HTC has unveiled its new Android 2.3-based smartphone, the HTC Rhyme. Although the unit is not gender specific in any particular way, available colors and accessories such as HTC Charm might suggest it is primarily aimed at the fairer sex. The smartphone comes with a 3.7-inch WVGA super LCD touchscreen and a refreshed HTC Sense 3.5 user interface. The Rhyme will be hitting Verizon Wireless in the U.S. on September 29.
Powered via a 1GHz CPU and 768MB of RAM, the Rhyme features 4GB of total built-in storage (up to 1GB available storage), 5-megapixel camera and a 1600 mAh power supply. Connectivity comes courtesy of quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth 3.0 with FTP/OPP and A2DP profiles support, and DLNA support. Encased in a unibody housing, the Rhyme weighs 130 grams (4.58 ounces) with battery and will be offered in three "nature inspired colors": clearwater, hourglass and plum.
Its 5-megapixel camera comes autofocus- and LED flash-equipped, offering 720p video recording and instant shutter to speed up the snapping of images. Options such as face detection, action burst scene, panoramic mode and instant sharing via social websites are also present.
The refreshed HTC Sense interface includes a new home screen that provides "previews of your appointments, messages or whatever is important to you," HTC says. The Rhyme's lock screen is also customizable to display chosen content. The smartphone comes with HTC Watch service on board, offering a selection of movies and TV shows for download.
The Rhyme also has a number of accessories:
- HTC Rhyme docking station - provides charging and comes with Bluetooth speakers built-in
- HTC Rhyme Charm - a wired dongle that flashes in case of an incoming call or message, and reportedly makes it easier to pull the phone from a purse
- armband
- "tangle-free" headphones
- Bluetooth headset
- Bluetooth car speaker
The HTC Rhyme will be available exclusively through Verizon Wireless in the U.S. on September 29 priced at US$199 on-contract, and worldwide in October with pricing yet to be announced. U.S. customers will receive the docking station, headphones and Charm bundled with the smartphone.