Phone Review HTC Hero CDMA

Short Review
Specs:

Data: EVDO,1xEVDO
Keyboard/Buttons: Touchscreen
Phone Design: Bar
Phone Type: Smartphone
Talk Time: 4 hours (240 minutes)
Touch Screen
Features: Video capture, Auto focus
Bluetooth: Yes, v2.0 +EDR and A2DP Supported Profiles: HSP 1.1, HFP 1.5, A2DP, AVRC
Operating System: Google Android
Wi-Fi


Size/Design
Antenna: Internal
Dimensions: 4.46" x 2.22" x 0.54" (113 x 56 x 13.7 mm)
Headset Jack: 3.5 mm
Keyboard/Buttons: Touchscreen
Phone Design: Bar
Phone Type: Smartphone
Side Keys
Weight: 4.5 oz (127.6 g)

Network
Technology: CDMA
Frequencies/Bands: 850, 1900
Data: EVDO,1xEVDO

Battery
Talk Time: 4 hours (240 minutes)
Type: Lithium Ion

Display
Colors: 65K
Resolution: 320 x 480 3.2" HVGA touchscreen
Touch Screen
Type: TFT,TFD,LCD (Color)

Data Messaging
Instant Messaging
Predictive Text Entry
Text Messaging: MMS,SMS

Camera and Video
Features: Video capture, Auto focus
Megapixels: 5.0
Streaming Video

Music and Multimedia
GPS Navigation
Music Player: Yes,MP3,AAC,AAC+,WAV,MIDI,AMR,AMR-NB,Windows Media Player Mobile
Speaker Phone

Phone Book
Multi Numbers per Name
Photo Caller ID
Ringer ID
Voice Dialing

Connectivity
Bluetooth: v2.0 +EDR and A2DP Supported Profiles: HSP 1.1, HFP 1.5, A2DP, AVRC
E-Mail Client: Yes,POP3,IMAP4,Microsoft Exchange,GMail,push email
Java Applications
Memory Card Slot: TransFlash,MicroSD
Operating System: Google Android
PC Sync
USB Port
Web Browser
Wi-Fi


Organizer
Alarm
Calculator
Calendar






Other Features
Flight Mode
Multiple Languages
Vibrate Alert

HTC Touch2 (T3333) Photos, Specifications: An Affordable Smartphone

Following up on the earlier press announcement, detail specifications and more press photos of the new HTC Touch2 are now available on HTC website. Comes with a 2.8-inch full touch screen with QVGA resolution, the Touch2 was previously leaked as HTC Mega, targetting at entry level users with a cheaper price range. It is also confirmed that the TouchFLO 3D is an updated version for QVGA device, which was also leaked in July as a custom ROM. Check out the full specifications here.

Other than the 3.2 megapixel fixed focus camera, the HTC Touch2 should be fit for most of your needs with the built in WiFi, GPS, microSD card slot and 3.5mm headphone jack. The smartphone will be available next month in 3 colors option.

HTC Touch2 T3333 Specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm MSM7225, 528 MHz
• Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional
• Memory ROM: 512 MB
• RAM: 256 MB
• Dimensions: 104 x 55 x 12.9 mm
• Weight: 110 grams
• Display: 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
• HSPA/WCDMA: Europe/Asia: 900/2100 MHz
• Up to 384 kbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Europe/Asia: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Internal GPS antenna
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• HTC ExtUSB
• 3.2 megapixel camera with fixed focus
• Talk time: Up to 370 minutes for WCDMA / Up to 440 minutes for GSM
• Standby time: Up to 500 hours for WCDMA / Up to 370 hours for GSM
• microSD card slot

[via Slashphone]

Verizon Wireless Introduces The HTC Touch Pro2

Verizon Wireless and HTC introduce the HTC Touch Pro2, a global-capable smartphone designed for the busiest professionals and world travelers. The HTC Touch Pro2 features an extra-large 3.6-inch touch screen that tilts to an optimal viewing angle, an ergonomic slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and an advanced speakerphone with asymmetric speakers and advanced noise suppression. Beginning Friday, the HTC Touch Pro2 will be available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an e-mail feature or e-mail plan.

Key specifications and features:

• Global connectivity (GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz WCDMA/HSPA 2100 MHz)
• Wi-Fi capabilities (802.11 b/g)
• 3.6 inch WVGA resolution (480 x 800) tilting touch screen
• 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera with video capture
• Touch-sensitive zoom bar
• Bluetooth® 2.1 with EDR and A2DP stereo
• Processor: Qualcomm MSM 7600A, 528 MHz
• Memory: 512 MB ROM, 288 MB RAM
• Dimensions: 4.57” x 2.33” x .68” (length x width x height)
• Weight: 6.3 ounces (with standard battery)
• Extended 1500 mAh battery for longer operation times
• Up to 5.3 hours of talk time (CDMA) or up to 13.5 days of standby time (CDMA)
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Expandable microSD memory
• Built-in GPS for VZ Navigator, VZ Navigator Global and other location-based services and applications

[via SlashPhone]

Leaked HTC Leo Gets a Video Walkthrough

Wow wow, as the next big updates to the HTC Touch HD, the unannounced HTC Leo is now available in a high quality photo gallery and a nice walkthrough video. The ai.rs has again confirmed the multi touch capability on this giant Windows Phones. This could be the first Windows Phones using a capacitive touch screen! The HTC Leo is also coming with a new version of the famous HTC’s TouchFLO 3D (Manila 2.5), added with program shortcut on the home screen, footprint tab, social network integration and new icons design.


Powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm 8250B CPU, the new TouchFLO 3D is very responsive to finger touch with no delay. While it is not sure that HTC Pro Three will be its actual name, we are definitely happy to see a dual flash LED added to the 5 megapixel camera module. Check out the video below.

