HTC updates Touch Cruise smartphone

HTC has released an updated version of its Touch Cruise, offering an affordable navigation smartphone to customers in the Middle East.

The new HTC Touch Cruise is the first mobile phone to offer HTC Footprints, an application that enables people to permanently add visual effects to their pictures. In addition to identifying each picture with its specific GPS coordinates, Footprints also automatically names each image with its general location or area depending on the map and GPS system.

“Just as we have seen GPS technology transform how people navigate to new places, we are now seeing location-based applications like HTC Footprints changing how we interact and carry our memories,” said Kevin Chen, general manager, HTC Middle East and Africa and CIS.

The HTC Touch Cruise can also act as an advanced in-car navigation system. When placed into its accompanying car cradle, the HTC Touch Cruise automatically transforms its user interface into NaviPanel, a one-touch interface that provides seamless turn-by-turn directions.

HTC Touch Cruise depends on TouchFLO technology that provides fingertip access to phone, contacts, email, messaging, calendar and GPS applications.

As part of the launch and channel enablement program, HTC conducted training activities to educate channel partners, retailers and promoters about the all new Touch Cruise. The training roadshow was conducted across various cities including Dubai in UAE and Al Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

When quizzed on what effect iPhone's arrival to the region will have on HTC sales, Chen said that: "The launch of iPhone in our region is a great benefit for us, as it will increase the end-user awareness about smartphones. We are doing well even in the current financial situation because we have a big portfolio that fits all the segments."

The new HTC Touch Cruise will be available through all major retailers in selected ME regions starting with the UAE later this month at an estimated price of $654 (AED 2,399).

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