HTC Smart review

HTC enjoys experimenting with different operating systems. We have seen earlier HTC devices running on Windows Mobile and Android OS. Now HTC has a completely new platform to offer on its new device HTC Smart.

Those who have used INQ social networking mobiles must be familiar with Qualcomm's Brew OS. However, for those who are not familiar with Brew OS, HTC Smart will introduce a new platform to experience for the users. The common feature this device incorporates is the HTC's Sense UI, which was available with HTCs Android and Windows Mobile series as well.

You may not find the advanced features of HTC Desire like the homescreen overview function or animated wallpapers, but this is well expected as HTC Smart is a mid-end device launched within a reasonable price bracket.

HTC Smart boasts of a decent homescreen that provides all of the information you need while you take a quick look at the handset. Then you can find calendar appearing in the top half of the screen along with weather conditions listed below. Additionally, you can also access three widgets located at the bottom of the screen - preset to FM radio, internet and camera.

But there is more in store. You just need to swipe up the screen and you can get enough space for you to add nine widgets in total. You have the option to select widgets from a list of applications and utilities. And if you swipe right to left from the homescreen of the device, you can spot the Favourites tab. With this feature, you can insert shortcuts to your favourite or most called people.

There are more cool stuffs you can do with the swipe feature. Another swipe prompts Friend Stream. This tool helps you to easily merge your Facebook and Twitter accounts, while offering new status updates and tweets all in one place. Then there is the third homescreen that displays SMS messages and provides you the interface to create new ones.

Moving the other way through the homescreens, you'll meet a rather attractive music player. It comes with cover art in the main body of the screen having simple play/pause, skip forward and skip back tabs alongside. Also, in the top right hand corner, you can find repeat icon while in the top left you can access shuffle activation. It's basic but really effective at listening to tunes.

The photo gallery function is the next app that you may encounter. You may not be able to scroll through the photos from the widget - instead you need to open the app by tapping on it to view your snaps. Finally, there is last homescreen showcasing a weather widget that automatically updates when you have data access.

What we do enjoyed while using the HTC Smart is that you can easily switch between different modes, such as lifestyle or work to suit usage at different times of the day. You can also arrange the order of the widgets as per your liking within these modes so that you can quickly access certain apps during work hours and others in your free time.

Moving ahead, we found the menu UI quite simple to use too. It works by tapping the back button on the homescreen and you can access three prompted screens which are packed full of icons. You can find file browser, alarm and shortcuts to all of the applications here. Again, you need to swipe across to move between the screens.

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