Tag Archives: HTC

Samsung is Microsoft’s Latest Android Cashcow With Cross Licensing Settlement

Posted by on September 28, 2011 No comments

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Samsung and Microsoft have settled on an agreement for patent royalties and cross licensing. In short, Samsung pays Microsoft money for every Android smartphone sold to use their patents and Microsoft also gets free access to Samsung’s patents. Kind of lopsided if you ask me.

Microsoft also has HTC to bring money in for every Android smartphone of theirs sold. If you don’t remember, elementary math once suggested that Microsoft is making more money on Android phones sold than Windows phones sold. That’s probably a good thing for Microsoft, but the rest of the industry prefer to see it the other way around. It’s almost embarrassing for them, in fact. A statement from Microsoft:

We recognize that some businesses and commentators - Google chief among them - have complained about the potential impact of patents on Android and software innovation. To them, we say this: look at today’s announcement. If industry leaders such as Samsung and HTC can enter into these agreements, doesn’t this provide a clear path forward?

What did I get out of that statement?

Patent lawsuits won’t end Android. In fact, we don’t want it to end! We’d rather make money on the countless OEMs using Android due to the patents we own! Surely that’ll help ease the sting of our own smartphone operating system currently at the bottom of the totem pole. Oh, and we don’t know how long it’ll take for Windows Phone 7 to be successful, if ever. So yeah, we’re capitalizing on you now and forever. Thanks for your money!

I’m sorry for my satire, but it’s really annoying to see this. Microsoft’s seemingly strong-arming their own partners into these lopsided patent agreements for no reason other than to make money. It’s not about innovation for them. They’re aiming to ruin what was so attractive about Android to OEMs in the first place, and that was that this operating system was free not only in the sense of open software, but in licensing. Shame on you, Microsoft. [Source]

ISIS Adds LG, Motorola, HTC, Samsung and Sony Ericsson to List of Supporters for NFC-Based Mobile Payments

Posted by on September 28, 2011 No comments

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ISIS – the mobile payment NFC-based joint venture between T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon – have added a stable of new OEMs to the list of those who will implement ISIS technology into their future NFC-enabled phones. Even with how exciting Google Wallet looks, ISIS seems to be generating a ton of carrier and OEM support. The thing is we don’t know what ISIS has been working on behind the scenes as they haven’t come forth with any details.

The press release doesn’t mention whether or not these deals are exclusive so this doesn’t mean Google Wallet is ruled out on any of these manufacturers’ phones. After all, Sprint and Google have to have someone to help promote these services. Currently only the Nexus S 4G is supported, and while that phone is made by Samsung it is still under the Nexus brand.

For the time being, though, it seems ISIS is making all the moves and attracting all the excitement and we still don’t know why that is. Let’s hope they actually detail their technology and services sometime soon. Read on for full press details.

HTC, LG, Motorola Mobility, RIM, Samsung Mobile, Sony Ericsson and DeviceFidelity to Implement Isis NFC and Technology Standards

Mobile Device Makers to Accelerate Adoption of Mobile Commerce; NFC Architecture Provides Security and Convenience

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Isis, the joint venture between AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, announced today that HTC, LG, Motorola Mobility, RIM, Samsung Mobile and Sony Ericsson will introduce NFC-enabled mobile devices that implement Isis’ NFC and technology standards. For consumers who have or purchase smartphones that are not NFC-enabled, Isis is working with DeviceFidelity to add NFC functionality to the mobile device, ensuring a wide range of consumer choice.

“Working together with the device makers and our founding mobile carriers, Isis can provide the consumer choice and scale necessary for widespread adoption of mobile commerce.”

“Isis’ technology standards provide the direction and certainty needed for the development and deployment of NFC devices and the mobile commerce ecosystem,” said Scott Mulloy, chief technology officer, Isis. “Working together with the device makers and our founding mobile carriers, Isis can provide the consumer choice and scale necessary for widespread adoption of mobile commerce.”

NFC-enabled phones will allow Isis consumers to securely make payments, store and present loyalty cards and redeem offers at participating merchants with the tap of their phones.

“Today’s announcement signals the growing acceptance of NFC technology by some of the world’s leading device makers,” said Kouji Kodera, chief product officer, HTC Corporation. “At HTC, we see tremendous opportunities for consumers and merchants as we move beyond traditional payments to a future of NFC-enabled mobile commerce.”

“NFC technology on LG devices will provide consumers with an all-in-one mobile experience that delivers convenience without comprising security or piece of mind,” said Jeff Hwang, president, LG Mobile Phones. “Creating the ideal mobile wallet, LG NFC enabled devices will help change the way consumers shop, pay and save.”

