Hello you lovely lot. Back in May we mentioned the Chinese version of the HTC One which, unlike the version available everywhere else, has a microSD card slot. HTC stated at the time that there was additional space available in the Chinese version due to the radio bands used there, so they could fit a microSD card slot in
Fast-forward 6 months and yes, finally, we have an official announcement – the microSD-equipped HTC One is to be available in the UK. Not only that, but this new version has two SIM-slots too, so you can keep your work and personal SIM in the very same handset.
HTC state that they’re targeting the business market, which has massive potential because BlackBerry is pretty screwed is becoming increasingly competitive.
If you want one, it’s available for pre-order from http://www.officialhtcstore.com/ and, by the looks of it, it’ll cost exactly the same amount as the normal version.
It’s all the good stuff (HTC BoomSound, UltraPixel camera, IR blaster etc) plus an additional SIM and a microSD card slot to add a further 64GB of storage. If you bought one recently and are now screaming at the screen, I feel for you.
What? You’ve not seen much about the HTC One? Watch our full HTC One overview for details, and check out the press release below. Note, there’s NO 4G in this version.
HTC One dual SIM brings style and function to business and enterprise market
London, November 28th, 2013 – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, is to start selling its HTC One with a dual SIM option in the UK for the first time.
The HTC One dual SIM has a removable back casing so customers can insert two different SIM cards, meaning they can use a single phone to run on two different phone numbers or networks simultaneously. The handset has also been enhanced so users can take advantage of a microSD slot, enabling them to add up to 64GB of additional storage.
The launch marks the first time HTC has released a dual SIM version of its top-end smartphone in the UK.
Dual Sim
HTC has launched the phone to specifically target a business and enterprise market that is becoming increasingly competitive. At the same time, HTC has seen in research in other markets showing that business people would prefer to use just a single handset – but want to avoid spending their own money on company usage.
The HTC One dual SIM will also appeal to those who want to be able to separate their work from their personal lives, but don’t want to have to carry two handsets – often a premium smartphone for personal use and a lower-end product for work calls and email.
The handset will also suit those who make international calls for work – either while travelling or because they are seconded overseas. The handset enables customers to have a local-network SIM card for in-country calls and data, while they use an international SIM when travelling or living away from home, delivering potential cost savings to businesses and consumers alike.
Peter Frolund, HTC’s General Manager UK said: “HTC is changing the premium mobile market, this is the first time we have released a dual SIM version of one of our premium handsets in the UK. By bringing business and pleasure together in the best designed handset in the market, we’re creating a new approach and one that we believe will appeal to businesses and their employees alike.”
The HTC One dual SIM features high-quality audio for media and a clarity of sound that is perfect for conference calling with HTC BoomSound™ and dual-frontal speakers. It also features leading camera functionality with HTC UltraPixel™ technology and a robust aluminium uni-body which handles the most challenging business conditions comfortably. A big battery, power saving mode and the familiar design aesthetic are all reasons why the HTC One has become the most-awarded handset in the UK this year.
The addition of a microSD slot has been designed to appeal to business travellers who tend to need to carry larger numbers of files for work, while they also want to carry more personal entertainment content while on the road.
For the corporate user, the HTC One dual SIM also offers HTC Sense®-enabled productivity including built-in support for Microsoft Exchange and Office and provisions for other Microsoft applications including Office 365 and Lync. It also supports enterprise-grade features including on-board encryption, secure connectivity, secure password polices, remote data wiping and flexible Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions.
Peter Frolund concludes: “Companies are offering greater choice to employees to choose their own phone or are happy for staff to use a personal handset for both work and pleasure. With HTC One dual SIM, employees can get the handset they want while not having to pay for company usage out of their own pockets and employers can lower the sums they spend on handsets, so it delivers the best of both worlds.”
The HTC One dual SIM is available now for pre-order via the Official HTC Store (www.officialhtcstore.com ). HTC is in advanced talks with a number of networks and retailers to offer the handset direct to consumer and business customers.
