The HTC First launched in the US recently, and AT&T quickly dropped the price of the handset a few weeks after launch from $99 to $0.99. Shortly after, we heard that AT&T might actually cancel the handset altogether.
The HTC First was scheduled to launch in the UK with mobile carrier EE, although now it looks like the launch of the HTC First in the UK may have been cancelled due to lack of demand for the device.
The HTC First comes with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and features a 4.3 inch HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. Processing power is provided by a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, which ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Camera and Facebook Home Integration
The HTC First also comes equipped with dual cameras. Up front, there is a 1.6-megapixel camera designed for video chats, making it convenient for users who frequently use video calling apps. On the back, there is a 5-megapixel camera for capturing photos and videos. While these specifications might seem modest compared to today’s standards, they were quite competitive at the time of the phone’s release.
One of the unique selling points of the HTC First was its integration with Facebook Home. Facebook Home is a user interface layer for Android that provides a more immersive Facebook experience. It replaces the standard Android home screen with a Facebook-centric interface, featuring Cover Feed, which displays updates and photos from your Facebook friends directly on your home screen. This feature was aimed at heavy Facebook users who wanted quick and easy access to their social network.
Market Reception and Potential Cancellation
Despite these features, the HTC First struggled to gain traction in the market. The initial price drop from $99 to $0.99 by AT&T was a clear indication that the handset was not selling as expected. This drastic price reduction was likely an attempt to clear out inventory and attract more buyers, but it also raised questions about the device’s future.
In the UK, the situation appears to be even more dire. The HTC First was supposed to be launched with mobile carrier EE, but reports suggest that the launch may have been cancelled due to a lack of demand. This is particularly concerning for HTC and Facebook, as the UK market was seen as a significant opportunity for the device.
HTC and EE have yet to confirm that the UK launch of the HTC First has been cancelled. However, the lack of official communication and the device’s poor performance in the US market make it plausible that the UK launch might not happen. As soon as we get more information, we will let you guys know.
The HTC First serves as an interesting case study in the smartphone market. Despite having a unique feature in Facebook Home and reasonable hardware specifications, it failed to capture the interest of consumers. This highlights the challenges that manufacturers face in a highly competitive market where even innovative features may not guarantee success.
Source Engadget
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