Looks like 4G is taking a while to hit UK shores, while the technology is already present in several European territories, it is the US that gets to play with consumer hardware the most. HTC’s latest handset, the Mecha (also known as the HTC Incredible), sports 4G connectivity capabilities; perhaps the Digital Economy Bill can be retrofitted to consider adding in 4G standardization as well. In any case, should this handset ever make it to the UK, expect it to get a quick name change.
Moving on to more local news, it seems that the general consensus here is that tablets are impractical. With very expensive price tags and features that are already present in netbooks and mobile devices, the lure of the tablet is not that strong. After all, people are only willing to spend so much just for a bit of convenience. This however, is not to say that there are not budget friendly tablets around –but buyers should expect those to have slightly lower specs than the branded ones. Currently, the cheapest high end tablet is under RIM, the BlackBerry PlayBook.
Speaking of Research in Motion, the Facebook application for the BlackBerry OS has been updated to include new GPS features. This means that maps are already available along with the new Facebook Places feature that the social networking site is heavily promoting in order to compete against the fast growing Foursquare mobile application.
Lastly, it seems that Samsung is working on yet another Android handset. Far from the already widely spread Nexus S handset, this new phone is believed to be sporting even better features. Currently, the rumors state that the phone will have a 1.2GHz CPU, 16GB of internal memory, an 8 mega pixel camera and support for 1080p HD video. For now however, the specs are not yet final, but we can expect to hear something official before the end of the year.
Posts Tagged ‘HTC’
Mobile News: Today’s Main Highlights
Monday, November 15th, 2010Deals All Around: the Best Currently Offered
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
Choosing a mobile phone is not an easy task, but neither is choosing a mobile network. In the end, getting a great handset is often a task that would require some careful planning and strategy in order to find the best phone that suits you. With all the newfangled models that are coming up, keeping up to date with all the new models is certain to wrack your brain out, so here’s our quick guide to the best the local networks have to offer.
The reason why Samsung’s Omnia 7 makes it to the top of our list, instead of the Galaxy S, is the fact that it is still an upcoming device, but is so exciting to wait for that we just have to mention it. The device runs on the Windows Phone 7 operating system and provides users with an all new mobile phone experience.
Not that other upcoming WP7 handset will be any less, but there is certainly something to be happy with considering that this phone packs a 4 inch super AMOLED touch screen display. Pick it up for 25 Pounds a month (two year contract) under T-Mobile.
RIM’s handsets are hardly the touch screen wonders that most of the newer handsets are, but that does not mean that BlackBerry devices have not evolved. Meet the BlackBerry Torch 9800. The phone not only is one of the latest offerings from RIM, but also packs the new BlackBerry OS 6 which provides users with touch functions and of course, plenty of media playback capabilities. Find this smart phone under Vodafone UK for only 40 Pounds a month at a 40 GBP tariff.
For those who want something a little more exciting, Google’s Android is used in plenty of good phones. The HTC Desire packs a 3.7 inch AMOLED screen, 1GHz CPU and 5 MP snapper for a budget friendly 35 GBP at 24 months.
HTC: Quick News Round Up
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
HTC’s brand name has been pretty prominent in the headlines as of late. With the launch of the new Windows Phone 7 by Microsoft and all the announcements of new devices supporting the new mobile platform, it is surprising that HTC is still managing to take away some of that spotlight.
Perhaps it is the fact that the Taiwan based phone maker probably has one of the largest lineups of WP7 devices in the first place. With the HTC Mozart, HTC HD7, HTC 7 Surround, HTC 7 Pro and the HTC 7 Trophy under its brand, the phone maker certainly is providing the WP7 market with plenty of choices to choose from.
Just how good are these phones? Just recently, two devices have already been snapped up by local network operators. O2 has confirmed that they will be offering the HD7 while Orange UK will be getting the HTC Mozart.
Aside from having plenty of involvement with the Windows Phone 7 OS (HTC has a long history with Microsoft), the Taiwan based phone maker’s brand is also synonymous with the Android OS by Google. While the platform is in no way exclusive, many regard HTC as the industry partner for Google.
Speaking of the Android OS, it has been confirmed by HTC that the delayed rumors about the HTC Desire HD and Desire Z being delayed are not true. Both devices will be launching on time with Google’s approval of the phones. Google did confirm that all devices that run the Android go through a test but did not state if the HTC Desire handsets had any problems.
Lastly, in recognition of HTC’s strong commitment to the mobile phone industry and the contributions they have made for pushing the limits of technology –tech magazine T3 has crowned HTC the brand of the year.
