HTC Tattoo Android smartphone available in October

HTC has announced that it will be launching a new Google Android-powered smartphone in October.

Called the Tattoo, the handset uses a 528MHz Qualcomm processor and has a 2.8in screen with a 240 x 320 resolution. This is lower than the more usual Android resolution of 320 x 480, which suggests that HTC will be offering the Tattoo as a low-cost Android option. We say “suggests” as HTC makes no mention of price yet, but online retailer Expansys is already listing the Tattoo with an unlocked price of £320 — the recently launched HTC Hero costs £50 more.

More details, photos and a full specification after the cut.

Images of the HTC Tattoo first appeared in July this year, under the guide of the ‘Click’, and a video subsequently surfaced that showed the smartphone being fondled.

As well as the smaller (by 0.4in) and lower resolution screen, the Tattoo is a few millimetres smaller all-round than the Hero and, at 113g, about 20g lighter. It has GPS, but lacks a built-in digital compass and the lower capacity battery (1100mAh) cuts talk-time and standby times, too.

If you wondering about the name, ‘Tattoo’ seems to have come about through HTC’s decision to make the smartphone customisable via interchangeable covers — much like the ones popularised by Nokia in the 1990s.

The HTC Tattoo will be available in October, but there’s no mention yet about which networks might take it up.

[ HTC] 

HTC TATTOO™ BRINGS ANDROID TO ALL

Tattoo embodies three core principles of HTC Sense: Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected

TAIWAN – September 8, 2009 – HTC Corporation today introduced the HTC Tattoo™, an Android-based phone that brings broad personalization to the masses.  With its distinct design and ability to personalize all aspects of the phone, from its hardware to its applications and content, people are able to express themselves and create their own individual mobile experience.

 “Everyone wants their own phone to feel like it was specifically made for them. The Tattoo, with HTC Sense represents an easy way to shape your own distinct mobile experience and really make it your own,” said Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corporation. “The HTC Tattoo ensures that you can create the most engaging and appropriate mobile experience through simple yet powerful personalization.”

HTC Tattoo is the second phone to embody HTC Sense, a mobile experience focused on putting people at the centre by making your phone work in a more simple and natural way. Designed by listening and observing how people live and communicate, HTC Sense revolves around three fundamental principles Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected.

With HTC Tattoo, you stay close to the important people in your life by integrating your communications and applications including voice calls, emails, texts, photos and status updates into one consolidated view, providing innovative and fun phone experiences.

The stylish HTC Tattoo is small and compact, fitting snugly into your hand or pocket.

People are able to design and purchase their own unique covers or search and select from popular cover designs, altering the look of the phone to reflect their mood or individual tastes.

HTC Tattoo integrates Google’s innovative mobile services including: Google Maps, search, Google Mail, and Android market where users can download thousands of popular applications and games. It also comes complete with a broad variety of hardware features including a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera, 3.5mm stereo headset jack and expandable microSD memory.

Availability

The HTC Tattoo will be available in Europe first at the beginning of October, and will roll out in markets around the world in the following months.

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