by Chris Ullrich, Jul 21 2010 // 7:00 AM
If you’re an HTC Incredible user then this info is for you. According to an article at The Boy Genius Report, the Incredible is expected to get the brand new Android OS 2.2 (code name Froyo) in August. This information, taken from an email sent in by a tipster, goes into detail about the update and what users can expect from it.
Take a look below at the email and see if you believe what’s being said.
I wanted to pass along that the upcoming Incredible MR will also include Froyo (originally it was going to be two separate MRs). We are targeting the end of the month/first part of August. As a reminder, below are the highlights:
• Froyo
• 802.11 n
• 3G Mobile Hot Spot
• HTC Widget: Email
• HTC Widget: News
• EAS Updates
• 720p Video Recording
• Amazon MP3
• Skype
• My Verizon
If ultimately true, this update is very good news for current Incredible owners. these are features they will certainly all want to have as soon as possible. Of course, this means the rumored OS update that was supposed to roll out last weekend was either untrue or was halted to make ready for this improved one.
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Gear · Google · Hardware · Mobile Apps · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Android, Android 2.2, Froyo, HTC, HTC Incredible, Smartphone, Software
by Cortney Zamm, Jul 19 2010 // 11:00 AM
During Apple’s recent iPhone 4 press conference, they made some pretty hefty claims about other smartphones having similar problems as the iPhone 4, including devices manufactured by HTC, Blackberry, and Nokia. Devices that they singled out, such as the HTC Droid Eris and HTC Nexus One, supposedly have their own history of reception problems.
Apparently I wasn’t the only one who heard this and went “Huh?”, as I have had no reception issues with my recently purchased HTC Droid Incredible, because HTC has started fighting back with numbers of their own.
While only 0.55 percent of calls received by Applecare are about the iPhone 4′s reception issues, HTC’s numbers were at a measily 0.016 percent of calls about the HTC Droid Eris. Though the phone was recently discontinued, it has been out far longer with fewer complaints than Apple claims to have received.
Regardless, any issues that the iPhone 4 has cannot be compared to phones like the HTC Eris, as its antenna is located on the top of the phone while most new smartphones have them on the bottom.
Nokia and RIM have both commented on the situation on their own, but Nokia stressed that reception interference due to human hands was a problem across the smartphone market and wasn’t limited to just Apple and the iPhone 4. Regardless of what phones have this problem, it’s unfair for Apple to just say “It’s ok that our phone has a reception problem, because these phones do too”, without first looking at the numbers.
Posted in: Apple · Software · Tech
Tagged: Business, HTC, HTC Droid Eris, HTC Incredible, iOS4, iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 4 Antenna Issues, Nokia, RIM
by Chris Ullrich, Jul 2 2010 // 2:00 PM
Are you a user of the the awesome and, well, incredible HTC Droid Incredible? Are you a little jealous of your iPhone 4 using friends who get to record video in 720p or of other smartphone users who can create hotspots with their devices? If so, time to forget those concerns and get happy.
HTC has confirmed an OTA update is on the way for the Droid Incredible that will not only fix a few security and grounding issues it will also, if the following pic is be believed, enable the device to create mobile hotspots and, wait for it, unlock the capability to record video in 720p HD, just like the upcoming DROID X. The update will also reportedly change the boot screen to the new Droid eye, as seen in the video we’ve got for you.
If the update actually unlocks these features, it’s not that surprising. HTC wants to make sure it can compete with the iPhone 4 and DROID X, so having this functionality up it’s sleeve and able to be unlocked via an update at an opportune time goes a long way to ensuring that.
Check out the video and pic after the jump. We’ll keep you informed on this update and also let us know if you get it and if it really adds this functionality.
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Gear · Hardware · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Android, Apple, DROID, Droid X, Hardware, HTC, HTC Droid Incredible, iPhone, iPhone 4, OTA Updates, Smartphones, Software, Tech, Verizon, Verizon Wireless
by Chris Ullrich, May 12 2010 // 3:00 PM
The alliance between Verizon and Google just seems to be getting stronger. First, they partnered to offer several Android powered smartphones like the Moto DROID and the HTC DROID Incredible and now the two companies are reportedly teaming up to being a tablet computer to market to compete directly with Apple’s iPad.
According to reports in the Wall Street Journal, Verizon and Google’s partnership aims to bring the “next big wave of opportunities” to the U.S. wireless industry. The Verizon-Google tablet is intended to “clip the wings of the ever-soaring iPad” Nice.
Sadly there’s no word on who will make the hardware for the tablet or when it may be available. Still, it’s interesting to speculate. What I would love to see is a tablet device made by HTC, featuring Android OS topped with HTC’s Sense UI to make it look cleaner.
