HTC Merge Gets Official: QWERTY Android World Phone Due Spring

HTC has officially announced the HTC Merge, a phone we first heard rumors of so long ago we were beginning to think it had been cancelled. Headed to "multiple North American carriers" in Spring 2011, the Merge has a 3.8-inch WVGA touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera and slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

There's WiFi, GPS and 720p HD video capture, along with HTC Sense running on top of Android 2.2 Froyo. Although HTC isn't saying which exact carriers will be picking the Merge up, the fact that it's a CDMA World Phone – i.e. will operate on EVDO Rev.A networks in the US, and GSM HSPA networks while abroad – does imply that Verizon and Sprint are the likely candidates.

No word on pricing, nor specific availability, but we should find out for sure in a few months time.

Press Release:

HTC Introduces the Powerful, Feature-Rich HTC Merge

The HTC Merge™ Smartphone Brings Android™ and HTC Sense™ to HTC's First CDMA Android World Phone

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — HTC Corp., a global designer of smartphones, today announced that the new HTC Merge smartphone will be made available through multiple North American carriers beginning in spring 2011. The HTC Merge smartphone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the power of Android 2.2, the HTC Sense experience, a large 3.8-inch touch-screen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience for those looking for a truly complete smartphone. The HTC Merge is also HTC's first Android-based CDMA world phone.

"HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment," said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. "Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it's at home or travelling around the world."

Customers will appreciate seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with the Android Market™ with more than 100,000 applications. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.

In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smartphone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p video.

Availability

HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011.