked version supporting HSDPA at 850/1900MHz for the US market will be made available under the name HTC S522 during the summer.

If you haven’t noticed, I’m a HTC fanboy. Ever since I got my AT&T Tilt aka HTC TyTN II, I’ve fell in love with HTC and their handsets/mobile devices. Although I prefer handsets with bigger screens, I still like the design and look of the HTC Snap. It’s slim, sexy and looks very classy and elegant.