HTC Bravo Review

Here’s an update on one of the phones featured in the leaked HTC 2010 line-up. Shown here in a better quality picture is the HTC Bravo. We now know that it will come with a 3.7-inch OLED touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, dual-LED flash, WiFi, HSPA, A-GPS, 3.5mm jack, and packs a 1GHz Snapdragon processor under the hood as well. It’s also another Android phone, and based on its reported specs, certainly lives up to its billing as a phone meant for power-users out there. Physically, it’s hard to deny it resemblance to another HTC phone, the HTC HD2. Well, that’s because this is also considered as the Android version of the HTC HD2. No price just yet, but word is that it’ll be dropping in the US as the HTC Passion sometime in January with Europe to follow (as the Bravo via T-Mobile) in April. This should serve as a good reason for you not to spend all your savings this holiday season so that you’ve got enough left come next year for this sexy new Android touchscreen phone.

Review: HTC Hero from Sprint

In this past week’s newsletter I wrote up my first impressions of the HTC Hero from Sprint. I had previously been putting an unlocked HTC Hero (provided by PureMobile) to the test, which amazed me in the first 10 minutes of use by letting me connect to WiFi and then sync my Contacts, Calendar and Gmail. I then was able to browse the Web, download some games (all by just signing into my Google account) and even make phone calls.
I recently had a similar out-of-box experience with Sprint’s HTC Hero, which I previously detailed. Since there aren’t too many differences between the HTC Hero and the HTC Hero from Sprint, this review will focus on the Sprint version.

One of the biggest things that had been talked about concerning the HTC Hero from Sprint versus the original HTC Hero was the lack of a chin on the Sprint version. If you’re not familiar with the original Hero, it has a bit of a chin on the bottom of the phone.

Sprint decided to streamline the look and feel of the Hero a bit more and has opted for no chin, so the HTC Hero from Sprint resembles a typical candybar-style phone. The only bad part about it not having a chin is that the trackball seems to stick out from the front of the device. This leads me to think that the trackball may get damaged more easily.

Even with the lack of a chin, the Sprint Hero does not disappoint. For starters, it includes HTC Sense, which is HTC’s UI that sits on top of the Android OS. HTC Sense allows the user to completely customize the interface. You can drag any icon to the homepage or choose from a number of widgets by HTC and Google and even customize specific Scenes, which allow you to build one homescreen for work-related activities and then quickly change the Scene to either HTC, Social, Work, Play, Travel or Clean Slate.
As you might expect, Clean Slate is the cleanest one, offering you the option of adding whatever you want to your homescreen without first having to remove icons and widgets that were previously setup. The best thing about the Scenes, though, is that you can switch to them by just clicking Menu and then Scenes.

Once you get familiar with the HTC Sense UI, the phone navigates just like any other Android-based device. The main difference in this one, though, is its speed. Not only is the device much faster than the G1 but it’s now on Sprint’s EVDO network, which really flies. The HTC Sense UI also makes it a pleasure to navigate and look at.

Keyboard

One of my concerns with going with just an on-screen keyboard was its responsiveness. Thankfully, HTC has baked in haptic feedback into the Hero. Unfortunately, even though it gives you a response, the predictive text doesn’t work nearly as well as the iPhone or other smartphones. I’m sure it learns as it goes along, but I found myself having to type super slow to just write a simple text message. One thing I do like, though, is that if you tap and hold on a key, it pops up all of the other options associated with that key. For example, pressing and holding g pops up a quick window with the percent sign and a g with an accent on top.

