There are several new questions popping up lately with regards to HTC’s new Windows Phone 7 handset.
With the October launch of the mobile platform confirmed and underway, it is pretty understandable that the images and details of upcoming WP7 devices are being shown all over the internet these days. After all, considering how leaky many phone makers’ R&D labs are and how many actually like the hype being built up, it is a pretty common sight to have in the tech industry.
Anyway, focusing on the newly leaked images of the new HTC smart phones, it is somewhat surprising to see that the slide out form factor does not hide a physical QWERTY keyboard. Instead, the device is actually packing a secondary loud speaker. Of course, many of us can instantly see that the purpose of such hardware is for more than just hands free voice calls, this is obviously for media playback.
This is not the first handset to showcase a slide out speaker, but it is certainly one of the first high profile devices to do so. Does the Windows Phone 7’s media playback features warrant such an add on? Perhaps so, with the use of Zune for media and the new MSN player, there is certainly plenty of media playback going around for the new mobile platform.
HTC has also been nice enough to add a built in kickstand to the handset as well. This will allow users to easily prop up the device without any additional accessories or having to find things on your desk that would help prop the phone up.
Windows Phone 7 is Microsoft’s upcoming mobile platform and is due to come out later this October. It has been announced that when the OS is officially announced, several mobile phones from various manufacturers will also be launched alongside it.
Archive for the ‘HTC Phones’ Category
HTC’s Windows Phone 7 Device Leaked in Images
Thursday, August 26th, 2010Android Update for Vodafone Users Now Available
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
HTC Desire owners under the Vodafone network have something new to be excited about. According to reports, the official 2.2 Android Froyo update is now ready for downloads and the update will not only bring the latest new features to the open source mobile platform, it will also uninstall those annoying Vodafone 360 features that came with a previous update from the network operator.
For those hoping for an automatic connection, you will have to wait. Right now, the only way to avail of the Froyo update is to manually connect through the HTC Desire. Once up and running the update will require users to have at least 25 megabytes of storage space on the device (so be sure to free up even a little space if you have managed to cram plenty of content into your handset).
The Google Android 2.2 update is considered by many to be an important upgrade to the Android OS. This will bring support for the new Flash player from Adobe which makes the handset fully compatible with almost all of the media found on the web today. There is also a better Exchange sync connection, a revamped used interface for the camera (which allows for easily adding effects to shots) and plenty of other added features.
The big bonus that Froyo brings is the performance boost. While the Android has never been known for having serious issues, it is hard to deny that running the 2.2 version of the OS will set a new benchmark for speed.
The user interface has been confirmed to have been boosted up to three times faster while browsing many web pages will be running about five times faster (connection speeds willing). The OS speed boost is thanks to better kernel management while the browser benefits from having an updated Java handler.
Mobile News Lineup: this Week in Phones
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
There have been plenty of updates this week that going through them all will take a fine tooth comb. So instead of getting all plastered up with too much information, here is a quick run off all the important things that we should all be aware off.
First off, there are now even more rumors of upcoming HTC devices. There is still no basis for the announcement, but four new HTC codenames seems to have been leaked out to the public. The currently line up shows the Speedy, Spade, Mecha and Blitz to be the names that have been leaked out. With the slightly odd naming scheme, we are pretty much tempted to throw this off into the unlikely scenario bin. In any case, expect some changes for these codenames if they ever reach production stage.
There are also talks that RIM has been looking into mobile advertising as well. With plenty of potential being shown by both the Google Android and the Apple iOS in the same field, it is a natural step for RIM to look into the possibility of using a similar technology as well. Also, it would be a great way for RIM to expand their BlackBerry OS.
In the meanwhile, Google is announced to still be working on the Android 3.0 Gingerbread but are already looking into the future of the platform. This is given evidence by the fact that they are already looking into the development of the next version of the platform; Android Honeycomb. As one would expect the Google Android naming scheme sticks true to the original form of taking the names of sweets and deserts.
Lastly, Nokia’s N8 smart phone is still delayed while the N9 is already due to be released this coming December. Many expect the Symbian^3 N8 to fail while there is plenty of hope for the upcoming N9.
Just Announced: HTC Hero Android Update Available
Thursday, July 29th, 2010According to reports, an update for the HTC Hero has just been made available: the Android 2.1 Éclair.
Version 2.1 is not the latest in the series, but it is pretty close. And with the 2.2 Froyo updates slowly being developed for a series of roll outs for various smart phones, it is a great time for the Hero to finally get updated.
This much anticipated update has sadly arrived a little too late for some of Orange mobile’s HTC Hero users. Several are confirmed to have switched networks due to the fact that the Android update that was supposed to arrive by January got delayed by a full seven months. Several Hero users are reported to have opted to install a hacked 2.1 Éclair update since it seemed that an actual update might never arrive for the handset.
