The HTC Magic certainly has a big name to live up to and after the success of its predecessor, the Google G1, HTC will be hoping that this Android powered handset will carry on in the same vein. The fantastic 3.2 inch display is the same but the HTC Magic certainly has a few new tricks up its sleeve in terms of aesthetic appeal, but what can it pull out of the hat in terms of technological advancement?
Firstly, like Harry Houdini, the Qwerty keyboard incorporated by the G1 has done a disappearing act - Now you see it now you don't! We know that there are many of you out there who love your Qwerty keyboards but we feel the omission, on this occasion, has added some real sexyness to the Magic, emphasized by the fact that it now comes in at just 13.7mm in thickness. This will either turn you on or turn you off the HTC Magic but we've a feeling that a sleeker, more slimline design only adds to the appeal of this high-powered beauty.
The Android operating system is obviously the HTC Magic's 'piece de resistance' and has now been updated in the shape of the 'Cupcake' version. This allows for speedier web browsing when using the host of Google applications that are on offer via the Google Android Marketplace, all of which can be accessed with the minimum of fuss by using the trackball or navigational buttons. Cupcake should also allay any fears regarding the lack of a Qwerty keyboard as it supports soft on-screen pads, making usability for all the fat-fingered amongst us a little easier in both landscape and portrait mode.
The HTC Magic will only be available in White in the UK, which is a little disappointing as I'm sure the Black version would have proved to be very popular - maybe HTC don't fancy dabbling in any Black Magic for fear of putting a hex on future sales, who knows? As it is, the White version still looks great, looking like the perfect accessory for a Stormtrooper, the crisp white finish compliments the improved contours and styling to maximum effect.
There are quite a few recent releases that have created the illusion of being an iPhone killer but have ultimately come up short, not so the HTC Magic. Its beauty is backed up by its technological trickery through notable features such as a Qualcomm CPU, Wi-Fi, GPS, 3.2MP camera and HSDPA, all of which are bound to keep you mesmerised. The fact that the HTC Magic will be available exclusively on Vodafone, as opposed to the T-Mobile for the G1, will no doubt add to its appeal, especially in the UK.
The HTC Magic is definitely a more refined and sophisticated
handset than the G1 and further cements the successful relationship between
HTC and Google. You might like this, not a lot, but a whole lot!
