HTC’s Sense user interface is often considered to be one of the best custom UI available to smart phone users. In fact, it was the Sense UI that made the Windows Mobile platform tolerable to use on the HTC HD2. This made the device one of the best selling mobile devices of last year.
The Sense UI, according to HTC themselves, is going to get an update this month. At first glance, the update seems to bring only visual changes to the UI (though we appreciate the new email inbox look which makes viewing incoming content a lot more streamlined than it was before).
But mostly, the real update here is the addition of security features that allow for remote access to the device. While the technology is still new, there are plenty of hopes that HTC’s system will not be prone to attacks –and if it works perfectly, users will have the ability to alarm, lock or even memory their devices from an account online.
According to recent reports, HTC will be rolling out the Sense UI updates for the HTC Desire, HTC Legend and HTC Wildfire, though it will require an update to Android 2.2 Froyo prior to installation.
Speaking of the 2.2 Froyo update, the patch has finally been made available for Orange Mobile users. It was originally launched on time over a week ago but had to be pulled down for technical reasons. Both HTC and Orange has not given out details on the matter, though it is believed that the update originally caused system failures for an unlucky few who had downloaded the update as soon as it came up.
Lastly, the Desire HD is going to be available starting October 11. The device is expected to be priced at around 469.99 Pounds SIM-free and on T-Mobile, free on a two year contract with a 40 Pound monthly tariff.
Posts Tagged ‘HTC-HD2’
Eyes on HTC: Froyo, Sense and Desire HD
Friday, September 24th, 2010In Development Rumors: HTC’s Proprietary OS
Monday, April 19th, 2010
HTC has been in the mobile industry for a very long time and they have gone a long way from their early days in the development of Pocket PC technology. Many tech geeks may still remember the early Windows Pocket devices that were made by HTC several years ago.
In many ways, the success of HTC has been linked heavily to their close ties with both Microsoft and Google. While the Taiwan based manufacturer had originally been a key partner for Microsoft, it was not until HTC signed up as part of the open handset alliance did the fledgling company made its mark as a major player in the mobile phone industry.
Now, rumors are stating that HTC might actually be working on having an operating system of their own –a major advantage for Apple and BlackBerry that has allowed the two companies to provide a fully controlled user experience that is hard to match for their competitors (BlackBerry may not be dominant in the general industry, but they certainly have the top spot among the business class markets).
With competition against Apple hitting an all new level with the recent news about the patent infringement lawsuits, it could very well be within HTC’s advantage to finally have their own OS.
Still, many doubt that HTC would be coming up with a new mobile platform. With the company’s strong ties to the Android OS, it is unlikely that even Google would allow the loss of a major partner. Even Microsoft has plenty to lose if HTC becomes a development competitor. With the HTC HD2 being the most in-demand WinMo 6.5 phone ever released, the Taiwanese company is still the best manufacturer of handset that use Microsoft’s OS.
Read more about the reports about HTC working on its own mobile platform at Mobile Choice UK.
HTC Confirms New Windows Phone 7 Handset
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Peter Chou, CEO of Taiwanese mobile manufacturer HTC, has announced recently that they are indeed working on a new device and that it will be running the Windows Phone 7 operating system. So far, exact details on the new phone are still scarce, but it has been said that the handset will indeed be ready by the end of 2010. Peter states that they are excited and looking forward to using the new mobile platform on their device.
Many are already pointing to rumors and speculations about the new smart phone being the HD3, some have even gone to lengths to pointing out some key specifications such as the device running on a 1.5 GHz processor or having a 4.5 inch touch screen display. With Microsoft announcing that they would be creating standards for the hardware configurations to the smart phones using the OS, it would be unlikely that HTC would have such specifications on their handset.
So far, this is the third non-Microsoft smart phone that has been confirmed to be using the new mobile platform. The upcoming LG Panther is already confirmed to be using the type 2 chassis with its slide out QWERTY keyboard while the other one, a yet to be named Samsung smart phone, will be a type 1 device (basic touch screen phone form). The device from the Korean developer is confirmed to be using the super AMOLED touch screen technology.
All in all, it looks like development on the Windows Phone Seven is promising. The mobile platform is not going to be launched until much later this year, but people are already getting interested in the smart phone with the constant news details about new features and apps such as Bing, Zune, XBL, MSN Player and more.
Get to know more about Peter Chou’s statement regarding the new WP7 smart phone at the Redmond Pie.
HTC HD2: Too Many Buttons for WP7
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
We are kidding about that part with the buttons, but regardless, the HD2 will still not get Microsoft’s new mobile platform
Simply put, the new operating system is not an upgrade of the current Windows Mobile operating system. For all purposes, the Windows Phone 7 series is a completely new OS that will require a full installation on any device to be used.
