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HTC Rhyme review

Lydia Leavitt — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:40:00 EST

The HTC Rhyme is one of the newest additions to the Verizon wireless line-up, setting itself apart from the rest of the family since it's specifically for women -- or hipsters who like purple. This time around, the company decided to focus on the accessories, leading its marketing campaign with a glowing purse charm to avoid missing calls -- a fate all too familiar for gals whose phone is oftentimes buried at the bottom of a Louis Vuitton.

HTC Rhyme official: 3G, 3.7-inch display, single-core CPU, headed to Verizon for $199 on contract

HTC Rhyme with Sense 3.5 hands-on (video)

HTC Sense 3.5 caught on camera, gets a manicured walkthrough (video)

Unfortunately, we've been skipped over when it comes to some of the features popular with higher-end, more macho phones like the Droid RAZR or the Galaxy Nexus. Sorry, ladies, no 4- or 4.3-inch touchscreen, no 4G LTE and certainly no dual-core processor. Instead, this phone is pretty run-of-the-mill, with a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen, single-core, 1GHz processor, a WVGA display, a 5MP rear-facing and VGA front-facing camera, as well as an 8GB microSD card. Running the newest Sense 3.5 UI atop Gingerbread, the Rhyme offers a unique user experience for those who like HTC's custom UI and, of course, the color purple. But is this phone powerful enough to keep up with the multitasking mayhem that is a day in the life of a modern woman? Jump past the break to find out.

Gallery: HTC Rhyme review

Continue reading HTC Rhyme review

Filed under: Cellphones

HTC Rhyme review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC strikes Dropbox deal, will offer 5GB free on Sense 3.5 phones

Mat Smith — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:35:00 EST

HTC has now launched itself into the clouds, confirming that its latest Android phones will get an extra 3GB of storage with Dropbox. According to Pocket-Lint, the extra space will extend to all HTC devices running Sense 3.5, which at the moment means it's limited to the forthcoming HTC Rhyme. We probably won't see the Dropbox deal extend to HTC's Windows Phones though -- Microsoft reckons it has the whole file-syncing thing covered.

HTC strikes Dropbox deal, will offer 5GB free on Sense 3.5 phones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Rhyme clicks its heels, calls O2 its exclusive UK home

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:46:00 EST

Listen up, all you single ladies, err, people with style -- HTC's charm-dongled handset's about to dash across the pond. Launching as an exclusive on UK carrier O2, the 3.7-inch device'll saunter its way into handbags throughout the British isles on October 17th, bringing with it that recently unveiled slew of accessories -- headphones, dock, charm and leather pouch. If you were hoping for some mobile color options to match that endless wardrobe, you're going to be sorely disappointed -- the operator's only offering this phone in its debut shade of plum. It's not the worst hue to be stuck with, but you'll still have to coordinate accordingly -- a no-brainer for this target demo. Right, stylistas?

HTC Rhyme clicks its heels, calls O2 its exclusive UK home originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Rhyme with Sense 3.5 hands-on (video)

Dana Wollman — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:04:00 EST

We're here at HTC's swank New York City press event where the mood lighting and floral centerpieces are as unabashedly girly as the Rhyme, its newest handset for lady folk. We just spent a few minutes wrapping our hands around the device, exploring the ports (not that there are many) and poking around the latest version of Sense (v3.5). Do you like purple? Are you a person of style? Sure you are. So what are you waiting for? Meet us after the break where we'll run down our first impressions and see what this thing has to offer beside that cute design.

Gallery: HTC Rhyme hands-on

Continue reading HTC Rhyme with Sense 3.5 hands-on (video)

HTC Rhyme with Sense 3.5 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Rhyme official: 3G, 3.7-inch display, single-core CPU, headed to Verizon for $199 on contract

Dana Wollman — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:08:00 EST

Well, well. Looks like those leaked press shots (and hands-on photos and video walk-through) were on the money. HTC just officially announced the Rhyme -- that womanly handset otherwise known as the Bliss. As it happens, HTC isn't explicitly marketing this as a lady phone, though it bears all the markers of a device pandering toward those of us with XX chromosomes. Which is to say, it's petite and purple with middling specs. What you're looking at is a handset with a 3.7-inch WVGA display, a single-core 1GHz Qualcomm CPU, 768MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage space, a non-removable battery, microSD expansion slot, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS radios and dual 5MP / VGA cameras. The phone runs Android 2.3 with "next-generation" Sense (that would be version 3.5) layered on top.

