HTC unveils the Rhyme

Taiwanese mobile phone giant HTC is unleashing its latest smartphone, the “Rhyme” on the world. One of the smartphone’s unique new features is a flashing charm which can be attached to any object to show that a call is taking place, or that a message has come through.

The Rhyme will be powered by the latest version of Android, known as “Gingerbread” and will cost US$200 through Verizon.

Launching on 29 September in the States, the Rhyme is a “stylish” phone according to HTC with suitable accessories being launched alongside it. The Rhyme will go on sale in Asian and European markets in October.

Scott Croyle, HTC vice-president of design said of the Rhyme, “Like your glasses, your wallet, your belt or that special bag, the smartphone or the phone expresses who you are as an individual. You want a phone that’s handcrafted with style, you want it to be intuitive, you want it to be less than a device and more of a companion.”

Speaking about the ringing charm accessory, Croyle said that it is less “noticeable than a vibration” and more “respectful than a ring”.

HTC executive Jason Mackenzie claims that the Rhyme is a better option than the iPhone. “For a feature phone customer, we think this is a better product than the iPhone.” Mackenzie believes that people will appreciate the “thoughtful design” of the smartphone, as well as the added accessories which include tangle-free headphones and a bedside dock.

The HTC Rhyme is a feature-rich Android smartphone with a 1GHZ processor, 5MP camera and 3G connectivity. One of its exclusive features will be the inclusion of HTC Sense 3.5; a GUI specially designed for the HTC devices.

This plum-coloured phone is aimed squarely at the female smartphone market, which is one of the tougher demographics to crack.