“NFC is the future of mobile payments and will ensure that transactions are done securely from mobile devices,” said Christy Wyatt, corporate vice president of software and services product management, Motorola Mobility. “Through working with Isis as well as the broader Android ecosystem, we look forward to providing consumers with NFC-enabled handsets that make mobile commerce a reality.”

By using NFC-enabled smartphones, Isis will enhance how consumers, banks, payment networks and merchants interact, significantly modernizing the payment experience.

“RIM is working in close collaboration with Isis to help make the concept of mobile commerce a reality,” said Andrew Bocking, vice president of BlackBerry Software, Research In Motion. “The new line-up of BlackBerry® 7 smartphones include various models that are NFC-enabled and demonstrates RIM’s commitment to enabling NFC-based experiences on BlackBerry.”

“The key to widespread adoption of mobile commerce will be the broad availability of NFC-enabled handsets,” said Dale Sohn, president, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile). “Samsung Mobile will be working with Isis and the mobile carriers to ensure NFC-enabled handsets are widely available to consumers.”

Isis is committed to developing a comprehensive, open mobile commerce platform that aligns the interests of all key stakeholders and provides consumers with freedom of choice and security.

“NFC offers consumers the ability to broaden their communication experience beyond the phone, and common standards and best practices are key to a secure and convenient mobile commerce experience. Sony Ericsson is poised to be part of this movement and to drive the development of new, exciting and creative experiences to deliver the most entertaining smartphones,” said Jan Uddenfeldt, chief technology officer, Sony Ericsson.

“DeviceFidelity is proud to be among those chosen by Isis to power its NFC mobile wallet offering,” said Deepak Jain, chief executive officer and co-founder, DeviceFidelity. “Working side-by-side with Isis and leading handset makers, we aim to provide the scale and choice of consumer preferred devices to ignite the industry and assure continual mass adoption of mobile commerce.”

Telstra Flips On 4G LTE Switch In Australia – Deafens Crowd With Special Guest Rebecca Black [Video]

Posted by on September 28, 2011 No comments

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To help celebrate the launch of their new 4G LTE network in Australia, Telstra has teamed up with none other than HTC to deliver the carrier’s first 4G device. At the moment, it’s only known under the codename “HTC 4G.” While HTC/Telstra was rather mum on details, they did reveal that the device will feature a 4.5-inch qHD display and dual-core processor for a release in the first half of 2012.

Oh — and the best part? To help kick off the festivities, Telstra was gracious enough to provide for YouTube sensation/phenomena, Rebecca Black (I couldn’t make this up if I tried). In a musical performance that could only be described as the world’s best Rick Roll from a national carrier and it’s for that — I commend you, Telstra.

[Via Telstra 1, Telstra 2, Rebecca Black]

Nvidia Tegra 3 Kal-El ZTE tablet spotted in China

Posted by on September 27, 2011 No comments

T98 quad-core tab pictured
Nvidia Tegra 3 Kal-El ZTE tablet spotted in China

If you thought that the first sighting of an Nvidia Tegra 3 chip, aka Kal-El, would be inside a tablet from Samsung, Motorola, HTC or one of the other big guns then think again, because it's ZTE who looks to have nabbed the d?but quad-core action.

At least, it's the maker of the first Tegra 3 device to be spotted in the wild - the ZTE T98 which has popped up at at a Beijing-based expo covered in an unhealthy amount of fingerprint smudges.

Apart from the quad-core (or should that be pent-core?) action, the ZTE T98 is running Android 3.2, has a 7-inch 1280x800 HD display, boasts 1GB of RAM and packs 16GB of onboard storage.

Cameras are 5- and 2-megapixel, with 1080p action mentioned - although this is probably referring to its output. There's a 4,000mAh battery built in.

The "Ultra Thin" description is pushing it a bit. At 11.5mm it's certainly no fatty - but it's not going to worry Samsung or Toshiba.

No word on pricing or availability as of yet although the suggestion is that it's Hong Kong and Taiwan bound to begin with.

Read

Tags: Tablets Nvidia Tegra 3 Nvidia Kal-El ZTE T98 ZTE

Nvidia Tegra 3 Kal-El ZTE tablet spotted in China 

Nvidia Tegra 3 Kal-El ZTE tablet spotted in China originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:44:00 +0100

Updated HTC Thunderbolt OTA Page on Verizon Likely Means Rollout is Close

Posted by on September 27, 2011 No comments

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Verizon’s updated the Thunderbolt’s OTA PDA file on their website to reflect the changes in the latest update for the HTC Thunderbolt to Android 2.3. One of the most notable features they mention is the customizable dock on the homescreen, but we also get some power management and download management goods.

