Earlier on Friday we told you about all of the preparations that went into the shoot for the first series of commercials for the HTC One series. Shot 12,000 feet in the air, the idea behind the video was to show how easy is it to operate the camera on the units. As we mentioned before, the cameras on the HTC One series smartphones need only 0.7 seconds to boot and 0.2 seconds to lock the focus in place.
Sure, the HTC One X is a beast of a handset, but can it take a licking? To test how strong the device is, the flagship model was put into a dryer for one hour. According to HTC, the polycarbonate unibody is so strong and tough that a case is not required. And thanks to the use of Gorilla Glass, the screen also can take some pretty tough punishment. Put the videos together and you see the HTC One X go from one extreme to another without any problems.
O2 said it will be getting its hands on the HTC One X on 5 April -- which is in line with HTC's "early April" launch timeframe for the One X and the other two One-series devices, the One S and the One V. O2 hasn't yet slapped a price tag on the One X.
The HTC One X is a beast of a phone, with a 4.7-inch display and a quad-core-plus-one multi-core chip which roundly spanks the dual-core competition. It's also fully loaded with the latest and greatest version of Google's Android OS -- the sugary treat that's a real mouthful to say (aka Ice Cream Sandwich).
And if that's not enough, HTC has skinned this behemoth with a new version of its Sense UI -- Sense 4.0 -- which includes a fancy deck-of-cards style Recent Apps menu so you can cathartically flick past tasks off into the cyber abyss.
Also on board the One X is Beat Audio tech, as HTC continues its partnership with Dr Dre & co And sticking proudly out of the One X's backside is an 8-megapixel snapper. HTC reckons it's overhauled its camera tech, with a new image chip, lens and sensor -- so we'll be sure to get snapping when we get the One series devices in for review. HTC One X hands-on:
The Android Ice Cream Sandwich update with Sense 3.6 is now available for the HTC Sensation and Sensation XE for some customers in the Nordic region. There was a report earlier which said that HTC will be launching the new update for its Sensation series in March, and it seems it has kept its word. So this means that other regions should start receiving the update soon.
HTC headquarters have confirmed that company has started the roll-out has begun and b the end of this month, almost all Sensation devices should receive some ICS goodness along with Sense 3.6 on top. Do keep checking for your updates as they might arrive anytime soon, and do let us know if you manage to update your Sensation devices.
Following Devices Will Get Ice Cream Sandwich ( Android 4.0 ):
That leaked ROM from the HTC One X the other day? Why, it got ported to the Sensation, of course, in all its ICS and Sense 4.0 glory. It's pretty rough around the edges yet, due to the difference in chipsets and screen resolution, but the obstacles are getting knocked down one by one, although we wouldn't recommend this as your daily driver.
More importantly, there is new stuff revealed - integration with Microsoft’s Skydrive, bringing you 25GB of easily accessible cloud storage, a new weather&clock app reminiscing of Google Earth, task manager which shows you which apps are draining the most battery at the moment, and a new clever way to paste text without the hassle of long-pressing first, among other novelties. Watch a video of the still-laggy port below and dream of Senses. HTC Sensation Review:
We've just received word from HTC that it'll be releasing what it's billing as an "early access preview" of its Android 4.0 upgrades for the Sensation and Sensation XE handsets in Europe. The company says that it hopes users will "play with it and enjoy getting used to the ICS experience with Sense," which implies that there'll be changes to HTC's skin in this build, something we've been expecting for quite some time anyway. You won't just be able to download the build at will. HTC will initially only be offering it to members of its Elevate beta program and T-Mobile subscribers using the Sensation 4G won't be included. That's a shame, but there's a silver lining: the company says that it'll be doing similar previews for other phones in its portfolio in the future. Meanwhile, look for the Sensation and Sensation XE builds to roll out to selected individuals "in the coming days."
