Showing posts with label HTC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HTC. Show all posts
Monday, July 20, 2009
While we deemed the HTC Touch Pro2’s hardware keyboard perhaps the best to be had on a Windows Mobile smartphone right now, we saved the usual ire for the handset’s lack of a 3.5mm headphones socket. That’s all changed, however, for the Canadian Telus version; going by MobileSyrup’s video, HTC have shuffled over the ExtUSB port and squeezed in a 3.5mm jack.Video after the cut
The CDMA version of the smartphone will therefore work with both HTC’s standard ExtUSB headset as well as any other 3.5mm hands-free headset or plain headphones. It’s seemingly part of HTC’s plan to put a 3.5mm audio socket on all of its upcoming devices, though we didn’t expect them to start with a phone already available in other markets.
Otherwise, aside from the CDMA radio, the smartphone is the same as the Touch Pro2 we reviewed earlier in the month. No word on specific release date in Canada as yet, nor when it might make it south to Verizon in the US.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Amazon UK have begun listing the HTC Hero, offering the latest Android smartphone in unlocked, SIM-free form. The dual-band HSPA (900/2100MHz) device is priced at £429.99 ($712) and expected to begin shipping on July 15th; SlashGear was at the Hero launch last week, and you can check out our hands-on video after the cut.
The Hero has a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen with a fingerprint-resistant coating, a Teflon body and all the usual Android nicities. There’s also HTC Sense, the company’s latest UI advancement, which you can see demonstrated below. Other specs include WiFi b/g, Bluetooth, GPS, a 5-megapixel autofocus camera and digital compass.
Two UK carriers have already confirmed that they will be offering the Hero, Orange and T-Mobile (the latter as the G1Touch). Both will give new customers the smartphone free, but require a new two-year contract.
The Hero has a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen with a fingerprint-resistant coating, a Teflon body and all the usual Android nicities. There’s also HTC Sense, the company’s latest UI advancement, which you can see demonstrated below. Other specs include WiFi b/g, Bluetooth, GPS, a 5-megapixel autofocus camera and digital compass.Two UK carriers have already confirmed that they will be offering the Hero, Orange and T-Mobile (the latter as the G1Touch). Both will give new customers the smartphone free, but require a new two-year contract.
HTC’s TouchFLO 3D UI for Windows Mobile is arguably the best way to navigate Microsoft’s platform, but now that we’ve seen the latest Sense UI on the HTC Hero it’s losing some of its gloss. Happily HTC haven’t ceased all work on TouchFLO 3D, and screenshots and a video demo of version 2.5 have emerged to whet our appetites.
The most obvious improvement is that HTC have buried Windows Mobile even further underneath their home-grown UI. Looking at the video demo below, you have to really go looking for the underlying OS; general, day-to-day use won’t really unearth it.
There are also new shortcuts on the homepage, the introduction of Footprints – HTC’s geotagging system – and a freshly swollen settings dialog that covers even more options. Interestingly, TouchFLO 3D v2.5 is said to only work on WVGA devices like the HTC Touch HD, Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2; no word on when we can expect to see it released, nor if it will be offered as an upgrade to existing smartphone users.
The most obvious improvement is that HTC have buried Windows Mobile even further underneath their home-grown UI. Looking at the video demo below, you have to really go looking for the underlying OS; general, day-to-day use won’t really unearth it.There are also new shortcuts on the homepage, the introduction of Footprints – HTC’s geotagging system – and a freshly swollen settings dialog that covers even more options. Interestingly, TouchFLO 3D v2.5 is said to only work on WVGA devices like the HTC Touch HD, Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2; no word on when we can expect to see it released, nor if it will be offered as an upgrade to existing smartphone users.
Friday, June 26, 2009
HTC have confirmed that they are looking to develop an upgrade package to deliver HTC Sense, their latest UI as demonstrated on the new Hero smartphone, to earlier Android models. However, due to licensing issues, devices which are “with Google” branded – such as the T-Mobile G1 and Vodafone Magic – will not get the upgrade.