Screen
The hardware on the HTC Hero from Sprint is very sleek looking, and is a pleasure to hold and look at. The screen itself is a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, features pinch-to-zoom, and includes a fingerprint resistant coating. I had my doubts about the fingerprint resistance but after a week of use, I barely see any. Compare that to my iPhone 3GS where it looks like I now have some permanent grease on the screen from so much fingerprint residue.
Hardware
The HTC Hero works on Sprint’s EVDO Rev. A network and also includes Wi-Fi for those times when you’re not in a good zone. It also includes integrated GPS, a trackball, accelerometer, light sensor, 5 megapixel camera and camcorder and a microSD slot.
Software
The HTC Hero comes loaded up with the standard Android offerings, including Android Market, Browser, and others, but it also includes Exchange Active Sync, and support for both personal and business e-mail using POP or IMAP. And since it’s a Sprint-branded phone, it includes Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming, NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile. It also includes everything you need to stay connected to your social networks including apps for Facebook, Flickr and Twitter and a simple way to access and login to them.
There are also a number of nice tweaks that make the HTC Hero even more of a pleasure to use. For example, you can easily put a shortcut to your GMAIL inbox right on the homescreen. In addition, if there’s a number in an event on your Calendar, it’s automatically detected as a number and you can dial it directly by just pressing it. You can also click the search button and pop up either a Google search or search within an application, where appropriate.
Of course, the best thing about any phone running Android is the GMAIL client. The HTC Hero features one and in fact the GMAIL client alone is the number one reason to pick up the Hero. It’s the standard GMAIL client but it’s so fast on the HTC Hero that it’s incredibly easy to triage your e-mail.
Sprint services
I mentioned earlier about all of the Sprint services. This is where the HTC Hero definitely shines. I easily launched Sprint TV and navigated through the options. Then I watched as it began streaming in less than 30 seconds. The HTC Hero’s screen is fantastic and the sound quality is great, too. I have tested a number of Sprint’s devices before using the Sprint TV service and the HTC Hero offers the best experience to date.
Camera and Camcorder
HTC did a great job with the software that powers the camera. You can easily switch between video and regular photos and the 5 MP does a fantastic job in well lit situations. Unfortunately, I found it had a number issues when it came time to shoot in less than optimal lighting conditions. The software features an auto-focus option and in low lighting, it was next to impossible to get it to focus.
Phone
I almost forgot to talk about how it works as a phone. The Hero offers predictive dialing so you can either type in numbers or start spelling the name of the person you want to call. As for call quality, callers remarked that I sounded clear, even when on speaker phone, and the speaker phone was loud enough to be heard while driving 40 MPH.
Web browsing
The browser features the same underpinnings as the famous iPhone one (webkit). It renders effortlessly and using the pinch-and-zoom, you can really enjoy content to its fullest. In my tests I browsed my usual sites and even my Google RSS feeder, without any issues. Unfortunately, there’s still no Flash but otherwise it’s a great web experience.

Multitasking
This is something that I’ve been enjoying for years thanks to Windows Mobile, but since I’m a daily user of the iPhone, I forgot what a pleasure it is to have. The HTC Hero handles multiple open applications without skipping a beat. When you first start the HTC Hero, one of the panes on the homescreen features a music player with a number of artists already pre-populated. You can simply press play and then go about your business. Not once did I notice any lag while playing music in the background, downloading an application or surfing the Web.
In general there is definitely a lot to love about the HTC Hero, but of course I found some things not to like. For example, it takes forever to turn on. It’s so slow that it actually reminds me of the early days of Windows Mobile where I would wait almost five minutes at times for a full boot up. My iPhone 3GS boots up super-fast so I’m spoiled, but waiting minutes for a boot-up is simply unacceptable.
I also found that a number of the applications would randomly crash. While HTC did a great job polishing up the core of Android, there are still times when the ugly error messages peak through. As for the crashes, I’m not sure what’s causing them, but they seem to be random and sometimes are HTC-branded ones and other times Sprint. I’m sure that an update will tighten all of this up in no time, though.
Otherwise, the HTC Hero is one of the best phones on Sprint’s network, and by far the best Android offering in the United States.
If you don’t want to jump to AT&T to enjoy the iPhone, the HTC Hero on Sprint is one of the better offerings to come along lately.

HTC Touch Pro2- The ultimate cell phone

So there is BlackBerry… then iPhone…and then there is, according to our own Clinton Fitch, the new HTC Touch Pro2 which “could well be the only phone business users could need.” Clinton posted a review of the HTC Touch Pro2 on his website that is dissection goodness, you can read the review here.  His review is one of the most in-depth I have read to date and covers everything from the updated calendar and start menu, to the new TouchFlo3D  v2 and how it changes the Windows Mobile game! There are also nearly 2 dozen screenshots of the phone in action. I am hardcore BlackBerry to the bone, but this review even entices me to stick my toes in the water to check the temp! And for you hardcore business users, remember the term Straight Talk!

New Tatoo handset unveiled by HTC

HTC has announced the launch of the Tattoo, the latest handset in its Android portfolio.


It comes with HTC Sense, a user interface that debuted on the HTC Hero, which the manufacturer said is "a mobile experience focussed on putting people at the centre by making your phone work in a more simple and natural way". HTC Sense revolves around three principles – Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected.

The Tattoo allows users to integrate voice calls, emails, texts, photos and status updates into one consolidated view and includes a range of Google service including Maps, Search and Mail. Access to the Android market enables users to download a host of applications and games.

Other features of note include a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera, 3.5mm stereo headset jack and expandable microSD memory. Users are also able to design and purchase their own unique covers or search and select from popular cover designs.

HTC chief executive officer Peter Chou said: "Everyone wants their own phone to feel like it was specifically made for them. The Tattoo, with HTC Sense, represents an easy way to shape your own distinct mobile experience and really make it your own. The HTC Tattoo ensures that you can create the most engaging and appropriate mobile experience through simple yet powerful personalisation."