The issue here, aside from the fact that Google and mobile phone makers take a long time getting their act together when it comes to delivering OS updates. Sure, there is a little bonus for some companies who get timed exclusivity on the updates, but on a more general note, Google needs to be more transparent with their actual progress and plans.
Had Google let it known earlier that the Hero patch was well underway, then some of the users might have opted to wait it out. The same goes for many other handsets –most Android owners have no clue as to when an update will be made available. While it is impossible for Google to create OS updates for all instantly, they could at least let the market know which devices are still going to get an eventual update, and which mobile phones are stuck with an older version of the OS.
Among the devices still awaiting Android updates are the Sony Ericsson smart phones: the XPERIA X10, X10 Mini and the X10 Mini Pro.
S-LCD Technology: Taking Over AMOLED
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Smart phones need excellent display technology, this is what pushed LCD and LED displays to farther and newer limits. Manufacturers have been pushing the resolutions to be finer, the colors to be richer and the lights to be brighter with each new generation of display technology.
Occasionally, there are some breakthroughs that truly make a lasting impression. Take Samsung’s AMOLED technology for example; this display has become a new standard for high end smart phones. It was only later surpassed by the super AMOLED screen –also by Samsung, which was able to rival even the Apple Retina display.
But as with most technology, these products have their limitations and for AMOLED technology, manufacturing the displays in massive quantities fast is simply not cutting it when it comes to meeting market demand. And so two of the largest names in display technology have come together to bring us one amazing new technology: S-LCD.
The new display technology is a joint effort between Sony and Samsung. The two companies are considered to be the top brands in HDTVs and it is not surprising that they are able to develop a new screen technology for mobile handsets.
The S-LCD is reported to have larger viewing angles, better contrast, and also even less power consumption than before. In terms of overall performance the S-LCD is able to deliver graphic qualities that equal or even surpass that of the AMOLED screen (in some ways, S-LCD improves on AMOLED the way AMOLED improved on regular LCD/LED displays).
It has been reported that two smart phones will be the first to try out the new S-LCD technology. HTC’s Desire and the Google Nexus One (both Android smart phones) will be using the new S-LCD screens. No word yet on when the technology will be released, but many expect it come out by the end of August.
HTC Calls Foul on Apple’s Presentation
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Steve Jobs singled out three mobile phone makers last Friday night during the emergency Apple press conference. He was discussing the antenna and claimed that the problem is a challenge for the whole industry and that other mobile phones are also suffering from the same problems.
However, that is far from the truth. Samsung and Research in Motion have already made their official statements regarding the issue after their handsets were included in the Apple presentation (the Samsung Omnia 2 and the BlackBerry Bold 9700). Now, the last of the three companies mentioned in the event, HTC, has also made a statement regarding the issue.
The Taiwan based manufacturer’s chief financial officer spoke to the Wall Street Journal and indicated that their company does not agree with Steve Jobs. According to HTC CFO Hui-Meng Cheng, “The reception problems are certainly not common among smart phones, (Apple) apparently didn’t give operators enough time to test the phone.”
Which is actually quite true, after all, the iPhone 4 is the only mobile phone that requires a casing to be used properly. Even Apple’s older handsets do not suffer from the same issues –which basically show that all the statistics that Jobs presented on stage are not worth listening to.
Of course, the real issue here is that in a single night, Steve Jobs did not only manage to bring in the ire and disapproval of so many Apple iPhone 4 owners, but also managed to get on the bad side of several industry partners. Motorola and Nokia, despite not being mentioned in the conference, also voiced their disapproval of the notion that “all phones are equal”.
In the end, the conference did nothing but announce that Apple is giving out free cases. The antenna issue remains unsolved and industry has more reason to hate Apple even more.
HTC’s Upcoming Android Handsets for Q4 2010
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Taiwan based mobile phone manufacturer HTC is busy working on several upcoming handsets that are expected to come out later this year. With a newer version of the Android OS coming and the Windows Pone 7 OS about to launch by that period, HTC is making sure to cover all ground by offering several handsets for each new platform.
Several of the devices have been outed by a leaked roadmap, while others came out on separate rumors. The latest in the new HTC phones is the HTC Desire HD, which is basically a second version of the original Desire but with a much larger touch screen display and more emphasis on video playback.
The Desire HD’s hardware is identical to the original phone: it has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 5 mega pixel camera, Android 2.2 Froyo and all the same extra features. The device has been upgraded to have a much larger 4.3 inch capacitive touch screen (the older screen is only 3.7 inches). The device will also support XviD videos and 720p HD recording.
Another upcoming HTC Androids are the HTC Vision and the HTC Ace. So far, no details have been uncovered about the Ace (though it is possible that the Desire HD and the Ace are one and the same). As for the HTC Vision, this upcoming Android smart phone is the very first time HTC combines the Google OS with a slide out QWERTY keyboard. This is quite notable as many Android fans have been hoping for such as device from HTC (though Motorola’s Milestone is also a pretty good alternative).
