Hong Kong – February 24, 2009 – HTC Corporation (TAIEX: 2498; “HTC”), a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design, today announced its latest personal navigation handset, the HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM. HTC is also extremely pleased to announce that SmarTone-Vodafone is the exclusive Hong Kong mobile operator partner of the HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM. With an update to 2008′s popular HTC GPS device of the same name, the HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM is not only equipped with the popular functions of HTC Touch CruiseTM, but also equipped with HTC FootprintsTM which enables users to record their journey with ease. It also supports the HSDPA internet connectivity of up to 7.2Mbps^ which allows surfing and download at broadband speed.
Read the technical details here
Introducing HTC Footprints
The HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM is the first mobile phone to offer HTC FootprintsTM, an application experience that enables people to permanently chronicle their special moments by capturing a digital postcard on their phone. With the built-in GPS function, FootprintsTM provides the ability to take notes and an audio clip of that favourite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific geographical location. In addition to identifying each postcard with its specific GPS co-ordinates, FootprintsTM also auto-names each postcard with its general location or area.
“Just as we have seen GPS technology transform how people navigate to new places, we are now seeing location-based applications like HTC FootprintsTM changing how we interact and carry our memories,” said Peter Chou, President and CEO, HTC Corporation.
Extraordinary New HTC Touch CruiseTM
Unlike other devices with geo-tagging functionality, HTC FootprintsTM in the HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM works effectively outdoors and indoors, offering a more accurate record of location for future reference and navigation. Flipping back through their photos, HTC Touch CruiseTM users will be able to retrace their steps to that exact location in just a few touches. The HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM is also equipped with Google MapsTM*. The “My Location” function enables users to locate their location in a faster and more efficient way. The simple TouchFLOTM technology makes every chic spots for dining, entertainment etc. all within a touch. With the GPS function, you can easily find your way spots you want to go. Moreover, you can also personalize the Google MapsTM and make it truly yours by using the “Favorites” so that your favourite places are all in your New Generation Touch CruiseTM.
HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM Car Cradle
The HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM is also an advanced in-car 3D GPS navigation system. When placed into its accompanying car cradle, the HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM automatically transforms its user interface into an easy-to-use, one-touch interface that provides seamless turn-by-turn directions.
Boasting a compact and sleek design with a 2.8 inch QVGA display, the HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM adopted the HTC’s TouchFLOTM technology. The HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM provides fingertip access to phone, contacts, email, weather, calendar and GPS applications, making it a strong all-around device.
HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM Key Specifications
^Network dependent
*Using Google MapsTM might involve extra costs on Internet usage
Availability & Suggested Retail Price
The HTC New Generation Touch CruiseTM will be available in early March 2009 in Hong Kong with suggested retail price of HKD4,480.
Source: HTC Press release