HTC and Verizon today announced the new HTC Rezound, the first phone in US with Beats Audio integration. The handset features 4.3-inch 720p LCD display, 1.5GHz dual core processor, 8-megapixel camera with f/2.2 lens, 2-megapixel front camera, 1080p video recording and 4G LTE.

"HTC is dedicated to delivering the latest in sight and sound innovation and we're excited to be introducing the first U.S. smartphone featuring Beats Audio technology," said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC Corporation. "Paired with Verizon Wireless' blazing-fast 4G LTE network and a robust multimedia experience, the HTC Rezound enables customers to enjoy their favorite music and entertainment on-the-go like never before."

Other features of HTC Rezound are:

• Mobile Hotspot capability - share 4G connection with up to ten Wi-Fi-enabled devices
• Operating System - Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with latest HTC Sense – an upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) will be available in early 2012
• Internal Memory - 16 GB on-board memory, 1 GB DDR2 RAM
• Memory Card - 16 GB MicroSD pre-installed
• Wi-Fi - 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth: 3.0 – support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access and object push for vCard and vCalendar
• GPS - GPS/AGPS
• Battery - 1,620 mAh
• Special Features - HDMI (through MHL), G-sensor, Light sensor, Compass, Proximity sensor, MicroUSB, USIM/CSIM/ISIM, audio jack and Wireless Charging capable
• Chipset - Qualcomm MSM8660 1.5GHz, Qualcomm MDM9600
• Dimensions - 129 x 65.5 x 13.65 mm

The HTC Rezound will be available beginning Nov. 14 at Verizon Wireless and at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.