(Image Source: HTC)
BY IRIS ZHANG
ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO
You're watching multisource tech news analysis from Newsy.com.
A smartphone-- for the ladies.
HTC has introduced its newest handset for Verizon-- called, the Rhyme-- and designed to appeal to female consumers.
Here’s who HTC SAYS the phone is for.
“The Rhyme is designed for a new type of customer for HTC. These are people who want all the smartphone has to offer, but they don’t want to have to engage directly with technology.”
But tech bloggers say, who are they kidding? Pocket-lint observes...
“Although HTC describes the phone in lifestyle terms and distinctly doesn't say ‘for girls’, the preceding leaks of this handset ... make it difficult to think of it as anything but the HTC handset pitched at the fairer sex.”
Engadget reports the handset is purple and unlike most girly smartphones in the market, comes with a handful of accessories. An International Business Times reporter says...
“The retail package of the smartphone contains a docking station, sports armband, Bluetooth headset and Charm cable which lights up for incoming calls and messages.”
Verizon will slap a $199 price tag on the phone bundled with the accessories. But some observers have doubts about the usefulness of including all those extras. A staff writer for Forbes notes...
“The Rhyme’s accessories are equally specialized...The unusual approach points up some questions. Do people want a ‘holistic experience’ with their mobile devices instead of just a phone? And will they be willing to pay more for that experience?”
Despite all the grumbles, HTC remains confident in its design, as its executive Jason Mackenzie tells CNET.
“For a feature phone customer, we think this is a better product than the iPhone.”
The Rhyme will be available on Sept. 29 for Verizon users. Keep up with the latest tech headline by downloading the free Newsy app to your Android smartphone.
Transcript by Newsy
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