[via slashgear]

Phone Review: HTC Hero

Short Review
Specs:


Features
Auto focus
Bluetooth: v2.0 +EDR and A2DP
Operating System: Google Android
Wi-Fi

Network
Technology: GSM
Frequencies/Bands: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Data: Edge,GPRS


Data: Edge,GPRS
Keyboard/Buttons: Touchscreen
Phone: Design Bar
Phone Type: Smartphone
Talk Time: 7 hours (420 minutes)
Touch Screen

Size/Design
Antenna: Internal
Dimensions: 4.4" x 2.2" x 0.5" (112 x 56.2 x 14.35 mm)
Headset Jack: 3.5 mm
Keyboard/Buttons: Touchscreen
Phone Design: Bar
Phone Type: Smartphone
Side Keys
Weight: 4.76 oz (135 g)
Battery
Standby Time: 440 hours (18.3 days)
Talk Time: 7 hours (420 minutes)
Type: Lithium Ion

Display
Resolution: 320 x 480 3.2" HVGA touchscreen
Touch Screen
Type: TFT,TFD,LCD (Color)

Camera and Video
Features
Auto focus
Megapixels: 5.0

Data Messaging
Instant Messaging
Text Messaging: MMS,SMS

Music and Multimedia
GPS Navigation
Music Player: Yes,MP3,AAC,AAC+,WAV,MIDI,AMR-NB,Windows Media Player Mobile
Speaker Phone
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Yes, v2.0 +EDR and A2DP

E-Mail Client
Memory Card Slot: TransFlash,MicroSD
Operating System: Google Android
PC Sync
USB Port
Web Browser
Wi-Fi
Organizer
Alarm
Calculator
Calendar

Phone Book
Multi Numbers per Name
Photo Caller ID
Ringer ID

Other Features
Multiple Languages
Vibrate Alert

HTC Dash 3G

Short Review
Specs:


Data: EVDO,HSDPA,1xEVDO,1xRTT
Keyboard/Buttons: Full QWERTY
Phone Design: Bar
Phone Type: Smartphone
Talk Time: 5 hours (300 minutes)

Features: Video capture, time stamp, white balance, brightness, panorama, spot metering functions
Bluetooth: 2.0 with EDR Supported Profiles: HSP 1.1, HFP 1.5, DUN, OPP, FTP, PBA, SAP, A2DP, AVRC, PAN, HID, BPP 1.2
Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.1
Wi-Fi

Network
Technology: GSM
Frequencies/Bands: 850, 1900
Data: EVDO,HSDPA,1xEVDO,1xRTT
Size/Design
Antenna: Internal
Dimensions: 4.5" x 2.5" x 0.47" (117 x 61 x 11.9 mm)
Keyboard/Buttons: Full QWERTY
Phone Design: Bar
Phone Type: Smartphone
Side Keys: Yes
Weight: 4.23 oz. (120 g)

Battery
Standby Time: 480 hours (20 days)
Talk Time: 5 hours (300 minutes)
Type: Lithium Polymer
Display
Colors: 65K
Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA) 2.4"
Type: TFT,TFD,LCD (Color)


Camera and Video
Features: Video capture, time stamp, white balance, brightness, panorama, spot metering functions
Megapixels: 2.0
Streaming Video: Yes

Data Messaging
Instant Messaging
Predictive Text Entry
Text Messaging: MMS,SMS


Music and Multimedia
GPS Navigation
Music Player
Speaker Phone


Connectivity
Bluetooth: Yes, 2.0 with EDR Supported Profiles: HSP 1.1, HFP 1.5, DUN, OPP, FTP, PBA, SAP, A2DP, AVRC, PAN, HID, BPP 1.2
Data/Fax Capability
E-Mail Client: Yes,POP3,IMAP4,Microsoft Exchange,GMail,AOL Mail,Yahoo! Mail,Windows Live
Java Applications
Memory Card Slot: TransFlash,MicroSD
Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.1
PC Sync
USB Port
Web Browser: Internet Explorer Mobile
Wi-Fi


Organizer
Alarm
Calculator
Calendar
To-Do List
Voice Recorder


Phone Book
Capacity: Shared Memory
Multi Numbers per Name
Photo Caller ID
Ringer ID
Ringer Profiles
Voice Dialing

Other Features
Adjustable Text Size
Flight Mode
Hearing Aid Compatible
Polyphonic Ringer
Vibrate Alert

Phone Review: HTC Ozone

Short Review
Specs:

• Data: EVDO,1xEVDO,1xRTT
• Keyboard/Buttons: Full QWERTY
• Phone Design: Bar
• Phone Type: Smartphone
• Talk Time: 4.8 hours (290 minutes)
• Features: Video capture, auto-focus
• Bluetooth: v2.0 + A2DP for stereo support
• Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.1
• Wi-Fi

NETWORK

• Technology: CDMA
• Frequencies/Bands: 850, 1900
• Data: EVDO,1xEVDO,1xRTT

SIZE/DESIGN

• Antenna: Internal
• Dimensions: 4.5" x 2.5" x 0.5"
• Keyboard/Buttons: Full QWERTY
• Phone Design: Bar
• Phone Type: Smartphone
• Side Keys
• Weight: 3.7 oz.

