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HTC starts selling phones in China under its own name
It's long been the case that if you wanted a HTC handset over in the world's most populous nation, you'd have had to look for its rebadged variant under the Dopod brand. But, as of today, that is no more. The prolific Taiwanese phone maker has decided that its name is now recognizable and valuable enough in China to be put on its own hardware and is kicking off a campaign with four own-branded phones. The Wildfire and Desire we're all familiar with already, while the Tianxi looks like a mildly tweaked HD2 and the Tianyi is a mix-and-match of design elements from the rest of HTC's portfolio. The company's also announcing a partnership with China Mobile to bring these puppies to market, so it's looking like smooth sailing ahead. Full PR after the break.
HTC Dragon and friends turn up on Dopod roadmap
The HTC Dragon may not be quite the same mythical beast it once was now that the Nexus One has stolen some of its thunder, but it is still an actual device and, according to a recently leaked Dopod roadmap, it's headed for China in the second quarter of this year. Details are otherwise a bit light, but it is apparently an Android device (as expected) and packs a 3.6-inch WVGA display. Joining it over the course of the year are the 3.4-inch, Android-based A6388, the 4.3-inch Huashan (apparently now a Windows Mobile device -- possibly an HD2 successor?), the 3.2-inch Tianshan, and the considerably smaller Songshan phone, both of which are also Android phones, and should be out in either Q3 or Q4. Still no indication of a release for any of them over here, unfortunately, but something's bound to give with that many HTCphones floating about.
China Mobile announces HTC 'Qilin' as Dopod T8388
China Mobile has a vested interest in making sure TD-SCDMA succeeds seeing how it's the only of China's big three carriers to be rolling it out -- and it's not exactly sharing the technology with carriers around the globe -- but money talks, and a portion of the 47 million yuan in subsidies being doled out to advance the standard have gone to making sure this little gem sees the light of day. What you're looking at here is the Dopod T8388 from HTC, a customized version of the still-unannounced Whitestone that appears to take some pages out of the Touch Diamond2's book with WVGA, 5 megapixels of shooting power, WinMo 6.5, and features 3G fashioned just for China Mobile's airwaves. Look for it in the fourth quarter -- question is, will it beat Verizon's version to market? [Via the::unwired and wmpoweruser.com]
HTC Hero and Click coming to China under Dopod brand
HTC has been on a global Android-pimping mission with its Hero device, and it looks like Chinese subsidiary Dopod gets the honor of announcing three new handsets for the Middle Kingdom. Unlike others, the Hero retains its WiFi capabilities by playing nice with China's custom WLAN security protocol and is expected in late August on China Unicom for 5,600 Yuan ($820) along with the few-frills Click for 3,400 Yuan ($500). The carrier has opted to strip Google Maps from the Hero (though it's still downloadable), and to soften the blow it will likely offer a snazzy red version of the phone. China Mobile will have to settle for an as-yet unspecified TD-SCDMA handset and the already announced Magic, both of which will likely be sporting the OMS flavor of Android. We're not sure we'd classify the Hero's price tag as reasonable -- but really, can you put a dollar figure on being the first big-name Android release in the world's largest wireless market?
China Mobile's customized HTC Magic gets shown off
China Mobile already has one Android-based handset on track courtesy of Lenovo, but it looks like it's not stopping there, with this pre-production HTC Magic (a.k.a. G2) now apparently making the rounds ahead of a May launch. What's more, as with some other phones that have landed on the carrier, this one looks to have been pretty heavily customized for its debut, both in terms of its interface and its specs, which should now comply nicely with China's own TD-SCDMA network. That, unfortunately, means the phone has dropped both 3G and WiFi connectivity, though it has at least picked up some nifty Dopod branding in the process. No word on pricing or an exact launch date just yet, but you can find plenty more pics and some (translated) impressions by hitting up the read link below.[Via Engadget Chinese]
Dopod looking to slap its name on G1 for China next year
We were sorta hoping HTC was going to get straight to work on its next batch of Android handsets post haste after getting the G1 out of the door -- you know, just to close the fashion gap with its WinMo line, if nothing else -- but the word on the street is that it'd like to spread the first-gen love just a little further and wider by hooking up its Dopod subsidiary in China. According to an unnamed Dopod source, the current plan has the G1 going to the Far East "possibly" in the first quarter of '09, featuring radios better suited for China's airwaves -- possibly TD-SCDMA, possibly just EDGE. For what it's worth, Dopod's corporate logo will up the G1's rugged good looks by a factor of ten -- seriously, isn't it awesome? [Warning: Subscription required][Via Talk Android]
HTC "Phoebus" hits the FCC, could be the Juno for T-Mobile
Details (other than super-nerdy RF interference specs) are light right now, but an HTC device labeled the "Phoebus" just hit the FCC's website, and a look through the specs reveals what appears to be a GSM 850 / 1900 device, with a 2 megapixel camera. Unfortunately, there's isn't a picture of the front of the device, so you'll have to make do with this sexy shot of a flayed backside while we dig up the real.Update: Goodness, the back end of this thing certainly bears a striking resemblance to that of the Dopod C750, doesn't it? Looks like this could be the upcoming Juno for T-Mobile.