HTC's move is likely in response to a groundswell of interest for Android OEMs to be more upfront about their upgrade plans; we've already seen Sony do something similar for several of its models (albeit on a wider scale). Motorola, meanwhile, is being honest about its laggy ICS upgrade schedule but so far, no public previews. HTC Sensation XE Android smartphone video review:
UPDATE: After checking the Service Information screen, our source now tells us that the phone is 100% Verizon-bound. Congrats to all of you riding on "the nation's most reliable 4G network"!
You might be surprised, but we actually don't have a clue. We were recently approached by a tipster of ours who was generous enough to share these pics with us. Thanks to the photos, we can learn quite a bit about this mysterious handset, but unfortunately, we can't be sure how it's going to be called, or what carriers it may end up on. However, some of our observant readers have noted that the 4G LTE logo that's visible during the loading screen is the one that Verizon uses for its handsets, so that's a pretty good guess as to where the phone may end up.
Although this ICS-powered HTC phone looks very similar to some other models by the company (and that's not really a good thing), it doesn't fully match any of the currently known handsets. In terms of appearance, its front looks similar to almost any other HTC phone released recently, however, the back reminds us of the characteristic DROID Incredible 2 back side, and since there isn't any other HTC line having this particular design language, we're willing to speculate a little here by saying that this might in fact be the HTC DROID Incredible 3. Another possibility is that it might be the leaked HTC Fireball, also for Verizon, of which, however, we know almost nothing.
Alright, enough speculating. Let's take a look at the specs! According to the Hardware information screen, the phone will feature a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, 1GB RAM, 8MP camera complemented by a VGA front-facing one, as well as LTE connectivity. Overall, the handset doesn't seem to be a slouch, though it doesn't shine either. Furthermore, our source tells us that it's having an AMOLED screen, instead of S-LCD, which is the tech of choice for the bigger part of HTC's newer smartphones.
On the software side of things, we're glad to see this phone run Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich, covered by the new Sense UI 4.0. As can be seen from the images, this will be one of the HTC handsets that won't have on-screen nav buttons, but will instead stick with hardware ones. Interestingly, even though previous information pointed that those ICS handsets by HTC ,which will stick with hardware keys, will have three, instead of four keys, this one sports four. Of course, we should all keep in mind that this is a prototype unit, so a lot of stuff may change until it finally hits the market, which will probably happen sometime this year! HTC Sensation Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0):
HTC has acknowledged a flaw in the way that some of its handsets handle specific Android requests may expose the security credentials on Wi-Fi networks they are connected to. Researchers Chris Hessing and Bret Jordan found that any Android application on an affected HTC handset with the android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE permission would be able to call upon the .toString() command in the WifiConfiguration class to view all credentials of a Wi-Fi network. If combined with the android.permission.INTERNET permission, attackers could then harvest the details and send them to a remote server on the Internet.
The flaw affects the following devices: Desire HD (both “ace” and “spade” board revisions) – Versions FRG83D, GRI40, Glacier – Version FRG83, Droid Incredible – Version FRF91, Thunderbolt 4G – Version FRG83D, Sensation Z710e – Version GRI40, Sensation 4G – Version GRI40, Desire S – Version GRI40, EVO 3D – Version GRI40, EVO 4G – Version GRI40.
The good news is that most HTC handsets will automatically patch the issue, but some will require the user to manually load a fix. HTC says that users should check its site next week for more details on how to perform the update. Hessing and Jordan found the issue on September 7 2011 but worked with HTC and Google over the next couple of months to establish the cause and help them issue a fix, before they publicly disclosed their work. The issue would require the user to install an application that had been specifically designed to harvest details or was uploaded to the Android Market with the specific aim of collecting information. The impact may have been small in the fact that such an app will not see the reach as a more popular app but the security risk does exist. If you own one of the affected handsets, you may have already received the fix. If you do not, keep checking the HTC Support site for more information.
