Has time flown by that fast? Time really has a way of creeping up on us and showing us all how many changes can happen in a span of twelve months. For those wondering how this year has been for the smart phone industry, here’s a quick rundown of all the big highlights that has passed us by.
First off, the year started out with a bang that was the launch of the Google Nexus One. This is the first Google branded handset and also showed off what the Android mobile platform could really achieve. Despite the relatively slow sales of the device, Google succeeded in setting a new bar for smart phone technology. Phones such as the HTC Desire, XPERIA X10, Galaxy S and others soon followed the path that Google paved.
Microsoft made the biggest surprise at the Mobile World Congress by giving us all a teaser of the Windows Phone 7 mobile platform –with none other than Andy Rubin giving the demonstration. As awed as we were, the actual release of the platform this October proved to be the real surprise for all.
Apple once again managed to antagonize plenty of folks in the tech industry. Mostly starting with the whole fuss with Adobe; after the iOS 4.0 SDK rules came out, it became pretty obvious that Steve Jobs was cutting off all possibilities of Flash support –and thus encouraging Adobe to support other platforms instead. The whole Apple fiasco did not end there. Despite the extremely successful sales of the iPhone 4, the device’s launch was marred by the fact that the antenna on the handset was very faulty.
Nokia on the other hand did not have much of a good year. The N8 handset was delayed for several months (from April to October) and lost Nokia plenty of market interest and of course, sales. The sudden lack of support for the Symbian OS by Samsung and Sony Ericsson also affected the Finnish phone maker badly as well.
Posts Tagged ‘HTC-Desire’
This Year in Mobile Phones
Friday, December 17th, 2010Mobile News: HTC Sense and More
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
If you constantly lose track of where your smart phone is, finding it in a cluttered room or a busy office can be quite the challenge. Fortunately, a new service has been created by HTC for its Desire users that will allow them to easily make their phones beep, ring and more.
The Sense cloud based service also functions as remote access portal and security tool. This service allows users to easily get data from the handset for backups and at the same time, allows users to lock or even memory wipe the handset’s information. Many business companies will certainly appreciate having this feature –for cases when employees accidentally lose phones and subsequently, important private data in the device.
HTC is also launching the Merge Android handset pretty soon. While the basic 800MHz CPU and 5 mega pixel camera are nothing too innovative, the device does come with a slide out, physical QWERTY keyboard that allows users to easily type messages. The device has yet to be confirmed for a UK launch.
Motorola’s Milestone 2 is going to be available SIM-free in the UK as of next week. As one would expect from the Milestone series, this handset will sport a slide out QWERTY keyboard. Naturally, the device will have better specs than the original Milestone; a 1GHz CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera and more. The only drawback to this new handset is that it lacks the ragged, edgy look of the older Milestone. Instead, the Milestone 2 has a sleeker and smoother appearance.
O2 and T-Mobile UK have announced that the Android Éclair update for the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 will soon be available. The expected launch date is next week –which means that X10 owners will finally be able to update their aging Android 1.6 Donut operating system. So far, it has not been confirmed when the Android 2.2 Froyo will be available for the handset.
Mobile News Bits: Today’s Big Headlines
Friday, November 19th, 2010
Sony Ericsson is launching the XPERIA X12 and the official spec sheet is out. The touch screen smart phone will come with a 4.3 inch display, a 12 mega pixel camera, HD video recording and playback, an HDMI port, an 800MHz CPU and the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system.
Google has confirmed that they are finished working on the Google Docs browser app and it is now available for mobile users. The new version is said to be able to run smoothly on a wide variety of platforms but is definitely going to be compatible with Android and iOS devices. Those using other mobile OS might want to try it out for a bit as well.
Nokia and Symbian may not be making much in terms of overall hardware sales, but the Ovi store is one of the strongest in the industry. According to recent reports, the Ovi Store is getting about 3 million downloads each day –that is a massive volume that the iTunes network would be pressed to compete with on a daily basis.
HTC’s Sense web service is confirmed to be heading straight for the original HTC Desire. While this is a little unexpected, it is most certainly welcome. The cloud based service allows users to store content in the cloud storage as well as make use of the special remote access capabilities that the Sense provide. This is most useful as a remote access tool for security purposes as well.
Lastly, it seems that Qualcomm is on the cusp of changing the mobile phone industry once again with better, faster CPU. The next generation Snapdragon is going to pack a dual core CPU and will be five times faster than the previous model. What is most impressive here is not the speed and processing power however, but with the fact that energy consumption is even lower than before. According to initial reports, the new CPU will only require about 75% of its original power needs.
The Best Handset Deals at a Glance
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
Depending on which network provider you prefer there’s a wide range of handset to choose from. But there are just some combinations that get pretty hard to beat. Combining smart phone features, a great mobile platform and a provider that compliments the handset may seem like a tricky bit of work, so we have taken all the guesswork out of the equation to provide you with our top picks for tariff plans.