With a physical keyboard, the new Android 3.0 Gingerbread (as rumors state), a 1.2 GHz CPU, and a 4 inch AMOLED touch screen, the HTC Vision is one of the most exciting handsets to ever be announced by HTC.
HTC on Windows Phone 7: No Need for Custom UI
Monday, July 12th, 2010
It is a well known fact that the phone maker HTC heavily uses the Sense user interface. This is how most people are able to associate most of the Taiwan based company’s mobile phones despite the fact that the operating systems are often different.
With the Windows Phone 7 however, it seems that HTC knows that they will not be using the custom user interface. Of course, this is what Microsoft truly wants. Among the initial list of hardware requirements for the new operating system, they also indicated certain other restrictions as well. Among these was that phone makers cannot use a custom UI skin. Microsoft wants users to be able to enjoy a uniform experience when using any Windows Phone handset.
The user interface for the WP7 is already quite impressive. Even HTC admits that there is really no need to use the custom user interface. Instead, HTC will be adding in some pre-installed custom tiles to the already existing page layouts in the OS.
Tiles are the new widgets for the Windows Phone 7 OS. It allows users to insert any form of content and data that they can constantly monitor and instantly access if needed.
According to Microsoft, the new WP7 OS and the first handsets to showcase the platform will be coming out in September. While it was originally announced that the first devices would be launching by the end of the year, they have managed to meet development and production deadlines a lot earlier. If this keeps up, Microsoft might even try for a late August release date –though that is already an unlikely scenario.
HTC’s Mondrian smart phone has been recently revealed to be getting a name change to the HTC Gold. While it is confirmed that the phone will indeed be a WP7 device, the spec details have yet to be revealed.
Rumors Reveal that New HTC Devices are Heading to the UK
Friday, July 9th, 2010
We have just found several interesting reports of new handsets that are supposed to come out in the UK. While a specific launch date for any of these phones have not been confirmed, they have all been reported to be coming to local stores in the next few months –basically, it means that these devices can be released anytime from this month till the end of the holidays.
Either way, we can expect that the specific launch details for the handsets will be revealed soon enough. In the meantime, we can look in awe at the details that the leaked roadmap reveals to us.
The HTC is coming out with a quick trio of handsets: the HTC Vision, Gold and the Ace. Right off the bat, the Ace is the one that is most elusive and at the same time, the one that seems to be the least interesting –the most we know is that it is a touch screen Android smart phone and there is nothing really new about that.
On the other hand, the HTC Vision is the first Android smart phone from the Taiwanese manufacturer that actually sports a slide out QWERTY keyboard. Now that is a definite plus for any smart phone user. While there are other Android devices that have QWERTY keyboards (notably, the Motorola Milestone and the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 Mini Pro), HTC has yet to release one.
The HTC Gold is reported to actually be the previously announced HTC Mondrian. While HTC has yet to confirm this news, this means that the previously announced WP7 handset is well underway and we can at least expect this one handset to be released sometime this coming October.
There are also several previously rumored HTC devices that did not make this list. The first is the HTC Mozart, which is supposed to be a second WP7 device (and from what previous rumors stated, the device will be using either the type 2 or type 3 chassis). Another is the HTC Sabor –a super high end Android device that is reported to sport a 2GHz CPU.
HTC’s Profits Increase, New Handsets in the Horizon
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
There is no doubt that HTC is one of the most successful mobile phone manufacturers of today. The company’s brand has almost become as synonymous to the Android OS as Google’s very own name. Thanks to HTC’s strong design sense and impressive balance in the creation of their smart phones, many in the tech market have come to know and appreciate their excellent products.
And by appreciation, we mean a growth of over 33 percent in profits compared to their performance last year. According to reports, the profits that HTC made this year are somewhere around the range of 1.1 billion Pounds Sterling.
HTC’s marketing strategy is simple and effective –mostly because they rely heavily on the products they produce (which is a business strategy that we all appreciate). The HTC handsets that have been released this year are all 
impressive. From the HTC Desire and Legend Android devices to the Touch.Brew smart phone, HTC has shown the tech industry that their handsets are among the best in the industry –even when compared to the Nexus One (which they manufactured for Google) or the iPhone 4.
Aside from their impressive Android devices, HTC has also been a constant supporter of Microsoft’s mobile platforms as well. The HTC HD2 is considered to be the highest selling Windows Mobile 6.5 handset ever produced and the WinMo 6.5.3 HD2 Mini is one handset that is still a favorite among enterprise clients.
HTC will also be producing a Windows Phone 7 handset. The HTC Gold was originally rumored as the HTC Mondrian. While the name has changed, the device will still have a large WVGA touch screen display and a new Snapdragon CPU that is rumored to be clocked at over 1GHz. The Gold was leaked in the same roadmap that also showed the names of two more upcoming HTC devices, the HTC Vision and the HTC Ace.