And, as rumored, you can pair it with an optional "Charm Indicator," a bubble that glows purple when the phone is ringing so that you'll never again miss a call because your phone is buried beneath nail files and fifty tubes of lipstick. Other accessories include a wireless dashboard speaker for the car, a dock and a workout armband. As that tell-tale FCC report revealed, the purple version you see up there will land on Verizon as a 3G device, with a silver version arriving in Asia and Europe next month. HTC has yet to confirm pricing or availability. If leaks are to be believed, though, those of you with small hands and deep murses should be able to pre-order yours any day now.

Update: We're told that it'll sell for the typical $199 on a two-year contract (which includes all accessories), with pre-orders starting on the 22nd and availability pegged for September 29th. A bit steep given the specifications, but hey -- you'll pay a premium for style, right? Right?

Update 2: As for global aspirations, we heard from an HTC representative that it'll soon be available on an unspecified amount of European carriers, where it'll be hawked as the "Hourglass," tinged in a "sand-like color." All other specifications and accessories will remain the same, though.

Update 3: Check out our hands-on (with video!) right here.

Gallery: HTC Rhyme

Continue reading HTC Rhyme official: 3G, 3.7-inch display, single-core CPU, headed to Verizon for $199 on contract

HTC Rhyme official: 3G, 3.7-inch display, single-core CPU, headed to Verizon for $199 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Bliss to be called the Rhyme, launching September 20?

Brad Molen — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:30:00 EST

The HTC Bliss is a phone we've seen so much of that new press renders don't necessarily show us anything we haven't seen before -- there have been enough hands-on photos, walkthrough videos and leaked Sense 3.5 screenshots that there's really no questioning its future. The image you see above was leaked with a few new pieces of quality information: the Bliss will inevitably become the Rhyme once it hits stores -- which plays right into HTC's infatuation with Beats, though the tech probably won't be incorporated here -- and will likely be announced at the September 20th event (the date on the press image is often a solid indicator). HTCInside is also reporting that the Rhyme will be available in silver / white, pink / yellow and dark blue, so perhaps it isn't completely for the ladies, no?

HTC Bliss to be called the Rhyme, launching September 20? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Amaze 4G gets snapped with the lights on, confirms 1.5GHz dual-core CPU

Brad Molen — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:53:00 EST

The only images we've seen of the upcoming HTC ~~Ruby~~ Amaze 4G, the high-powered smartphone inbound for T-Mobile, have left us eager for more substance; few pictures show the phone powered on, and even those offer no visual evidence of its rockin' specs. Our thirst for more info about the beast has been slightly more quenched, as Droid Sans snapped some pics of the prototype proudly displayed at a public gathering. From what we can tell by the snapshots, the device's "about" screen confirms the presence of a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 4.3-inch qHD display and an 8MP rear camera (2MP front) with dual-LED flash. The source tells us that it will come shipped with HTC Sense 3.5 running atop Gingerbread, so don't let these photos -- showing off stock Android -- get your hopes up so fast. All in all, though, it looks like the Samsung Galaxy S II may have a fierce battle on its hands for the title of T-Mobile's Next Top (smartphone) Model.

Continue reading HTC Amaze 4G gets snapped with the lights on, confirms 1.5GHz dual-core CPU

HTC Amaze 4G gets snapped with the lights on, confirms 1.5GHz dual-core CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sense 3.5 comes to the HTC Desire HD, unofficially

Terrence O'Brien — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:08:00 EST

After seeing the screenshots and the video walkthrough of Sense 3.5, do you feel like you're missing out? Us too. Well, lucky folks in possession of HTC's Desire HD don't have to wait another minute, provided they're comfortable flashing custom ROMs. The crafty folks over at the XDA-Developers forums have taken a leaked version of the software from the upcoming Bliss and ported it over to the Desire HD. As to be expected, there are some bugs with this 2.3.4-based ROM -- Bluetooth doesn't work at all, reportedly -- but that seems like a small price to pay for living on the cutting edge of Android skins. Hit up the source link or fire up ROM Manager to download now. After all, why should some anonymous woman with silver fingernails have all the fun?

Sense 3.5 comes to the HTC Desire HD, unofficially originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Sense 3.5 caught on camera, gets a manicured walkthrough (video)

Joseph Volpe — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:17:00 EST

It was only a matter of time before leaked screen shots of HTC's Sense 3.5 became leaked video footage. Purportedly running on the OEM's unreleased, ladies-only Bliss handset, XDA.cn has a hands-on of the Android-based UI that looks to be more of a refinement, than revolutionary update. So, what can we glimpse from this apparent sneak peek? The ROM, shown to be running atop Android 2.3.4, now sports a more pared-down look, as evinced by the lock screen's sleeker ring. There's still the same seven homescreens on offer, although it now appears you can delete the contents of a selected screen by dragging it to the trash. Gone is the familiar home panel with its curved shape, in favor of two non-intrusive, dedicated app and phone buttons on the left and right sides of the screen. The widgets also look to have taken on a roomier size, and the volume can now be controlled via an on-screen widget. Aside from those minor tweaks, not much else has changed, but you can definitely see an improvement in the UI's fluidity. Could this be HTC's very next upgrade to its popular Android skin, or are we looking at a slickly-produced ROM? You can judge for yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading HTC Sense 3.5 caught on camera, gets a manicured walkthrough (video)

