HTC's Desire smartphone will be available on Telstra from 27 April.
HTC and Telstra today announced the impending launch of the HTC Desire smartphone in Australia.
The first smartphone running the Google Android operating system to be launched on Telstra, the HTC Desire will be exclusive to the telco for three months after its April 27 release.
Featuring a 3.7in AMOLED display, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and an updated version of HTC's Sense user interface, the HTC Desire looks similar to Google’s Nexus One smartphone, which was launched globally last year but is not available in Australia.
The HTC Desire features an upgraded version of HTC's Sense UI and has a strong focus on the ability to customise the user interface's look and feel. Two new features include the ability to pinch the home screen to quickly display and select one of seven home screens, and an integrated contacts feature called HTC Friend Stream.
HTC pitching the ability to customise the Desire's interface as an advantage over the iPhone, which enjoys immense popularity but has been criticised for its closed nature.
"HTC Desire continues HTC's leadership in cutting-edge phone design and function," said Anthony Petts, HTC's sales and marketing director. "The new HTC Sense experience enhances the user's ability to personalise their smartphone."
The HTC Desire will be available for $0 upfront on Telstra's $60 consumer plan, but no data is included with this offer. A data pack of 150MB can be added to the plan for an extra $10.
The HTC Desire will have the full range of Telstra services available, including Mobile Foxtel and a new version of Sensis WhereIs navigation software, but users can remove any Telstra shortcuts and widgets if they wish.
Telstra is also selling the HTC Desire outright and unlocked for $779. For more information, including the available business and consumer plans for the HTC Desire visit Telstra's dedicated Desire Web site.
Be sure to also read our full preview of the HTC Desire. A comprehensive review will be published next week.
