HTC: Rhyme a better upgrade phone than iPhone

HTC: Rhyme a better upgrade phone than iPhone:

The HTC Rhyme.

(Credit:
Bonnie Cha/CNET)

If you're looking to upgrade to a smartphone from a basic handset, HTC executive Jason Mackenzie says he believes the Rhyme offers a better option than Apple's iPhone.

HTC's global marketing chief, Jason Mackenzie.

(Credit:
HTC)

"For a feature phone customer, we think this is a better product than the iPhone," Mackenzie said in an interview with CNET. HTC's global marketing chief was in New York on Tuesday for the unveiling of the Rhyme for Verizon Wireless, a "plum" smartphone with feminine sensibilities--not that HTC or Verizon would easily cop to that fact.

Mackenzie's claim is a bold one, but one in line with a company that itself has gotten bolder in the smartphone arena. Over the past few years, HTC has made a name for itself with its unique take on the Android smartphone and a concerted effort to get its own name out in the market, rather than relying on carrier partners for marketing support.

That higher profile has come with bigger problems. HTC is embroiled in a massive legal battle with Apple over the alleged violation of patents on both sides, a conflict that has drawn in Google's direct support through the transfer of ... [Read more]

Source : Google Reader