HTC Sense 3.5 caught on camera, gets a manicured walkthrough (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Sense 3.5 beta screenshots leak, bring tears of joy to weather widget lovers

Brad Molen — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:44:00 EST

Now that you've seen high-quality images of the HTC Bliss with the screen turned off, are you curious to see what it looks like when it's on? The same folks at XDA.cn who got hands-on time with the Bliss have now come forth with possible screenshots showing the phone is indeed running on a beta version of Sense UI 3.5. What's new here? Even though the lock screen uses the same ring-style unlocking feature as its predecessor, it appears that the new UI will feature two dedicated buttons at the bottom of the home panel -- for the app tray on the left and phone on the right -- and refreshed widgets (including a larger weather panel), among other minor changes. Word also has it that HTC is removing hardware requirements that restricted version 3.0 to the company's highest-end devices, which gives hope to millions of Sense users still on an older, more streamlined UI. More screenshots can be found at the source link.

HTC Sense 3.5 beta screenshots leak, bring tears of joy to weather widget lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Bliss gets its clearest photo session yet, shows off front-facing camera

Brad Molen — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:27:00 EST

The HTC Bliss is undoubtedly going through the typical pre-launch routine: it's passed through the ranks of the FCC, received its first Blurrycam session, and now we're finally seeing the upcoming device up close and personal. The folks at XDA China got their hands on one and took a few high-quality images for the world to see, which means we're probably not too far away from the phone's forthcoming release. They confirmed that the Bliss will in fact run on HTC Sense 3.5, feature a front-facing camera, and that it will come in a variety of colors. So, will we find this on display at next week's HTC meetup? Or maybe our team will get some hands-on time at IFA? And will this "female-oriented" smartphone find a place with its intended demographic? Hopefully the wait is almost over.

HTC Bliss gets its clearest photo session yet, shows off front-facing camera originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobile Miscellany: week of August 8, 2011

Brad Molen — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST

Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of August 8, 2011:

A Toshiba TG01 running Windows Phone 7 was put on private sale. Sadly, the camera doesn't work and its resistive screen won't support multitouch, but otherwise seems to work fine. Offers are being accepted. [via MobileTechWorld]
More leaked pictures of the LG Flip II surfaced, showing a couple more angles of the slider phone that has a secondary touch screen set right in between both sides of a split keyboard. Definitely not your average phone. [via LandofDroid]
Tired of hearing about the Droid Bionic? Skip this blurb. Someone who said they were a tester of the Bionic claimed the new LTE device will, as hoped, have an improved battery life; in fact, the tester was able to get 15 hours of full use out it. [via AndroidCentral]
Need your dumbphone fix? Verizon and LG announced the arrival of the LG Revere this week, a simple clamshell phone that, if you're not careful, could easily transport you back to 2005. It's packing a 1.3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth. That's about all there is to it. [via PRNewsWire]
Google Movies, the video app that reached most Honeycomb devices over the summer, is now available for any Android device that has Froyo or better. The app gives you access to plenty of movie rentals and even gives you a spot to store your own personal collection. [via AndroidCentral]
Samsung is rumored to be following the lead of Nokia and changing the naming scheme of its phones. Essentially, its Galaxy lineup would be grouped into four separate categories, each defined by its own letter: R would be top-of-the-line, W for high-tier, M for midrange, and Y for entry-level. A similar naming system would be set up for Sammy's Bada devices. Check the via for the full breakdown. [via UnwiredView]
The HTC Bliss -- aka "the girl phone," as many seem to be calling it these days -- may be coming to Verizon as an exclusive before heading to Europe. It will come in three different color choices, has an 800MHz CPU with Adreno 205 GPU, and should be preloaded with Android 2.3.4 and HTC Sense 3.5. (thx Eugen) [via HTCInside(translated)]
The Motorola Fire, Europe's version of the Droid Pro, is now up for presale in the UK. Online retailer Clove reports that the Fire, in addition to the specs we've already heard about, has a user interface named "Switch." We're curious to see if this is the official name of Blur's replacement. [via Phandroid]
We've seen the HTC Merge hit US Cellular, but now it's available for Cellular South customers as well. It's all yours for $100 and a two-year commitment. [via AndroidCentral]

Mobile Miscellany: week of August 8, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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