HTC Merge coming to ‘multiple’ North American carriers this spring; Android, CDMA world phone

By on Feb 25, 2011 at 1:21 PM
mobile February 25, 2011

Here’s one straight out of left field. In a brief press release, HTC announced that its Merge handset — a device we thought was dead and buried – will be making its way to North America, via “multiple carriers,” sometime this spring. The Merge is most certainly going to land on Verizon Wireless and will compliment VZW’s global, Android handset lineup — which already consists of the DROID 2 Global and DROID Pro — quite nicely. The Merge isn’t the most powerful handset on the block, but it certainly isn’t a slouch — 3.8-inch touchscreen display, full QWERTY slide-out keyboard, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with 720p video recording, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and Android 2.2. Many have been waiting for this handset to drop since we first spotted it back in September (gallery). Is this the Android set you’ve been waiting for, or is it a little too late? The full press release is after the break.

The HTC Mergeâ„¢ Smartphone Brings Androidâ„¢ and HTC Senseâ„¢ to HTC’s First CDMA Android World Phone

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — HTC Corp., a global designer of smartphones, today announced that the new HTC Merge smartphone will be made available through multiple North American carriers beginning in spring 2011. The HTC Merge smartphone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the power of Android 2.2, the HTC Sense experience, a large 3.8-inch touch-screen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience for those looking for a truly complete smartphone. The HTC Merge is also HTC’s first Android-based CDMA world phone.

“HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment,” said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. “Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it’s at home or travelling around the world.”

Customers will appreciate seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with the Android Market™ with more than 100,000 applications. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.

In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smartphone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p video.

Availability
HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011.

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  • Sonyab

    I forgot all about this phone. Really nice that it’s a world phone. Got my iPhone already but I think this would be a great addition to the Android line up on VZW. This needs to take the Fascinates place.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

    Is this the same as the evo shift?

    • Anonymous

      Yep!!

      Hey Walter, thanks for pointing out the link at the bottom.
      And, “No, I didn’t see your replies.”
      I’ll install the DisQus on a throw-away laptop or desktop to check it out.
      Gracias!!

      • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

        You don’t have to install anything. If you log in to the disqus site it shows all activity from and to you for all disqus sites. Its a great way to reply to multiple sites without having to visit them individually.

  • Warhed230

    Impatiently waiting for the thunderbolt

  • http://twitter.com/chriscanty chris canty

    Too late with the Thunderbolt, Bionic, Droid X2, and Incredible in the pipeline. Just my opinion. With Android, it pays to just get the best one you can. No sense in trying to save $50 up front, I don’t think most buyers really care.

  • Anonymous

    I would like to see a Global Android phone on Verizon with at least a 4.3″ screen; too small and too late.
    At the rate Verizon is going, this will be released before ThunderBolt!!!

  • JaceK

    If it’s 3G only, it might be an attractive alternative to not get screwed by Verizon’s inevitable 4G pricing.

    • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

      Im gonna see if they will let me switch my 3g plan to a 4g plan if they do introductory 29.99 unlimited 4g, even if I don’t get a 4g phone until July, I would be grandfathered in.

      • Guest

        Not going to work.

        You have to register a SIM.

  • Anonymous

    Did you people ever notice that all the HTC phones look the same. And I am not talking about ui the phones themselves.

    • http://twitter.com/Culex316 Robert Dunn

      Nope, no one ever notices, unless it’s a Blackberry

  • Yokoroberts

    So verizon only. No att?

    • http://twitter.com/Culex316 Robert Dunn

      It’s a CDMA world phone, meaning it supports GSM, so you can take it to AT&T and use it with them, even though AT&T 3G bands would most likely be omitted.

      • HTC

        Unless Verizon locks out US carriers like they do on the Droid 2 Global and Droid Pro.

  • Anonymous

    What are the Specs?

  • Derail Doax

    Now the $1000 question. Will Virgin Mobile USA get it? Cus this would be a SWEET phone for the $25 per momth, 300 min, Unlimited Text, Unlimited Data plan.

  • http://twitter.com/bradenmcg Braden McGrath

    DO WANT.
    LTE on a phone is pointless for anything but tethering. I have a company-supplied LTE card for that. :) I’ve been wanting an alternative to the D2 for ages and this is it.

    • Work Use Only

      If I were your employer and found out that you used your LTE card for non-work related tasks, I’d fire you.

  • Sced06

    You cannot use it on ATT, the GSM part of Verizon’s world phones only work out of the country. Both HTC and Verizon have made that very clear and it’s already been proven by people who have tried to do that with the Droid 2 Global and the Verizon World Blackberry.

    • Burress80

      The only problem its that they do not receive 3G service here. If you didn’t mind using only edge you could have any of those devices on ATT or T Mobile…

  • ROB

    No bing?

  • Anonymous

    Damn-after my BBS1 gave up the ghost around Christmas I couldn’t wait any longer and did the dead at Best Buy on a DINC; couldn’t beat the price, free. Still, this was the phone I was hoping to get on Vz. Oh well, I’m sure in 2 years there will be even better phones. Damn.

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