The Tattoo will be available in Europe at the beginning of next month and will roll out to other markets in the following months.

HTC Touch Diamond II - smooth and sophisticated

HTC Touch Diamond II is a smooth and sophisticated mobile phone. This smartphone has large 3.2 Inch 65k Colour WVGA LCD Touch Screen and 480 x 800 Pixels resolution. Diamond II measures 107.9 x 53.1 x 13.7 mm and weighs 117.5gram.The main feature of this stunning mobile phone is its 5 megapixel camera plus a second VGA camera.

This stunning mobile phone adds up FM radio, and music player which supports many music formats including AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMP, QCP, MP3, WMA, WAV & MIDI files.HTC Touch Diamond2 is equipped with fabulous connectivity options such as: the unique user friendly interface, Bluetooth, USB, GPS and Wi-Fi capability. And it also comes with GPRS and EDGE technology.

The device comes with a built in HTML Internet browser which allows the user to search for new web sites & find out much information & services on the move.Diamond2 provides 512 megabytes of ROM memory, 288 megabytes of RAM & the Smartphone supports a memory card slot which allows the user to insert a MicroSD™ memory card in the size to suit the user's storage requirements.

You can gain up to 500 hrs of standby time and 5 hrs of talk time from a fully charged battery.Furthermore, HTC Diamond II comprises a Qualcomm® processor & supports a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional® operating system. In addition, Diamond II furnishes with a lot of best features like: Speaker Phone, Document Viewer, SMS, MMS, Email, Downloadable Games, Motion Games, with Attachments and Instant Messaging etc.

HTC touch Pro2

When the HTC Touch Pro2 hit the scene, it instantly became the best business smartphone on T-Mobile's lineup, and one of the best business smartphones you can buy. For the hefty starting price, it better be (for our analysis of the real cost of owning a smartphone, click here). But the HTC Touch Pro2 on T-Mobile proves its worth with solid hardware, including our favorite QWERTY keyboard and advanced features all around. The phone excels at calling in ways that business users will certainly appreciate. It will help you make great-sounding calls, with easy conference calling and a best-in-class speakerphone. Even better, it will help organize the information you need to access quickly during that important call. It's not a fun phone, though it is packed with multimedia and fun features. But it lacks the customization options of a Google Android phone like the T-Mobile myTouch 3G, the social network synergy of the Palm Pre or the multimedia prowess of the Apple iPhone 3GS. Still, it trumps those devices with superlative call management as well as better scheduling and productivity features, and it's still easy going enough to play music and videos or casually surf the Web. In other words, the HTC Touch Pro2 takes the best of Window Mobile and hides the rest behind a snazzy and responsive interface that keeps things professional. Release: August 2009. Price: $350.
Pros: Best keyboard on a business smartphone. Excellent call features and call quality. Solid performer all around.
Cons: IM client was buggy. Camera disappointing. Resistive touchscreen still imperfect while scrolling. Dueling Web browsers confusing for users.

Improving your HTC

Turn your old HTC Touch into an HTC Hero for free Android on Windows Mobile Remember the HTC Touch Dual, one of the first Windows Mobile smartphones that actually looked good? The keywords here are "Windows Mobile", as it turns out you can also run Android on it, too - and not just any old Android, but a version of Android with HTC's own shiny new Hero interface. These pics show just such a weird chimera, with the HTC Touch Dual booting up under Linux and then the familiar HTC Hero interface bursting into life. Impossible? No, not a bit of it. It's one of the benefits of the openness of Android, the hackability of HTC's phones, and the almost obsessive devotion to getting Android on virtually every device out there by the members of XDA-Developers. Sure, it sounds geeky, but if you have an old HTC Touch and want to put some extra life into it, go ahead and install Android on it - jusrt don't ask me how ;)

