The HTC Touch 2 is HTC’s trial with the new Windows 6.5 Mobile operating system, although the company has put its own TouchFLO interface on top of that to try and offer more of an HTC experience. But somehow, somewhere, someone has dropped the ball on this handset as several mobile phone reviews have already noted.
So what are the problems? The most obvious one visually is that the handset doesn’t switch from portrait to landscape mode. Given that this change is standard in smartphones these days, it seems a counterproductive move not to include it, and it’s bound to turn off a lot of potential customers.
The other big downfall is the screen itself, which is resistive, requiring fairly heavy finger pressure or the use of a stylus, and which can easily result in choosing the wrong app – and frustration like that is never a good thing.
On the good side, the inclusion of Windows 6.5 Mobile means Internet Explorer is there as a browser although, oddly, it’s not the default one, but can be easily accessed. The OS also offers access to MyPhone via Windows Live, meaning all contacts – in fact everything on the phone – can be backed up, which can offer some peace of mind.
The HTC Touch 2‘s user interface works well and does help with navigation, but given the screen it is a vital addition.
Given HTC’s record, it’s surprising that they’ve allowed this phone to come out. Compared to the competition, it really doesn’t do the job at all.
