The week is just getting started, but HTC is dropping new devices like it's going out of style. No, it's not that rumored One Max we've been hearing about. The company is breathing new life into the Desire brand with the mid-range Desire 601 and the entry-level Desire 300. HTC is also announcing a Bluetooth subwoofer accessory for BoomSound devices and a new "Vivid Blue" HTC One.

Desire 601

The Desire 601 is not a flagship device, but it does have some nice features. It runs the newest version of HTC Sense with HTC Zoe and BlinkFeed built-in. HTC hasn't been forthcoming with the version of Android it is running, though. Here's what we've got for specs:

HTC Desire 601

  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, dual-core 1.4GHz
  • Storage: 8GB
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Display: 4.5-inch qHD LCD (960x540)
  • Camera: 5MP, f/2.0
  • Size: 134.5x66.7x9.88mm
  • Weight: 130g
  • Battery: 2100mAh
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Cellular: 2G: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, 3G HSPA+: 900/1900/2100 MHz, 4G LTE: 800/900/1800/2600 MHz

This is basically a step down in most departments when compared to the One Mini. Note the budget-friendly Snapdragon 400 is the same as the One Mini, though. The qHD screen is a bit of a throwback to 2012, but it's nice to see LTE becoming a standard feature in the mid-range. It will come in red, black, or white.

Desire 300

The Desire 300 is a new kind of entry-level smartphone in that it actually looks pretty nice. It has some of that HTC One aesthetic on the front, but the BoomSound speakers are not included. Likewise, HTC Zoe is not on the Desire 300. BlinkFeed is on deck, though. Here are the specs:

HTC Desire 300

  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4, dual-core 1.0GHz
  • Storage: 4GB
  • RAM: 512MB
  • Display: 4.3-inch WVGA LCD (800x480)
  • Camera: 5MP, f/2.8
  • Size: 131.78x66.23x10.12mm
  • Weight: 120g
  • Battery: 1650mAh
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Cellular: 2G: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, 3G HSDPA 7.2: 900/2100 MHz in most markets, 850/2100 MHz in Asia

So, you lose the LTE on this model, and it's a pretty big step down to WVGA resolution. The Snapdragon S4 in no slouch, even as faster chips are coming out. If the device can get by with only 512MB of RAM, it ought to be able to run smoothly with fewer pixels to push.

Both the Desire 601 and Desire 300 are set for release in October of this year, but only in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Different variants could be announced for the North American market later on. Specific prices were not announced, but both devices should be quite affordable.

BoomBass

HTC has also announced the upcoming availability of the HTC BoomBass, a compact, Bluetooth-enabled subwoofer. This device has a dedicated amplifier for clearer low-end performance when paired with an HTC device with BoomSound speakers.

The BoomBass also packs a 1200mAh battery and NFC for quick setup. The BoomBass is designed to be a travel device, just 65mm on a side. This device will be on sale in the HTC accessory store in mid-October.

Blue One and One Mini

Last but not least, HTC is taking the wraps off the new Vivid Blue HTC One and One Mini, and man are they vivid. No, not that Vivid. It's the HTC Ones we all know and love, but with a cool anodized blue aluminum shell. They're seriously pretty phones. This color will hit select markets in Q4 2013. Which markets? No one knows just yet.

It's early in the week – there's time for a lot more announcements, maybe even something else from HTC. Full PR is below.

Category-changers: HTC introduces new mid-range Desire 601 and entry-level Desire 300

New HTC BoomBassTM supercharges BoomSoundTM for the ultimate HTC One® audio experience

London, 3 September 2013 – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced the addition of the HTC Desire 601 and HTC Desire 300, to its popular smartphone family enabling consumers to enjoy a premium experience at any price point. Changing the face of the mid-range, the HTC Desire 601 introduces LTE speeds and innovative features from the flagship One family, including HTC ZoeTM with Video Highlights and HTC BoomSound. Setting a new standard for entry-level smartphones, the HTC Desire 300 offers a powerful, large-screen browsing experience and HTC BlinkFeedTM.

In addition to extending its range of affordable Desire smartphones, HTC is also bringing new choice and performance enhancements to its acclaimed HTC One family. HTC BoomBass, a Bluetooth subwoofer, combines with the One family’s HTC BoomSound to offer a fully-immersive audio experience like no other. A new ‘Vivid Blue’ HTC One and One mini also introduce a bold new option for those who want a handset that stands out from the crowd.

“For the last 17 years HTC has challenged the mobile industry to develop innovations that change the way in which people use their mobile phone. Now we’re not only changing the way people view the mid-range and entry-level market but setting the bar even higher when it comes to our premium devices and capabilities,” commented Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “We are committed to offering the most innovative portfolio of products on the market. Our Desire family has become synonymous with affordable quality. Offering some of the most advanced capabilities of any smartphone, these phones truly represent premium quality in a more affordable price bracket.”

HTC Desire 601: A powerful value smartphone for everyone

The HTC Desire 601 comes complete with many of the features that have led the HTC One to be crowned the best phone in the world. HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe with Video Highlights and HTC BoomSound make this the most advanced mid-range smartphone available on the market today.

The rear-facing 5MP camera captures HTC Zoes, bringing images to life in three-second videos. The simple editing capabilities of HTC Zoe support advanced features such as Sequence Shot, Always Smile and Object Removal, making it easy to achieve incredible results with minimal effort.

Video Highlights takes the camera experience to the next level by creating highlight reels displayed on the HTC Desire’s 601’s 4.5" qHD screen. Accompanied by a range of pre-set themes for a more personal memory, these stunning 30-second video montages are simple to create and instantly sharable.

Superfast streaming, sharing and browsing

The HTC Desire 601 combines a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400, dual-core, 1.4GHz processor and LTE connectivity to enable superfast HD video and music streaming with no compromise on quality. Changing the way you experience media on the go, dual, front-facing HTC BoomSound speakers join with the large screen to create a completely immersive audiovisual experience. Delivering richer, sharper tones, the raw power of the speakers lets you take the “big screen, big sound” home entertainment experience with you, wherever you go.

HTC Desire 300: A personal and powerful entry-level smartphone

The HTC Desire 300 enhances the entry-level browsing experience with HTC BlinkFeed making personal and up-to-date content and social media updates available instantly on your home screen. Its stunning 4.3”, full lamination display is perfect for reading your customised HTC BlinkFeed updates, watching videos, viewing photos and surfing the web, whilst the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ dual-core, 1GHz processor means that you’ll never be short on performance.

Boosting the bass for HTC One

In the HTC One, HTC redefined the smartphone sound experience with HTC BoomSound and has now raised the bar again with the introduction of a new accessory for the HTC One family. HTC BoomBass, a compact, Bluetooth-enabled subwoofer with a dedicated amplifier, provides clearer, more powerful bass when combined with the HTC One family’s BoomSound. The subwoofer enables HTC BoomSound’s speakers to produce enhanced quality of lower range frequencies so, no matter what music you’re playing or video you’re watching, you are guaranteed immense and exceptional sound that can travel with you.

Availability

The new HTC Desire 601 will be available with mobile operators and major retailers in select markets across EMEA from October 2013. The HTC Desire 300 will be available in select markets from October 2013.

The new Vivid Blue HTC One models will be available in select markets from Q4 2013 and HTC BoomBass will be available from the HTC Accessory Store from mid October 2013. (http://www.htcaccessorystore.com)

For more information visit www.htc.com.

[HTC Desire 601, HTC Desire 300]