Plus, a wireless card from Verizon that did combo 3G/4G. Now that would be a tablet I would be interested in and one that could give the iPad a definite run for its money.
Posted in: Apple · Hardware · Mobile Apps · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Android, Apple, Google, Hardware, HTC, iPad, Software, Tablet Computer, Tech, Verizon, Wireless
by Chris Ullrich, Apr 27 2010 // 10:00 AM
If you were one of the many people waiting for Google’s Android powered Nexus One smartphone to hit Verizon so you could finally get your hands on one, you’re not going to be very happy after reading this post. Sadly, it seems, Verizon has decided to get out of the Nexus One business and instead, will stick with HTC and the pending release of the DROID Incredible.
While this move may not come as a surprise to some, particularly the folks over at Tech Crunch, it did seem to come out of left field a little. After all, up until the last few days, the release of the Nexus One was trumpeted as coming soon by Google at the site where they sell the phone. Now it directs potential customers back to Verizon’s website to buy a competing product in the Incredible? Again, seems a bit out of left field.
As highlighted over at Tech Crunch, it seems Verizon is choosing to offer the latest and greatest device to its customers and doesn’t seem to think the Nexus One is that device. When it came out, it was the best Android phone on the market. Then, Motorola released the DROID, which has reigned supreme. Now, the Incredible looks to be the top Android phone, at least for now.
Competition is a good thing and often leads to great innovations as companies strive to come to market with better and cheaper products. I the end we may not understand Verizon or Google’s reasons for making certain decisions, but in this case at least, it looks like Verizon’s decision will benefit consumers who want the best Android phone they can get.
Posted in: Announcements · Google · Hardware · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Android, AT&T, Business, Google, Hardware, HTC, HTC Droid Incredible, Motorola Droid, Smartphones, T-Mobile, Verizon, Wireless
by Erik Jensen, Apr 23 2010 // 9:00 AM
A seemingly non-stop parade of awesome Android-powered mobile phones have released over the past six months. Notable handsets include the original Motorola Droid, Google’s Nexus One, among others. On April 29th, Verizon will release HTC’s newest creation, the ‘Droid Incredible’ and it will be available for $199.99 (with 2-year activation). What makes this newest droid so incredible? Let’s take a close look at the specs, shall we?
Powered by the spunky 1-GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the Droid Incredible uses the same screen as the Nexus One; a vibrant 3.7-inch, 800-by-480 OLED touch screen that dominates the business side.
Flip it over and it’s difficult not to notice the 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash, something of a necessity with the notoriously poor low-light performance experienced with these built-in phone cams. For reference, the older Motorola Droid released last November also sported dual LED flashes, but topped out at 5 megapixels.
Running the latest Android OS v2.1 and sporting 8GB of on-board memory, HTC is also including its Android over-lay, HTC Sense UI which spiffs up the stock Android start screen tremendously. With HTC Sense enabled, your home screen starts up with a gorgeous animated weather graphic and over-sized clock. Flick your screen to the left or right and you’ll have access to full-screen contacts with photos, e-mail and numerous social networking hooks.
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Announcements · Apple · Gear · Geek · Google · Hardware · Mobile Apps · News · Social Networking · Tech
Tagged: Android, DROID, Droid Incredible, HTC, Smartphones, Verizon
by Chris Ullrich, Apr 15 2010 // 11:00 AM
Today Verizon announced the phone that many disgruntled iPhone and AT&T users have probably been waiting for. No, not the iPhone for Verizon, which may or may not ever happen. I’m talking about the seemingly as amazing HTC Droid Incredible.
This pretty cool sounding phone will drop April 29th and be $199.00 with a two year agreement. But wait, that’s not the really, um, incredible part. Check out this list of specs and then check out the full Verizon press release after the jump. That’s what may make you finally say goodbye to AT&T. I know it will for me.
Key Specs
• 1GHz Snapdragon processor
• Android 2.1
• 8 megapixel camera
• Wi-Fi (b/g)
• Integrated GPS
• HTC’s Sense UI
• 3.7 Inch WVGA AMOLED display
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Announcements · Gear · Geek · Google · News · Software
Tagged: Android, Gear, Geek, Google, HTC, HTC Droid Incredible, Smartphones, Tech, Verizon Wireless
by Chris Ullrich, Mar 2 2010 // 10:00 AM
It’s Tuesday so that must mean it’s a day for lawsuits, at least where Apple, Inc. is concerned. Case in point, our favorite fruit flavored technology company is suing hardware maker HTC for infringement of 20 patents concerning the iPhone user interface and its hardware and architecture. The lawsuit was filed with the U.S. International Trade Comission and in the U.S. District Court of Deleware.
Steve Jobs himself had this to say about the lawsuit: “We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it,” said Jobs. “We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.” Yeah, he seems a bit miffed about the whole thing.
