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Switched On: Halting Total Customization
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. Throughout the histories of Windows Mobile and Android, many handset developers have talked the talk of supporting these mobile operating systems, dribbling out a couple of handsets per year as they focused on other priorities. But not HTC. The company has created more Windows Mobile and Android handsets than companies many times its size, and in fact developed the very first Android handset. Microsoft cited HTC at Mobile World Congress 2009 for being an exceptional partner, while Google's Nexus One is an HTC-built handset sold exclusively by the search giant. HTC has done more than simply create a lot of phones for these operating systems. It has attracted attention for its designs that include some of the largest displays and best QWERTY keyboards, as well as clever touches like the Touch Pro2's speakerphone, which activates simply by placing the handset face down on a table during a call. But most distinctively, HTC has invested heavily in developing engaging user interfaces on top of both mobile OS foundations, with development teams focused on delivering skins like TouchFLO and Sense to both Windows Mobile and Android. But now that Microsoft is radically changing Windows Phone 7 Series, HTC will have to change course, and in the process lose the distinction of having its custom user experiences live across both Windows Mobile and Android.
HTC You ad campaign unveiled
HTC's definitely been a major name amonst the gadget cognoscenti for a while now, but it looks like the company's gearing up to go mainstream -- this is the first print ad from the new HTC You campaign that's launching today. Considering HTC's recent slew of high-profile handset launches like the Hero, HD2, and Tilt2 and equally-promising upcoming products like the Dragon and Droid Eris, we'd say this marketing push hasn't come a moment too soon. As for the ad itself, while it's not exactly a knockdown punch, it certainly suggests that HTC sees Sense UI as its ace in the hole -- we'll see how that plays out as Android 2.0 phones like the Motorola Droid come out and make stock Android sexy again. Update: And the commercials have gone live on YouTube as well -- we gotta say, we're pretty into them. Check 'em after the break.
HTC You ad campaign unveiled (update: video!)
HTC's definitely been a major name amonst the gadget cognoscenti for a while now, but it looks like the company's gearing up to go mainstream -- this is the first print ad from the new HTC You campaign that's launching today. Considering HTC's recent slew of high-profile handset launches like the Hero, HD2, and Tilt2 and equally-promising upcoming products like the Dragon and Droid Eris, we'd say this marketing push hasn't come a moment too soon. As for the ad itself, while it's not exactly a knockdown punch, it certainly suggests that HTC sees Sense UI as its ace in the hole -- we'll see how that plays out as Android 2.0 phones like the Motorola Droid come out and make stock Android sexy again. Update: And the commercials have gone live on YouTube as well -- we gotta say, we're pretty into them. Check 'em after the break.
HTC Imagio with WinMo 6.5 out October 6 on Verizon?
As you know, Verizon is one of the carriers participating in the worldwide WinMo 6.5 rollout extravaganza bonanza on October 6, and that Microsoft has said they'll be ramping up to thirty smartphones for the OS by year's end, so the chance is pretty good that the HTC Imagio XV6975 is one of the new handsets we'll be seeing early next month. As reported by PhoneArena, this one is by all accounts Leo's little brother -- a CDMA / GSM device that sports a 3.6-inch WVGA display, 528MHz processor, Wi-Fi, Opera browser, 5 megapixel autofocus camera, microSD slot, and all the TouchFLO 3D lovin' you can handle. In addition, it will also be the first Verizon Smartphone to sport VCast MobileTV -- you know, if that's what you're into. No word on pricing or release date, but you'll know as soon as we do.
HTC Leo Windows Mobile 6.5 slate is capacitive? (update: video!)
The Leo is fast becoming HTC's latest worst kept secret. Pics and video are popping up everywhere with the latest set giving a full visual walkthrough of what appears to be TouchFlo 3D 2.6 riding Windows 6.5. Even better, ai.rs blog claims that Leo is indeed capacitive -- something strongly suggested by the multi-touch video leaked a few days ago -- and not some fancy resistive touchscreen tech. We've got backside action now too, sporting a big "HTCPRO.Three" stamp we presume heralds Pro3 branding whenever this 1GHz Snapdragon handset launches. But man, that 4.3-inch, 800x480 display's looking positively massive next to the 3.2-inch version found on the Touch Diamond2. Check the back after the break.Update: Video showing Leo's very snappy, finger-centric UI added after the break.
