HTC Leads in 4G with Three New Phones at CES

HTC has delivered the world’s first 4G phones, and at CES 2011 is extending this lead with the announcement of three new 4G devices. With the introduction of the HTC EVO Shift 4G from Sprint, HTC Inspire 4G from AT&T, and HTC ThunderBolt from Verizon Wireless, HTC has cemented its position as the leader in ultra-fast connectivity.

This Tuesday, Sprint announced the HTC EVO Shift 4G, a compact design featuring Android 2.2, HTC Sense, and a full QWERTY keyboard. Continuing Sprint and HTC’s partnership in innovation, the HTC EVO Shift 4G allows you to connect with those most important to you at unprecedented speeds. Additionally, at just $149.99 with a new two year contract and accompanying data plan, the device is the perfect choice for your first 4G phone. 

The HTC EVO Shift 4G will be $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and activation on a new two-year contract and data plan. It will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-Sprint1, on Jan. 9^th.

A 4G offering on AT&T’s new HSPA+ network, the HTC Inspire 4G boasts the largest screen (4.3”) from the carrier, as well as Dolby and SRS surround sound, the perfect combination for entertainment on-the-go. Designed with protection in mind, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first U.S. phone to utilize htcsense.com providing ultimate mobile control. In the unfortunate case of a lost or stolen phone, you can pinpoint your cell’s location on a map, and if necessary, wipe all personal data with a single command. This means all user content is deleted at the touch of a button, thus protecting personal and work information. All this is wrapped up by HTC’s unique manufacturing process which carves the shell of the device out of a solid piece of aluminum.

The HTC Inspire 4G will be available in the first quarter of 2011.

As one of the world’s first 4G LTE smartphones worldwide, the HTC ThunderBolt from Verizon Wireless is spearheading HTC’s commitment to introducing new technologies. A 4.3” screen brilliantly shows off pictures taken by the 8 megapixel camera and DLNA capabilities mean HD videos captured on-the-go are easily enjoyed in their native resolution. Additionally, Skype connectivity is embedded deeply within the ThunderBolt experience, bringing Skype’s 100 million users onto a single global platform at your fingertips. Skype integration ushers in a new era of face-to-face mobile communication—the business traveler can check-in with their family before a long flight, parents can video chat with their college freshman and friends can stay connected from across the country. At this time, we are not announcing pricing or availability for the HTC ThunderBolt.

HTC LAUNCHES 3 NEW 4G SMARTPHONES, SOLIDIFYING ITS 4G LEADERSHIP WITH 4G DEVICES AT ALL NATIONAL US CARRIERS

HTC EVO Shift™ 4G, HTC ThunderBolt™ and HTC Inspire™ 4G Bring the

Power and Speed of 4G to People Across the U.S.

LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show (CES), – Jan. 6, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in smartphone innovation and design, this week at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) unveiled three new 4G smartphones together with three U.S. wireless operators, further solidifying HTC’s position as the leader in 4G. HTC introduced the world’s first 4G smartphone in 2008, and the world’s first 4G Android™ smartphone in 2010. With these three new smartphones joining the HTC EVO™ 4G, HTC’s T-Mobile G2™ and HTC’s T-Mobile MyTouch™ 4G, HTC’s portfolio of 4G devices in the United States grows to six devices, demonstrating HTC’s ability to deliver advanced phones to support the launch of every major US carrier’s 4G network.

“HTC has always focused on delivering innovations that are inspired by our consumers to delight them in big and small ways. That pioneering spirit continues this week with the start of a new chapter through the introduction of three new 4G smartphones,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC Corporation. “HTC offers a diverse portfolio of devices that are designed to not only perform at 4G wireless speeds, but to put each of our customers at the center with the HTC Sense™ experience, which truly brings the power of broadband wireless to life. Whether people are looking for large-screen multi-media, consumer social media, touch or QWERTY 4G devices, HTC has a device that fits their needs.”

HTC Brings 4G Speed to the People

Earlier this week, Sprint and HTC unveiled the new HTC EVO Shift 4G, a 4G phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.  The smash-hit HTC EVO 4G introduced the world to the possibilities of 4G, and with the introduction of the HTC EVO Shift 4G, Sprint and HTC have created the first true portfolio of 4G smartphones in the industry. With a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, compact size, and a price point of $149.99, the HTC EVO Shift 4G is a strong choice for mass-market smartphone users looking to explore the speed of 4G.

Unveiled today, HTC ThunderBolt on Verizon is one of the world’s first LTE smartphones, spearheading Verizon Wireless’ push into the world of 4G. Embedded deeply within the HTC Sense experience is Skype connectivity, allowing people to connect to other Skype users from virtually anywhere, and between mobile devices and from mobile to PC. This connectivity makes HTC ThunderBolt the ultimate device to connect by both voice and video, enabling the more than 100 million active Skype users to connect across networks and devices. With a 4.3 inch screen, front and rear cameras, integrated DLNA support, Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon™ processor and the latest version of HTC Sense, the HTC ThunderBolt is a cutting edge multimedia powerhouse.

The HTC ThunderBolt delivers the speed of 4G LTE by combining HTC innovation with the power of a Qualcomm LTE chipset solution. “Qualcomm is providing chipsets that can switch seamlessly between 3G and the next generation LTE networks that are coming on line,” said Steve Mollenkopf, executive vice president and group president, Qualcomm. “These multi-mode solutions are catalyzing the creation of advanced new devices – ones that truly unleash the power of mobile broadband and provide consumers a differentiated and unique experience.  Our chipset roadmap enables innovative companies such as HTC to lead the charge, and we are very pleased to work with them.”

Additionally, HTC is joining forces with AT&T to launch one of the first 4G smartphones on AT&T’s HSPA+ network, the HTC Inspire 4G.The HTC Inspire 4G is the first device in the US to enhance the HTC Sense experience with htcsense.com, an online service that extends the HTC Sense experience beyond the handset. This allows people to find a lost phone on a map, send a command to make the phone sound an alert – even while on “silent” mode, and if needed, remotely wipe all of the phone’s data with a single command. Along with 4G HSPA+ connectivity, the HTC Inspire 4G boasts an impressive list of features, including an 8 megapixel camera, Dolby and SRS surround sound, active noise cancellation and a sleek unibody design machined from a single block of aluminum.

The HTC EVO Shift 4G, HTC ThunderBolt and HTC Inspire 4G join the most diverse and exciting lineup of 4G devices on the market, while also strengthening HTC’s leadership in 4G device development and deployment.

Continuing to Build the HTC Brand

HTC is continuing to build awareness by kicking off the next phase of its brand building growth with a campaign evolution, which was unveiled for the first time at CES. This campaign focuses on how HTC puts people at the center of everything it does, and the HTC innovations that have been inspired by listening to consumers, and responding to their needs.

“At HTC, our long-standing focus has been to find new ways to make the mobile experience simpler for customers. We don’t believe in innovating for innovation’s sake, but rather to first gain a deep understanding of our customers to ensure that every HTC innovation creates a real customer benefit,” said John Wang, chief marketing officer for HTC Corporation. “This way of thinking about innovation is the inspiration behind the latest evolution of our brand advertising campaign.”

HTC launched its first global brand campaign at the end of 2009, with global brand awareness around 16 percent. Today, in the wake of HTC’s market success and brand campaign, HTC’s brand awareness is reaching 60 percent.

For additional information about HTC and these devices, please visit http://www.htc.com. You can also follow HTC on Twitter (@HTC) or on Facebook.