The limitation comes as part of Google’s three-tiers of Android deployment, and their insistence that anything branded with their name should deliver the full, unmodified Android experience. That insistence has meant that other HTC developments, such as Exchange support on the Magic, have not made it to Android devices officially on sale in the US and Europe. The upcoming T-Mobile myTouch 3G will also be a Google-branded phone, and as such not get Sense.
According to HTC, there are potential logistical and R&D cost issues that might scupper a more limited Sense roll-out to non “with Google” existing devices, however, so an upgrade is by no means definite. It may be that cracked ROMs are the only way for existing owners to beautify their Android device.
The limitation comes as part of Google’s three-tiers of Android deployment, and their insistence that anything branded with their name should deliver the full, unmodified Android experience. That insistence has meant that other HTC developments, such as Exchange support on the Magic, have not made it to Android devices officially on sale in the US and Europe. The upcoming T-Mobile myTouch 3G will also be a Google-branded phone, and as such not get Sense.According to HTC, there are potential logistical and R&D cost issues that might scupper a more limited Sense roll-out to non “with Google” existing devices, however, so an upgrade is by no means definite. It may be that cracked ROMs are the only way for existing owners to beautify their Android device.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Verizon Wireless have announced the HTC Ozone, their counterpart to Sprint’s Snap. The QWERTY-blessed Windows Mobile 6.1 phone has EVDO Rev.A support, VZ Navigator for audible turn-by-turn directions and a 1,500mAh battery. It’s also a global-roaming phone, and comes complete with international power adapters.
To enable that there’s a pre-fitted GSM SIM card, and in a pleasant change for Verizon devices the Ozone offers WiFi b/g too. Visual Voicemail is an option – for $2.99 per month – and the Ozone supports Exchange and webmail email, preloaded IM clients for AIM, Windows and Yahoo! Messengers, and a one-touch messaging shortcut key.
It’s also surprisingly affordable. Verizon are asking $49.99 (after a wretched $70 mail-in rebate) assuming you’re willing to sign up to a two-year agreement, while VZ Navigator is the usual $9.99 per month add-on. The Verizon HTC Ozone will be available from June 29th online, and in stores from July 13th.
To enable that there’s a pre-fitted GSM SIM card, and in a pleasant change for Verizon devices the Ozone offers WiFi b/g too. Visual Voicemail is an option – for $2.99 per month – and the Ozone supports Exchange and webmail email, preloaded IM clients for AIM, Windows and Yahoo! Messengers, and a one-touch messaging shortcut key.It’s also surprisingly affordable. Verizon are asking $49.99 (after a wretched $70 mail-in rebate) assuming you’re willing to sign up to a two-year agreement, while VZ Navigator is the usual $9.99 per month add-on. The Verizon HTC Ozone will be available from June 29th online, and in stores from July 13th.
Speculation a-plenty today, after HTC’s Peter Chou apparently confirms that the company’s Sense UI “will be available on some other existing devices”. That, understandably, has prompted many Magic and G1 owners - previously to be found looking at their devices and sneering at the basic UI – to believe that at least one of the two phones will get HTC Sense. However, it might also be a little more complex than that.
HTC didn’t make it entirely clear during their press event yesterday, but afterward took pains to clarify that Sense is branding for their entire custom UI work. Speaking to an HTC executive at a dinner event in London yesterday, he explained that what you see on the Hero is just the latest step in a UI project that began all the way back at the inception of the original HTC Touch. That means Sense includes TouchFLO 3D for Windows Mobile, rather than being a separate Android strand.
That given, it’s possible that Chou meant that certain Windows Mobile devices could get new Sense UI updates, rather than the company’s two existing Android smartphones; likely candidates include the Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2. It certainly seems more straightforward to port the new UI to other Android phones – in terms of processor and the like, the Hero is pretty much the same device as its predecessors – but until we get an official announcement we won’t know for sure.