HTC Touch2 launching October 6th with Windows Mobile 6.5
Hey, HTC -- pull up a chair. Listen, we admire your tenacity and all, but did you realize that both Nokia World and IFA kicked off today? Cool, just making sure. Now that we're past that, we'd like to introduce you (as in, the audience) to one of the world's first "Windows phones," the Touch2. Packing a full touchscreen and an all-too-familiar design (remember the HTC Mega?), this here smartphone will launch with Windows Mobile 6.5, the outfit's TouchFLO interface, Microsoft Exchange support, a redesigned Internet Explorer Mobile and the new My Phone service to back up and sync photos, music, contacts and text messages for free from the Touch2 to the web. There's no word on exact pricing and availability, but it'll be available somewhere in this wide world October 6th, with broad availability in Europe and select Asian markets promised for early Q4. [Via TechRadar]
Sprint follows T-Mobile's lead, wants $350 for HTC Touch Pro2
We figured the suits over at T-Mobile USA were on some of that good stuff when they slapped an almost comical $350 (on contract) price tag on HTC's Touch Pro2, but evidently said "stuff" has made its way into the halls of Overland Park as well. After months of watching evidence mount, Sprint has finally come clean and admitted that HTC's EV-DO Rev. A-equipped superphone is coming to its network, and with it will come access to Sprint TV as well as NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile apps. The smartphone will go on sale September 8th, though you'll have to pony up $349.99 (after a $100 mail-in rebate) in order to secure one on a two-year contract. We're all about that 3.6-inch WVGA tilting screen, but with Palm's Pre selling on this very network for a full $150 less, we're thinking this one won't appeal to many outside of the WinMo faithful.
HTC Mega materializes again, brings along spec list
HTC's Mega certainly isn't the most exciting of the company's upcoming products to leak lately, but it's looking likely that it'll have one of the nicer price tags on it for a Window Mobile 6.5 device. Another screenshot has surfaced that matches up with one we saw earlier and shows off more of the sides and back. Along with it comes a new list of specs -- not too shabby, but nothing too exciting, either. According to ai.rs blog, it has WCDMA/HSPA and quad-band GSM support, a 3.2 megapixel camera, microSD slot, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, AGPS, and still the 2.8-inch QVGA screen and 528MHz Qualcomm processor we heard about previously. If you're already playing with the Mega's TouchFLO 2D-infused ROM, consider this supplementary material for getting a more thorough idea of what the actual phone will look like when it does come out -- whenever that is.
HTC's Leo-bound TouchFlo 3D 2.6 lovingly demonstrated
No, that's not a Hero up there. That's an image of the latest version of HTC's TouchFlo 3D, destined for inclusion on the company's next Windows Mobile smartphone -- likely the fabled Leo we've been hearing about oh so much over the past few days. pocketnow.com has posted a walkthrough of the UI, which looks lovely and clean and is a solid step up over previous revisions. It even runs quite well on this Touch Diamond2 it's been installed to, meaning performance should be incredibly snappy on the Leo if its hardware is as solid as is rumored. There's still no confirmation from HTC about any new hardware, but until that comes (it shouldn't be long, now) you can enjoy the enthusiastic video after the break. [Via MobileTechWorld]
HTC Mega ROM reveals new-look TouchFLO 2D
We know what's in the pipe for the next generation of TouchFLO 3D -- but what about TouchFLO 2D, the lightweight version of HTC's WinMo skin currently employed in devices like the low-end Touch Viva? For the answer to that, we need look no further than an alleged leaked ROM for the upcoming Mega, which appears to have revealed a treasure trove of heretofore-unseen goodies. TouchFLO 2D 2.0 looks, dare we say it, damn near as pretty as its higher-end 3D counterpart -- and conveniently, you can get this up and running right now if you've got a QVGA set running a leaked 6.5 ROM. We know you're a risk-taker if you're running 6.5 code right now, so you may as well give this a shot too, right?[Via wmpoweruser.com and pocketnow.com]
HTC adopting Android on 50% of its handsets in 2010?
Uh oh Microsoft, this can't be good news. HTC, the premier manufacturer of Windows Mobile cellphones is rumored to be shifting half of its handsets to Google's Android OS in 2010. To put this in perspective, HTC lists 28 devices on its European website and of those, just 2 run Android, the rest are WinMo. DigiTimes' sources claim that HTC is on track to make 30% of its 2009 handsets Android-based which means that several of Andy Rubin's 15 to 20 Android handsets coming this year would have to be HTC branded for this to be true. DigiTimes also claims that HTC will launch a handset that's simultaneously a "high-profile 3G handset" and "entry-level model" with touchscreen and TouchFlo 3D / Sense UI. HTC is said to achieve this seemingly contradictory feat by basing the handset on Qualcomm's BREW Mobile Platform when it launches in September or October. Of course, none of this is confirmed, but will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion when HTC reports earnings on July 30th.
HTC's TouchFLO 3D 2.5 changes described in detail
HTC's a bit of a sieve when it comes to leaking new builds of really awesome things, and the trend continues with TouchFLO 3D 2.5 seemingly out in the wild and running on some Touch HDs. Rumor has it this is the build that'll premiere on the company's upcoming Firestone superphone, bringing some of its Sense concepts to the WinMo platform -- most notably including widget support. You've got new assignable shortcuts on the home screen, a revamped messaging experience (presumably to better fit in with HTC's contact-centric mantra), and a new Footprints screen. That's all well and good that Firestone buyers will likely see this, but here's the million-dollar question: what current devices will get official upgrades, if any?[VIa wmpoweruser.com]
Android build for upcoming HTC Hero has revamped interface, social networking?