Dopod C750 and HTC Juno one in the same?
Unless our eyes are being mighty deceitful, IT168's photos of the Dopod (HTC's consumer brand for Asia) C750 sure look an awful lot like the HTC Juno image we've already seen. Granted, there's no way to confirm this suggestion just yet, but it's hard to deny that the two form factors are eerily similar. According to a (very) rough translation, the C750 boasts a 2.6-inch VGA (640 x 480) display, Windows Mobile 6, a microSD expansion slot, USB connectivity and a built-in camera to boot. For those still skeptical, click on through for a few more looks.[Via SlashPhone]
Dopod C750 and HTC Juno one and the same?
Unless our eyes are being mighty deceitful, IT168's photos of the Dopod (HTC's consumer brand for Asia) C750 sure look an awful lot like the HTC Juno image we've already seen. Granted, there's no way to confirm this suggestion just yet, but it's hard to deny that the two form factors are eerily similar. According to a (very) rough translation, the C750 boasts a 2.6-inch VGA (640 x 480) display, Windows Mobile 6, a microSD expansion slot, USB connectivity and a built-in camera to boot. For those still skeptical, click on through for a few more looks.[Via SlashPhone]
Dopod Windows Mobile 6 upgrades sighted, dates included
Well lookey what HTC has cooked up for us, a little more Windows Mobile 6 upgrade info for those Dopod owners weary of the oh-so-long in the tooth Windows Mobile 5. Starting July 6th with the Dopod D810 (HTC P3600), then the 838Pro (HTC TyTn) on the 9th, with the U1000 (HTC Advantage) and P800w (P3300) closing out the giving on the 11th and 13th. So, for all you official Dopod owners out there, all you need to do is hit the site, sign up with your device serial number and get at the goods. Don't forget to drop us a line and let us know how those upgrades go.[Thanks, sandibad]
Dopod plans half dozen models for China in 2H07
Digitimes reports that HTC subsidiary Dopod has six models in the pipe for China (all manufactured by HTC, we'd assume) for the second half of this year, matching the number of devices launched there in the first half. Word has it the six are codenamed Athena-c, Cruiser, Kunlun, Nike-c, Elf, and Sedna-c; most of those names we've heard before, and we figure the "-c" suffix indicates some level of customization for the Chinese market. In fact, the only two that are new to us are "Kunlun" and "Sedna," and yes, we're already a little jealous that HTC has something cookin' for a foreign market that we don't know about. Hopefully, details will start to fall in the place on those in the next few weeks as we roll into 2H.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
Dopod's C720W curiously left out of WM6 upgrade plans
We applaud Dopod's effort (or should we say HTC's effort?) in keeping its devices updated with all that warm, buttery Windows Mobile 6 goodness, but one rather notable handset has strangely been left out in the cold: the C720W, Dopod's flavor of the HTC Excalibur. We know there aren't any technical limitations to making it happen on account of T-Mobile's valiant effort to get the upgrade out for its Dash, so this all smells a little funny. One nefarious theory is that Dopod is looking to nudge folks into dropping their Excaliburs in favor of a shiny new C730 (the Cavalier, in HTC parlance). Whatever the reason -- come on, Dopod, do the right thing here.[Thanks, James]
Dopod branding to give way to HTC
So wait, why did Dopod just announce two Dopod-branded devices yesterday? Strange timing indeed, but HTC and Dopod have now let it be known that Dopod's name -- well-known only in Asia -- will be phased out in favor of that of its corporate parent. Ultimately, the move makes a lot of sense, allowing HTC to standardize on device self-branding for the entire world (it already sells devices under its own name in Europe and North America). Was just a matter of time, we reckon.[Via the::unwired]
Dopod announces HTC Vox and Cavalier as C500, C730
HTC's Asian outpost Dopod has officially announced two of its corporate parent's more hotly-anticipated models today -- the Vox and the Cavalier -- in the form of the C500 and C730, respectively. The C500, which has already seen retail duty in Europe as the Orange SPV E650, is arguably the more unique of the two with a spring-loaded QWERTY slide to accompany a full numeric keypad up front; sadly, 3G data is left entirely out of the equation. The C730 is the HSDPA follow-on to the Excalibur with a 2 megapixel cam and a rather comely (in our humblest of opinions) black shell. Thankfully, both come loaded with Windows Mobile 6 Standard. Look for the C500 this month for about $490, while C730 fans will have to wait until next month and shell out another hundred at $590.Read - Dopod C500Read - Dopod C730
Dopod to release the HTC Cavalier as Dopod C730 in May?