HTC WP7 Device Round Up: the Quick Summary
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010Windows Phone 7 is the big new operating system of the month and Microsoft is certainly pulling at all stops to make the launch as big as possible. Many are already hooked on the new layout and the dynamic user interface and HTC is no exception.
The phone brand whose name is almost synonymous with the Android operating system has also had a long history of partnership with Microsoft during the earlier Pocket PC days, and now with the launch of the WP7, HTC shows off that Windows expertise once again.
The biggest handset on the new HTC lineup is obviously the HTC HD7. As the name suggests, HD is the big keyword for this phone as it packs a nice big 4.3 inch WVGA capacitive touch screen display. It is able to record videos in 720p and of course, supports playback in high resolution as well. The phone runs on a 1GHz CPU and has an 8 mega pixel camera.
New to the HTC lineup is the HTC 7 Surround. The surround in the name stands for surround sound as the new phone brings in big speakers in a slide out compartment. While this is not exactly the kind of form factor we expected from HTC, it is an interesting surprise. The screen is smaller than the HD7 at 3.8 inches but it is definitely more media based than any other handset on the list.
The HTC Mozart is sticking true to its original spec sheet with its 3.7 inch touch screen display, 8 mega pixel camera and 1GHz CPU. This HTC handset has been seen a lot in leaked images.
Lastly, the HTC 7 Trophy –this device basically stands as the most basic device in the entire set. In terms of hardware it fits the minimum spec requirements given by Microsoft, but aside from that, there is nothing else particularly noteworthy about the device.
Mobile News Round Up: News Phone and More Features
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
Nokia’s Ovi Music Store is going to be available to users of the Nokia 5230 under T-Mobile. What makes this pretty important is that this will be an unlimited music version of the Ovi store which will provide 5230 owners with a vast array of music resources.
The announcement just came out and is going to be quite the package for T-Mobile users. The phone will cost buyers by 99.99 Pounds –a pretty good deal considering that the phone practically gives users unlimited access to the Nokia Ovi store –which can be done through a computer for downloading plenty of music content.
In other Nokia related news updates, the N8 has finally been pinned down for a confirmed release date. Fans of the Finnish phone maker in the UK can expect the N8 to be available by October 22 (a day after WP7 devices first launch). This is reportedly the last schedule changing announcement regarding the Nokia N8 –which seems to be the device which holds the record for the most delays announced. O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile and several other network operators will be offering the Nokia N8 though buyers can also get the handset directly through Nokia’s official online store.
Taiwan based phone maker HTC has just announced that they have made a profit of almost 230 million Pounds for the third quarter of this year. The large profit margin from the previous months is a testament to how much the company has been growing. While HTC initially made a name for itself with the Windows Pocket PC, it was HTC’s involvement with the development of the Android OS that has helped it grow tremendously.
Speaking of HTC, the phone maker has several new devices lined up for fans of both the Android and the upcoming Windows Phone 7. The HTC Desire HD and Desire Z are already getting confirmations from various network operators with the HTC Mozart and Mondrian are both due to come out this month.
HD S-LCD HTC Handset Coming to Vodafone UK
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Mobile network operator Vodafone UK has confirmed that they will be launching the new HTC Desire HD smart phone pretty soon and for those who simply cannot afford to wait any longer without being able to secure a handset, the pre-order web page of the network operator is already up and running. This means that Android smart phones fans simply need to log into the Vodafone website in order to be able to reserve the device.
The contract plans are pretty nice, and we highly recommend the 35 Pound monthly tariff which will provide users with the handset free of charge. This plan provides about 600 minutes of talk time, 500 MB of data and unlimited texting. Subscribers are encouraged to take up this very same offer through the Vodafone web site as it will provide online users with an additional 300 minutes of talk time and 250 MB of mobile data –making this a very sweet deal for a two year contract.
The HTC Desire HD lives up to its name with an impressive screen display and built in camera. The phone comes packed with an 8 mega pixel snapper that allows users to shoot videos in 720p HD quality. The camera can also take images at 3264 x 2448 pixels and is equipped with both auto focus and dual LED flash. With this hardware, media lovers will certainly find this Android handset pretty tempting.
The screen makes use of the new super LCD technology. Despite the fame that has been associated with the AMOLED display, it is the S-LCD that is quickly becoming the favored screen technology by many manufacturers. It is said that the super LCD is cheaper and easier to manufacture compared to other touch screen displays.
As expected, the Desire HD runs on the latest version of the Android OS, 2.2 Froyo.