BATTERY

• Standby Time: 324 hours (13.5 days)
• Talk Time: 4.8 hours (290 minutes)
• Type: Lithium Ion

DISPLAY

• Colors: 64K
• Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels 2.4"
• Type: TFT,TFD,LCD (Color)

CAMERA & VIDEO

• Features: Video capture, auto-focus
• Megapixels: 2.0

DATA MESSAGING

• Instant Messaging
• Text Messaging: MMS,SMS

MUSIC and MULTIMEDIA

• GPS Navigation
• Music Player: Windows Media Player Mobile
• Speaker Phone

Connectivity

• Bluetooth: v2.0 + A2DP for stereo support
• E-Mail Client
• Memory Card Slot: TransFlash,MicroSD
• Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.1
• PC Sync
• USB Port: Yes
• Web Browser: Internet Explorer Mobile
• Wi-Fi

ORGANIZER

• Alarm
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Voice Recorder

PHONE BOOK

• Multi Numbers per Name
• Photo Caller ID
• Ringer ID
• Voice Dialing

OTHER FEATURES

• Hearing Aid Compatible: Yes,M3,T3
• Multiple Languages
• Polyphonic Ringer
• Vibrate Alert

Phone Review: HTC myTouch 3G White

Short Review
Specs:

• Data: Edge,3G
• Keyboard/Buttons: Touchscreen
• Phone Design: Bar
• Phone Type: Smartphone
• Touch Screen
• Features: Video capture
• Bluetooth
• Operating System: Google Android
• Wi-Fi

Network

• Technology: GSM
• Frequencies/Bands: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
• Data: Edge,3G

Size/Design

• Antenna: Internal
• Keyboard/Buttons: Touchscreen
• Phone Design: Bar
• Phone Type: Smartphone
• Side Keys

Battery

• Type: Lithium Ion

Display

• Resolution: 3.2" HVGA with accelerometer
• Touch Screen
• Type: TFT,TFD,LCD (Color)

Camera and Video

• Features: Video capture
• Megapixels: 3.2
• Streaming Video

Data Messaging

• Instant Messaging
• Text Messaging: MMS,SMS

Music and Multimedia

• GPS Navigation
• Music Player
• Speaker Phone

Connectivity

• Bluetooth
• E-Mail Client
• Operating System: Google Android
• PC Sync
• USB Port
• Web Browser
• Wi-Fi

Organizer

• Alarm
• Calculator
• Calendar

Phone Book

• Multi Numbers per Name
• Photo Caller ID
• Ringer ID

Other Features

• Multiple Languages
• Vibrate Alert

Video: HTC Touch Diamond 2

Review: HTC Touch Diamond | Introduction

HTC has been developing successful smartphones for some time now. The HTC mobile phones always come equipped with Windows Mobile Software which makes them ideal for business applications, thanks to the excellent synchronization. At first, mobile phones produced by HTC were sold in a number of countries under various brand names, such as Qtek and Imate. However, since 2006 the last European countries have also adopted the name of the factory itself, HTC, in order to be recognizable worldwide and to establish a strong and recognizable brand. Furthermore, simlock devices are also being produced for the MDA series of T-mobile, among others, and earlier, the SPVs of Orange.

HTC Diamond P3700 mobile phone

From the package it is clear that HTC now more than ever aim at the design, with the P3700, better known as the HTC Touch Diamond, in order to conquer a larger crowd. The HTC Diamond is packaged in a box shaped like a pyramid, just like the back of the phone, which is completely covered with triangle shapes, referring to the shape of a diamond. Upon opening the package, a black hard plastic box is visible containing the handset, placed in a gap. Thought and effort have clearly also been invested into the design of this package, and both the device as well as its package carries the text: 'HTC Innovation'. The HTC Diamond is standard delivered with a charger, headset, two stylus pens, a data cable, manual and software.

Touchscreen of the HTC Diamond

The HTC Touch Diamond cell phone features a large full touchscreen, which should mainly be operated with the included stylus pens. The stylus pens, that used to get lost easily, are made magnetic for the Diamond, which ensures they are more likely to stay in the holder. The touchscreen itself works fine. With other HTC phones, you often had to press rather firmly in order to type something in, however, for this model it already works a lot better. The response should come a bit faster and smoother at times, though. It all works, although from this mobile phone, in combination with the TouchFLO 3D, you'd expect more.

HTC Diamond with Windows Mobile

The menu structure looks familiar thanks to the Windows Mobile operating system. On top, you find the starting bar with all the available functions. As we have also seen on the latest HTC phones, the HTC Diamond too has a TouchFLO menu, now called the TouchFLO 3D. The desktop will display a quick access button for the weather, captured pictures, contacts and SMS text messages. This TouchFLO application facilitates the use, since you can now find various functions a lot quicker, sometimes even without the use of the stylus pen, whilst the normal menu consists of small icons, which makes it harder to operate. As briefly mentioned before, not all is carried out smoothly. For example, if you scroll through the pictures with your fingers, the phone wavers slightly. This is a pity, since the TouchFLO is kind of neat from a graphical perspective, and loses some of its splendour this way.

Internet on the HTC Touch Diamond

The Internet Explorer web browser enables surfing on the Internet. In combination with all the available connection possibilities, comprising Wi-Fi, GPRS and fast HSDPA, everybody will find something to his own taste, and with the right speed. The included stylus pen is necessary for surfing the Internet with the HTC Diamond. The buttons are rather small and if you operate this function with your fingers, you are bound to hit the wrong button frequently. The speed is excellent. Email is enabled by webmail and with the built-in Email software, which can be found under messaging at SMS. All data of the email account can be inserted to enable mobile access from that moment forward.

HTC Touch digital camera

HTC has equipped the Diamond with a 3.2 megapixel digital camera with auto focus. This is reasonable as far as specifications are concerned, and definitely when comparing it with previous HTC models. However, you'd expect more from a device in this time and age. Every renowned manufacturer who wants to integrate serious mobile photography should add a camera with a minimum of 5 megapixels, in order not to make to make a fool of himself. The forecast is an 8 megapixel model crossing the counter by the end of this year. Activating the camera application is possible through the menu or through the quick access button at the TouchFLO photo viewer. This way it is not possible to start shooting immediately, also due to the some-what slow start-up time of the application.

