HTC's latest multimedia-focused smartphone

Electronista at CTIA had a chance to handle HTC's Imagio, the company's upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone. The device is focused on multimedia features, while retaining the business capabilities of Microsoft's mobile software. The system also integrates HTC's own TouchFLO 3D interface, which utilizes the touch-based features available in the latest Windows Mobile OS.

HTC showed the Imagio propped up and playing live digital TV. At first glance it seemed as if the device was placed on a holder or support, but it was actually held by its own antenna which deploys from the back panel. The FLO TV content retained a decent frame rate in San Diego, even deep inside a building.

Navigating the TouchFLO 3D interface was simple and intuitive, although the layout is much different from the typical Windows Mobile scheme. Users are met with a variety of widgets on the home screen, including weather, GPS, TV, Office, and more.

The Imagio also integrates a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording VGA videos, although the capture rate is claimed to be just 14 frames per second. Like many other high-end smartphones, the device offers an accelerometer, MicroSD support, 3.5mm headphone jack. International travelers can take advantage of Wi-Fi and quad-band GSM capabilities.

Verizon is expected to get the Imagio sometime later this month. Subscribers will have to pay $200 with a contract.

By Electronista Staff