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How would you change HTC's Thunderbolt?
We know we're opening a can of worms that can never be resealed here, but it's true: we're desperate to know how you'd change HTC's Thunderbolt if given the chance. Verizon's LTE wunderchild has had all sorts of issues from the beginning, some of which are still ongoing. Tough battery life, random reboots, you name it. That said, it's still an imposing, beautiful device, and if those quirks ever get ironed out, it's easily one of the best 4G phones on the market. You know the deal -- toss your suggestions for reworking the Thunderbolt down in comments below, particularly if you're one of those early adopter types who've been saddled with said bugs from the start.
HTC Thunderbolt issues abound, but a fix is on the way
As if the one-call-wonder's battery life wasn't enough, the update pushed out to HTC Thunderbolt owners a couple weeks back has some devices randomly rebooting. Verizon and HTC have said they're working on the issue, but that's of little comfort to customers whose phones are spontaneously restarting several times a day. If you were hoping to solve the issue by installing the leaked version of Gingerbread, we've got bad news -- there have been a number of reports at the XDA Developers Forums that the Sensed-up version of Android 2.3 is bricking phones and sending them into an endless bootloop. But don't despair, a fix could be arriving soon. A source at Verizon told Droid Life that Thunderbolt-owning employees "may be entitled" to a software update before it gets rolled out to the general public -- presumably a final test run for that reboot repressing patch. If you're too impatient to wait for yet another firmware update, you can apparently stroll down to your local VZW store and simply trade in your troublesome T-Bolt for a new one. Just make sure it's running the older software before you take it home.
Stream Hulu on your Nook Color, ditch Fitzgerald for Family Guy
In case you need still more distraction from using your Nook Color to, you know, read, now you can have Hulu's extensive video library at your fingertips, thanks to a simple 19-step process. Replacing the standard Adobe Flash Player with a modified version seems to work for the Nook and some other devices; users at Android Central have reported success on the Epic 4G, Thunderbolt, and Droid Incredible. When you're ready to trade One Hundred Years of Solitude for 1000 Ways To Die or 16 and Pregnant, hit the source link for detailed instructions, and see the tutorial video after the break. [Thanks, Alex]
Verizon adds 4G LTE to nine more cities, expands coverage in Chicago, Philadelphia
Verizon Wireless customers will be able to jet on to the LTE network in nine new cities, taking advantage of lightening-fast speeds on their HTC Thunderbolts and 4G mobile hotspots. The expansion includes Mobile and Montgomery (AL); Greater Fairfield and New Haven (CT); Gainesville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee (FL); Fayetteville-Lumberton (NC); and Bryan-College Station and Temple-Killeen (TX). We also have access in Albany, though VZW has yet to confirm launching LTE in New York's capital city. The carrier has also expanded coverage in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, and Philadelphia, so if you haven't been able to connect in the past, dust off that enable-4G button and give it another shot. This week's additions bring the list of LTE cities to 55, so we're just over the 35 percent mark towards the carrier's goal of 147 cities by year's end.
Samsung Droid Charge gets minor update to Media Hub, Verizon extends free Thunderbolt hotspot offer
Wondering why your barely-out-of-the-box Droid Charge is already getting a software update? Wonder no more, as it's merely a tweak for Samsung's Media Hub application that disables downloads over 3G. It's kind of a shame, really, as that means if you don't live in an LTE market you'll need to be tied to a WiFi hotspot to get your multimedia there, but Verizon claims it's a compromise to "ensure quality and speed." Meanwhile, Verizon's other LTE handset is getting an additional boon -- the carrier's extending its free wireless hotspot offer through June 15th for the HTC Thunderbolt, after which you can expect to pay $20 a month for the WiFi tethering privilege. Enjoy it while it lasts, folks.
HTC Thunderbolt inductive charging back hits FCC, makes life with LTE a little easier
That inductive-charging backplate for the HTC Thunderbolt just hit the FCC, which means keeping the battery-devouring device juiced is about to get a little less inconvenient. Instead of having to plug in three times a day just to keep that LTE radio happy you'll simply be able to rest it on a charging mat... three times a day. The part made a brief appearance in the Verizon shop for $39, but the rumored April release date came and went without so much as a peep from Big Red. While we still can't say for sure when it will land, at least we know it's coming sooner rather than later -- and we've got one less reason to reconsider that pocket-busting extended battery.
