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View Full Version : HTC Announces HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2


Jason Dunn
02-16-2009, 11:30 AM
<p><em>"Building upon the iconic design of the first HTC Touch Diamond, the HTC Touch Diamond2 is a full touchscreen device with a 3.2 inch WVGA display that incorporates a new touch sensitive zoom bar. The device uses HTC's latest HTC TouchFLO 3D technology which has been even more deeply integrated into Windows Mobile 6.1. Additional specifications are below..."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/ppct/auto/1234772341.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>First impressions? I love the look of this phone! It seems pretty similar to the previous generation Touch Diamond though in terms of specs, though it's larger (in a good way). The processor is a Qualcomm MSM7200ATM 528 MHz, the OS is Windows Mobile 6.1 (why not 6.5? just wait...), memory is 512 MB ROM and 288 MB RAM. Unlike the previous generation Touch Diamond, this one features a microSD memory card slot - too bad it's not SDXC compatible, I guess we'll have to "make due" with 32 GB of storage. Dimensions? 4.25 X 2.09 X 0.54 inches (HxWxT). Weight? 4.15 ounces (with battery). The display is a much bigger 3.2 inch TFT-LCD WVGA (480x800) touchscreen - love that resolution! Another big jump is in the camera: the Touch Diamond2 now boasts a 5 megapixel autofocus camera. Question is, will it be decent? HTC cameras in the past have tended to be rather shoddy - let's hope this one is an improvement. The whole lot is powered by a 1100mAh LiIon battery. Will that be enough to get decent run-time from that bigger, higher-resolution screen? We'll see.</p><p>After the break, the Touch Pro2 - and new software additions from HTC dubbed "Push Internet" (looks like pre-fetch caching of favourite pages), and "Straight Talk", an integrated email, voice, and speakerphone experience. When you flip the Touch Pro2 over it turns into a conference room speakerphone system. Sweet!<MORE /></p><p><em>"Also building on its namesake, the HTC Touch Pro2 incorporates a sizeable 3.6 inch WVGA touchscreen and a large QWERTY keyboard for heightened productivity. In addition to using the latest HTC TouchFLO 3D technology and people-centric communication approach, the HTC Touch Pro2 is the first device to use HTC's new Straight Talk technology which makes transitioning between an email to a call a breeze. With Straight Talk, an endless email string can be converted to a quick conference call with the push of a button. Additional specifications are below..."</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/ppct/auto/1234772380.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Is that one hot looking device or what? Looks like HTC has brought back the tilt-factor. Some people use it all the time, I never did on my AT&amp;T Tilt. Here's the juicy bits: Qualcomm MSM7200ATM 528 MHz, Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, 512 MB ROM, 288 MB RAM, microSD memory card. Dimensions are 4.57 X 2.33 X 0.68 inches (HxWxT), weight is 6.17 ounces (with battery). The display is a 3.6 inch TFT-LCD WVGA (480x800) touchscreen. The camera is 3.2 megapixel with autofocus. Powering this beast is a 1500mAh LiIon battery. All in all, looks like a pretty solid device.</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/ppct/auto/1234772361.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p><em>Above: The HTC Touch Diamond2</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/ppct/auto/1234772398.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p><em>Above: The HTC Touch Pro2</em></p><h1><em><strong>NEW HTC TOUCH DIAMOND2 AND HTC TOUCH PRO2 SIGNAL A NEW WAVE IN COMMUNICATION </strong></em></h1><p><em>"New phones simplify information access with HTC Push Internet and unify personal communication with single-view contact integration</em></p><p><em>BARCELONA - Feb 16, 2009 - HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile phones, today unveiled two new flagship devices, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2. Integrating innovative simplicity with unique style and an intuitive interface, the devices balance function, form and cutting-edge technology to personalize the communication and mobile Internet experience. </em></p><p><em>"The HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 introduce a mobile communication experience that simplifies how we communicate with people in our lives whether through voice, text or email," said Peter Chou, president and CEO, HTC Corp. "HTC is delivering the latest, cutting-edge sophistication in a broad portfolio of mobile phones that improve how people live, work and communicate."</em></p><h2><em>HTC TOUCHFLO 3D INTEGRATED WITH WINDOWS MOBILE</em></h2><p><em>The HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 utilize HTC's latest TouchFLO 3D interface. TouchFLO 3D has been more deeply integrated into a customized version of Windows Mobile 6.1 to deliver more consistency throughout Windows Mobile applications and menus. Focused on making navigation easier and more intuitive, TouchFLO 3D brings important information to the top-level user interface, including quick access to people, messaging, email, photos, music and weather. As part of this improved Windows Mobile integration the touch focus areas have been enlarged to be more finger-touch friendly. </em></p><h2><em>BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER</em></h2><p><em>With the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2, HTC is introducing a new people-centric communication approach, providing a single contact view that displays the individual conversation history of contacts regardless of whether voice, text or email were used. This can be viewed from the contact card or the in-call screen during a phone conversation, ensuring the latest communication contact-by-contact is always at hand.</em></p><h2><em>SIMPLIFYING HOW PEOPLE ACCESS THEIR INFORMATION</em></h2><p><em>Continuing its commitment to making the mobile Internet easier and more enjoyable, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 introduce HTC's Push Internet technology. HTC Push Internet alleviates slow downloading and rendering of Web pages on a mobile phone. Users can preselect their favorite Websites to get immediate access to them when needed. </em></p><h2><em>HTC TOUCH DIAMOND2</em></h2><p><em>The HTC Touch Diamond2 is the next step in the evolution of the successful HTC Touch Diamond. Crafted to fit perfectly into the hand, the Touch Diamond2 evolves the compact design and iconic style of the original HTC Touch Diamond. It incorporates a larger 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen VGA display for a greater viewing area in a design just 13.7mm thick. The phone also includes a new touch sensitive zoom bar for even faster zooming of Web pages, emails, text messages, photos or documents.</em></p><p><em>Leveraging HTC's TouchFLO 3D experience combined with a people-centric communication approach and HTC's new Push Internet technology The Touch Diamond2 offers an advanced touch experience that is optimized for one-hand use. </em></p><p><em>With fifty-percent better battery life, a five mega-pixel auto focus camera, expandable memory, gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor, the Touch Diamond2 brings the most sophisticated capabilities to a broad consumer audience looking for the professional benefits of a smartphone without sacrificing size, looks or functionality. </em></p><h2><em>HTC TOUCH PRO2</em></h2><p><em>Designed for business professionals, the HTC Touch Pro2 is architected with distinct style and strength while delivering the most powerful productivity experience available on a mobile phone. Leveraging HTC's TouchFLO 3D, people-centric communication and Push Internet technology, the Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display for an expanded viewing area and large finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard. With improved battery life, expandable memory, a touch-sensitive zoom bar as well as gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors, the Touch Pro2 is optimized for touch as well as heavy email use. </em></p><h2><em>INTRODUCING HTC STRAIGHT TALK FOR HTC TOUCH PRO2</em></h2><p><em>The new HTC Touch Pro2 leverages voice in a new way to create one of the most sophisticated communication experiences found on a mobile phone. HTC's new Straight Talk technology delivers an integrated email, voice and speakerphone experience. Users can transition seamlessly from email to single or multi-party conference calls and turn any location into a conference room.</em></p><p><em>In addition to the new simplified calling experience, Straight Talk includes an innovative mechanical and acoustic design that features a sophisticated speakerphone experience similar to those found in corporate boardrooms. Straight Talk delivers a high-fidelity voice and sound experience enhanced by asymmetric speakers and advanced noise suppression with full duplex acoustics. When the Touch Pro2 is flipped over it automatically turns into a conference room speakerphone system.</em></p><p><em><strong>Availability</strong></em></p><p><em>The HTC Touch Diamond2 will be available to customers across major European and Asian markets in early Q2 2009 with broader global availability coming later in the year. The Touch Pro2 will be available across major global markets beginning in early summer. </em></p><p><em><strong>About HTC </strong></em></p><p><em>Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design. Since its establishment, HTC has developed strong R&amp;D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations and launched state-of-the-art mobile phones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the US, Asia and around the world. HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com."</em></p>