Although the Google Nexus One is not mentioned specifically in the lawsuit and HTC does make several other Android handsets, some could argue the touchscreen models interface does look quite a bit like the iPhone’s. Still, “quite a bit” does not necessarily a lawsuit make. Could it just be a bit of posturing to warn others away from trying to steal Apple’s ideas or to slow down the progress Android is making in the marketplace? Maybe.
Apple has the right to defend it’s ideas and the cash to try and punish those it deems responsible for stealing said ideas. However, I was kinda hoping to get my hands on a Nexus One when it is released for Verizon. I hope this lawsuit doesn’t hold that up. Neither HTC nor Google has issued a statement yet concerning the lawsuit.
Posted in: Announcements · Apple · Business · Google · Legal · News
Tagged: Android, Apple, Google, Hardware, HTC, iPhone, iPhone 3GS, Legal, Multi-Touch, Nexus One, Smart Phones, Software, Tech
by Chris Ullrich, Feb 16 2010 // 3:00 PM
Today, the mobile phone landscape has changed quite a bit because soon you’ll be able to make calls via Skype using your Verizon Wireless cell phone. The two companies announced their “strategic relationship” at the 2010 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The new Skype mobile product enhances Verizon Wireless’ smartphones for users who have data plans by offering a new way to call around the globe, while also giving hundreds of millions of Skype users around the world the opportunity to communicate with friends, family and business colleagues in the United States using Verizon Wireless.
Here are the highlights of this new partnership:
• Users with a data plan can make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the world.
• Calls to international phone numbers, if made through Skype mobile, will be at the Skype Out calling rate.
• Users can send and receive instant messages to other Skype users and remain connected to see friends’ online statuses.
The rollout for Skype mobile will comprehensive and coming to existing phones like the BlackBerry Storm, the Storm 2, the BlackBerry Curve, the BlackBerry Tour, the Motorola DROID, the HTC DROID ERIS and the Motorola DEVOUR.
If you have one of those phones and a 3G data plan, you’ll be able to start using Skype mobile when it goes live in March. See AT&T, that wasn’t so hard.
Posted in: Announcements · Gear · Mobile Apps · News · Tech
Tagged: Blackberry Curve, Blackberry Storm, DROID, HTC, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Motorola, Skype, Software, Verizon Wireless, VOIP
by Cortney Zamm, Jan 6 2010 // 12:00 PM
In the wake of the recent release of the Motorola Droid and HTC’s Droid Eris, smartphones featuring Google’s Android software are some of the biggest sellers in the market right now. So it comes as no surprise to geeks and Google fanatics alike that this week, Google officially unveiled its very own Android-powered smartphone: the Google Nexus.
The device, the first smartphone completely designed by Google and manufactured by HTC, features Android 2.1 software and a host of other interesting features such as a 1Ghz processor, Google’s latest map software, an 800 x 480 display, a 5 MP camera with LED flash, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 and pretty much any other thing you might want in a smartphone. For the full specs, check out this page. Of course, it is powered by Google’s Android software which also gives you access to thousands of useful applications to enhance your Nexus.
Initially, the Nexus will be released for T-Mobile or unlocked in the US but will also come to Verizon and Vodaphone later this year in the Spring. To order, head on over to Google’s very own order page and get one for yourself.
Posted in: Announcements · Geek · Google · Hardware · News · Tech
Tagged: Android 2.1, Cell Phones, Gadgets, Google, HTC, Nexus One, Smartphone, T-Mobile, Tech, Verizon
by Joe Gillis, Dec 16 2009 // 12:00 PM
According to the highly informed Boy Genius, Verizon is at it again with the latest version of its Droid and Droid Eris promotions. This time, as with previous promotions, if you are looking to grab a DROID and/or a DROID Eris for you and someone you love (or two for yourself, why not?), you still have until Christmas Eve to make this holiday purchase.
Starting today and extended until December 24th, Verizon Wireless is offering the DROID Eris as part of its popular “Buy One, Get One Free” promotion. Just like with previous promotions, if you buy a DROID or a DROID Eris, you are eligible to receive a DROID Eris for free. Of course, a new two year customer agreement for each new piece of smartphone goodness is required. You didn’t think you were going to get off that easy, did you?
We’re still evaluating our Motorola DROID here at The Flickcast test kitchens and its pretty darn cool. Still, as much as we hate to admit it, we kinda love our iPhones a little more so far. Although, with the state of AT&T’s network and Fake Steve Jobs’ “Operation Chokehold” going down this Friday, Verizon is looking better and better all the time.
Posted in: Gear · Geek · Google · News · Tech
Tagged: Apple, AT&T, Cell Phones, DROID, Eris, Fake Steve Jobs, Google, HTC, iPhone, Motorola, Verizon