Chalk up a win for HTC in the ongoing patent wars: the International Trade Commission handed a win to HTC. HTC’s products do not infringe on a patent held by FlashPoint Technology. FlashPoint had been an Apple subsidiary, had taken its patent case to the ITC in an attempt to quickly obtain an import ban against HTC's phones. This case originally started with two patents related to camera technology. FlashPoint asserted them against RIM, Nokia, and LG, as well as HTC. The other three companies settled out of court, and FlashPoint dropped one so they could concentrate in asserting “patent 769” against HTC. Unless the implementation of the cameras made by RIM, Nokia, and LG are significantly different from HTC's, we imagine those companies may feel a little sheepish now that they agreed to pay royalties.
HTC is surely relieved, although this is just one of many cases in this global sue-fest. This case highlights one difficulty with patents – they are often vague enough that it isn’t clear whether or not infringement is taking place, and the only way to settle it is with a lawsuit. Flash Point may still elect to sue HTC in a U.S. federal court, although those cases tend to take longer and be costlier. Not to mention the defeat handed to them by the ITC may inspire confidence about going in for another round.
If you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the HTC Titan, the largest Windows Phone to date, then your wait is almost over as November 20 has been pegged as the release date for the highly anticipated device.
The HTC Titan is a monster-sized smartphone. It runs on the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile OS, Windows Phone Mango. It features a large 4.7-inch S-LCD display and is powered by a single-core 1.5GHz processor as well as 1GB of RAM. While other platforms such as iOS and Android are incorporating dual-core processors in their devices (and soon to be quad-cores), Windows Phone performs quite admirably with the single-core that it has been given.
The back of the device has an 8 megapixel camera that can record video in 720p HD. Around front is a 1.3 megapixel camera that can be used to video chat using Skype once Microsoft integrates their latest acquisition into the mobile platform or the newly launched Tango application.
THE HTC Sensation XL was announced a while back, and we just got an email from the guys over at Clove to let us know that he SIM free version of the HTC Sensation XL is now available in the UK. The HTC Sensation XL features a 4.7 inch multi-touch touchscreen Super LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, processing is provided by a single core 1.5GHz processor and it comes with Android plus HTC Sense.
The HTC Sensation XL features 16GB of built in storage and 768MB of RAM, plus GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, DLNA and a microUSB port, it also features an 8 megapixel camera with an F2.2 lens, a dual LED flash and a BSI sensor, it is capable of recording HD video in 720p.
The HTC Radar was due to go on sale with T-Mobile in the US on Wednesday the 2nd of November, but it would appear that T-Mobile has already started selling the HTC Radar from their website.
The HTC Radar 4G will is available for $99.99 after rebates when you sign up to a new two year contract with T-Mobile, and it comes with Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, and it has a 3.8 inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.
Other specifications on the HTC Radar include a 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage, a 5 megapixel camera with an F2.2 lens, LED flash and a BSI sensor, on the front there is a VGA camera for video chat, and it comes with 3G, GPRS, EDGE and 802.11 b/g/n WiF, Bluetooth 2.1 and a 1520 mAh battery.
If you find the battery life of your HTC Amaze is always catching you short and forcing to forever look for the next charging point a new case from PowerSkin called the Skin for the HTC Amaze might just be able to help you and provide you with a little extra juice to see you through the day. As well as offer a little extra protection along the way.
The PowerSkin Skin is equipped with a 1,500mAh which will provide your HTC Amaze 4G with an extra 410 minutes worth of talk time and 260 hours of standby. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action. The PowerSkin Skin has been made from 100% recycled materials and will be arriving in stores next week.
Even though we haven’t seen the official press photos for the upcoming HTC Rezound, a different type of press photo has leaked of the powerful Android handset that shows it off wearing an HTC branded case.
For the past couple of months we have come to know the device formerly known as the HTC Vigor quite well. We have seen it in unofficial photos, videos, renders and more. Although the smartphone is expected to be launched on November 10 on Verizon Wireless along with the Motorola DROID RAZR and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus it still hasn’t been officially introduced.