HTC Diamond digital photography

Focussing with the camera phone
When the camera application is started, the screen fully serves as viewfinder. This is extremely pleasant, since it offers a clear view of what you are capturing. The viewfinder does not refresh that quickly as a result of which you will see annoying stripes on the screen when making a small movement. Upon taking a picture, the phone is slow in focussing and it also takes some time before the picture is actually captured. Even if you move the phone slightly after focussing, it still results in a blurred picture, very awkward!

Image quality of the HTC Touch Diamond

If you want to capture snapshots on the spot, you will have to think of a strategy, or keep a compact camera at hand. The camera of this HTC doesn't have its way with light. If there is a tad too much light, the true colour reproduction fails. In particular the colour red is difficult to catch correctly. The dynamic range is rather poor and it costs a lot to keep everything presentable. If HTC want to take mobile photography seriously, they will have to pay some more attention to this.

Music, Videos and Photos
The HTC Diamond is very well suited to playing Music, Videos and viewing your captured pictures. The Media player looks quite similar to the well-known Windows Media player on a computer. It's easy to move the timeline and starting a song wherever you want. Video files can be played by simply pressing at the bottom of the monitor in the full-screen mode.

Viewing pictures
Viewing the pictures on the large screen is pleasant. Scrolling through the pictures is enabled by sliding your finger from edge to edge on the screen. It is not sufficiently smooth, just like is the case on the TouchFLO, although it is reasonable. Zooming in is enabled by sliding your fingers around the arrow buttons, like on the Apple iPods.

4GB internal phone memory
The HTC Touch Diamond has an internal memory of 4GB. There is no possibility of enhancing this memory but the 4GB available at purchase, offers the option of using your phone directly as media player. These 4GB of memory suffice for hundreds of pictures, tenths of CDs or a couple of movies.

Connection with the computer
To be able to connect the HTC Diamond to the computer with the included data cable, you also need the ActiveSync software eventually. However, even without this software you can use the HTC Diamond to quickly transfer files, for as soon as you connect the data cable you are offered a choice between Diskdrive and ActiveSync. The ActiveSync software is renowned from other Windows Mobile devices and enables you to fully manage your phone. The software comes in especially handy for email and the agenda. Also backups and such can be made. Looking at it from a business point of view, this way of synchronization is an advantage, since there is no better synchronization imaginable than Windows Mobile - Windows.

Microsoft Office support
Thanks to the preinstalled Windows Mobile software on the HTC P3700 Diamond, more Microsoft products such as Office, are supported. Mobile versions of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint are standard available. One great advantage of this HTC, compared to several other mobile phones, is the fact that it is not just a viewer that is available. You can edit your files with the HTC Diamond and send the edited file immediately through mail, without the need for a computer. PowerPoint presentations are displayed on full screen in landscape mode which even makes the text perfectly readable. Extremely handy to go through a presentation before arriving at your destination.

HTC Touch standby time
HTC includes a 3.7V, 900mAh Lithium Ion battery with the Touch Diamond. This battery should offer a maximum standby time of 285 hours and a talk-time of over 5 hours. These are common specifications, however, a phone like this combined with all the functions it offers, requires recharging once every two or three days. And if you use the digital camera, Internet and the music player frequently, you may have to recharge the battery on a daily base. In that case I'd suggest purchasing a travel charger or a second battery together with the phone.

Click here to see Images..

[Source]

Phone Review: HTC G1

Short Reviews
Specs:

• Operating System Android™
• Processor : Qualcomm® MSM7201A™, 528 MHz
  
• Dimensions (LxWxT) 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm (4.60 in x 2.16 in x 0.62 in)
• Memory ROM: 256 MB RAM: 192 MB
• Display 3.2-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 320 x 480 (HVGA) resolution
• Weight 158 grams (5.60 ounces) with battery
  
• Network HSPA/WCDMA: US:1700/2100 MHz
  
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Up to 7.2 Mbps down-link (HSDPA) and 2 Mbps up-link (HSUPA) speeds
  
• Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
• GPS GPS navigation capability with Google Maps™
• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11b/g
  
• Camera 3.2 megapixel color camera with auto focus
• HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)

Plus:
Android experience is excellent; Web browser is amongst best available on cell phones; Great touchscreen; Touchscreen plus trackball plus QWERTY board provides multiple input options; Notifications bar is handy; Great GMail & Google services implementation; 3G and WiFi for fast data speeds; Amazon provides DRM-free mp3 downloads via WiFi

Minus:
Big, bulky, heavy, and not particularly attractive; QWERTY thumbboard is not as good as those on other recent HTC phones; Lacks 3.5mm headphone jack; No Stereo Bluetooth or video capture/playback support out of the box

Android will change the game, and although far from perfect, the G1 is more than convincing. I have a list of grievances a mile long, but was overshadowed by the amusing way the user experience of Android is on the T-Mobile G1.

HTC shows off HTC Touch Dual at CTIA Las Vegas 2008

There isn't much at the HTC Booth here in Las Vegas. In fact, there isn't even much of an HTC booth to speak of. Our favorite Windows Mobile smartphone manufacturer has gone the decidedly conservative route at CTIA Las Vegas 2008 and set up shop on a small piece of Las Vegas Convention Center floorspace.

HTC is showing off their HTC Touch Dual for the US market. The Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone has been floating around Europe with the Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional OS for a few months already, but this is the first time we're seeing it with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and available for US consumption. Fans of the HTC Touch that want quick access to a keypad for no-eye dialing will want to check out the HTC Touch Dual. The Touch Dual takes the tried and true formula of the Touch, and bumps up the OS and hardware.

The HTC Touch Dual rocks a 400Mhz processor, 2.6 inch touchscreen display, 256MB ROM/128MB RAM, Bluetooth 2.0, and microSD card slot - all powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional.
Of course, HTC's TouchFLO interface is overlaid on the Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional homescreen, which is a bit of a disappointment, given the sleek look of the new WM6.1 sliding panel homescreen layout. The smartphone is slightly thicker than the HTC Touch that has done so well around the world - the addition of a vertical sliding 20-key, SureType-esque keypad will do that.

