HTC HD2 makes first official appearance in O2 UK catalog
By Vladislav Savov 
posted Sep 30th 2009 8:42AM
posted Sep 30th 2009 8:42AM
[Thanks, Peter W.]
Update: After O2 stonewalled our phone enquiries, we decided to drop by our nearest (which was still annoyingly far away) store to have a look for ourselves. Alas, we only found September issues of the catalog, and the above snapshot is from the October iteration, which sports a big fat Pre promo on the front. So, anyone else seen an advance copy yet?
I like this, alot!
I love this, a lot!
I really hope a U.S. carrier picks this up.
I like it a lot too.
However, my only concern is why they did not use an OLED screen (except for the price reason).
This just might be the most attractive WinMo phone ever.
This is the most attractive WinMo phone ever.
(I don't expect the HTML to be parsed.. but I reckon everyone's geeky enough, that their brain will automatically see it in Italics..)
FFS.... Engadget actually removed the HTML from the post rather than just displaying it as text.
Lazy.
Oh Well.. Given us reader people have been begging for a better comment system for years.. I'm sure they'll have a better one soon...
Look! Flying Pigs! oh wait.... Its just squirrels...
Because HTML would totally never be exploited maliciously!
This really is a sexy little slab, though.
the problem is that it really isn't little.
Should have been the same size as the HD and I would be selling my TD2 right now.
Nah, this is great.
I've always thought the perfect size for a smartphone is 4".
But I'd rather have the extra .3" than .2" less like the HD1.
Now to wish, pray and beg Sprint to bring this to America =(.
too bad it winMo. A nice capacitive touch display but a not finger friendly os.
Too bad it winmo? You already have your capacitive large screen phone. Let us technical power users have ours.
Would you like to explain, that if it has a capacitive screen, but not a finger-friendly OS, what you're exactly supposed to use on it? Oh yeah, your FINGER, because it most certainly IS a finger-friendly OS. I've said it a million times before, so once more won't hurt. WM6.5 is finger friendly. Youtube it, revel in it, be annoyed by it, hate it, whatever. But accept it, because it's true. I've ran 6.5 for about 4 months, and I NEVER EVER use my stylus. Ever.
Instead of being a fucko, do some research.
IMO Windows mobile is the only way to go...
If you try using the updated 6.5 / 6.5.1 interfaces you'd find that your fingers are all that's needed. Things have really changed in the last year or so for Windows Mobile. Also, seeing that this phone doesn't have a stylus is a good indication that it isn't needed...
man that didn't take long. I love the fact you can do many things with windows mobile too and that it has a great deal of pirated software and programs that let me share internet and keep my gas mileage. but when your using it, doesn't feel a lot like windows 3.1 on a small screen? and the fact that to select some menu and options the stylus is required? and they release an update but it looks and acts the same as all the previous windows mobiles?.. oh and the fact that you need to reboot it every so often to make it work nicely or kill every app in the dot fred task manager? ... seems the reset pin on my phone is wearing out.
But is the screen surface fingernail friendly?
Wish it were coming to the states, sadly I doubt it ever will. Touch Diamond 2 on AT&T Oct 6th for me (I hope)!
i care more about the price
I have not used WinMo 6.5 so i cant judge the software but god damn that is some sexy hardware.
HTC are coming correct as usual.
@level 5
actually, i think verizon will be changing to GSM. verizon is 45% owned by vodafone. although 45% isn't a controlling share of the company, vodafone has still been pressing them to go GSM. verizon has decided to move to a GSM network to appease vodafone.
basically what that means is you could be seeing these phones coming to verizon in the future.
link here: http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/verizon-dumps-cdma-for-gsm-based-lte-in-4g-networks/
This + Android + Verizon = Have my money HTC...all of it
This plus + XDA roms + Verizon = :D
pkyno - As awesome as that'd be, there's no getting a GSM phone on a CDMA carrier like Verizon.
Then again, you will eventually be able to install android as a second OS - like you already can on many other windows mobile phones... That way you can still use windows mobile when you need to get something done and android when you need to be trendy...
Loving it, I really cant wait to see this one in the wild!
Want want want want want want want
Have been using HTC Touch Pro 2 running WM6.1 and it runs well. HTC Touch HD2 running WM6.5 and TouchFLO 2.5 should be fantastic. Many Apple fans and Android fans are so jealous that they will say anything to discredit this phone. I'd say don't blindly follow others. Make up your own mind.
Just because it "runs well" doesn't mean it has a an intuitive user friendly interface. That's the reason people like me hate winmo.
@Shmunt: Then why even bother commenting on this post? Wait, don't tell me because I already know the answer.
Why do WinMo haters feel compelled to tell everyone they hate it in every single post that mentions it?
What do we have to do to get this thing in the states? Pep rally? :-)
Hmm. Apple might have to fight for my money when my contract runs out.
