HTC debut second Android phone: HTC Magic!

At this weeks Mobile World Congress event, held in Barcelona, HTCshowed commitment to the Android platform with the announcement of the HTC Magic. Currently the only mobile phonemanufacturer to launch an Android device with the T-Mobile G1, the Taiwanese company have doubled their Android range with the Magic. As to be expected, the Android is a touchscreen mobile phone, incorporating a 3.2 incher with familiar perks such as an Accelerometer for auto screen rotation and Handwriting recognition. To look at, the HTC Magic does look remarkably similar to the T-Mobile G1, so why all the excitement? What’s new?

Well firstly, the Magic sheds precious weight and size (13mm thick and 117 g compared to the G1’s 17mm 158 g) as it does away with a hardware QWERTY keyboard. Running the newest Android version means that the Magic can display an on screen QWERTY keypad for all your texting and emailing needs. This does make for a considerably more pocket friendly phone than it’s predecessor (the G1 was never exactly a handsome beast). The Magic, or G2 as it has also come to be known, runs the latest Android OS known as ‘cupcake’ (no, really). The benefits this will bring over its predecessor (apart from the afore mentioned on screen keyboard) include support for stereo bluetooth so you can listen to your music through a compatible wireless headset, video recording, music can now fade in or out around calls and lastly a general overhaul which should eradicate bugs and make the OS more stable and responsive.

Away from the OS, the Magic does look quite similar to the G1. The phone features HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity for high speed web browsing, a built in GPS receiver for SatNav services and location based applications, a Built in MP3 player and expandable memory for all your storage needs. A 3.2 Megapixel camera with Autofocus is included though unfortunately it lacks a flash of any kind so photos in low light are pretty much out of the question (unless you carry a torch round with you). And then apart from the usual suspects such as Bluetooth and the like, that’s pretty much your lot.