We're looking for T-Mobile USA to offer the HTC Touch Dual as the MDA Touch Plus in the near future - most likely with a numeric 16-key keypad in favor of the 20-key setup that HTC is showing off at CTIA Las Vegas 2008. Pricing is not yet known.

Click Here for more Images.

Source

Sprint keeps riding the data-wave with CDMA/EVDO variant of HTC Shift

Sprint is really looking to expand its data-side services, and it makes sense, given their struggles in the traditional voice-call market. Sprint is apparently going to pickup the CDMA/EVDO version of the HTC Shift. We knew that the HTC Shift was a-comin' in GSMCDMA flavors (thanks, FCC) , and it seems that Sprint will have the honor of offering this hybrid mobile device to US customers. The 7-inch touchscreen display, QWERTY keyboard, 800 Mhz processor, 1GB RAM, a 40GB hard drive, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 that we see in the GSM HTC Shift remain unchanged.

Of course, we'll be seeing Sprint offer a CDMA/EVDO radio in their own version of the HTC Shift - as the HTC HTCX9000 Shift CDMA.

Look for a $1500 price point when it drops. Pre-order yours today at Amazon.com.

[Via: jkOnTheRun]

O2 Xda Orbit 2 (aka HTC’s Touch Cruise) available in UK

UK business customers with an eye for new smartphones will now be able to pick up O2’s Xda Orbit 2 from the carrier’s business store. Based on the HTC Touch Cruise, the handset runs Windows Mobile 6 and has a 3-megapixel camera, GPS, quadband GSM including 3G and HSDPA, WiFi and Bluetooth.

HTC’s TouchFLO UI augmentation is also preinstalled, and the Orbit 2 uses a 400MHz Qualcomm processor, has 128MB of RAM and 256MB of ROM.

It’s available now priced from free with a new contract.

[via coolsmartphone]

HTC loses ground to Motorola, Samsung, in Windows Mobile smartphone fight

According to internal data from Microsoft, HTC’s once enviable position as prime player in the Windows Mobile segment has shifted, with non-touchscreen models declining to below 30-percent market share. Competition by Motorola and Samsung is blamed for the change, with Motorola leading the pack by a small margin.

However touchscreen-based smartphones are still more likely to bear the HTC logo, with over 50-percent sold being their models. Palm follows behind at quite a distance, with a market share just over 10-percent.

The news follows reports by Opinion Research Corporation that 21-percent of smartphones (excluding Blackberry and iPhone models) were returned after the holiday season, making the cellphones the most-returned item.

“The inability to understand the product setup process was cited as the
primary reason consumers returned their Smartphone” Kevin Wood, VP and Senior Technology Analyst, Opinion Research Corporation".

Source: Phonemag

Phone Introducing: HTC Touch

by Noah Kravitz

Introduction
To be fair, HTC was developing the Touch long before Apple's iPhone hit the market. But iPhone came to market first and quickly became the gold standard for a new breed of mobile devices marked by giant touchscreens and smartphone functionality combined with mainstream usability. As such, it's really impossible not to consider iPhone when using or reviewing Touch. So I'll do my best to look at the Sprint-branded Touch both as a next-gen Windows Mobile smartphone built with a finger-friendly touchscreen and refined UI, and as an "iPhone alternative" in the newly burgeoning world of mainstream-friendly, multimedia-centric handsets. As the former, Touch is one of the best, easiest to use Windows Mobile devices around so long as you don't need to type on it. Touch fits easily in one hand, and the combination of a flush-mounted hard plastic touchscreen and the Sprint-enhanced TouchFlo UI makes it much easier to use without a stylus than any other WM device I've ever tried - including the GSM Touch previously released as an unlocked device by HTC . Beware, however, Touch's virtual QWERTY board. While it's better than the standard WM onscreen layout, it isn't really all that usable for thumb typing - I wound up reaching for the stylus every time I tapped out a message. From the iPhone alternative perspective, Touch is less expensive and more extendable than iPhone but it really can't hold a candle to Apple's darling when it comes to overall hardware and software design. iPhone's multitouch screen and user interface are head and shoulders above Touch when it comes to touching, typing, flicking, and pinching your way around Web sites, Inboxes, and multimedia content. Still, Windows Mobile offers things that Apple's OS X doesn't, and Sprint's 3G network offers speed and accessibility that AT&T's Edge network can't (even backed by iPhone's WiFi capabilities). So Touch is worth a look whether you're considering an iPhone or a more user-friendly Windows Mobile experience. And I should say, it's funny ... I've read a review or two written by folks who swear Touch bests iPhone for usability, specifically in the realm of using the touchscreen. I disagree. Wholeheartedly, even. But, hey, I mention it just to say that we all have different preferences and usage patterns - so what I prefer about iPhone's screen design and response might be exactly what draws you to Touch instead.

