As consumer demand drives the smartphone market, the fight for dominance intensifies, with the smartest and the most innovative of them all likely to reign supreme. Based on recent industry data, the number of devices using the Android operating system knocked Apple's iPhone into second place with Samsung overtaking Apple to become the world's largest seller of smartphones. According to International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors will ship some 982 million units by the end of 2015. On a full-year basis, total smartphone shipment volumes reached 491.4 million units in 2011, up a strong 61.3 percent from the 304.7 million units in 2010. IDC said HTC moved up one spot and maintained its upward momentum, closing in on Nokia who is currently in the third place on the strength of its Symbian phones. Research In Motion (RIM), with its BlackBerry models, landed in the number five position worldwide. Out of the first five, HTC has the most promising future with its solid infrastructure, analysts said. HTC last year acquired several companies to complement its devices, including Dashwire for cloud-based sync, Zoodles for kid-oriented applications, and a stake in audio company Beats. At the same time, HTC launched several devices for specific segments, including the multimedia-optimized Sensation, female oriented Rhyme, and the entry-level Explorer. Against this backdrop, HTC launched its highly anticipated flagship HTC One Series in Saudi Arabia Sunday. The HTC One X features a new level of iconic design, an amazing camera and an authentic sound experience, which earned it the title "Best Smartphone" during its unveiling at Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. "HTC's latest series of smartphones represent our most premium experience yet. With the advanced HTC Sense 4 integrated onto an Android 4.0 (ICS) platform, the HTC One X is at the pinnacle of its game. Add to it the newest version of our branded HTC ImageSense suite of camera and imaging features, and the HTC One Series is leagues ahead of its competition," said Neeraj Seth, MENA Senior Marketing Manager, HTC Middle East and North Africa at a media roundtable in Jeddah. With all its innovative features, not available in other smartphones, HTC One is really a "super smartphone," he noted. Built in a beautifully crafted polycarbonate unibody that has the ruggedness of metal yet "super lightweight", the 130g HTC One X is just 8.9mm thick with a scratch-resistant "Gorilla Glass" 4.7" screen running over the edges of a matt plastic back. Switched on, the screen is the best currently available on an Android device. Colors are warm and images are sharp. The HTC One X has excellent camera, which takes some of the sharpest images yet seen on any mobile phone in a "super fast speed." "In just 0.7 seconds, you're able to take a shot, and with a new superfast 0.2-seconds autofocus, continue to take nearly unlimited continuous shots simply by holding the shutter button," Seth said. The One X f/2.0 lens /2.0 lens offers best-in-class performance, capturing 40 percent more light than the f/2.4 lenses available on other high-end phones. HTC One also includes HDR, a market-leading technology, for taking great photos even when there are varying levels of brightness. "Life's best moments are captured in a photograph or remembered by a song, which made us consider these two elements as imperative features in the new HTC One Series. By providing our fans with a superior camera and the incredible Beats audio experience, we are helping them to capture and relive their most emotional experiences, time and time again," said Mohammed Kais Zribi, Regional Manager, HTC Middle East and North Africa. "The HTC One X is the ultimate mobile experience. With such exceptional specifications and functions, it is easily integrated any lifestyle," he added. The HTC One X definitely offers unparalleled experience with its innovative features to capture the best in life, he added. With this new smartphone, which comes in three models, HTC aims to increase its market share in Saudi Arabia to 10 percent this year from 2 percent at present, Mohammad Rahawan, HTC manager in the Kingdom, told the Saudi Gazette. __
