High Tech Computer Unveils Touch Diamond Smartphone

Tiapei, Tiawan (AHN) - High Tech Computer, the Taiwan company known more for the phones it makes for others, Tuesday unveiled the Touch Diamond, a touchscreen phone drawing many comparisons to Apple's iPhone.

The Diamond, an updated version of the Touch smartphone launched in 2007, sports a 2.8-inch display, the ability to manipulate Web pages by touch and faster Internet connectivity.

The phone, with a new "Touch FLO 3D" interface, is set to be available in June, around the time Apple is expected to launch its second-generation iPhone..

Although the Touch sold more than 3 million copies in 2007, High Tech Computer CEO Peter Chou realized an update was in order.

"We know Touch was not enough for 2008 and 2009," Chou told AFP.

The U.K. mobile provider Vodafone will sell the Touch Diamond along with the iPhone, according to one report.