HTC is reentering game today at Mobile Word Congress. The firm was once one of the more enthusiastic Windows tablet supporters and had crossover devices like the Windows Vista-based Shift but is going with Android this time around.
The Flyer revolves around a fast 1.5GHz processor and a seven-inch, 1024×600 display. It’s also the first known device to be shipping with Android 2.4, a new but relatively mild upgrade to Gingerbread (2.3); Google didn’t give it enough time with Android 3.0, HTC said.
The Flyer is coming bundled with a capacitive stylus for those that want handwriting, though it won’t be as necessary as on earlier HTC slates.
A new version of the Sense UI is in the mix and is optimized for the larger screen and comes along. HTC is making use of its OnLive deal to provide the streaming gaming service for those on the road. Saffron Digital is providing HTC Watch, an online video download and streaming store.
Body
The tablet has the same aluminum unibody frame as the Legend or Apple’s iPad and includes a five-megapixel back camera, a 1.3-megapixel camera at the front and a microSDHC slot for expansion. Battery life may is low, at just four hours of non-stop video on the 4,000mAh pack. HTC hasn’t given out web browsing estimates.
Shiping Date
The Flyer should ship worldwide during the spring. OnLive’s presence makes a North American launch probable, but no carriers have been named so far.
