HTC launches Android-powered Sensation

The handset will have an 8-megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture at 30fps. It will also arrive with dual-LED flash. Under the bonnet, the Sensation will run on the Android 2.3 operating system.

Rounding off the list of smartphone staples, the Sensation will offer HSPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS connectivity.

HTC said the device offers better email and calendar features, and will launch apps faster than earlier handsets thanks to its dual-core processor.

See more photo galleries on ZDNet UK.

The device brings with it the newest version of HTC's Sense user interface, version 3.0. The lock screen now allows users to instantly launch into an app docked on it; weather, time, stocks, user photos and social-network updates can all be docked on the lock screen. Apps are opened in one motion by dragging them inside the new lock circle.

Other Sense updates include a revamped home screen and tweaks to the weather app, adding new animations and sound effects.

An HTC spokesman told ZDNet UK that "some elements" of Sense could make their way onto older HTC handsets.

"It's not as simple as taking HTC Sense and putting it on the older handsets. We want to make features available that make sense on the older hardware," the spokesman said. "We may bring certain features to specific phones on a handset-by-handset basis."

See more photo galleries on ZDNet UK.

Also new to Sense 3.0 is integration of the HTC Watch premium television and movie-streaming service, which so far has been confirmed for the HTC Flyer tablet only.

Ahead of the official HTC announcement, Vodafone accidentally posted details of the Sensation on its website. These were later removed.

The Sensation will be available from Vodafone from around the middle of May, HTC said. Other retailers and operators are expected to start selling it by the middle of June. Pricing details were not disclosed.

Get the latest technology news and analysis, blogs and reviews delivered directly to your inbox with ZDNet UK's newsletters.