HTC Tattoo Review

Interface and functions:

The HTC Tattoo is the first Android smartphone that comes with version 1.6 of the operating system right out of the box. Moreover, it runs Sense, the personalized interface of the manufacturer with distinguishing features like even more widgets, colorful design and improved integration of popular social networks. We have already taken a detailed look at the OS in our review of the HTC Hero, so we will only tell you what the more significant changes are.



For starters, searching now closely resembles the universal search function as seen on Palm´s webOS platform, meaning you can dig for information not only in your contacts, calendar, emails, messages etc., but in the boundless expanse of the Web as well. We had it switched off, because we fear vast open spaces. This is a joke, of course. The function is classy and you can find whatever it is you are looking for in mere seconds.



Dialing a number and selecting a contact entry are both as easy as ABC thanks to the large “Phone” button at the bottom of the screen. All told, HTC has really fallen over backwards to make sure you feel completely at home using the handset. The home screen consists of seven separate pages, just the way it is on the HTC Hero and they all can host widgets, shortcuts, folders and what have you. As a whole, the personalization options are, as expected, top notch.



The social network integration is here as well. Each phone contact entry can be linked to the corresponding Facebook profile of the person and your contact gets assigned the profile picture and birth date of your online buddy automatically. Moreover, you can keep an eye on all profile updates the person makes in their profile with the popular social networking service. Each contact can also be linked to the corresponding picture galleries on Flickr. All these integration options are welcome indeed, because they lend color to the interface and contribute to the overall satisfaction you get out of using the handset.

The phone gallery offers you the option to browse the pictures your contacts have published on Facebook and Flickr. This is a really nice function indeed - it´s snappy (depends on your internet connection, of course) and sports appealing, user-friendly interface.



Typing away text and email messages is equally easy and enjoyable on the HTC Tattoo, thanks to the grand screen keyboard integrated into Android. The email client requires little effort to use and comes with automated setup for Microsoft Exchange accounts.



The new internet browser was supposed to be much faster than the version available in Android 1.5, but we don’t really the overall speed has been considerably improved. You can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or over HSDPA 7.2Mbit/s networks.