I've got a feeling that the new iPhone won't match up to this in anyway shape or form, Apart from usabillity.
HTC HD2, a must buy!
-An iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS owner.
It's been confirmed that it also has a Digital Compass (like the Omnia 2 btw)
http://www.mobiletechworld.com/2009/09/29/leaked-htc-leo-hd2-rom-confirms-the-presence-of-a-digital-compass-again/
Thanks Alex, now if you could find a way to get the Leo Stateside. Of all the phones this one leads the pack.
So glad it has been made official. I am sick of having to use iTunes - I hate it...
I can upgrade from the 16th October and I will definately be getting the HD2. The UI looks amazing and actually far superior to the iPhone UI.
Fingers crossed it lives up to all the hype - I don't think I (we) will not be disappointed!
I think the HTC HD2 and Windows 7 will go good together... :)
Ah but - will we actually get Windows Mobile 7 on the HD2 or will we have to upgrade to another device in 2010?
I know for a fact that WInMo 7 won't be an option for this device. Plans for WinMo 7 are for a set price, set carrier, set device... aka iPhone & Pre.
When I say windows 7 I don't mean WinMo 7... I mean the main PC OS.
Windows Mobile 6.5 and TouchFlo 3D make the device more than usable and very pretty and uptodate at the same time.
WinMo 7 is not available till next year! We can worry about that when it comes.
I currently have an iPhone 3G and would much prefer to update to the HD2 than get an iPhone 3GS. Makes more sense to me with being a .Net Developer. I love MS products - well most of them, and to have my phone WinMo too is the icing on the cake.
@Sedinburgh
How do you know this for a fact?
From what I gather from what MS has said and what has been out in the news WinMo7 will take the same path and the previous incarnations. Offered to OEMs to place on High end devices. The only difference is that MS has set out chassis requirements i.e. minimum hardware requirements for the OS. This phone meets those requirements.
On the other hand this is going to be probably released a good 9-12 months before WinMo7 hit the market most likely and I think that will be beyond the threshold of a free upgrade.
All they need to do now is release a varient with a keyboard!
My only issue with going over to Windows Mobile is the apps. I have filled up my iPhone and I especially like the music apps which only really work with multi-touch capabilities so will the HD2 be able to compete with something like this for example?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7XlWKHfDpo
I have had Windows Mobile devices in the past and didn't get on that well with them but this does look like a real step in the right direction and as I'm coming to the end of my contract maybe it's time for a change!?
We need a full review.
Touch HD2 will be release with 6.5 which will come with Marketplace. Devs have been submitting apps since the start of summer so expect a good few apps and the influx of apps over the next few months when devs start making money.
As the dev environment is familiar and easy to pick up I dont see why quality apps shouldn't be aplenty.
Emm,5 mp camera? I was expecting at least 8 mp. Crack
the Leo is glorious, but i just got a touch pro 2 and i'm loving it. If this thing can fit in my pocket and i can get used to touch screen keyboard... perhaps
I have a feeling this one will end up like the touch hd, and never make stateside. :-/
BITE YOUR TONGUE!!! Don't even suggest such a heinous idea. You'll jinx it all for the rest of us.
(Touch HD2 might actually be enough phone to get me to commit 2 years of my life to a contract)
If this this comes to sprint (PLEASE!!!) I will buy it immediately! I have SERO, so I wont be switching carriers anytime soon. This phone has everything I want and leaves nothing missing!
Just thought i'd be pedantic and point out that even with Touch Flo enabled, winMo 6.5 still uses that start menu. The pic on the box is the 'start' menu not the 'home screen'.
It's no big deal really, but O2 will almost certainly be shipping this with the HTC Touch Flo 3D bundled with it. I'm currently using an HD which is running a 6.5 rom which will no doubt be similar to what this thing comes shipped with.
Also, i can vouch for 6.5 being very finger friendly, i lost all my stylus's ages ago and havent been having any problems, (that said, it is also nice to have the option to use a stylus for really accurate pointing, +1 for resistive i think)
They can always make it Hybrid like Sprint did with the TP2.
But still I doubt it =(.
I feel the same but I don't know about the apps - with no multi-touch support (yet) can it really compete with the iPhone?
Honestly probably not, this phone will appeal to the tech savvy but I don't see the general public jumping all over this like the iPhone. Though windows mobile 6.5 seems much more finger friendly, it just doesn't seem as intuitive as the iPhone. The only real competitor to the iPhone right now seems to be the palm pre with webOS.