HTC didn’t make it entirely clear during their press event yesterday, but afterward took pains to clarify that Sense is branding for their entire custom UI work. Speaking to an HTC executive at a dinner event in London yesterday, he explained that what you see on the Hero is just the latest step in a UI project that began all the way back at the inception of the original HTC Touch. That means Sense includes TouchFLO 3D for Windows Mobile, rather than being a separate Android strand.That given, it’s possible that Chou meant that certain Windows Mobile devices could get new Sense UI updates, rather than the company’s two existing Android smartphones; likely candidates include the Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2. It certainly seems more straightforward to port the new UI to other Android phones – in terms of processor and the like, the Hero is pretty much the same device as its predecessors – but until we get an official announcement we won’t know for sure.
After HTC announced the Hero, we took the opportunity to coerce one of their team to spend a while running through the Android smartphone’s new functionality. The result is the usual excessively-comprehensive SlashGear video, a full fifteen minutes of HTC Hero demo that you can see after the cut.
In the video, you can see how HTC have integrated their new Sense UI with Android, adding an extra bevy of widgets for the newly-enlarged homepage. That same UI will eventually end up on all HTC devices, we’re told, so even if you’re a devout Windows Mobile fanatic you’ll be wanting to see exactly what’s what.
For the full hands-on gallery of live HTC Hero images, check here. If you want all the specs, check out our launch post, or the official Hero page at HTC’s site.
In the video, you can see how HTC have integrated their new Sense UI with Android, adding an extra bevy of widgets for the newly-enlarged homepage. That same UI will eventually end up on all HTC devices, we’re told, so even if you’re a devout Windows Mobile fanatic you’ll be wanting to see exactly what’s what.For the full hands-on gallery of live HTC Hero images, check here. If you want all the specs, check out our launch post, or the official Hero page at HTC’s site.
HTC have confirmed that the distinctive HTC Sense UI seen today on their Hero Android handset will in future be featured on the company’s Windows Mobile devices. According to the HTC press release, “all new HTC devices moving forward” will get the new system, which integrates Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other widgets into the homescreen.
What will be interesting to see is how Sense co-exists with Windows Mobile’s own UI and that of third-party apps and widgets. While Sense obviously has elements of TouchFLO 3D to it, one distinct difference is that it co-exists happily with Google’s own Android widgets and those of other developers. In contrast, TouchFLO 3D pretty much takes over a Windows Mobile device, leaving little to no room for other providers.
While there’s no definite timescale for Windows Mobile devices using HTC Sense, the press-release’s assertion that all new phones “moving forward” will use it does suggest sooner rather than later. Of course, HTC have only relatively recently launched the Touch Pro2 and Touch Diamond2, which means there could be a few more months before a fresh Windows Mobile handset is forthcoming.
What will be interesting to see is how Sense co-exists with Windows Mobile’s own UI and that of third-party apps and widgets. While Sense obviously has elements of TouchFLO 3D to it, one distinct difference is that it co-exists happily with Google’s own Android widgets and those of other developers. In contrast, TouchFLO 3D pretty much takes over a Windows Mobile device, leaving little to no room for other providers.While there’s no definite timescale for Windows Mobile devices using HTC Sense, the press-release’s assertion that all new phones “moving forward” will use it does suggest sooner rather than later. Of course, HTC have only relatively recently launched the Touch Pro2 and Touch Diamond2, which means there could be a few more months before a fresh Windows Mobile handset is forthcoming.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The clock is counting down to HTC’s London press event, with a little over three hours to go until we get to see exactly what the smartphone manufacturer has in store. We’re fully expecting to see a new Android handset, most likely the HTC Hero, which we’re hearing that the company has been quietly showing off to select groups of journalists and analysts. SlashGear will be at the event this morning, bringing you all the details.
The Hero is expected to feature similar hardware to the HTC Magic, so figure a capacitive touchscreen, 3G and WiFi connectivity, GPS and a camera. What stands it apart are the modifications HTC have apparently made to Android; while the company’s first two devices have pretty much delivered the typical Google platform experience, leaked ROM builds from the Hero suggest a new UI called “Rosie”.
