HTC’s new Cha Cha and Salsa integrate Facebook in their software and hardware. Vodafone have both the handsets exclusive, betting on HTC and the social networking giant.
The two phones, named Salsa and Cha Cha, directly target Facebook users, featuring an isolated Facebook button on the phone’s front. The button is context savvy, responding differently when pressed in different parts of the phone.
For instance, when using the camera, a touch of the Facebook button will allow users to instantly and directly upload photos to their Facebook accounts. This contextualised and interactive access allows users to directly check in to locations, update status’ or post on to friends walls with the click of the blue button.
The decision to put Facebook at the core of the phone’s software comes from research suggesting that 28% of people check their Facebook accounts before they get out of bed.
“HTC understands the growing value of social media and has taken that to a whole new level” Ben Hodgson, HTC’s Country Manager said. “These two new devices bring customers a refreshingly easy user experience and a more immediate way to engage with Facebook through a mobile device.”
The unique Facebook integration aside, the phones stand well on their own merit. Each sporting 800MHz processors, 512MB of ram, 5 Megapixel cameras, solid-build quality and the current 2.3 Android OS, proving they’re equipped low end rivals.
With 500 000 Android devices activated daily, the OS’ support continues to grow daily.
The HTC Salsa is the successor to the popular HTC Legend, sharing a similar portrait orientated screen and its unique curve factor. Although both of the handsets feature a capacitive touch screen, the Cha Cha is distinguished by its QWERTY keyboard and its screen’s landscape orientation.
Vodafone has exclusive rights to both of the handsets, and will be launching them on the 6th of July. The phones will be priced at $0 on their 45 infinite plan or $0 on their 29 cap, each over a two year period.