Dopod is apparently set to bust out the follow up to its 3G-lacking little brother, the C720W (also known as the HTC Excalibur) with the Dopod C730. Based on the HTC reference Cavalier, it's touted as being loaded with Windows Mobile 6, a 400MHz Samsung CPU, Bluetooth, WiFi, quad band GSM / GPRS / EDGE, and UMTS / HSDPA (no word on frequencies here, but we hope for US varieties). This will be a decent upgrade for those of you enjoying the T-Mobile Dash or other Cavalier device -- and with virtually no size or weight difference, your pocket / belt holster will grin as well. No pricing info yet, but you can look for this to hit sometime in May.
Dopod makes it official: GPS comes to the D810 via new ROM
Not that we love abbreviations in titles, but we just couldn't resist with that one. The HTC sub-brand we all love to name -- Dopod -- has officially released a GPS upgrade for the D810 WM5 handset (aka HTC P3600/Trinity). The new legit and official ROM for your Dopod D810 includes GPS capability onboard to complement its speedy HSDPA data connection without the use of an added GPS antenna. Want to take photos from the onboard cam with embedded GPS coordinates? You are now covered, you geocacher you. In addition to being fully staffed with BlackBerry Connect and Microsoft's Direct Push email solution, you can now tell where you are under the stars when checking your email if you so choose. The new GPS ROM, according to Dopod, should become available in March on new factory D810s, and existing D810 users can upgrade their units free of charge via download at www.dopodasia.com.[Thanks, Karl C.]
HTC Athena spotted with Dopod U1000 trimmings
Naturally, HTC and T-Mobile aren't going to be able to keep this little (er, not-so-little) Athena gem to themselves. Dopod is getting in on the action, with its subtly branded U1000, which carries an alarming NT 39,990 pricetag -- about $1,215, compared to T-Mobile's 500 euro price, roughly $646 -- and of course all the standard Athena specs like the 5-inch VGA screen, 3.5G, 3 megapixel camera, 8GB drive and 624MHz Xscale processor. Oh, and just in case you're keeping track, the 5.5 / 4.5 hours of GSM / UMTS talk time quoted here is a bit more conservative than the initial 6 hours we were hearing from HTC. Peep a couple more angles after the break.
HTC TyTN Music Dock charges, syncs, and delights
While we don't expect the Hong Kong-derived HTC TyTN Music Dock to produce the same level of audio fidelity as Orange's Bluetooth variety, we'll admit that getting a dock, charger, and paperweight for 28 bucks isn't such a bad deal. The device sports a charging / syncing cradle for your HTC TyTN (Hermes), i-mate JasJam, Qtek 9600, O2 XDA Trion, Dopod CHT 9000, Orange SPV M3100, or Cingular 8525, as well as touting a pair of stereo speakers, 3.5-millimeter line in jack, and that oh-so-important LED illumination. You'll even get a stereo cable to save you a trip to Radio Shack, but the lack of a headphone port (or line-out) sort of puts a damper on things. Nevertheless, the HTC TyTN Music Dock can be picked up now for HK$190 ($28), but the overseas shipping just might kill the deal.
Dopod announces trio of HTC-based handhelds
Dopod's cozy relationship with HTC (which we're thinking just might have to do with HTC's ownership of the firm) continues with the announcement of three new models: the M700, D810, and C800, based on the HTC Artemis, Trinity, and Herald, respectively. All three designs are fairly bleeding-edge, with the Herald yet to see an official release. Meanwhile, the M700 variant of the Artemis ups the reference design's ante by packing in a full 256MB of internal storage, a move that HTC says makes this a multimedia version of the product, and so far it's a Dopod exclusive -- is HTC giving preferential treatment to its in-house brand? Say it ain't so! Look for all three to drop in Dopod-friendly regions of the world (read: Asia) over the coming months.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - the::unwiredRead - MSMobileNews
HTC buyout of Dopod in final stages: i-mate, O2, HP wail
Continuing their skyrocket beyond ODM-dom, HTC's buyout bid for Taiwanese Dopod has moved into the final stages. Having signed a memorandum of understanding, the only thing left in the estimated $150 million deal is approval from the Taiwanese government. Assuming HTC chairwoman and Dopod controlling shareholder Cher Wang, daughter of petrochemicals billionaire Y.C. Wang and wife of HTC boss-man Peter Chou, has enough influence to push this through (read: she does), then HTC is about to find themselves in direct competition with their own customers O2, i-mate and HP. HTC already confirmed their decision to self-brand phones in Europe, now the Dopod deal could result in HTC designs being sold exclusively under the Dopod branding outside of Europe. In fact, HTC has already cut ties with both O2 and i-mate in Australia, New Zealand, and India. So if Dopod's claim that HTC manufactures 80 percent of Windows Mobile phones is true, well, O2, i-mate, and HP best be looking for fresh design and manufacturing blood on the quick. [Thanks, Ash]