Rosie blends some of HTC’s TouchFLO 3D UI, as seen on their Windows Mobile devices, with Android, and we’re hearing very positive things from those running the ROM on their devices. Other rumors, though, are saying that HTC will bring a second device, similar to the Hero but with a QWERTY keyboard, called Memphis along today. We’ll only know when the curtain (likely metaphorically) goes up, so keep reading SlashGear to find out all the news today.
The Hero is expected to feature similar hardware to the HTC Magic, so figure a capacitive touchscreen, 3G and WiFi connectivity, GPS and a camera. What stands it apart are the modifications HTC have apparently made to Android; while the company’s first two devices have pretty much delivered the typical Google platform experience, leaked ROM builds from the Hero suggest a new UI called “Rosie”.Rosie blends some of HTC’s TouchFLO 3D UI, as seen on their Windows Mobile devices, with Android, and we’re hearing very positive things from those running the ROM on their devices. Other rumors, though, are saying that HTC will bring a second device, similar to the Hero but with a QWERTY keyboard, called Memphis along today. We’ll only know when the curtain (likely metaphorically) goes up, so keep reading SlashGear to find out all the news today.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Details of Verizon’s upcoming Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone, the HTC Ozone, have leaked, detailing not only the handset’s full specifications but pricing and other tidbits. The Verizon Ozone XV6800 will have a 2.4-inch QVGA non-touchscreen display and full QWERTY keyboard, and not only access the carrier’s EVDO Rev.A network but have globalphone quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity for roaming use.
Verizon will supply the Ozone with a pre-fitted SIM, and in some regions users will be able to choose between local networks. Other specs include a 2-megapixel autofocus camera with video recording, WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP wireless stereo support. There’s also a microSD card slot, 256MB ROM and 128MB RAM, GPS – that can use, but isn’t limited to, Verizon VZ Navigator – voice command and visual voicemail support.
The whole thing measures 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches and weighs 3.7oz with its 1,500mAh battery; talktime is rated at 290 minutes, or 324hrs standby. According to the leaked information, the Verizon Wireless HTC Ozone will go on sale online on June 29th, followed by in-store on July 13th, priced at $119.99 with a two-year agreement. Alternatively it’s $189.99 with a one-year contract or $429.99 contract-free.
Verizon will supply the Ozone with a pre-fitted SIM, and in some regions users will be able to choose between local networks. Other specs include a 2-megapixel autofocus camera with video recording, WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP wireless stereo support. There’s also a microSD card slot, 256MB ROM and 128MB RAM, GPS – that can use, but isn’t limited to, Verizon VZ Navigator – voice command and visual voicemail support.The whole thing measures 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches and weighs 3.7oz with its 1,500mAh battery; talktime is rated at 290 minutes, or 324hrs standby. According to the leaked information, the Verizon Wireless HTC Ozone will go on sale online on June 29th, followed by in-store on July 13th, priced at $119.99 with a two-year agreement. Alternatively it’s $189.99 with a one-year contract or $429.99 contract-free.
We’re gearing up to cover HTC’s press event this coming Wednesday, where the company is expected to unveil their third Android-powered device, the HTC Hero. That’s now looking even more likely, after the Global Certification Forum (GCF) reportedly approved the smartphone as the HERO100.Going by the GCF, the Hero will be a quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE handset as well as supporting dualband UMTS/HSPA (1800/2100MHz). Since they don’t concern themselves with any other specifications we’re still in the dark, but we’re expecting the usual bevy of WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and a capacitive touchscreen.
The Hero differentiates itself from the HTC Dream (aka the T-Mobile G1) and the HTC Magic (aka the T-Mobile myTouch 3G) by virtue of its new UI, which borrows some of the concepts from TouchFLO 3D and introduces them to Android for the first time. Right now, though, this is all speculation (albeit speculation based on leaks).
T-Mobile USA have officially announced the myTouch 3G, the carriers second Android-based smartphone and the follow-up to the T-Mobile G1. Based on the HTC Magic, the T-Mobile myTouch 3G features a 3.2-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen, UMTS/HSPA and WiFi b/g, as well as a 3.2-megapixel camera.