Barnes and Noble's Nook Android app now supports magazines, tablets, your Cosmo obsession
Barnes and Noble's Nook app for Android just got a bit more bathroom-friendly. Yesterday, the company unveiled an update that supports magazines on devices running Android 2.1 or higher, allowing users to subscribe to publications and download single issues directly from their tablets. Once you update, you'll notice a new magazines section in the app's shop, where you can purchase, download and read to your heart's desire. The update also patches up a few bugs for HTC Thunderbolt, adds support for tablet users on Honeycomb and should help tide us over until later this month, when B&N may or may not announce something even bigger. Full PR after the break.
Verizon sends out OTA update for the HTC Thunderbolt, lacks fix for LTE
At long last, Verizon's finally giving us that OTA firmware update for the Thunderbolt we caught wind of a few weeks back. Owners of the flagship device can grab it now through a manual download, and the good news is that it's meant to fix some connectivity issues. Bad news is it's just for 3G. The new code is also meant to stabilize data-dependent apps, speed up GPS updates for Google Maps and VZ Navigator, and fix a few minor messaging glitches. We're glad the wait is over, but would it have killed them to fix LTE too? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Droid Charge to revive its battery via induction, completes Verizon's Qi-based trifecta
After many unexplained delays, Verizon's Droid Charge has coaxed many anxious consumers toward the edge of their seats, but we've now uncovered a tidbit that's sure to drive these folks up the wall -- an FCC document confirms this elusive Droid supports inductive charging. Just like the Thunderbolt and Revolution, the Charge uses Qi-based technology to accomplish this wizardry, which combines an optional back plate that pairs nicely with Big Red's forthcoming charging pad. As for the launch of the phone, we've stopped holding our breath. Many local Verizon resellers report the handset is in stock, however the carrier seems content in toying with the hearts of its devotees. Jump the break for a quick peek at the FCC label, which admittedly is rather bland... although it delivers the proof we all desire.
Verizon pushes update to HTC Thunderbolt, remains mute on LTE and videocam issues
Heads-up kvetchers -- Verizon is now rolling out an update for the Thunderbolt, its pioneering LTE handset that's been plagued by an unfortunate series of woes. Of course, this is the same fix we'd reported earlier, which promises improved 3G connectivity, better organization of SMS and MMS messages, and quicker GPS load times. Sadly, Verizon is eerily silent about whether this update also addresses those troublesome hotspot cycling and video capture issues, so we'll just remain hopeful until we learn otherwise. There's no download for this one -- it's going to be automatically pushed to your handset -- and once you receive it, we're hoping you'll share your experience in the comments.
HTC Thunderbolt getting new radio firmware, according to Verizon doc
Looks like AT&T isn't the only carrier patching cellular connectivity issues this month -- a Verizon document suggests that we'll be getting some brand new radio firmware for the beleaguered HTC Thunderbolt. The handset not only fell victim to Verizon's LTE outage but has had 3G data and CDMA / LTE cycling issues since day one, so we're hoping this latest baseband will bring at least a modicum of relief for affected speed demons across the country. What we don't know is when this patch might show up -- we thought the Xoom's security update would be imminent, but those documents were unceremoniously pulled.
HTC Thunderbolt inductive charging back appears in Verizon online store, sort of
While not a complete mess in terms to battery life, Verizon's HTC Thunderbolt certainly doesn't win any awards in the longetivity department. As we'd mentioned a while back, help is near with at least a simpler charging experience courtesy of a Qi-compatible inductive back for this already chubby device. To add a bit of intrigue to that story, the Verizon store link recently changed -- with the pic and $39 price tag being stripped out -- and we're seeing a part now named "ThunderBolttrade Inductive Battery Cover." Of course, our whirling, cell-addicted minds may simply be reading something where nothing exists, but we're feeling it's at least remotely possible that this inductive back may become some sort of trade-in dealio. So tell us, if this turns out to be rooted more in fact than in fiction, would a trade-in program lure you toward the dark magic of inductive charging or are you happy with that little plug you're using now?
