Display:800 x 480 pixels (Wide-VGA), 5:3 ratio (~133 ppi density)
Camera:VGA
Battery:
Released:Released 2008, February
Introducing the HTC Shift: A Revolutionary Device Ahead of Its Time
The year was 2008, and the technology landscape was rapidly evolving. Smartphones were gaining popularity, and consumers were looking for devices that could do more than just make phone calls. That's when HTC, a Taiwanese electronics company, introduced the Shift - a unique device that bridged the gap between a laptop and a smartphone.
The Concept Behind the Shift
HTC's vision for the Shift was to create a portable device that could run a full operating system while also having the convenience and connectivity of a smartphone. In other words, it was a hybrid of a laptop and a smartphone - something that was not yet seen in the market at that time.
The Release Date and Specifications
The Shift was announced in March 2007 and released in February 2008. It had a weight of 800g and a thickness of 25mm, making it a bit bulkier than most smartphones today. However, its dimensions of 207 x 129 x 25mm (8.15 x 5.08 x 0.98 inches) made it relatively compact for its time.
In terms of storage, the Shift had 80GB of internal storage with the option for expansion through an SDIO card slot. It also had a QWERTY keyboard and a Mini-SIM card slot.
The Breakthrough: Microsoft Vista Business and SnapVUE OS
One of the key highlights of the HTC Shift was its dual operating system - Microsoft Vista Business and SnapVUE OS. SnapVUE was a custom version of Windows Mobile that allowed users to stay connected even when the device was in sleep mode. This meant that users could still receive emails, make phone calls, and access their calendar without fully powering up the device.
The full-fledged Microsoft Vista Business operating system provided users with the power of a laptop. It had an Intel Stealey 800MHz CPU and 1GB of RAM, which was impressive for a portable device at that time.
Network and Connectivity
The HTC Shift supported GSM and HSDPA technologies, with 2G and 3G bands respectively. However, it could only transfer data and not make voice calls. This was due to its focus on providing laptop-like features rather than traditional smartphone capabilities.
It also had Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, with no support for positioning or FM radio. The Shift did have a USB 2.0 port, making it easy to connect external devices.
The Display and Camera
The Shift had a 7-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with handwriting recognition and a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. It also had a VGA camera on the rear and a front-facing camera for video calls.
Other Features and Battery Life
As a device ahead of its time, the Shift also had some impressive features such as built-in fingerprint recognition for added security, PocketIE browser, and voice memo. It also had media players for various file formats like MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, OGG, AMR, WMV, and MP4.
In terms of battery life, the Shift had a non-removable Li-Po 2700 mAh battery, providing about six hours of usage. This was quite impressive given its size and capabilities.
The Shift's Impact and Legacy
Despite its innovative design and promising features, the HTC Shift did not achieve commercial success. Its price point of around 210 EUR may have been a deterrent to many consumers. Additionally, its bulky size and limited network capabilities may have made it less desirable compared to other smartphones at that time.
But the Shift's legacy lives on. It was one of the first devices to offer a hybrid experience between a laptop and a smartphone, paving the way for the modern-day tablet. Its innovative features and design set the stage for the development of more versatile and powerful portable devices in the future.
In conclusion, the HTC Shift may not have made a significant impact during its release, but it is undoubtedly a device that was ahead of its time. It pushed the boundaries of what was possible, setting the foundation for the innovative and revolutionary devices we enjoy today.
HTC Shift Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM / HSPA
2G bands
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 , No voice calls, data transfer only