HTC introduces Mini for jumbo 5-inch Butterfly
updated 05:31 am EST, Mon January 28, 2013
HTC introduces Mini, companion handset for Butterfly smartphone
In a sign that 5-inch handsets may be a little more than some people can comfortably handle, HTC has introduced a companion handset accessory for its Butterfly 5-inch smartphone in China. Making a mockery of convergence, the HTC Mini is a dumb terminal that is NFC-equipped and connects over Bluetooth to the Butterfly allowing the user make calls over a more convenient form factor. Additionally, it can also function as a remote control for the Butterfly along with a few other tricks.
Users can also received text messages over the Mini along with calendar items as well as message and call logs all displayed on its monochrome display. In remote control mode, the Mini can be used to navigate the Butterfly when it is being used as a docked media server. It can also be used to remotely control the camera app and also help a user find their Butterfly if they have somehow managed to misplace the 5-inch handset.
The HTC Butterfly is a sister handset to the Droid DNA sold in the US on Verizon, so it is possible that HTC could release a version of the Mini for sale locally. While that could be unlikely, it couldn’t be any more unlikely than the device itself. At least half its functionality can be replicated in more convenient wearable devices including the Sony SmartWatch, while most of its other functions can be carried out on the handset itself. [via Slashgear]