alese
02-16-2009, 12:49 PM
I like my Diamond and with extended battery I'm getting it will be just great, so there is really no reason to change anything...
...but...
...I have a serious case of gadget lust, both the new Diamond and especially the new Pro look really nice. I guess I'll be replacing the Diamond as soon as possible (of course if nothing better comes along in following weeks and months...).

smashie2000
02-16-2009, 03:58 PM
I love my Diamond but the battery life sucks, I hope they've fixed this with the Diamond 2.

As alese said, I have gadget lust for it.

Cheers,

Mark

angler
02-16-2009, 04:04 PM
The speicification indicates Diamond2 is using an older chip 7200A while Diamond is using 7201A. Why HTC incorporate an older chip in this new device? Performance or costwise?

Curiosity
02-16-2009, 04:36 PM
Am I the only person in the world that still likes to have a D pad and a few short cut buttons?

Philip Colmer
02-16-2009, 05:14 PM
the OS is Windows Mobile 6.1 (why not 6.5? just wait...),

I wasn't sure if the "just wait" bit was meant to imply that there was going to be an explanation as to why not later on in this post, or if we should just wait in order to get a 6.5 device.

I can see that 6.5 isn't going to be out until Q4 so I guess that is the "just wait" meaning ... so long as HTC and the operators do make 6.5 available for these, or there will be the Rev 3 devices.

I don't suppose these handle video any better, do they?

--Philip

badersk
02-16-2009, 06:27 PM
I never thought the touch pro was a significant update to my tilt. The touch pro is. It is just what I have been wanting.

