Sure enough social networks have their own ‘fan following’ and we don’t think we need to specify what the target audience for the HTC ChaCha phone that’s released via Tata DoCoMo today in India is. The committed Facebook button on its façade seems to say it all. And our hands-on of the handset at the event we attended today only says social networking enthusiasts are going to be mighty pleased.
With one-touch Facebook access, users can anticipate a smooth social journey. HTC says the service has been incorporated in the phone all through the HTC Sense experience. The affordable handset bears a sleek profile and is loaded with a host of features. Its 2.6†480 x 320 resolution landscape touch screen appeared to blend in well with the attached full QWERTY keypad.
“At HTC, we have always strived to take mobility experience to newer levels and add multi dimensions to our devices. Featuring a dedicated Facebook button and one-touch Facebook access, the HTC ChaCha aims to make it simpler and convenient for its users to share and connect through their favourite social networking site,†shared Faisal Siddiqui, Country Manager, HTC India.
The bundle will see Tata DoCoMo 3G prepaid customers availing 3GB of free data with a validity of 3 months while postpaid customers are going to get 1GB of free data for no cost each month for 90 days across all 3G circles. 3 hours of free Mobile TV packing in data access charges valid for 3 months is also offered to 3G users. It’s a sweet deal for Tata DoCoMo 2G customers as well; those with a prepaid connection will gain 3GB free data and 300 Tata to Tata local calling with a validity of 90 days. As for postpaid users, 1GB free data and 100 minutes Tata to Tata calling will be made available for free each month for a total of 3 months across all 2G circles.
Sunil Tandon, Head – Mobility Services & Devices Management, Tata Teleservices Limited, mentioned, “Devices are an important element of the entire 3G ecosystem to drive penetration and increase the adoption of 3G services. Tata DoCoMo partners with various smart phone handset makers and is taking a conscious leap in co-promotion that is not only affordable but in-built with rich features and capabilities. In the recent past we launched HTC Desire & HTC Mozart for Tata DoCoMo customers across our circles of operation and going forward will continue to work together to bring innovative valued based products and services on GSM platform.â€
Users are free to share content and updates via Facebook by simply hitting the dedicated button which is context-aware. Chatting with multiple friends using Facebook Chat is also said to be a breeze. Besides the evident Facebook mark, the phone’s distinct tilt design is going to make it effortless to not just view but also type content according to HTC. And the keyboard offering ample space should only help. There’s also a 5MP color camera with auto-focus and LED flash alongside a VGA front-facing camera.
An 800MHz processor and Android 2.3 are what run the show on this very social HTC phone. Equipped with a 3.5mm stereo audio jack, it also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. The phone offers a talktime of 240 minutes with a standby time of 120 hours.
The new HTC ChaCha is slated to hit all authorized HTC resellers across India at a Market Operating Price of Rs. 15,990.