The HTC Rezound is going to be quite the beast of a smartphone. Although it will not have Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich when it launches it will still boast some pretty enticing specs. It is an Android 2.3.4 device that is blessed with the latest version of HTC’s Sense user interface. It will be one of the latest devices to run on the ultra fast 4G LTE network. The Rezound has a 4.3-inch display that is expected to have a 720p resolution. Fueling the handset is a dual-core 1.5GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. Of course it has a pair of cameras; an 8 megapixel shooter on the back that can record video in full 1080p HD and a front-facing 2 megapixel shooter.
The two press shots that are meant to show off the HTC case at least reassure us that the HTC Rezound is what we thought it was. The colors of the case itself may not be for everybody but odds are there will be a bunch of options if this is to be HTC’s flagship device on Verizon for a while. The DROID RAZR and the Galaxy Nexus have already been announced so it should only be a matter of time until the HTC Rezound becomes official. All signs are pointing to a November 10 launch so keep your eyes peeled for when the news becomes official.
We have been hearing about the new HTC EVO Design 4G for a while now, we saw a leaked press shot of the device recently, and it is now official and it comes with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The HTC EVO Design 4G features a 4 inch qHD display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, processing is provided by a single core 1.2GHz processor and there is also a five meagpixel camera with an LED flash.
The HTC EVO Design 4G can record HD video in 720p, and there is also a front facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video chat, plus WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, and an 8GB microSD card. The EVO Design 4G will be available with mobile carrier Sprint in the US for $99.99 when you sign up to a new two year contract.
The T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G cell phone is now on sale for $199.99 with $50 mail-in rebate or $549.99 off contract. This is cool. I have a friend who wants to buy it unlocked but the price is too high. Hopefully the unlocked price goes down soon. I’m tempted to go pick this up right now but I’ll wait until July and after that if it’s not out then I’m going for the HTC Evo 3D. Looks like a great smartphone at an outstanding price.
The T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G cell phone features include 4.3-inch qHD (540×960) 16:9 display, a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, an 8-megapixel camera with auto-focus and 1080p HD video recording, a forward-facing camera for video chats, 768MB of RAM, 1GB of internal storage, and an 8GB microSD card, HDMI connection and Android with HTC Sense.
The new AT&T HTC Inspire 4G cell phone supports HSPA+, Unless it says LTE or WiMAX, it isn’t “4G”. This phone doesn’t have a front facing camera and only has a 1230 mAh battery. The Inspire 4G looks like the Evo, just like how the HTC Desire HD and the HTC Thunderbolt look like the Evo. Wow great Android phones AND the iPhone?? Well done AT&T! Either these phones will be outdated very quickly when the LTE network comes, or AT&T will push back their plans for LTE because of all this hullabaloo about HSPA+.
AT&T HTC Inspire 4G will have a 4.3 inch WVGA display, an 8-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, Android 2.2 Froyo, it will be launch in 2011.
The Samsung Nexus Prime might have been delayed from an October 11th unveiling, but today is the day when we’re looking at what could be the first sample images taken with the camera of the Prime. Published on Google Plus, images by a mysterious “Galaxy Nexus” device have been downsized to the 3-megapixel default format of the social network but chances are that they were shot on the yet unofficial Nexus Prime.
There are two previous Nexus phones - the HTC-made Nexus One and the Samsung-made Nexus S, both of which wouldn’t be referenced as “Galaxy Nexus.” The only other possible phone is the Nexus Prime.
Samsung and Google were expected to announce the new phone along with a major rework of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, but cancelled in the last minute referring to Steve Jobs’ passing as the official reason. Russian analyst Eldar Murtazin, though, disagrees and says that Google is actively removing features from ICS, all in connection with Apple patent claims, so go figure.
But back to the images, how do you fing the quality of the camera?
Earlier on Friday we told you about all of the preparations that went into the shoot for the first series of commercials for the HTC One series. Shot 12,000 feet in the air, the idea behind the video was to show how easy is it to operate the camera on the units. As we mentioned before, the cameras on the HTC One series smartphones need only 0.7 seconds to boot and 0.2 seconds to lock the focus in place.