The hardware and specs for this phone do make my heart go pitter patter. However, does anyone feel the N900 is a contender? Personally, I drool over any news for it and there was some really good stuff this morning . . .
htc hd2 will run a snapdragon 8250b , this family chipset support mobile broadcast tv mediaflo isdb-t and dvbh more precisely http://www.qctconnect.com/products/snapdragon.html
can we expect to have dvbh on htc hd2 i'm really interested cause i watched dvbh tv on a nokia N96 and it's really an amazing quality of image even walking.
i personally like the stylus cuz it works well as a poker for rolling joints.
it always comes in handy!
HTC Leo + WM 6.5 = best phone on the planet, by far.
Damn you US carriers for not launching this, damn you!
Actually,
HTC Leo + wnmo 6.5. = amwasome handset + descent mobile os = maybe the best phone by the slimest margin until android/maemo5 are matched with hardware comprable to this.
And please don't acuse of bieng an MS hater. I love MS, but emetions aside, winmo 6.5 is not there best work. Not exactly zunehd-eque. ya know.
Is there going to be a version with a slide-out keyboard ?????
Professionals need a slide out keyboard.
not really! professionals learn how to do without....
so much for the earlier rumor that the HD2 would be loaded with android.. would have loved to see that..
Please come to the US! Please come to the US! Please come to the US! Please come to the US! Please come to the US!
I personally find that button layout ugly, especially when they're so radically different from the rest of the face...
Just put a separate power button on top, and put the home button on hang up. Like on the TD2 and TP2. There, it's MUCH more attractive...
[From SPRINT, three days ago]:
Thank you for contacting Sprint about the HTC Leo/Firestone.
We are glad to know that you are interested in buying the HTC
Leo/Firestone handset.
Unfortunately, this handset model is not on offer as of now.
Once it is decided to launch, you will see promotional campaigns related
to the launch date and the features of the handset on our Web site and
other promotional media.
Thank you for showing interest in our products & services. Please let us
know if you would like us to assist you with anything else.
Sincerely,
Sprint
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[From SPRINT, two days ago]:
Thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately, as of now we are not able to tell if we will launch HTC
Leo/Firestone in future or not. We continually strive to offer the best
products and services to our customers. We have taken your feedback
regarding the HTC Leo/Firestone phone. We appreciate your constructive
feedback.
We value your business and appreciate the opportunity to address your
concerns. Please reply to this email or visit Sprint.com/mysprint if we
can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Sprint
[From me]
*heavy sigh*
I emailed Sprint about this 3 days ago, and they didn't even specifically reply back with a mention of the Leo.
It was just same generic response stating that my email will be looked into and that someone should be getting back in touch with me.
Well, at least you received a response, even if it wasn't necessarily a promising one, Sprint at least didn't flat out dismiss the Leo.
Here's to hoping it will be offered by the time I get to renew my contract in March...
As faithful readers of this site, I feel Engadget is obligated to lobby on our behalf to bring this phone to the States. I know you guys have connections with HTC.
I'll make you a deal. I'll click on an ad on your page every day if you can get some movement on getting this to the states (a video would be nice too). :)
It's not "pictured with a stock Windows Mobile 6.5 UI instead of TouchFLO 3D" - TouchFLO 3D 2.5 doesn't have a "Programs" tab like previous versions. The picture merely shows the WM6.5 Start menu.
The Start menu is completely customisable in terms of background and location of icons, so the TouchFLO team have wisely decided to omit their Programs tab - it would be a virtual duplication of the WM6.5 Start menu, but it would have less room since TouchFLO needs the "swipe" bar along the bottom.
Got the October magazine in hand. Not much of a "leak" considering it was published today.
I called the freephone number and they had no idea what I was talking about. I went to the URL and no sign of the HTC HD2.
As with the "Ignito" (HTC Touch Diamond), it will take weeks after the catalogue advert before I can get my hands on this beauty.
Actually, that's WinMo6.5's default programs screen, and in the Manila 2.5/WinMo6.5 ROM I'm running on my TP2, It has the same default programs screen. So maybe this phone will be released with Manila 2.5(TouchFlo3D 2.5 for those that don't know).
as soon as some one get Android running in the Leo, I will be buying one from over sea.
I'm buying it, no matter what.
Oh man, what a device, seriously cant wait to get it (uk, unlucky states) Lets just hope windows get their act together with marketplace and get some decent apps. Time for apple to get their hardware up to date.
That depends on what you're seeking. Some apps of the type I want to use are available for WinMo, but not Android.
(iPhone is out of the question on principle, even though there are iPhone versions of what I want to use. I'm not anti-Apple. I'm anti-lack-of-memory-expansion and anti-battery-replacement-requires-major-disassembly.)
I have just confirem in store its on the catalog but not in store as yet. I called O2 customer service and was told that they would have it on sale for the 19th of October 2009. Happy HD'ing!
Everybody already knows Tmobile is gonna pick it up they even have ads already.
Just got a copy in store and it looks just like that rather vague it all about the Palm Pre hopefully it won't be long till it in-store.