HTC launches the U Ultra and U Play


For those of you who didn't stay up until 3am (or want to wake up early this morning) the HTC company has held their event and in it they launched 2 new devices, the HTC U Ultra and the HTC U Play.


I guess Moto should have trademarked the 'play' branding on names!

Here's the announcement from today if you want to watch it yourself:



Let's look at the devices


U UltraU Play
Price (CDN)~$749USD?
Size5.7" + 2"5.2"
Resolution2560x1440 + 160x10401920x1080
Processor2.15GHz x4
TypeSnapdragon 821MT Helio P10
RAM4GB3GB / 4GB
Storage64GB / 128GB32GB / 64GB
microSD?yesyes
Rear Cam12UP (f/1.8, 1.55um ultrapixel 2)16MP (f/2.0)
Front Cam16MP (ultrapixel)16MP (f/2.0, ultrapixel)
Battery3000mAh2500mAh
ReleasedJan 2017Jan 2017
OtherUSB-C, fingerprint sensor, QC3.0, no headphone, HTC Companion (AI), USonicUSB-C, fingerprint sensor

Some of the highlights of the release are that the glass is now using 'sapphire' glass, meaning it's now ultra strong.

The Ultra will come with that secondary display, similar to LG's V20.

It will also come with the HTC Companion, an AI, machine learning assistant on your phone.  Which you can also use a 'biometric voice unlock'.

It will also have USonic, which will learn and adapt to your unique listening 'fingerprint' to give you the best sound possible (via USB-C connector only).

When recording you now have 4 omnidirectional mics to have what they call '3D audio recording'

Devices are available in Sapphire Blue, Cosmetic Pink, Brilliant Blue, and Ice White.

Now, will it be enough to help draw HTC back out ... that's yet to be seen.  There's mention in the US the Ultra will be about $750USD, and available in March (pre-order now), but nothing about the Play.  I'm trying to get our HTC contacts to see if they can clarify for us.

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