All of the usual Android applications are present, including Google Maps with Latitude and Street View, a messaging app supporting POP, IMAP and Exchange accounts, a media player supporting MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, OGG and RM files, and stereo Bluetooth A2DP. T-Mobile will also load the Sherpa app, featuring GENIE (Geodelic ENgine for Interest Evaluation), onto the myTouch 3G, which promises to recognize patterns of use and offer suggestions based on past behaviours.
The T-Mobile myTouch 3G is expected to go up for pre-order on July 8th, though initially only for existing subscribers to the carrier. National availability is expected in early August, with the handset priced at $199.99 with a new two-year agreement. Three color options will be release: black, white and merlot.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
T-Mobile have officially announced the Dash 3G, the HTC-made Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone, with a full QWERTY keyboard and WiFi b/g. The Dash – which is also known as the HTC Snap - has a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 non-touchscreen display and trackball for navigation.
There’s also Bluetooth and WiFi b/g, together with GPS and support for T-Mobile USA’s MyFaves service. Around the back there’s a 2-megapixel camera that supports video recording, and assuming T-Mobile have requested no changes, inside 256MB ROM and 192MB RAM plus a microSDHC card slot.
The standard battery is a 1,500mAh pack, which HTC have previously rated for up to 8.5hrs GSM talktime (5hrs WCDMA) or up to 15.8 days GSM standby (20 days WCDMA). No word on pricing, but the T-Mobile Dash 3G will arrive sometime in June.
There’s also Bluetooth and WiFi b/g, together with GPS and support for T-Mobile USA’s MyFaves service. Around the back there’s a 2-megapixel camera that supports video recording, and assuming T-Mobile have requested no changes, inside 256MB ROM and 192MB RAM plus a microSDHC card slot.The standard battery is a 1,500mAh pack, which HTC have previously rated for up to 8.5hrs GSM talktime (5hrs WCDMA) or up to 15.8 days GSM standby (20 days WCDMA). No word on pricing, but the T-Mobile Dash 3G will arrive sometime in June.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
It feels like we’ve been waiting a long time for the HTC Touch Pro2 to arrive, though really it was only announced back in February at Mobile World Congress. The flagship smartphone - which packs a 3.6-inch WVGA resistive touchscreen, 3G HSPA, WiFi b/g and a full QWERTY keyboard - is the second half of HTC’s two-part Touch refresh, along with the Diamond2, and you can see our video unboxing after the cut.
First impressions of the HTC Touch Pro2 are good; it’s a solid, weighty phone (the full specifications say 178.5g) and not exactly small at 116 x 59.2 x 16.65mm, but it feels well made and sturdy. The metal screen bezel is a nice design element, though we’re glad to see the rear panel is matte rather than the fingerprint-grabbing gloss of the Diamond2.
Software is the usual Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro - with a 6.5 upgrade catered for with the requisite buttons - together with HTC’s TouchFLO 3D UI. That’s had a neat upgrade to deal with the Pro2’s horizontal orientation when the keyboard is out, and of course includes the People-Centric tweaks we appreciated on the Diamond2. The keyboard itself is tactile and has an impressive amount of button-travel considering the size; we’ll be battering away at it some more before giving our final opinion. Until then, enjoy the unboxing video and short demo below!
First impressions of the HTC Touch Pro2 are good; it’s a solid, weighty phone (the full specifications say 178.5g) and not exactly small at 116 x 59.2 x 16.65mm, but it feels well made and sturdy. The metal screen bezel is a nice design element, though we’re glad to see the rear panel is matte rather than the fingerprint-grabbing gloss of the Diamond2.Software is the usual Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro - with a 6.5 upgrade catered for with the requisite buttons - together with HTC’s TouchFLO 3D UI. That’s had a neat upgrade to deal with the Pro2’s horizontal orientation when the keyboard is out, and of course includes the People-Centric tweaks we appreciated on the Diamond2. The keyboard itself is tactile and has an impressive amount of button-travel considering the size; we’ll be battering away at it some more before giving our final opinion. Until then, enjoy the unboxing video and short demo below!
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