The Taiwanese smartphone maker has launched a touch-screen HSDPA-enabled smartphone capable of downlink speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. Following the recent release of the touch-screen BlackBerry Storm, the HTC Touch 3G is yet another touch-screen 3G device from a major smartphone maker that attempts to fire back at Apple’s iPhone. The HTC Touch 3G, which is initially exclusively available from Hong Kong’s PCCW Mobile, will face competition from other rival touch-screen smartphones, such as the BlackBerry Storm, Google’s Android G1, Nokia's 5800, Samsung's Omnia, and Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1.

HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design, today introduced the HTC Touch™ 3G. The HTC Touch™ 3G offers an uncompromising touch phone experience with powerful Internet capabilities including wireless download speeds faster than standard 3G. HTC is also extremely pleased to announce that SiS International Limited is the exclusive Hong Kong distributor and PCCW Mobile HK Limited (“PCCW mobile”) is the exclusive Hong Kong operator partner of the HTC Touch™ 3G.

As part of this browsing experience users can zoom and pan Websites with one-hand. This true mobile broadband experience allows users to navigate more easily, leveraging the mobile Internet in a variety of ways. With the HTC Touch™ 3G, customers can search for and watch streaming video from YouTube™, get directions and mapping using Google Maps™* for mobile and stay updated on the latest news with the integrated RSS reader.

Terry Chung, Country Manager of HTC, Hong Kong and Macau, said, “HTC Touch™ 3G is a perfect marriage of technical innovation and eye-catching design. The HTC Touch™ 3G’s looks are just as striking as its internet credentials with its modern and lightweight shape, while at the same time making it both a sensational user experience and a bold declaration of style.”

Embedded with Incomparable Technology
Powered by Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional, HTC Touch™ 3G works with next-generation TouchFLO™ user interface that responds perfectly to your finger gestures when navigating through contacts, browsing websites and launching media. Adding on the user-friendliness of the platform and interface, the device also supports HSDPA internet connectivity of up to 7.2Mbps^ which allows surfing and download at broadband speed.

Premium Vision Quality
HTC Touch™ 3G is equipped with a 2.8-inch touch screen. Coupled with the 3.2 megapixel camera, the new phone allows truly quality stills and videos to enhance users’ visual experience with the device.

Perfect Match of GPS and Google Maps
HTC Touch™ 3G is not only GPS ready for the convenience of drivers, but also equipped with the latest Google Maps™*. The “My Location” function enables users to locate their exact location in a faster and more efficient way. The simple TouchFLO™ 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 Maps™ and make it truly yours by using the “Favorites” so that your favourite places are all in your HTC Touch™ 3G.

Superb Outlook and Expandable Storage
With a super-light weight of only 96 grams (with battery), HTC Touch™ 3G hosts a 2.8-inch flat touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution, TouchFLO™ 4-Way navigation control with Enter button, connectivity with Bluetooth® 2.0, Wi-Fi® and HTC ExUSB™, and also an expansion slot for microSD™ memory card.

^Network dependent
*Using Google Maps™ might involve extra costs on Internet usage

Availability & Suggested Retail Price
HTC Touch™ 3G will be available in December 2008 in Hong Kong with suggested retail price of HKD3,780.

Source: http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=77870&lang=1033