Design
HTC has made a name for themselves building solid smartphones with imminently usable QWERTY thumbboards and business-ready feature sets. But where their last Sprint device, the Mogul, put a button just about everywhere you could possibly want one no matter how you were using the phone, there's nary a button to be found on Touch. Departing from the tried and true formula of a touchscreen combined with a horizontal slide-out QWERTY board and softkeys everywhere, Touch instead is sleek and simple. You get a D-pad and Call/Cancel keys on the front, a couple of buttons on the edges, and that's it. No QWERTY board, and no oodles of programmable softkeys. Measuring just 101 x 59 x 14 mm, Touch was also built with a shorter, wider, slimmer body that fits comfortably into the palm of one hand and can be used one-handed with your thumb manning either the D-Pad or touchscreen. Weighing only 114 g, Touch is also plenty light enough for extended one handed use. A side-mounted rocker switch controls volume and there's a power button along the top edge. A mini-USB port on the right edge and the camera lens and speaker on the back round out Touch's minimalist design. Unfortunately, the microSD memory card slot is hidden beneath the back panel by the battery. While you don't have to remove the battery to get to the card, a side-mounted port would have made life with Touch much easier. The compact, rubberized body is sleek and easy to hold, and the black and dark grey color scheme definitely sets Touch apart from the pack when it comes to WM devices. Where other HTC handsets like Tilt and Mogul are all business in a high-tech executive sort of way, Touch has more of a mysterious executive bent to it. You can pull Touch out of a breast pocket and check messages or view a document with a few swipes of your thumb - advanced functionality demands two-hands and/or the stylus, but many tasks can be accomplished on the down low with a single hand. On its own merits, Touch deserves praise for its style, innovation, and user interface (which we'll get to in a moment). And then there's the iPhone comparison. Touch's flush-mount, hard-plastic display is far more finger-friendly and scratch-proof than the standard soft-membrane touchscreen but it's not on par with iPhone's hard glass display in terms of performance or durability. Tapping and sliding work pretty well once you get used to the handset, but there's no pinching, zooming here and while two thumbed typing can be a reality on iPhone with practice, it ain't gonna happen on Touch. You'll be hunting and pecking on Touch's virtual QWERTY pad - I found typing with the stylus much less frustrating than trying to do it with my thumb, in fact.

Features
Touch is, in some ways, the most advanced Windows Mobile 6 smartphone on the market. I say this because the extensive functionality of WM6 Professional is added to by the utility of the TouchFlo interface and the addition of Sprint's multimedia offerings. Honestly, Touch would be all the more useful if it had a physical keypad of some sort for time when the touchscreen just doesn't cut it - primarily for text input. Word is a GSM variant - the Touch Dual - will soon address this issue with a slide-down keypad. Whether or not the Dual with make it to Sprint remains to be seen. But Touch is here now on Sprint and it's got a lot going for it. The benefits of WM6 Professional - from HTML email to mobile office document creation to enterprise support for syncing and device management - have been well documented elsewhere, so let's look instead at what makes Touch unique. TouchFlo is basically a customized layer of user interface optimized for stylus-free use on a touchscreen. A revamped home screen provides a clean, attractive grid with a giant clock arrayed above one-touch access to messages, call lists, application shortcuts, and weather info. You can touch various items to dig deeper into their menus and features, or place a finger or thumb at the center of the screen's bottom edge and drag straight up - this activates a cube-like 3D interface. From this screen, you swipe left or right to cycle through three menus: Applications, Contacts, and Sprint Power Vision, the latter offering access to the carrier's premium subscription services including Sprint TV and Sprint Music. The interface is great - a huge step up in terms of usability and simplicity from the standard Windows Mobile install. Clean grids with big icons and readable text make for easy access to the stuff you use most - messaging, Web, and phone settings. Where Touch lacks a bit is what happens once you get into those applications. While tapping and finger sweeping work well (though I had to be deliberate when it came to sweeps), touchscreen typing or even clicking on smallish icons or Web hotlinks is just a bit more difficult than it should be on this device - all the moreso (here it comes) if you've ever used an iPhone. Since I invoked the i-word just then, let's be fair and talk about all the things that Touch does that possibly no other touchscreen-centric handset in the world can do. If you're willing to pay for it, you can download music and watch TV and movies over Sprint's Power Vision network. The Music Store is soon to get a much needed visual overhaul (or so rumor has it), but offers an extensive catalog at great prices nonetheless. And you can download music right over Sprint's cellular network - no need for an open WiFi signal. And speaking of networks, Sprint's made it easy to use Touch as a broadband modem to get your laptop online via EV-DO - try doing that with an iPhone. Yeah, you can't. Sprint TV is cool, but I'm still not a big fan. Quality is usually so-so, and I had particular problems getting the service to work on my Touch loaner. Whether it was the device or Sprint's coverage in the Berkeley-Oakland area, I spent an entire twenty-minute bus ride home from work trying to load some programming and never watched a single frame. I have used the service on other Sprint devices in the same neck of the woods with better results, but I'm still not sold on mobile TV just yet. The On Demand service, on the other hand, is excellent. I've written about it before, so I'll spare you the long version here. On Demand provides quick snippets of info customized to your locale (set by entering your zip code). It's excellent. And oh yeah, there's integrated GPS as well, for optional navigation and other LBS services. And then there's all that 3G-enhanced data goodness. The promise of free, open WiFi whenever you go has not yet been fulfilled, and as such there's a lot to be said for smartphones with 3G compatibility. Sprint's EV-DO network is generally excellent for Web browsing and email use, and the WM6 operating system underpinning the TouchFLO enhancements supports full HTML Web browsing and Email. For best results I recommend installing Opera Mobile (or Opera Mini) and using it for Web browsing instead of the pre-installed Internet Explorer. Opera provides a far better browsing experience than IE, hands down.

Camera
HTC built Touch with a two megapixel camera with a self-portrait mirror but no LED assist light. The camera’s performance was lacking a little, despite such accoutrements as 5x zoom and a bunch of image settings. Still images captured in natural light and well-lit indoor conditions looked okay, but many shots suffered from strange tints and less than accurate colors. Video capture on Touch worked fairly well for a camera phone, but also suffered from some image quality issues. Videos may be captured with or without sound in MPEG 4, M-JPEG, or H.263 formats and one of two resolutions. Images and video clips are easily attached and sent off with Emails or MMS messages over Sprint's network.

