HTC updates Desire range with HD and Z handsets

Smartphones aimed at business users and consumers

The Desire HD has a 4.3in multi-touch screen

HTC has unveiled the Android 2.2-based Desire HD and Desire Z smartphones, and a new version of the HTC Sense user interface enabling handsets to be managed, controlled and customised from a PC.

The Desire HD has a 4.3in WVGA multi-touch screen, and is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm 8255 Snapdragon processor.

Other key features include 1.5GB of internal memory, 768MB of RAM, a micro-SD expansion slot and Dolby Mobile and SRS virtual sound for improved multimedia performance.

The camera has been boosted to eight megapixels with dual LED flash, and is capable of 720p HD video recording.

Horace Luke, chief innovation officer at HTC, said at the launch event in London that the screen size provides an enhanced multimedia experience, and that customers will be able to read books, highlight text and make notes.

This is an interesting addition, considering that upcoming e-readers such as the Sony Reader Touch are being marketed on the ability to perform just such tasks.

The HTC Desire Z, meanwhile, continues the manufacturer's strong heritage of business devices, but will also appeal to social networking consumers, the firm said.

The smartphone features a pop-up hinge that opens to reveal a Qwerty keyboard with two customisable keys providing instant access to common functions without the need to open menus.

The device is capable of 720p HD video recording, and comes with a 5-megapixel camera with automatic flash. It is powered by an 800MHz Qualcomm 7230 processor, and boots up in a claimed 10 seconds using HTC Fast Boot.

The upgraded HTC Sense overlay is exclusive to these two handsets, and offers access to HTCSense.com. The web site backs up contacts and messages, and allows the devices to be controlled remotely from any web browser.

These additions are similar to the features that RIM recently made available for its BlackBerry devices, and HTC will be hoping that HTCSense.com attracts business users.

HTC Sense is not just a user interface or overlay, but an "holistic experience", according to John Wang, chief marketing officer at HTC.

The devices will begin shipping in mid-October on the back on HTC's biggest ever marketing campaign, the manufacturer said.

The Desire HD will be available on all operators and retailers except O2 from launch. The Desire Z will be available on Vodafone and selected retailers.

No prices have been confirmed, but the devices are expected to be available free on £35 per month two-year contracts.