T-Mobile announced an upgraded version of its HTC-manufactured MyTouch that is said to support the carrier's 4G-like HSPA+ network. The MyTouch is equipped with Qualcomm's new 1GHz, 4G-ready Snapdragon MSM8255 processor, and offers a 3.8-inch, WVGA screen as well as a five-megapixel camera with HD video recording, says T-Mobile.

T-Mobile USA Oct. 4 said it is upgrading its MyTouch smartphone line with a new Android 2.2 handset capable of hitting 4G speeds.

The new MyTouch is built by HTC and has a 3.8-inch, WVGA screen with virtual keyboard and the Swype gesture text input application. The handset is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 1GHz MSM8255 processor and comes with an 8GB microSD memory card. The MyTouch also offers the same experience of preloaded Google mobile applications, but sports a five megapixel camera, HD camcorder, and video chat.

HTC's MyTouch

MyTouch users will be able to share videos, photo albums and movies wirelessly with a compatible HDTV or other DLNA device. The new MyTouch's front-facing camera enables video chat between other MyTouch handsets or other compatible smartphones or PCs through Yahoo Messenger or QIK. In this regard, the device rivals the HTC Evo 4G from Sprint and the Motorola Droid X from Verizon Wireless, both of which enable HD video capture and tout multimedia use.

The new phone also includes three features exclusive to the MyTouch line. A so-called Genius Button powered by Dragon Dictation from Nuance lets customers call, text, email or access the web through voice commands. The Faves Gallery offers shortcuts to frequent contacts, while MyModes lets users create customized home screens.

But T-Mobile sees the new MyTouch's 4G access speed and coverage as the chief selling point. T-Mobile said its 4G network spreads across 65 cities. The allure of 4G is speedier, more reliable application performance, especially multimedia apps such as video.

The new MyTouch will be available "in time for the holidays" in white, black, plum, or red. T-Mobile has not announced pricing, but given the device's specifications and price precedence of T-Mobile's forthcoming G2, it will likely cost $199. T-Mobile is offering its G2, an Android 2.2-based 4G smartphone, for $199. That device, whose pre-order schedule ended today, offers a 3.7-inch screen with a physical QWERTY keyboard.

T-Mobile clearly has an affinity for the MyTouch line. T-Mobile launched its first MyTouch, the MyTouch 3G, in summer 2009. The No. 4 U.S. wireless carrier went on the offer the MyTouch 3G Fender and MyTouch 3G Slide in 2010.

Availability

Photos and a sign-up page for the new MyTouch, which will be available for the holidays, may be found here.

Clint Boulton is a regular contributor to our sister publication eWEEK.

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