 Models show HTC’s new Evo 4G+ smartphones and Flyer 4G tablet computer at a press event in Seoul, Thursday. The Taiwanese producer of mobile Internet devices will release the gadgets through local carrier KT next month. / Yonhap |
HTC, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer, is launching the first 4G handset and tablet on the Korean market ― the EVO 4G+ and HTC Flyer 4G ― through KT.
“Korea is ahead of any other country when it comes to WiBro technology,” said Jack Tong, president of HTC North Asia, at a meeting with the media in downtown Seoul, Thursday. “Our products, along with the WiBro 4G network of KT, will completely change the way people communicate,” he added.
KT, the country’s number two mobile carrier, is offering 4G services through Wireless Broadband, or WiBro, which is a local version of Mobile WiMax. It offers a download speed of 40 Mbps while moving, which is around three times faster than the current 3G network.
Since KT has already set up WiBro networks in 82 cities and major highways around the country with operation beginning in March, the only thing it lacked to start 4G services were handsets. EVO 4G+ and Flyer 4G will be launched on July 1. “It marks a new chapter in Korean IT services. Now, the convenient and economical 4G service is available with the smartphone,” said Pyo Hyun-myung, president of KT’s mobile business unit.
The EVO 4G+ and Flyer 4G completely supports KT’s 3W services of WCDMA, or 3G mobile communication, Wi-Fi, or the wireless LAN, and WiBro. The smartphone also provides “WiBro Hot Spot,” where up to eight devices can be connected to a wireless network at the same time.
The smartphone based on the Gingerbread version of the Android has a 1.2 GHz dual core processor, 4.3inch qHD screen, and an 8 megapixel camera.
HTC, which is especially known for superior user interface, improved the 3D feature of the handset as well. It also considered how to make smartphones convenient, and thus included Active Lockscreen ― users can check social networking service sites, make a phone call or take a photo while the screen is locked.
EVO 4G+ succeeds HTC EVO 4G, the first 4G smartphone launched in the United States last year. It recorded the highest first day sales among Sprint handsets.
The most notable aspect of the Flyer 4G is HTC Scribe technology. Using a digital pen, a person can make notes or draw on the screen while Web surfing, and attach the URL address to share with friends. It is especially useful while reading an e-book or signing a document.
It also offers Timemark. Users can record a conference and take notes at the same time. When they later choose a certain word from the notes, the tablet immediately plays the part of the recording made at the same time the user inscribed the word.
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