HTC launches 3D smartphone in Taiwan

Taiwan's leading smartphone maker HTC on Wednesday launched its first 3D cellphone onto the local market, picking what a local telecom operator said was an opportune time ahead of the iPhone 5.

The HTC Evo 3D, which is already on sale in the US, carries a 4.3-inch touch screen and allows users to capture and play images that come across as being in three dimensions without the need for specially designed glasses.

"This is very good timing and puts the product on the market before Apple launches its iPhone 5," said Cliff Lai, co-president of Taiwan Mobile, a local cell operator which joined forces with HTC in launching the gadget.

The cellphone, which costs Tw$21,900 ($760), uses Google's Andriod 2.3 platform and enables users to browse 3D images or play games in 3D.

South Korea's LG Electronics launched a 3D mobile phone, LG Optimus 3D, earlier this year.