Display
Touch features a 2.8” touchscreen capable of 240 x 320 pixel resolution at 65,000 colors. The display has a hard plastic surface that's meant to be poked and swiped with fingers and styli alike - it's more scratch proof and durable than standard membrane-based touchscreens, if not quite on par with iPhone's hardened glass display surface. Touch's display specs are pretty middle of the road by current smartphone standards, but I found the screen to be sharp with good color saturation and plenty of brightness in almost all lighting conditions. Text, graphics, and images all displayed clearly and accurately, and issues I had with playback of Sprint TV video seemed to have more to do with my connection to the network and service than with Touch's display or processing power. Videos played from a memory card via Windows Media Player looked much better. Mogul’s touchscreen sensor also worked well, though again I must draw two comparisons: Compared to other Windows Mobile touchscreen devices, Touch is a revelation for everything except text input. The combination of a revamped UI and a finger-friendly display works very, very well - it's a pleasure to be able to pull the device out of a pocket and quickly swipe and tap to read a new message or check weather or news updates. While this is technically possible on a standard WM6 handset like the HTC Mogul for Sprint, Touch is made for it - the difference shows in large menu choices that respond to fingertips, as opposed to tiny links that respond only to fingernails wielded with surgical precision (or, of course, the stylus). One thing you can do on Touch that you can't do on other WM touchscreens is sweep to scroll - Touch recognizes the difference between a tap and a sweep, which comes in handy for quickly moving up and down Inboxes, long messages, and Web pages. Compared to iPhone, however, Touch sports yesterday's technology. Swiping, in particular, is where Apple's tech outdoes HTC's. Flicking a finger across iPhone's display works every time. Touch requires a more careful touch - I had to get the hang of a more deliberate "press and move" motion to consistently garner the reactions I wanted from the TouchFLO UI. The other area in which Touch lags is the onscreen keyboard. Touch features a 20 key virtual QWERTY board that's similar in layout to the SureType keyboards found on BlackBerry phones and the new HTC Juno (aka Shadow to you T-Mobile fans). The virtual keys are large enough to hunt and peck at with fingertips, but I pretty quickly grew frustrated with that method and reached for the stylus. iPhone's keyboard isn't perfect, but I'm able to two-thumb type on it with pretty good success, which I attribute to the multitouch display, the predictive text software, and practice. I'll never get there on Touch - the display simply isn't responsive enough for two thumbs to fly around on. Writing a message on Touch meant using the stylus, either with the virtual keyboard or in handwriting recognition mode. If you're not used to an iPhone, you'll likely neither notice nor care about the comparison I just drew - Touch's interface works well and, again, is a big step up from other WM6 devices in terms of intuitive ease of use. But it's definitely a noticeable step behind the current state of the art.

Audio
I tested the CDMA Touch in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Voice calls were generally loud and clear with a little bit of fuzz here and there but no notable reception problems or dropped calls. The internal speaker was plenty loud for voice calling, and people I talked to all said the quality of my voice end on their end was excellent. Unfortunately Touch's speakerphone leaves a lot to be desired. It's neither loud enough nor clear enough, and was basically useless. Okay, you can make do with it in a pinch, but a phone like Touch is not supposed to be about merely making do. A set of wired stereo earphones with an inline microphone is included. The phones connect to Touch via a mini-USB plug, and a USB-to-2.5mm adapter is also included. I used the earphones quite a bit for handsfree calling and found them to be a bit better than your run of the mill stock earbuds in terms of both comfort and audio quality. The earphones also make for decent music listening, though a 3.5mm jack/adapter would make it much easier to plug a good set of stereo phones into the device. Touch supports mono and stereo Bluetooth audio, and I had no trouble pairing headsets with the device. Audio quality over Bluetooth was very good, both for voice calling (mono) and music playback (stereo).

Messaging
Messaging on Touch was a mixed bag. While the speed of Sprint’s EV-DO network made sending and receiving Email quick and easy, writing messages on Touch wasn't quite so quick or so easy. If you're looking for a device on which to regularly write emails and texts, you might want to wait for Touch Dual and it's slider keyboard to make it to the states. At the least, try Touch out for yourself and see how you like the virtual keyboard before you buy one. Windows Mobile 6 provides support for multiple POP and IMAP email accounts and while there’s no ultra-friendly setup wizard, I was able to configure a few of my accounts - including server options and signature files - with no trouble. Outlook Mobile features good integration between messaging accounts and contacts, and Windows Mobile 6 upgrades Outlook to support full HTML email. Email attachments are also supported, and as mentioned, Touch ships with pocket versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint which allow for document creation and editing in addition to viewing.

Internet
Web Browsing using the included Internet Explorer browser was okay, but things perked up considerably when I downloaded and installed Opera Mobile. The TouchFLO system made it easier to click links and scroll through Web pages on Touch than on other Windows Mobile phones I've used, and the D-Pad may also be used for navigating around Web pages. There's no WiFi antenna on Touch, which some will see as an oversight but probably contributed to HTC and Sprint being able to offer an exceedingly small, slim device that combines good power and good battery life. Apple chose to leave 3G access off of the first-gen iPhone in the name of battery life - HTC seemingly opted for 3G over WiFi for the same reason. In any case, Sprint's Power Vision network is fast enough that I really didn't miss having WiFi when browsing the Web or retrieving Email. Touch may also be used as a cellular modem, and Sprint’s new Internet Sharing app makes the process even easier. You will, of course, need to subscribe to a data plan to access all of this high speed Web goodness.

Connectivity
The HTC Touch for Sprint is locked to the Sprint network in the United States. It combines a CDMA cell phone with EV-DO data services for Email, Web, and other Net-based applications. The device ships with 151MB of onboard memory accessible to users, and the integrated microSD card slot allows for expansion up to 4GB per card. HTC built Bluetooth v2.0 into the Touch, and file transfer, information synching, voice dialing, laptop tethering, and both mono and stereo (A2DP) audio are supported. The integrated mini-USB jack can be used to connect to a computer for synching, file transfers, and use of the Touch as a cellular modem. The USB jack is also used for charging the device and for connecting to the included stereo earphones. A dual port-replicator/2.5mm headphone port USB cable is also included..

