HTC Tattoo Gets Official: Entry-Level Android [Updated]

HTC have finally done the decent thing and changed their entry-level Android Click smartphone from an ocassionally-sighted mystery into a legitimate announcement.  The HTC Tattoo will take up its place as the entry point to HTC Android ownership in October, bringing with it a 3.2-megapixel fixed-focus camera, HTC Sense UI and dualband 900/2100 HSPA.

The Tattoo measures 106 x 55.2 x 14 mm, weighs 108g, and has a 2.8-inch 240 x 320 QVGA resistive touchscreen.  There's a 3.5mm headset jack and microSD card slot, and we know HTC have taken the easier input option and replaced the traditional Android trackball with a more standard D-pad.  Under the hood there's the usual 528MHz Qualcomm processor (in this case the MSM7225) together with 512MB ROM and 256MB RAM

Other connectivity includes WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (and A2DP support) and USB 2.0; there's also GPS.  HTC have paired the Tattoo with a 1,100mAh battery, good for up to 342/390 minutes talktime (WCDMA/GSM) or up to 520/340 hours standby (WCDMA/GSM).  HTC will also be offering owner-designed custom covers.

You'll get all the usual Google Maps, Gmail integration and the like, though, as well as access to the Android market, and considering we've just seen the first UK pre-pay Android device – in the shape of the T-Mobile Pulse – it's entirely possible that the Tattoo could go the pre-pay route.  No word on MRSP from HTC as yet.

Update: HTC have confirmed to us that the Tattoo's camera is fixed-focus, not auto-focus as the press release mistakenly suggests.Press Release:

HTC TATTOO™ BRINGS ANDROID TO ALL

Tattoo embodies three core principles of HTC Sense: Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected

TAIWAN – September 8, 2009 – HTC Corporation today introduced the HTC Tattoo™, an Android-based phone that brings broad personalization to the masses. With its distinct design and ability to personalize all aspects of the phone, from its hardware to its applications and content, people are able to express themselves and create their own individual mobile experience.

"Everyone wants their own phone to feel like it was specifically made for them. The Tattoo, with HTC Sense represents an easy way to shape your own distinct mobile experience and really make it your own," said Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corporation. "The HTC Tattoo ensures that you can create the most engaging and appropriate mobile experience through simple yet powerful personalization."

HTC Tattoo is the second phone to embody HTC Sense, a mobile experience focused on putting people at the centre by making your phone work in a more simple and natural way. Designed by listening and observing how people live and communicate, HTC Sense revolves around three fundamental principles Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected.

With HTC Tattoo, you stay close to the important people in your life by integrating your communications and applications including voice calls, emails, texts, photos and status updates into one consolidated view, providing innovative and fun phone experiences.

The stylish HTC Tattoo is small and compact, fitting snugly into your hand or pocket.

People are able to design and purchase their own unique covers or search and select from popular cover designs, altering the look of the phone to reflect their mood or individual tastes.

HTC Tattoo integrates Google's innovative mobile services including: Google Maps, search, Google Mail, and Android market where users can download thousands of popular applications and games. It also comes complete with a broad variety of hardware features including a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera, 3.5mm stereo headset jack and expandable microSD memory.

Availability

The HTC Tattoo will be available in Europe first at the beginning of October, and will roll out in markets around the world in the following months.

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry and continues to pioneer industry-leading mobile experiences through design, usability and innovation that is sparked by how the mobile phone can improve how people live and communicate. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.