Getting around the technical details of things, the core system of the HTC HD2 has been designed for the HTC Sense user interface and the Windows Mobile 6.X series. To install WP7 on the device would require more than just a simple downloadable patch or update. And while we certainly doubt that Microsoft and HTC would ever release an official patch, we do expect some resourceful modders to actually come up with desktop software to fully format the HD2 and allow users to install the new OS.
Specs wise, the HTC HD2 is a very impressive smart phone. It has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and a large capacitive touch screen –two basic factors that are needed for the WP7 OS. Though we certainly doubt that is all there is to running the new OS –and Microsoft has confirmed that fact.
A spokesperson for Microsoft has pegged the lack of “hardware components” on the HTC smart phone as the main reason why they will not be porting over the OS to the device. From a marketing standpoint, placing the OS in an old device would certainly hurt the sales of new devices using the OS. So even if they could run it on the HD2, Microsoft has nothing to gain from the effort.
While this may seem like HD2 owners are in a bad spot, there is always the fact that HTC did announce that they will come out with a WP7 device by the holidays.
Read more about the HTC HD2 and WP7 on GSM Arena.
HTC HD2 is Full of Surprises
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Yes, you read that right, the HTC HD2.
Now you might be wondering, what could be so important about a device that is so last year? After all, strip away the amazing HTC Sense user interface and you will see that this is simply a glamorized Windows Mobile device that runs on a powerful Snapdragon processor clocked at 1GHz. This successful WinMo phone is still the best in the WinMo department –so far.
Anyway, the big news is that HTC has been hiding some hardware on this phone (yes, not listed on the official specs); the phone packs an erroneously reported amount of RAM.
RAM is actually just as important as processing speed and is a major factor when it comes to loading applications and files. Officially, the HD2 comes with 448MB of RAM. That is already plenty and you can expect to do a lot with that considering that a mobile phone rarely runs slow down inducing applications. But if you use a customized ROM for the HTC HD2, you will be able to unlock the full 576MB of RAM that is currently installed into your phone.
The question now is what good is it? Well, for one thing, it will improve everything over all. Games and applications are not created to utilize only a set amount of RAM. Of course, the biggest use of the RAM will be done by the very same hackers who have found a way to access the hardware.
For those who are sad that the HD2 is no longer available through Vodafone (because Vodafone made it exclusive to their business plans), T-Mobile has taken the opportunity to take on this device and offer it to everyone.
For more info on the hidden and unlisted specifications of the HTC HD2, head straight over to Tech Radar’s official site.
HD2 Heading to T-Mobile US, Getting Upgrade
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Good phones last, this is why the Apple iPhone has been around for over two years now and is still in the top charts. The HTC HD2, is a good phone, but it is being brought down by the fact that it is more of a business phone than anything else –not to mention that people automatically flinch at the thought at a Windows Mobile operating system
Navigating the Windows Mobile operating system is difficult, simply because the UI requires the use of a stylus. This means that using capacitive touch screens is out of the picture (goodbye multi-touch). HTC did a great job –namely by using the HTC Sense user interface which made navigating through the phone’s functions and menu a lot easier. Since the Sense UI is meant for finger input, the phone is able to use a capacitive touch screen.
Anyway, the HTC HD2 is now getting a quick upgrade in the form of more RAM and ROM. T-Mobile US will be getting a solid 512 MB of RAM and 1GB or ROM (originally, the HD2 has 448 MB of RAM and 512 MB of ROM). This update is certain to improve the performance of many heavy applications.
The rest of the specs remain the same, 1 GHz Snapdragon Processor, a 4.3 inch touch screen (the screen comes with a proximity sensor for taking voice calls, an accelerometer for auto rotate and supports multi-touch input), a 5 mega pixel snapper, AGPS, Bluetooth, a 1230 mAh battery, microSD cards and USB support. The 5 mega pixel camera comes with both auto focus and dual led flash. It supports geo-tagging, video recording in VGA at 30 FPS and will take images at a max resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels.
Want more info on T-Mobile’s updated HTC HD2? Click this link for the rest.
HTC HD2 Gets New Battery with Stand
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010If you have ever tried watching a full length film on your mobile phone (or several episodes of a TV series), then you would not be unfamiliar with the feelings of tired and heavy arms from having to hold your mobile phone up for over an hour.
It is not that bad, but having the option to prop a phone up on your office desk would certainly be a great convenience. This is a great side bonus you will get when HTC launches its new extended battery for the HTC HD2.
Primarily, the battery is meant for increasing the usage time of your mobile phone. The original 1230 mAh battery already did a great job, but the new battery promises to deliver at least 9 straight hours of video playback –hence the stand!
The stand itself is a flip out panel on the back side of the battery. One small concern about the upgrade is that the new battery is thicker –though overall, the device will still be on the slightly slim side.
The new battery is expected to arrive by February, but if you know you need one, fClove already has preorders available for about 60 Euro.