Conclusion
Sprint's CDMA version of the HTC Touch is an upgrade from the unlocked GSM version of Touch, and is in many ways a step up from every other Windows Mobile device available right now. The TouchFLO UI adds a huge layer of improvement and usability to the WM 6 platform upon which it rests. Commonly used applications and services can be launched via big, clear - and attractive, even! - icons on the home screen, and a swipe of the finger launches an easy to navigate 3-D gateway to second-level features like your Contacts list and Sprint's multimedia offerings. TouchFLO really makes Touch a lot more fun to use than your ordinary Windows Mobile phone. Beyond that, Touch is cool to look at and great to hold, use, and put away in your pocket. It's small, light, well-proportioned, and easy to hold and operate. And Sprint's network has always been reliable in my testing, and offers great data speeds and a music store that's on par with anyone's when it comes to selection and pricing (though it really needs that UI update). If you're willing to pay the various service fees, you can use Touch for everything from staying in touch with the office to surfing the Web to downloading music and streaming video. The problem with Touch lies in trying to write words on the thing. While the virtual keypad is better on this Touch than on the original GSM variant, it's still not that great - at least, I had problems using it. Tapping icons and swiping lines on Touch with your fingertips works pretty well, but typing on the 20-button QWERTY layout doesn't. Heavy text and email users looking at Touch should try it out for themselves first, and consider the benefits of a device like Mogul which adds a physical keyboard at the expense of bulk and weight. Touch begs an iPhone comparison because Apple set the current gold standard for feature phone usability and Touch's display and interface improvements are clearly meant to address Windows Mobile's usability issues. In my view, Touch isn't in Apple's league when it comes to usability, but that doesn't mean it's bad. Windows Mobile offers a lot of things to a lot of people that no other mobile platform can, and Touch makes it all a lot more usable. And a lot more attractive. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and considering Sprint as your carrier, Touch is definitely worth a look ... and a touch.


source: phone dog.com

HTC launches the HTC Touch Cruise

So, we’ve finally gotten the launch go-ahead from HTC on their new HTC Touch Cruise. Following on O2’s recent announcement that they’ll be bringing the HTC Touch Cruise (HTC Polaris P3650) to the UK as the O2 Xda Orbit 2, HTC has gone global with their shiny, new touchscreen device.


The Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional-powered HTC Touch Cruise will be sporting a speedy 400Mhz Qualcomm CPU, 128 MB / 256 MB of RAM and ROM, integrated GPS, quad-band GSM, HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 3 megapixel camera (with forward-facing VGA video-call camera), and the must-have TouchFLO interface. Oh, and this bad boy’s going to be rocking UMTS 850/1900Mhz for US 3G goodness or UMTS 2100Mhz for some 3G fun in Europe.
And, for you GPS-loving WinMo fans out there, the HTC Touch Cruise comes pre-installed with TomTom GPS Nav software to help you find your way. Expect your local European retailer to carry the HTC Touch Cruise this month. Or, if the words “local” and “European” don’t apply to your neighborhood, head on over to HTC’s store and order one manufacturer-direct.


Source: IntoMobile

O2 germany picks up the HTC Touch Dual as O2 Xda Star

If there’s one thing we love more than the quirky codenames coming out of HTC’s labs, it’s O2’s practice of renaming all of HTC’s best handsets. O2 Germany’s done it again with the HTC Touch Dual that was recently launched. It didn’t take long at all for the German carrier to pick up the HTC Touch Dual as the O2 Xda Star - complete with an O2-branded makeover.

For the incredibly low carrier-subsidized price of €30 ($43), you too (the German you, that is) can get your hands on the O2 Xda Star with that slightly revised nav-pad layout (the buttons below the screen). Aside from the minor facelift (which looks like a pretty nice improvement over HTC’s reference design), the O2 Xda Star rocks the same feature-set as the HTC Touch Dual. Check out this video of the HTC Touch Dual in action.

The price of this German HTC Touch Dual is enough to make us seriously consider a move to the land of sauerkraut. You lucky Germans, you.
[Via: Unwired View]

HTC Launches P3600i in Australia with Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional

Those lucky Aussies just got what no other European can hope for - an HTC P3600 Trinity packing the coveted Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional OS.
HTC hasn’t blessed the P3600 with that long-awaited WM6 upgrade, but they’ve seen fit to release a juiced-up WinMo6.0 version for those living “down under” - the HTC P3600i (”i” stands for “improved?”).

Apparently, the HTC P3600i won’t just be toting quad-band GSM radio (with UMTS/HSDPA) and Windows Mobile 6.0 in that yummy “Professional” flavor, it’ll be rocking a faster processor and double the ROM memory - 500 Mhz Samsung CPU and 256 MB ROM, to be exact.

3 Australia is offering this suped up HTC P3600 Trinity for 622 Euro ($839), free and clear of any contracts. We don’t know if HTC has any plans to bring this thing to the EU or US, we’ll just have to wait and see. We love waiting.

[Via: Unwired View]

Alltel adds HTC PPC6800 to its portfolio

While Verizon subscribers are still waiting for their carrier to come out with what many consider to be the ultimate Windows Mobile smartphone, Alltel is losing no time with the launch of HTC PPC6800 — also known as Mogul on Sprint. Potential customers of this business-centric baby could expect everything they ever wanted from a smartphone, except maybe the built-in GPS and a better camera. There’s a WiFi, Bluetooth, 2 MP camera, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, high-speed EV-DO radio, and an array of pre-installed software. All this is available for $249 with a two-year plan and a $100 mail-in rebate, or for $549 without any contract.

Interesting thing to note is that on its site Alltel is claiming the HTC PPC6800 is the Windows Mobile 5 based device. Kinda strange, as we’ve already seen it running the version 6 of the Microsoft’s mobile OS. Is this a typo or what?

[Via: Engadget Mobile]