That HTC has become quite the tease lately. First, the company (in all likelihood) leaked some shots to various tech site. Now, the handset maker has launched a 4G site which teases a new handset coming out Jan. 6.
The site touts HTC’s history in this space: there’s a picture of the EVO 4G with the caption, “The first 4G phone ever” and there’s a picture of the T-Mobile G2 with the caption, “The first 4G phone at T-mobile.”
At the top of the page, there’s an HTC 4G smartphone which is covered and the caption says, “The first to 4G, again.” There’s a link which says “Find out January 6” with signup information.
That date is significant for multiple reasons, as it is the first day of the Consumer Electronics Show and many companies use CES as their launching pad for the year’s big products. Verizon has also said it will have Android 4G LTE devices that day and this is likely what HTC is teasing.
We’ve already seen a device which fits the bill: the HTC Mecha. That’s likely a code name though, as we’ve heard that it could be called the Incredible HD or even the Thunderbolt.
Whatever it is called, the HTC 4G smartphone looks to be quite a strong device. Look for a 4.3-inch screen, at least a 1 GHz processor, the new Sense UI and, of course, support for the Verizon LTE network. Early reports on the HTC 4G smartphone suggest it was consistently receiving 9 Mbps download speeds.
CES may prove to be a buffet of next-generation devices, as Verizon said it will have half a dozen tablets and smartphones to show off which can use its LTE network. These devices likely won’t be available immediately – look for these gadgets in the first half – but we know that Samsung and Motorola will also be bringing the heat.
Of course, IntoMobile will be at CES giving you up-to-the-minute coverage. It’s going to be fun, friends.