When it comes to the upcoming handsets, Samsung always manages to come up with very exciting offerings. With the Windows Phone 7 mobile platform coming in the next few days, their smart phone offering serves as one of the most compelling tech treats: the Omnia 7.
Naturally, what makes this phone stand out is the super AMOLED capacitive touch screen technology that was first seen with the Wave and later, with the Galaxy S. The resolution and quality of the 4 inch display rivals that of Apple’s retina technology –at a much lower price. Grab the Samsung Omnia 7 handset when it comes out at 25 GBP per month for two years under T-Mobile UK.
But if the upcoming Windows Phone 7 is not your thing and something familiar might be more suitable, then nothing would beat a great Android smart phone –and in that end, we have a couple of great choices.
Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X10 and the HTC Desire are among the top picks for Android smart phones this time around. The X10 may seem a little underpowered with the lack of a 2.2 update. But at least it already runs on the 2.1 Éclair (it originally came out with 1.6 Donut). Grab the X10 under Orange Mobile for 27.50 GBP.
The HTC Desire comes out at a great 35 GBP deal under MVNO 3 UK. This iconic Android brings a 3.7 inch AMOLED touch screen with plenty of great media capabilities.
HTC Goes All White, Streak on Super Size
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
It seems that Dell had decided that the 5 inch touch screen display on the Streak Android smart phone is no longer cutting it.
The Dell Streak is your typical high end Android smart phone –really fast 1GHz CPU, 5 mega pixel camera, the open source Google Android operating system; except for the fact that this handset is also packed with what is probably the largest touch screen to be used in a modern smart phone. With the device’s massive 5 inch display screen, it was easy to see how Dell intended to grab the attention of the market.
With the success of the Streak, Dell has decided to follow up the handset with two new devices: a 7 inch and a 10 inch Streak. The Samsung Galaxy Tab set the bar for 7 inch devices and the Apple iPad is already at 9.7 inches; it is easy to see Dell’s two pronged strategy in taking over the tablet industry.
In other news, Taiwan based phone maker HTC has confirmed that the white versions of the HTC Desire and the HTC Wildfire will be available in the UK in a few short weeks. While no specific launch date has been confirmed, the devices are already available on pre-order. The lowest contracts place the devices at 15 Pounds a month for two years. On this rate, the Desire is about 200 Pounds and the Wildfire is 30 Pounds.
Aside from the colors, nothing has changed in specs and form for the two phones. Both of the devices are in all white versions though the Wildfire seems to have a more silver like look than the enamel white color on the Desire.
Speaking of the Desire, this high end Android is already compatible with the new 2.2 Froyo operating system. The new update to the OS brings speed boosts to the UI and the WebKit as well as plenty of other new features.
Tablet and Social Networking on BlackBerry, O2 Android Launched
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010Technically, the O2 Android 2.2 Froyo update for the HTC Desire should be considered as a re-launch. According to reports, the update of the Android handset came out as scheduled but O2 UK was forced to shut it down after several reports of freezing issues came in. While the exact cause of the problem was not detailed in the reports, there were enough cases to warrant the removal of the update for a small period of time.
This situation is similar to the one Orange Mobile UK faced with the same Android 2.2 Froyo. When installed successfully however, the new OS is a charm to use on the HTC Desire. The speed is significantly faster and all the new features are certainly quite useful too –particularly the update to the camera’s user interface.
In any case, the update for 2.2 Froyo is finally back online and HTC Desire owners under the network can start downloading the update –just be sure to do so under a secure and stable connection as the update file is pretty big.
Moving on, Research in Motion has announced not only their plans for the BlackBerry tablet, but they have also announced the new systems and features that will be available to BlackBerry users. The new tablet will be named as the BlackBerry Playbook and will feature a 7 inch capacitive touch screen display, a 1GHz Processor and dual cameras. While the launch is still pretty far away –around the second quarter of 2011, it is a pretty decent tablet to look forward to.
As for the new systems and apps for the BlackBerry OS, users have plenty to be excited about with the new BBM. The BlackBerry messenger has always been a core function for RIM handsets and now users will be able to do more things such as being able to invite friends to app games or actual events.
News Updates and the Facebook Smart Phone Rumor
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
Android Motorola fans are going to be happy with the news that the XT720 Milestone is getting a quick update to bring the phone’s processor up to speed –literally. The phone is mean to be running at 720 MHz, however, it has been reported that the out of the box setting of the handset places it at a much slower 550 MHz clock speed. The new update now brings the ARM Cortex A8 CPU all the way up to 720 MHz as it should be.
T-Mobile HTC Desire users will be happy to know that an update for the Android 2.2 Froyo is now available for their handset –surpassing Orange Mobile UK’s release date (which has been delayed for technical reasons). So far, only Vodafone UK and the T-Mobile have released 2.2 updates for the Desire.