HTC Thunderbolt drops to $130 for new Verizon customers at Amazon over the weekend
If the Droid Charge has you thinking that Verizon LTE phones have to cost an arm, a leg, and an extra $100, you'll want to take a look at this. Amazon Wireless is chopping the Thunderbolt, Verizon's original 4G bad boy, down to the extremely palatable price of $130 on contract, valid for new Verizon subscribers who buy the phone between now and midnight Pacific Time on Monday. The 4.3-inch, Android 2.2 smartphone from HTC impressed us greatly with the 4G speeds it was able to pull down in our review, and while those might not remain quite so spectacular once that network starts loading up more customers, a price like the present one makes it an excellent proposition in the short term. The source link is where you'll find it.
Verizon iPhone selling faster than the HTC Thunderbolt
Earlier this month, a research report from BTIG analyst Walter Piecyk concluded that the HTC Thunderbolt was outselling the Verizon iPhone. This report was based on anecdotal evidence gathered from sales employees and their impressions of which handset was selling faster. Needless to say, the methodology behind this analysis led us to be skeptical of these results; as it turns out, that skepticism was well-founded. During Verizon's earnings conference call, the wireless carrier confirmed it sold 2.2 million iPhones in the six weeks the handset was available on the network. The carrier also confirmed the 4G-enabled HTC Thunderbolt sold 260,000 in the two weeks it was available. On average, then, Verizon was selling about 360,000 iPhones and 130,000 Thunderbolts per week. This is a whopping 230K difference in units sold that favors the iPhone. If you stretch out the Thunderbolt sales to six weeks and assume sales continue at the rate noted above (not necessarily the case, as sales would tend to spike at the beginning of the window and trend down, but giving the Thunderbolt the benefit of the doubt), Verizon would have sold 2.2M iPhones and only 780K HTC Thunderbolt handsets.
Skype with video calling leaks for HTC Thunderbolt, celebrations unsurprisingly erupt (update)
Verizon may have left it out from the get-go, but it looks as if eager HTC Thunderbolt owners needn't wait another day to test out a video-enabled version of Skype. For those outside of The Loop, there was quite the back-and-forth going during the early days, with Verizon announcing at the 11th hour that its flagship LTE phone would be shipped sans Skype. It's still unavailable in the bona fide Android Market, but a build has appeared from the ether and seems to be humming along just fine here at Engadget HQ. Hit the source link if you're feeling froggy, and let us know in comments how things work out. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: So we just happened to have a Thunderbolt on hand, and gave Skype's mobile video chat a try. We came away quite impressed -- video is as good as can be expected from the handset's 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and the experience on WiFi and LTE is virtually indistinguishable. The app even worked on 3G, though that reduced the picture quality to the point of being almost unusable. Michael Gorman contributed to this report.
HTC Thunderbolt gets an FCC-approved teardown
We've already seen the HTC Thunderbolt hit the FCC, but it's just now getting to the good stuff now that the phone has actually been released. While it's not exactly to iFixit levels of detail, the agency has now provided us with a reasonably good teardown of the device, which lets you see just what makes this speed demon of a phone tick. Hit up the link below for a few more pictures where this one came from.
App gives HTC Thunderbolt an LTE on / off switch
Looking to save a bit of battery life on your Thunderbolt by dialing down those crazy LTE speeds from time to time? Then you now have a relatively easy way to do so courtesy of the new LTE OnOff app that's just hit the Android Market. That's apparently similar to a few other options available, but this one's free, and it will let you switch from LTE to 3G only with just three taps. Sound good? Hit up the link below to download it straight to your Thunderbolt.
