New HTC phone is also a television remote

The rise of the smartphone has meant that, for many, the mobile now doubles as their landline, watch, diary and even personal computer.

And if the Taiwanese mobile-maker HTC gets its way, the smartphone could soon replace the humble TV remote.

Couch potatoes the world over are increasingly using their mobile phones while watching TV, be it as a distraction during advertising breaks or to tweet about Arab Idol.

HTC has picked up on this trend with the launch of its latest smartphone, which incorporates an infrared remote-control.

Users of the HTC One smartphone will be able to download programme guides and use their phone to switch channels.

"Roughly two thirds of people we polled use their smartphone in front of the TV," says Jon French, the vice president of HTC in the Middle East and Africa. "Why put your phone down to pick up a remote control, simply to switch TV channels?"

HTC says it is in talks with Middle East broadcasters to incorporate TV-programme data on the new handset, which is expected to cost Dh2,300 (US$626) to Dh2,700 when it launches in the UAE in late March.

Analysts say the TV remote is promising - but certainly not a game changer for HTC, which is struggling to retain its share of the cut-throat smartphone market.

"It could be an interesting feature, but I'm not sure it's sufficient in itself to make a difference. It does sound a little bit gimmicky," says Matthew Reed, principal analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Informa Telecoms & Media, based in Dubai.

The HTC One handset does, however, boast a number of new features that could prove a draw to users. It runs on a customised version of the Android operating system, and includes a new feature called BlinkFeed, which displays a live stream of news and social updates on the phone's home screen.

The 4G-compatible HTC One also has two front-facing stereo speakers and a high-quality camera, and is made from a solid block of aluminium.

bflanagan@thenational.ae