HTC’s HD7 price details have been leaked in a document from Germany. According to reports, the information came from O2 and shows that the device is going to cost a very expensive 559 Pounds of a buyer decides to get it SIM free. On a monthly tariff, the costs are much easier to handle. The phone is only 70 Pounds at a 20 Pound monthly tariff for two years. Similar plans for the HD7 are expected to be available in the UK when the device comes out later this October (presumably, alongside the Windows Phone 7 OS launch).
Lastly, it seems that rumors about Facebook creating their own mobile phone have been circulating a lot these days. The social networking website has finally decided to remove the wrong impressions by directly stating that they are not working on a new smart phone. In reality, the social networking site’s developers are tweaking out new apps and functions for existing mobile phones that would enable users to access Facebook better and faster. Many are hoping that improved media upload features will be part of the new apps.
Android Smart Phones: Taking Over the Industry
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
There is no doubt that the Android’s share of the mobile phone industry market is slowly growing. And that is a strong growth that has not been stopped or even slowed down by Apple, RIM or any other established developer. In fact, one could even say that despite the strong sales of many devices in the industry, Google has moved on unchallenged, carefully making its way to the top of the hill.
In many cases, it is impressive how devices such as the HTC Desire, Sony Ericsson X10 Mini, Samsung Galaxy S, Dell Streak and many others have helped define the Android operating system to the market. After all, as impressive as the mobile platform may be, it is ultimately the individual handsets that actually provide the user experience.
Without a doubt, the best thing about the Android operating system is that it is an open source platform –making it compatible with a wide variety of devices and also for being attractive for developers to work on. While initial issues of being able to provide a stable market have been difficult for Google, this led developers to seek profit from other markets. The establishment of the Google App Store and its’ growing market is slowly becoming more and more attractive to users.
According to market analyst Gartner, the Android is poised to keep growing –up to the point that it will match up the distribution of Nokia’s Symbian platform. This is despite the fact that the Android has only been out for over a couple of years and that the Symbian has been around for a significantly longer period of time.
By the end of about three to four years, it is expected that the Symbian and Android platforms will account for almost 60% of all operating systems in circulation.
Phones In Focus: UK’s Top Sellers
Thursday, September 9th, 2010Choosing a smart phone may be a daunting task, and while studying all the pros and cons of the various handset choices may be a good idea, not everyone has the time and energy to do so. In cases like this, it does not hurt making a quick reference with what the rest of the world (or at least, what the rest of the UK) is buying.
Not surprisingly, Sony Ericsson’s dual mini handsets are among the UK’s top sellers. This week alone, the X10 Mini bagged the 5th place while the keyboard toting X10 Mini Pro held the 3rd place. The two managed to take on a whole plethora of high end Android devices –most of which featured 1GHz CPUs and larger screens. The X10 Mini and Mini Pro devices managed to hold their own thanks to ergonomic and functional design, as well as a great balance of hardware features.
In fourth place of the ranking is the Samsung Wave smart phone. For those who are completely unaware, this device is actually a Bada handset (which is basically Samsung’s proprietary operating system).
Despite the fact that the Wave has been competing with the more established Android operating system, it has managed to hold its ground thanks to the open source nature of the system and the handset’s actual specs.
HTC has managed to stay near the top of the pack with the HTC Desire –despite the phone being released for quite some time. The device originally came out around the same time as the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 and of course, the Google Nexus One. HTC’s handset is among the first to use a 1GHz CPU on the Android.
Reigning on top of this week’s listing is the Samsung Galaxy S –giving the Korean phone maker a solid indication that their iPhone killer is actually getting close to having the job done. Between Apple’s own issues that are hurting the iPhone 4 sales and the vast improvements that the Galaxy S brings, it seems that we can easily see why Samsung made such a phone.
System Update Reports: Apple’s iOS and the Google Android
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
If there is one other thing that is important with smart phones aside from the hardware specifications, it is the operating system that is being used. There is no doubt that the Google made, open source Android and the famous Apple iOS are among the most often used systems in the industry –which makes any system news about these two platforms quite important.
Apple has recently announced the iOS 4.1 update and have already confirmed that the patch will be available for download this coming Wednesday, September 8. The big update from 4.0 to 4.1 will be bringing along new features and some fixes. While Apple has not gone into detail as to what minor issues will be fixed, they have confirmed that the Apple Game Center will now be available as well as better support for HD videos (such as uploading functions) and HDR photography as well.
UK based network operator O2 has confirmed a couple of major announcements –both of which concerns the Android operating system. The first is a quick announcement that the 2.2 update for the HTC Desire will not be pushing through at the moment. According to official reports, the update has already been uploaded for a while before the first reports of problems reached O2. In order to prevent further problems, the update has been put on hold until a solution is found for both the patched and those that have been affected by it.
O2’s other announcement has better news; the Dell Streak will be getting an update to version 2.1 Éclair. For those who are using the Android with a 5 inch capacitive touch screen display, the older 1.6 Donut does provide a stable user interface, though the additional features of the 2.1 update would certainly be good. At the very least, it places the Streak on the path to a better 2.2 Froyo update.