The HTC HD2 has been making its way back to the spotlight since that time Vodafone pulled it out of the shelves (only available through business plans). T-Mobile has since picked up the device. With Windows Mobile updates coming one after the other (did any say Maldives?), expect to see a lot more use of the HD2 in the coming months.
So far, the only thing uncertain about the future of the HD2 is WinMo 7 –which is reportedly not compatible with old WinMo applications and skinning (like HTC’s use of the Sense user interface on the HD2 to make WinMo suitable for the capacitive touch screen).
Get more details at GSM Arena.
Did Virgin get Lucky? HD2 Rumored to have WinMo 7
Friday, January 15th, 2010
It has not been long since Vodafone has changed their HTC HD2 selling plans. The move prevented regular customers from getting the device and the only way to get a Vodafone HD2 is through business plans. Vodafone seems to be eliminating WinMo phones from their line up even the XPERIA X2 will no longer be released by the network.
Anyway, Virgin has been quick to strike a deal with HTC and has started to offer the device for free with their 2 year, £30 tariff plan. The device is also available at various discounted prices on other plans by Virgin. This will certainly bring plenty of office-level users to the Virgin network as they are the only device to have the HD2.
Thanks to the impressive hardware of the HD2, especially its Snapdragon processor, the phone is much sought after as a very useful business-model device. Now it looks like the value of the HD2 will be taken up a huge notch as it has been reported that the HD2 will be compatible with the update for Windows Mobile 7.
Despite WinMo 7 not being due until much later this year (if ever), this certainly makes one wonder why Vodafone has decided to move the HD2 away from the spotlight when its market value is still pretty high.
HTC uses custom interfaces on their WinMo phones in order to alleviate the problems caused by the WinMo UI. The HD2 in particular uses the Sense UI. Three more upcoming HTC WinMo phones use the TouchFlo 3D UI instead.
One major reason speculated by many as the reason as to why HD2 will be compatible with WinMo 7 is due to its fast processor and large capacitive touch screen which makes it a perfect device for the upcoming Windows Mobile operating system.
Virgin Mobile UK to Offer the HTC HD2
Friday, January 15th, 2010
The HTC HD2 got booted out of Vodafone’s standard retail lineup (at least it still got sold for a while, its’ rival, the XPERIA X2 never even made it to Vodafone’s shelves). The only way to get it from Vodafone is through their business plan deals. It seems like there is not much love going around for mobile phones using the WinMo 6.5 operating system.
With Windows Mobile 6.5.3 making the interface a little more tolerable, it appears that there is a slowly returning interest in the OS. All of which, is slightly irrelevant to the HD2 –thanks to HTC’s very own Sense user interface, using the WinMo OS is not really a big problem at all (which also leaves us wondering why Vodafone booted it out).
Well, one carrier’s doubt is still another carrier’s opportunity. Virgin Mobile UK also cannot see the point of booting out the HD2 and as a matter of fact, the carrier will be offering the device for free if you sign up for a £30 per month tariff (for 24 months). There is also a deal for 18 months on a £25 tariff which will give users the handset for the price of £79.99.
The HTC HD2 is considered to be the most successful incarnation of the Windows Mobile operating system. It has been around since late 2009 and is the phone to beat in terms of the platform. HTC will be adding new WinMo phones in its lineup this 2010 with the HTC Photon, HTC Trophy and HTC Tera. All these WinMo phones are business models that focus more on email and messaging features. The three new models will also have a business card scanner. We will have to wait and see if Virgin will carry these devices as well.
Vodafone: No Love For Windows Mobile?
Monday, January 11th, 2010
No other Windows Mobile phone has been as successful as the HTC HD2 in terms of delivering the Windows experience in a whole new way. This is why anyone who would like to try the new WinMo 6.5 is best off with the HD2.
Still despite the success of this device, Vodafone has seen it fit to cease offering the HD2 only after two months of its launch –and people still consider the HD2 a great success for WinMo. This is thanks mostly to HTC’s Sense user interface which made accessing the many functions of WinMo easier. Windows Mobile is infamous for its stylus-reliant and hard-to-use interface.
With that in mind, how did the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 hold up?
The XPERIA X2 has a resistive touch screen, the SE Panels user interface and, most importantly, the phone got delayed from its holiday launch due to issues on the device. It is not a surprise that Vodafone will not even be offering the device in the first place. Officials have stated that the issues have made the device unfit for Vodafone’s 2010 lineup. Not only is this a bad thing for Windows Mobile, it is also bad news for Sony Ericsson.
The Japanese-Swedish joint venture has been plagued by problems for quite some time now.
Just last 2009, the company was forced to let go of about 2000 workers as they shut down facilities across the world and some offices the United States. They also got a bad reputation due to having the Satio pulled out of shelves due to software issues. While the Satio was indeed saved before the holidays; having the X2 delayed made the company lose major profits.
Right now it appears that the X2 may never make it to shelves at all, but with all the focus on Android Phones, it is unlikely that anyone would even miss it.