PdaAddict
02-16-2009, 08:03 PM
I will think twice before buying another htc device. I have touch pro now and it is very poorly built not to mention the performance issues. it did look good on paper just like these devices do but in reallity is disappointing. I will wait for a samsung omnia with wvga screen and android.

Rocco Augusto
02-16-2009, 10:00 PM
I'm pretty sure I have fallen in love with the new Diamond2 hardware design. Very sexy for a phone. :)

The_Flash
02-16-2009, 10:50 PM
Am I the only person in the world that still likes to have a D pad and a few short cut buttons?

Thank GOD! I thought I was the only one with this issue!!

The Kaiser has D-pad, Jog wheel, and a good number of shortcut buttons, but the Touch Pro didn't, so it wasn't an appropriate upgrade for me.

But now,... Everybody seems to jump on the iPhone style wagon! I think Windows Mobile is built to be used by BOTH buttons and touch screen!

Oh well.. Life moves on, and we'll have to adapt! I decided to grab the Touch Pro 2. At least, they returned the tilt screen I love :D
Oh, and it has a better battery ;)

Oh oh, and Peter Chou promised WM 6.5 free upgrade :)

Don Tolson
02-16-2009, 10:54 PM
...and here I was saving up for a Touch Pro from eBay.....

I'm now officially putting my name on the roster to do a review of the Touch2 or Touch Pro2 as soon as we can get one, please, please, please...:eek:

Lee Yuan Sheng
02-17-2009, 12:23 AM
Hmm, yea, I just realised that myself. A D-pad with a jog dial would be lovely.

And is the screen capacitive or resistive touch? Knowing HTC they just might go with the latter...

yobyeknom
02-17-2009, 02:13 AM
Am I the only person in the world that still likes to have a D pad and a few short cut buttons?

Nope - I love the D Pad, the buttons and the scroll wheel on my Tilt. The Tilt really has a nice assortment of options for interfacing with it. Too bad that they seem to be moving away from this. I was so happy to get the wheel back when I got my Tilt - I hadn't had one since my Casio E125. I hope someone will continue to make devices with all the little buttons and wheels and such even if it's not HTC ....

Rob Alexander
02-17-2009, 04:29 AM
I love the look of the Diamond2 and the specs look very nice. I would probably get one if my carrier (Alltel) actually bothered to offer it. The dpad comment is a good point, though. I do use my dpad right now and it's pretty handy. I'd have to try not using it for a few weeks before going with this this to be sure I could make the change without losing functionality.

MadSci
02-17-2009, 11:26 PM
The updated Touch and Touch Pro look very sweet:p - as long as HTC has managed to improve Touch Flo 3D so ALL the Apps work in both orientations, and the whole thing isn't so laggy.:confused: Oh and the 'People' (aka graphical speed dial) doesn't take 30 seconds to open, oh and there are more quick access shortcuts to Programs (aka 'Programs" page) etc.

But whither the HD? In the past, HTC spokespersons said it was not coming to the US (ie a quad band version) because there were better things in the US Pipeline.:rolleyes:

Looks like neither of these new offerings can match the HD's 3.8inch screen :mad:

Will we be seeing something better in the States? Sigh, I have my doubts.

Please, someone, dissuade me!

MadSci

Menneisyys
02-18-2009, 08:04 AM
Am I the only person in the world that still likes to have a D pad and a few short cut buttons?

Me too... for gaming / emulation, it would be VERY important. (Not that I'd buy the Diamond II. Just another unimaginative model from HTC.)

Menneisyys
02-18-2009, 08:07 AM
But whither the HD? In the past, HTC spokespersons said it was not coming to the US (ie a quad band version) because there were better things in the US Pipeline.:rolleyes:

Looks like neither of these new offerings can match the HD's 3.8inch screen :mad:

Will we be seeing something better in the States? Sigh, I have my doubts.



Frankly, after having played with the Dia II, I'm pretty much dissatisfied (see my dedicated thread here at PPCT - http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f349/breaking-news-real-life-comparative-htc-diamond-2-shots-92603.html ). It's just far inferior to the Toshiba TG01. Assuming the latter won't be as bug-ridden as some of Toshi's earlier models, that is...

BTW, here're my TG01 shots: http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f349/breaking-news-toshiba-tg01-1-ghz-cpu-benchmarked-real-life-situations-92599.html

Menneisyys
02-18-2009, 08:11 AM
And is the screen capacitive or resistive touch? Knowing HTC they just might go with the latter...

HTC is refusing to go capacitive - that is, the same old resistive stuff; the main reason for my sticking with the iPhone to browse the Web.

blued888
04-09-2009, 06:46 PM
What do you guys use the D-pad for? Is it to avoid using the stylus?

I ask because I'm confused on whether I should wait for the Touch Pro2 or get the Touch Pro.

Thanks.