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HTC's waterproof, WiMAX-capable J handset now available in Hong Kong and Taiwan

Not to be outdone by Motorola and Nokia, HTC's quietly trying to steal some of the competition's thunder by unexpectedly outing a not-for-sale, fashion-driven variant of the One X and now with the announcement that its 4.3-inch waterproof J handset will be heading to a couple more Asian markets. Of course, let's not forget the Taiwanese outfit also has something else to show us at an upcoming special event in NYC. But, regardless of what we'll "see next," the J's actually here -- well, in Japan -- and with eyes set on Hong Kong and Taiwan next, making this the first time that Sense 4-loaded device is headed outside the Land of the Rising Sun.

Just a quick recap: the HTC J comes with a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 MSM8660A, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, qHD PenTile OLED display, eight-megapixel camera and 1,810mAh battery. As for connectivity, you get quad-band GSM, WCDMA 2,100MHz, CDMA2000 800MHz and WiMAX 2.5-2.7GHz (for Japan and Taiwan only) radios, making it a fairly nice all-rounder albeit with limited regional compatibility for each of the faster connections. Oh, and about that waterproofing business: KDDI doesn't actually list it as a waterproof device, but HTC informed us that while the J meets global standards for waterproofing, it is not marketed as such in Japan due to particular criteria required by said carrier. We shall add more info here if HTC has more to say about this.

At any rate, Hong Kong folks will be able to pick up this waterproof device for HK$4,498 (about $580) unsubsidized, whereas Taiwan will have to wait until the press event next Tuesday for tariff details on Taiwan Mobile. For now, we got you a video of the J going for a swim after the break. You know, just for kicks.

Richard Lai contributed to this report.


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The Brand New HTC J unveiled in Hong Kong

Outstanding Appearance Inherited the Amazing Camera and Authentic Sound of HTC One Series

[HONG KONG, September 6, 2012] –HTC, a leading global designer of smartphones, unveiled its latest smartphone, HTC J, in Hong Kong. Combining the art of design with the distinct Amazing Camera and Authentic Sound elements of the HTC One Series, HTC J delivers an outstanding mobile experience ever seen before.

Mr. Terry Chung, Country Manager of HTC, Hong Kong and Macau, says, "With the exceptional quality design, the outstanding look and feel, the Amazing Camera and Authentic Sound features of HTC J, users can now enjoy the ultimate photo, image, and sound experience."

Designed for the Asian market, HTC J is equipped with a simple and unique exterior design. The curved edges create a body that is modern and simple. HTC J comes in three colors: black, white and red. The HTC J integrates Android 4.0 (ICS) with HTC Sense™ 4, the HTC's branded user experience that is introducing HTC ImageSense™, a suite of enhanced camera and imaging features. Whilst the integrated Beats Audio offers broad enhancements to audio quality and simplifies how people listen to music on their phone. Other impressive features of HTC J include the 1.5GHz dual-core processor, the 4.3" HD display, 1GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and a microSD slot (maximum 32GB). In addition, the HTC J also supports CDMA and WiMAX networks allowing users to enjoy lightening mobile experience while travelling.

Amazing Camera
With ImageSense™, HTC J rivals traditional digital cameras with improvements to every part of the camera, including the lens, the sensor, the software, and even integrating a new custom HTC ImageChip. These enhancements combine to deliver our fastest image capture, best image quality under adverse conditions and easiest interface that enables quick access to capturing stills and videos with side-by-side photo and video capture buttons.

Superfast Capture - HTC J dramatically reduces the time it takes to capture those key moments. In just 0.7 seconds you're able to take a shot, continue to take 99 shots simply by holding the shutter button.

Good photos in adverse conditions - HTC J delivers dramatic enhancements in image capture quality even in adverse conditions such as low light, no light or with bright backlighting. The f/2.0 lens on the HTC J offers best-in-class performance, capturing 40 percent more light than the f/2.4 lenses available on other high-end phones. HTC J also includes HDR, a market-leading technology, for taking great photos even when there are varying levels of brightness.

Video Pic (Concurrent Video/Still Capture) – With Video Pic on new SenseTM 4, you capture a photo and shoot video at the same time. Now, while you're shooting HD video, all you have to do is tap the shutter button and it snaps a high-resolution still photo while the video continues to shoot. You are also able to capture a photo frame from a previously recorded video.

The advanced camera in HTC J offers photography on a par with traditional digital camera. Moreover, HTC integrates online data storage and sharing platform that allows you to enjoy a unique and all-rounded camera performance:

Dropbox integrated with HTC SenseTM 4 - HTC J gives you an easy way to save and share your photos and videos. HTC has integrated Dropbox into HTC SenseTM 4 enabling HTC J customers to get up to 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years. That's enough to keep more than 10,000 high-quality photos. Dropbox is also integrated throughout HTC SenseTM 4, so it's easy to edit, save and share your documents and other kinds of files.

Authentic Sound
With the SenseTM 4 on HTC J, Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ integration is enabled for the first time across the entire experience for richer, more authentic sound whether you're listening to your favorite music, watching a YouTube™ video or playing a game, with the 3.5mm stereo audio jack.

HTC J also makes it easy to get and listen to your music on your phone with the built-in HTC Sync software that automatically installs to your PC or Mac computer when connected. Once connected, it is easy to transfer songs, artists and playlists from your iTunes and Window Media Player music library.

People today no longer just listen to the songs stored on their phones; they use streaming services and tune into Internet radio. With SenseTM 4, HTC J lets you customize the new HTC Music Hub with your favorite services and music applications, like the latest Soundhound technology, giving you one place to go for all of your music.

Pricing & Availability

The HTC J will be available in black, white and red soon, and the suggested retail price is HK$4,498.