HTC announced it will launch an Android-based “world phone,” including both CDMA and GSM. Due this spring, the HTC Merge features Android 2.2, a 3.8-inch display, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and a five-megapixel camera, and appears likely to be heading for Verizon Wireless.

HTC's brief announcement on Feb. 25 revealed a few basic details about the new device claimed to be the company's "first CDMA Android world phone." The HTC Merge (below) will "be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011," according to the Taiwanese handset giant.

HTC Merge

The Merge runs both Android 2.2 and HTC's Sense user interface on an unstated processor. The phone is equipped with 3.8-inch touchscreen, as well as QWERTY slide-out keyboard, says HTC.

The Merge offers a five-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, and captures video at 720p quality, says the company. Other features are said to include Wi-Fi and GPS.

The Merge offers Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync integration, and supports Flickr for picture sharing and viewing, says HTC. Android Market is also said to be available.

Merge and Incredible 2 seen on Verizon inventory

Engadget, meanwhile, revealed Verizon Wireless inventory for both the Merge and an HTC "Droid Incredible 2," as well as a separate listing for an "HTC Incredible." The Droid Incredible 2 appears to be a U.S. version of the Incredible S, which is headed for the U.K. Announced at Mobile World Congress earlier this month, the Incredible S is equipped with a four-inch, WVGA display, an eight-megapixel camera, and a front-facing videocam.

The Incredible 2 will join the HTC Thunderbolt (pictured), which will support Verizon's 4G LTE network later this year. The phone has been delayed, but now appears to be on track for an early- to mid-March March release, according to GottaBeMobile.

The Thunderbolt is a slightly scaled down variant of the Sprint-destined HTC Evo Shift 4G design, minus the Shift 4G's slider keyboard. The Thunderbolt is equipped with a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 4.3-inch display, and both an eight-megapixel camera and a front-facing videocam.

Verizon already offers a global 3G roaming phone in its Motorola Droid 2 Global, a version of the Droid 2 equipped with quad-band GSM global roaming. This is said to enable the phone to run on Verizon Wireless' CDMA and GSM networks.

Stated Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas, "HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment."

Availability

The HTC Merge will be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011, says HTC. A bit more information may be found in HTC's Merge announcement.

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