Eyes on HTC: Froyo, Sense and Desire HD
Friday, September 24th, 2010
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.
Smart Phone News: Leaks and Rumors
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
Just recently, a leaked video of the Samsung Cetus i917 handset has been spreading around the web. While the phone’s specs are pretty much predictable (or at least, what the minimal specs would be), it is still impressive to see WP7 in action. Microsoft’s product manager, Charlie Kindel was demonstrating the handset off in the video.
So far, it seems that the device has not changed so much since it was first leaked weeks ago. The Cetus still sports a 5 mega pixel camera and a 4 inch WVGA capacitive touch screen display. Those who are excited to try out this new handset from Samsung will have to wait until October when Windows Phone 7 officially launches.
In other Windows Phone 7 related news, it seems that O2 Germany already has price plans for the upcoming HTC HD7. According to a leaked document, the upcoming handset will be price at a very expensive 559 Pounds. While the phone’s hardware features are certainly going to be impressive, this will make it hard for the HD7 to compete with Android devices later on. The contract costs of the handset are much easier on the budget with the device costing a nice 70 Pounds at a 20 Pound Monthly tariff.
With Windows Phone 7 due to come out in a matter of weeks, we can all expect to see more leaked videos and demonstrations of the various WP7 handsets that are going to launch alongside Microsoft’s new OS.
Lastly, it seems that Facebook is being plagued by rumors that the social networking site is going to release their own mobile phone. This is mostly due to exaggerated reports about Facebook’s devs working new apps and features for smart phones. Representatives of the social networking site have officially debunked the rumors about the FB smart phone –much to the dismay of some expectant fans.
HTC HD7 Confirmed in Germany, Facebook not Making a Smartphone
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
It seems that the HTC HD7 is certainly headed for consumers this coming October when the Windows Phone 7 OS finally launches.
In a recently leaked document from O2 Germany, the price for the HD7 handset will be a whooping 559 Pounds SIM free. While this might not be the same cost for the device when it comes out in the UK, at least we have a pretty good idea of the price range for the handset. So far, the tariff plans seem promising as the device is coming out at a nice 70 Pounds when linked to a 20 Pound monthly tariff for two years.
The HTC HD series of Windows devices has always been impressive. The HTC HD2 stood out for being able to bring the Windows Mobile OS to a capacitive touch screen thanks to the Sense user interface. While it was originally believed that the new HTC Windows Phone 7 handset would be named as the HD3, the Taiwan based phone maker surprised its fans by stating that the new phone will be called HD7 –to reflect the move from Windows Mobile to Windows Phone 7.
In other smart phone news, Facebook’s representatives have stated that their company is not in the process of creating a smart phone. The rumors about the social networking site coming out with a new device is not new, but has gotten pretty much spread out in the recent weeks.
While it is hard to determine the actual source of the rumors, the fact that social networking has played a key role in the growth of the smart phone industry is something that is hard to deny. In fact, since the combined emergence of social networking and better wireless technology, more and more people have made social networks a primary channel of communication.
Price Watch: HTC Desire Z and Samsung Galaxy Tab on Amazon UK
Monday, September 20th, 2010
If there has ever been a good argument for going with a monthly tariff, it is looking at the tentative retail prices for many smart phones and other electronic gadgets. Sure, there are advantages when one goes SIM-less, but overall, the savings are not as good (unless the buyer is not a heavy phone user) as what one would get from a long term contract.
Take the new HTC Desire handsets. Last week, HTC revealed the Desire HD and the Desire Z to the public. So far, it has been confirmed that T-Mobile will be having the Desire HD as part of their offerings next month. For a 40 Pound monthly tariff, it seems like buyers will be getting an expensive plan for an expensive phone. But one has to realize, ultimately, the phone is actually free and that the monthly paid contract provides the user with a substantial degree of consumable call minutes, text messages and data allowance.
On retail, the Desire Z is going to cost around 429 Pounds –that price might even go up as some state that Amazon UK could boost it up to 499 Pounds.
The same also applies for the massive Samsung Galaxy Tab, this 7 inch touch screen smart phone and tablet hybrid is expected to come out on Amazon UK with a retail cost of 799 Pounds. That is tremendously expensive –far from Apple’s lower priced iPad (that also has a larger touch screen display).
Some would of course argue that the Android operating system on the Galaxy Tab (as well as the device’s ability to handle voice calls) makes the device a lot more valuable than the iPad –and that would be true in certain aspects. However, with the price being almost 800 Quid, simply choosing to purchase the Galaxy Tab is not an easy choice to make.