HTC ThunderBolt vs. Verizon iPhone sales tales based on anecdotal evidence
There's an old joke that goes, "Why don't analysts look out of the window in the mornings? So they'll have something to do in the afternoon." Turns out, that's wrong -- they actually spend their mornings on the phone calling every Verizon store they can find (registration required). OK, full disclosure: some journalists think that they and analysts do remarkably similar jobs, except that analysts have the cojones to add a few zeros to their bill at the end of the day. But it has to be admitted, calling 150 Verizon stores to ask, "Say, how's that new HTC ThunderBolt selling compared to the iPhone?" takes, well, quite a bit of time. And writing up the conclusion, too, that must have taken a while. "61% of the stores that we contacted said they sold an equal amount of both phones, 11% said they sold more iPhones (principally in the Southeast) and 28% of stores had sold more ThunderBolts." The research was done by BTIG analyst Walter Piecyk, and he admits it's not a very scientific study -- the salespersons to whom he spoke "did not have access to actual sales figures and their response was based on their own experience." But, he adds, "they were not much hesitation in the response [sic]." So, a shiny new smartphone released two weeks ago is outselling one that's been available for a year on AT&T and nearly three months on Verizon? Could it be that those who crave speed picked up the latest, greatest smartphone, which runs on the faster network, in preference to the older model? Well, 28% of those asked in an unscientific survey did, anyway. Perhaps. [Via Business Insider]
Verizon launches 4G mobile hotspot
Customers can now order the new Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot online or in Verizon Stores, Samsung and Verizon announced on Tuesday. The new mobile hotspot, which allows up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices to connect to Verizon's 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network at the same time, will begin shipping on March 31. Samsung's new device, which is about the size of a small stack of credit cards, promises to connect users to Verizon's next generation mobile network with download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps. That's about 10 times faster than a typical 3G connection and up to 2.5 times faster than the average home broadband service in the United States. Today, Verizon offers 4G LTE service to 39 cities in the US and has announced plans to expand this coverage to 98 cities by the end of 2011. In areas without 4G coverage, the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is backward-compatible with Verizon's existing 3G network. If you need a high-speed mobile hotspot in your pocket, the Samsung device and associated data services will put a small dent in your wallet. The device itself costs US$99.00 after mail-in rebate with a two-year contract or $269.99 without a contract. For service, Verizon charges a $50 monthly access fee for 5 GB of data or $80 per month for 10 GB. Customers who exceed their monthly rations can expect to pay an additional $10 per extra GB. Disappointingly, Verizon doesn't appear to offer an unlimited data package at any price. With its rapidly growing family of 4G devices and services, Verizon is quickly becoming the carrier to beat in the next generation wireless market. Verizon launched its 4G services with only modems for PCs last December and introduced its first 4G-compatible phone, the HTC Thunderbolt, earlier this month. In the second quarter of this year, the Motorola Xoom will receive a hardware upgrade that will allow Verizon to add the tablet to its 4G family. The Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot completes the starting lineup, enabling any Wi-Fi device -- like a Mac or an iPad -- to enjoy Verizon's speedy LTE services. The Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is available to order through Verizon's website.
HTC Thunderbolt 3G data problems solved?
When we first received our HTC Thunderbolt review unit, we -- and others, apparently -- experienced problems with 3G data not always functioning in areas without 4G coverage. Things improved after we performed a factory data reset, but that's pretty inconvenient. Fortunately, some clever folks over at Android Central have come up with an explanation and potential fix for this issue. It looks like some devices are being activated in areas with eHPRD coverage but then used in areas without. eHPRD allows simultaneous voice and data on EV-DO networks, and provides faster LTE switching -- assuming 4G is switched on. Supposedly, this feature is down in some parts of the country, so phones configured to use eHPRD can't initiate a data connection over 3G, but ones provisioned for regular EV-DO are connecting fine. One way to reconfigure the Thunderbolt is to re-activate it on the network, which is one of the side effects of doing a factory data reset. A better way is to invoke the programming menu and re-provision the device manually by following the steps outlined in the source link and illustrated in our gallery below. Sadly, we can't verify this solution because we currently have both eHPRD and LTE coverage in our neck of the woods, but some people are reporting improvements. Let us know in the comments how it works out for you and be careful not to mess with any of the other settings. You have been warned. Update: Dial ##778# and tap the Call button to enter the programming menu. The password for the Edit Mode menu is 000000. Follow the source link for more info. %Gallery-119980%