HTC introduces new Beats Audio-equipped Android phones

MANILA, Philippines - HTC Corp., a global designer of mobile devices, unveiled recently the HTC Sensation XL and XE phones, both featuring Beats Audio technology for studio-quality audio as well as Google’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system.

This latest innovation is the result of the partnership between HTC and Beats announced last August and which takes mobile entertainment to a new level with an expansive 4.7-inch screen and a specifically optimized audio experience. 

The new HTC Sensation XL and XE with Beats Audio are the first handsets to offer a Beats Audio experience — a combination of software and hardware that allows users to hear music the way the artist intended.

When used with the exclusive custom-made Beats headset, the handset automatically switches to the bespoke Beats Audio sound profile, delivering audio tracks tuned specifically for the headphones.

Listening to the Beats headset reveals a fuller bass and crisper vocals and a new level of clarity and range as the specially designed headphones work seamlessly with the HTC Music application.

“Our partnership with Beats Audio complements our commitment to bringing the ultimate experience that indulges the user’s senses, be it listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game,” said Lennard Hoornik, president of HTC South Asia Pacific.

“This new association exemplifies our dedication to our customers today and into the future,” he added.

“HTC is an incredible partner and has completely embraced our desire to make the music experience on the mobile phone as powerful and as rich as it can be,” Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Beats by Dr. Dre, said in a statement.

With the 4.7-inch screen, slim 9.9-mm design and Beats Audio integration, the HTC Sensation XL was specifically created to deliver a superb entertainment experience with stunning audio and visuals for music, HD movies and games.

HTC Sensation XL

Unique to HTC phones, the Sensation XL includes new lightweight urBeats headphones, created exclusively to integrate with the Beats’ audio profile on the device.

The built-in microphone makes hands-free calling easy and the on-cable remote control allows customers to pause, advance or rewind, and to answer a call mid-track.

Customers can also send music recommendations and track information to friends over SMS, e-mail or through their Facebook profile.

To allocate the perfect audio alert to an incoming call or message from friends and family, users can set the ringtone trimmer to edit a music track and add it to a friend’s contact profile.

The HTC Sensation XL, which also features HTC’s brilliant Sense 3.5 user interface as well as a fast 1.5GHz (albeit single-core) processor, boasts an 8MP camera featuring an f/2.2, 28-mm wide-angle lens with BSI sensor to fit more of the scene into every shot and for better low-light performance.

In video mode, the HTC Sensation XL enables customers to record a perfect moment with stunning clarity and incredible stereo sound-perfect for sharing on YouTube, Facebook or a TV.

The HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio, on the other hand, boosts performance and battery life even further with the addition of a blazing fast 1.5GHz dual-core processor and an extended battery of 1730 mAh that lets users listen, watch, speak and browse longer. It ships with an 8GB microSD card.

“We believe that audio is a crucial part of any consumer’s mobile experience and will continually push the audio boundaries to encompass not only improved voice but music, movies and games,” said Hoornik.

“The HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio offers a truly incredible experience that demonstrates our leadership in innovation and technology, as well as our commitment to place consumers at the centre of their mobile worlds,” he added.

The HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio is available through Smart wireless centers and HTC authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of P32,500.

The HTC Sensation XE, meanwhile, is available through Smart at Plan 2,000 and through HTC authorized retailers at a suggested retail price of P31,500.