The HTC Merge has officially been announced and is coming to multiple North American carriers this spring. This elusive device has been dangled in front us for a while showing up on Best Buy device lists and in Verizon’s inventory.
The Merge is HTC’s first phone capable of global roaming, providing dual CDMA/GSM bands. The device shares similar looks to the HTC EVO Shift 4G, which also features a physical slide-out keyboard. Not a lot of specifications concerning this device have been released. However we do have a few from the press release.
HTC Merge Quick Specs:
- Android 2.2 Froyo with Sense UI
- 3.8″ touchscreen display
- 5Mp camera with 720p video capture
- GPS
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
At this time no pricing has been released, there is also no clear answer as to which carrier will be getting this device. Although one would assume that Sprint and Verizon (this device has already been seen sporting their branding) will be picking it up state-side. More information in the press release below.
The HTC Mergeâ„¢ Smartphone Brings Androidâ„¢ and HTC Senseâ„¢ to HTC’s First CDMA Android World Phone
BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — HTC Corp., a global designer of smartphones, today announced that the new HTC Merge smartphone will be made available through multiple North American carriers beginning in spring 2011. The HTC Merge smartphone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the power of Android 2.2, the HTC Sense experience, a large 3.8-inch touch-screen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience for those looking for a truly complete smartphone. The HTC Merge is also HTC’s first Android-based CDMA world phone.
“HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment,†said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. “Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it’s at home or travelling around the world.â€
Customers will appreciate seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with the Android Market™ with more than 100,000 applications. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.
In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smartphone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p video.
Availability
HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011.