This one's a bit of a mystery, but it's certainly a tantalizing one: Haykuro of xdadevelopers fame has posted video of what purports to be the Android build off of HTC's upcoming Hero device. What's special about it is a reworked interface, which shows a lot of polish from icons to built-in apps to general interface elements... and maybe just a bit of TouchFLO flair. There are also new features like a login / logout menu for "social networks" in the settings menu. While the device lists the firmware as 1.5, there's a small possibility that some of this new look and feel could be headed for Android 2.0 "Donut," or perhaps HTC just feels like it needs to diverge from the pack a bit now that other manufacturers are starting to drop their own Android handsets. Check out the incredibly epic video after the break.[Via Android Central]
Acer F1 coming in September, powered by Snapdragon?
Is one of Acer's mysterious smartphones packing a Qualcomm Snapdragon? According to the folks at All About Phones who reportedly attended an Acer event recently, the F1 will be running the 800MHz ARM chip, which is a tad slower than the 1000MHz equivalent in the TG01. The device will be Windows Mobile 6.5-based, but that's supposedly gonna be shrouded by a Flash-based Acer Suite 2.0 shell. The report also mentions a September release, which jibes with what we saw on that makeshift roadmap at Mobile World Congress, and a 560 Euro ($760) price tag. Nothing's confirmed, but between Acer, HTC, Samsung, and LG, surely someone's gearing up to join Toshiba in the Snapdragon bandwagon.[Via Unwired View]
HTC Diamond2 TouchFLO 3D screenshots appear for your enjoyment
Windows Mobile 6.5 got the lion's share of attention this week at MWC, but HTC's TouchFLO 3D shell for 6.1 got some interesting interface tweaks for the new Touch Pro2 and Touch Diamond2, and we'd say they're actually more interesting than 6.5 honeycomb launcher and new unlock screen -- especially the newly revised keyboards with haptic feedback. Plenty more screenshots at the read link, and don't forget to check out our hands-on videos of the Pro2 and Diamond2 if you haven't already.[Thanks, msav]
HTC Touch 3G earns its FCC wings
HTC's "Jade," as the Touch 3G is known internally, has just earned FCC approval -- that's the good news. Unfortunately, the only approval it's going to see in the FCC's jurisdiction is of the 2G sort, because the blasted thing only features WCDMA on the 900 and 2100MHz bands. Those lucky enough to enjoy the handset at full speed will be the lucky beneficiaries of 7.2Mbs HSDPA, while North Americans have the luxury of poking along at a theoretical max of 200kbps or so (and we can just forget about chatting and browsing at the same time). But hey, at least we'll have the FCC off our backs when we're doing it.
HTC Touch HD handled, pre-release style
Okay, so this "review" of HTC's beastly new Touch HD isn't much of a review, but it offers up a few important snippets of insight -- and perhaps more importantly for the visual stimulation-starved among us, a plethora of photography. The reviewer notes that the 800 x 480 display is positively gorgeous, the cam is decent (though autofocus is a tad on the slow side), the latest iteration of TouchFLO 3D running here chugs along with virtually no slowdown, and despite the display and the heavy-duty spec sheet, the darned thing is essentially the same size as an iPhone 3G. Oh, and there's also a true 3.5mm headphone jack lurking on here, too, which we dare you to find on that HTC in your pocket right now. Makes it all that much harder to hear that it's launching in the fourth quarter without global HSDPA, doesn't it?[Thanks, Steph]
Ports of Touch Viva's new TouchFLO 2D appear for older HTC devices
With HTC's Opal will come an entirely new flavor of TouchFLO, so it seems, with leaks of the updated skin already leaking out onto -- you guessed it -- xda-developers. The name "TouchFLO 2D" is being thrown around on the interwebs, and as the name implies, the package looks like a flattened version of the TouchFLO 3D we're now well acquainted with that's presumably been optimized for use on devices with lower resolutions, meeker processors, or a combination of the two. That makes it a prime candidate for adaptation to older phones, of course, and that's where the whiz kids at xda-devs come into play: without so much as an official reveal on HTC's part, it's already been verified for use on a who's who of handsets from the past couple years ranging from the original Touch to the TyTN II and pretty much everything in between. As usual, proceed with caution -- but if you take the plunge, do let us know how it treats you, alright?[Thanks, Ivan F.]
HTC's Opal set to replace the aging Touch?
Is this supposed HTC Opal the followup to last year's trailblazing HTC Touch? According to what looks like an internal HTC document gone viral, the Opal will run HTC's newest TouchFLO 3D UI band-aid for WinMo 6.1 atop the same TI OMAP 850 proc already powering the Touch. Looking a bit deeper reveals quad-band GSM / EDGE with the same WiFi, MicroSD slot, Bluetooth 2.0, 2 megapixel camera, and 2.8-inch 240 x 320 pixel touchscreen found in the aged Touch handset. Only HTC, with its Touch Diamond, Touch Pro, Dream, and Xperia X1 can force a flagship device down-market so quickly.[Via coolsmartphone]
HTC Touch Diamond stuff showing up in Sprint stores
It's still anybody's guess when the Touch Diamond will actually launch on Sprint, though the latest rumors suggest that it has once again been moved up to September 2 after initially being pushed back to October. The fact that promo materials are starting to show up would certainly support that theory, too, now wouldn't it?[Thanks, anonymous tipster]%Gallery-30596%