HTC Touch 3G review

To keep up with the release of new models of Touch line is not easy. The release of the first HTC Touch communicator took about one and a half years, and since that time the company already has a dozen different devices with one common TouchFLO software interface, which became standard for many other manufacturers. HTC Touch 3G’s technical features claim to be one of the fastest and most powerful communicators. Design HTC Touch 3G strongly resembles Touch and Touch Dual. This is the same compact monoblock with smooth contours and oval corners. The shell is made of a soft-touch material which is almost inaccessible for fingerprints. It easily fits in any pocket and satisfies the user with excellent build quality and attractive design. Recently, more and more users are trying to stand out from the crowd of owners of dull gray machines. For them, HTC offers a novelty not only in a black shell, but in blue, brown and even golden which in their turn distinguish 3G from competitors. All buttons are executed in a similar style in the form of very thin rectangles. Even the scroll key is made in the form of a rectangle, but with smooth corners. Next to it, the user will have only two buttons which are responsible for the adoption or abolition of the call. No additional buttons: this is one of the similarities of Touch models. At the bottom there is only one slot for ExtUSB, serving for connecting to a PC, as well as to use the headset or earphones that should be connected to your device via an adapter from the kit. The stylus of HTC Touch 3G is too thin, so working with it is not too convenient. In addition, it is equipped with foam magnetic lock. It is used only for the most expensive devices from HTC. Productivity The communicator runs Windows Mobile 6.1 platform and is built on a Qualcomm MSM7225A processor with a frequency of 528 MHz. There are 256 MB of ROM and 192 MB of RAM, the user can have 56.30 Mb and 66.61 Mb. The rest of memory is occupied by various software applications and systems. But the free memory of Touch 3G, which reaches to the end user, may be different. Productivity innovations have traditionally been tested by using Spb Benchmark 1.6. Characteristics of the HTC Touch 3G Glofiish X900 HTC TyTN II Spb Benchmark index 403 465 425 CPU index 2036 2399 1576 File system index 141 152 178 Graphics index 3259 2650 3500 The results can be called medium for a powerful communicator. But, let’s not forget that we have a sample, which is not intended for sale. To explore the possibilities of video, we used the benchmark CorePlayer, with the help of three videos, differing from each other with qualitative characteristics: 320×240 / 550 kbit / s, 640×480 / 784 kbit / s, 640×480 / 1320 Kbps. Display If we are talking about the possibility of watching videos, we need to say a few words about the touch-sensitive display, with which Touch 3G is equipped. In this case, this is a classic display with the diagonal of 2,” and a small resolution of 320×240 pixels. This screen will seem too modest next to modern standards. Yes, for comfortable viewing movies and photos it is not the best option. But for the implementation of the interface TouchFLO it is perfect. Camera HTC Touch 3G is equipped with a 3.2 MP camera without autofocus, which does not let to make high quality shots. Of course, a pleasant interface and a sufficient number of settings, such as white balance, exposure, or choose a standard plot, make the use of the camera simple enough, but the result leaves much to be desired. Communication possibilities Touch 3G has “3G” index in its name. This makes clear to the potential buyer that it is equipped with a full set of communication modules: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz with support for data transmission via GPRS / EDGE, and HSDPA / WCDMA 900/2100 MHz. In addition, new wireless module is equipped with Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g. Turning on / off all wireless modules is carried out through a small but nice utility CommManager. Touch 3G will operates even in areas of weak signal. But the producer “has forgotten”, about the built-in FM-radio, which, for many fellow citizens, is more important than support for 3G. Offline work Touch 3G is equipped with a Li-Ion battery with a 1100 mAh capacity. I must say that this is not the maximum capacity of the battery, which we’ve seen in communicators. In most cases, the user has to charge the device in two days. In this case you can use the address book, to talk about 20 minutes a day and watch online news. If, however, you want to work with a multimedia content, you will have to charge it at least once a day. GPS-navigation The official specifications of the GPS-navigation are not reported. “Cold” start takes about five minutes, but it helps to reduce QuickGPS application, loading the data on the current location of the satellites from the Internet. Any other navigation software with the communicator is not available, so we tested the browser work with the VisualGPSce annex and famous AVTOSPUTNIK Navigation Service. Results raise no objections. Conclusions HTC Touch 3G is a logical continuation of the line of Touch communicators. Fast processor has already become a classic interface (both external and software) which states that the new product can easily find buyers, among which will surely be those who want to change their Touch or Touch Dual with something more modern and more productive. The only thing that causes complaints is the lack of FM-radio. Along with the full support of all other wireless modules, including GPS, the lack of the receiver seems at least strange. But the cost of the novelty is quite acceptable for a productive communicator.

HTC to launch Q4

According to a report by the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN), HTC’s upcoming budget Android handset, the HTC Click, will be available from the end of the third quarter/early fourth of 2009. htc-click.jpg Along with the Windows Mobile-based HTC Mega, the HTC Click will be priced at around the $300 mark, with HTC expecting to see revenue and shipments grow some 11% and 19% following their release. The first images of the HTC Click began surfacing online in July. Currently, little else is known about this upcoming HTC Android phone.

Specs of HTC Mega

ai.rs blog has recently unveiled the product shot of the yet-to-released HTC Mega as well as the specification. This mid range device comes with HSPA and the new Windows Mobile 6.5 OS. The Mega is said to feature q Qualcomm 528Mhz processor, a 2.8-inch QVGA touch screen, WCDMA/HSDPA/quad-band GSM, a 3.2MP camera, microSD slot, WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.0. Besides the low res screen it seems a pretty decent device. Interestingly Loke Uei from the Windows Mobile team has told developers they should not need to be developing for QVGA anymore, which may leave owners with stranded in the future.