New Touch offers competition to iPhone

January 10, 2008

Alltel users will be able to use pre-programmed links to shopping applications

Alltel Wireless has added the HTC Touch to its arsenal of multimedia phones to meet the growing demand for touch screen devices since the launch of Apple’s iPhone.

The HTC Touch is a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone that has a cube interface with quick access to most used applications.

“It's got many applications for the consumer, whose life centers around the phone,” said Neil Strother, analyst at JupiterResearch, New York.

Mr. Strother said the device’s features – such as messaging, full Internet browsing and photo storing – fulfill many needs for consumers.

The new device fulfills needs for marketers as well since Alltel allows users to customize their Touch with ringtones, games and pre-programmed links to shopping applications.

Neil Strother is an analyst for JupiterResearch

“That means device owners will have the opportunity to engage in some mobile commerce activities,” Mr. Strother said.

Users can browse, buy and send items from sites such as Barnes & Noble, Godiva, Best Buy, FTD and Wine.com just by tapping the “Shop Now” icon.

Also, software developer Magmic and mobile content provider Pocket Express have features pre-loaded on the device that are easily accessible through its fourth panel.

The device offers themes, ringtones and 100 mobile games from Magmic, including Brain-Up, Texas Hold'em King, Phase 10, Monopoly Tycoon, Call of Duty, Miner 2049er and World Poker Tour.

The Pocket Express icon on the HTC Touch provides customers with free news, sports, weather and travel information.

Users can also view their entire PC photo collection on their handset, powered by Sharpcast.

The HTC Touch also features a 2-megapixel camera with video, Windows Media Player, a MicroSD memory card slot and Bluetooth Wireless Technology.

“[It has enough features to keep] Alltel in the game against the iPhone,” Mr. Strother said.