HTC Reboots Top-End Android Phones

HTC held a press event in London to announce its latest Android-based smartphones. The two new devices are revised versions of phones already being sold in the U.S., so there's not much in the way of innovation. HTC made more interesting changes to its software.

Desire HD

The Desire HD is essentially a European version of the HTC EVO 4G minus the CDMA and WiMax. It has a 4.3-inch display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, an 8 megapixel camera with flash and 720p video recording. HTC says the Desire HD uses a unibody construction similar to its own Legend device, which offers strength and a more seamless design.

Other features of the Desire HD include Dolby Mobile and SRS virtual sound, and HTC Fast Boot, which jolts the phone to life in under a minute.

Desire Z

Based on the images, the Desire Z appears to be a European variant of the recently announced G2. It has the same Z-design hinge and QWERTY keyboard for typing. The Desire Z shares the G2's 5-megapixel camera with flash and 720p HD video capture, as well as its 800MHz processor and the new HTC Fast Boot software.

HTC says that the Desire Z allows users to create a wide range of customized keyboard shortcuts, which can help speed the usability of the phone.

Sense and HTCSense.com

HTC has taken it upon itself to refresh its Sense UI Android overlay. HTC last revised Sense just seven months ago, debuting it in February at the Mobile World Congress trade show. The newest version includes significant changes to the camera software, which makes it easier to take, edit, and share photos. Sense also has HTC Locations, which HTC describes as " a new differentiated online mapping experience, people have instant, on-demand mapping without download delays or incurring mobile roaming charges."

Perhaps the most significant news to come from HTC today, however, is the launch of HTCSense.com. This new Web site gives end users an online portal through which they can control their HTC Sense devices.

HTCSense.com can be used to locate a missing phone by triggering it to ring loudly or to pop up on a map. Users can also remotely lock the phone, as well as wipe it and have calls forwarded to a different number. HTCSense.com can also be used to manage users' contacts, text messages, call history, wallpapers, ringtones, sounds, Scenes and plug-ins.

HTC didn't immediately say if or when its customers in world markets would have access to HTCSense.com. The new phones will be available later this year.