There is a whole laundry list of updates, changes and enhancements so take a look at that below. Over the weekend, this same build was leaked for those to flash and use. You can find the download and instructions here.

We won’t jump the gun and say that leak is likely final, but we’d at least tell you not to worry as it seems HTC and Verizon are indeed on track to deliver this thing by the end of this month (this Friday). [AP]

Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software update, Build Number: 2.11.605.3; Baseband: 1.48.00.0906w_1, 0.01.78.0906w_2, for your ThunderBolt by HTC. This update provides several improvements for your device, as well as upgrading to the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System (OS).

Enhancements:

+ Download Manager App:
New App to manage all of your downloads from web browsing, email attachments and other apps.

+ App and Power Management Details:
Under Manage Applications, a new "Running" tab displays a list of active applications and the storage and memory being used by each. Power efficiency mode option has also been added under Settings > Power.

+ New Desktop User Interface:
New widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.

+ Dock Icons:
Static Phone, App Launcher and Contacts icons are replaced within a customizable dock. Three swappable icons and the App Launcher icon are fixed to the Dock at the bottom of all home screen panels for easy and instant access.

Additional device features:
+ Alarm notifications will no longer appear while in Emergency Mode.
+ Improved data connectivity.
+ Improved audio quality while using Bluetooth®.
+ Decreased wait time when saving audio attachments.
+ V CAST Tones now comes preloaded.
+ New Google Books app.
+ Enhanced UI for data roaming.
+ SMS messages send to correct recipient.
+ Reduced Force Close errors while using TuneWiki.
+ Reduced Force Close errors when using the front camera.
+ Audio on BT Car Kit no longer reroutes to phone when receiving a SMS message.

HTC’s October 6th UK Event is Definitely for a Beats Branded Handset

Posted by on September 27, 2011 No comments

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Members of the UK press have received further details regarding the October 6th event HTC informed everyone about. The invitation clearly shows Beats headphones so we expect them to announce at least one of the rumored handsets shipping with this technology.

Considering the HTC Vigor is headed to Verizon and this event is being held in the UK, we’ll rule that out. That leaves us with the HTC Runnymede, which has recently been rumored to come to retail as either the HTC Bass or the HTC Sensation XL

The latter name would refer to the fact that it has a 4.7 inch display compared to the Sensation’s 4.3. Unfortunately, this one won’t have a dual-core Snapdragon processor, but the 1.5GHz single core chipset inside should handle HTC Sense with ease. And we’re expecting Beats music integration, of course. It all unfolds on October 6th and we’ll be checking the newswire viciously that day. [SlashGear]

HTC EVO Design 4G Appears In Official Press Image

Posted by on September 27, 2011 No comments

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The HTC EVO Design 4G for Sprint has popped in an official press shot for the device. The EVO Design was formerly known as the HTC Kingdom and will also be headed to US Cellular under the Hero S title. The device will feature a modest 1.2GHz single-core Snapdragon, 768MB of RAM, 4-inch qHD display, 5MP rear/1.3MP front facing cameras and running on Android 2.3.3. Given the fact HTC has cut back on many of the higher-end specs we’ve come to expect on devices like the EVO 3D, I would imagine this device will be priced right a lot less. This will make the EVO Design 4G stand out for Sprint shoppers on budget. Still no word on release date but with a leaked press shot — we don’t imagine it could be too far now.

[Via Pocketnow]

HTC Runnymede Gets Caught on Video, Might be Branded the HTC Sensation XL

Posted by on September 26, 2011 No comments

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Another HTC phone that’s been making the rounds lately is the HTC Runnymede. It’s poised to be one of the first Beats headphones after HTC acquired the company. Inside will be a 1.5GHz single-core processor and a 4.7 inch display, according to rumored specs. It will also be bundled with Beats headphones (different sets depending on which bundle you get).

Rumors once pegged the phone as the HTC Bass, but according to a supposed trusted source of PocketNow’s, it may come to market as the HTC Sensation XL The XL, of course, refers to its 4.7 inch display over the Sensation’s 4.3 inches. Unfortunately, the processor won’t be quite as good (though single-core Snapdragons are not bad by any stretch of the imagination). Perhaps this is one of the phones HTC’s announcing at their early October event. We’ll see. (Head to Engadget for the video as we figure out why Viddler hates us right now.) [Engadget, PocketNow]

Leak: HTC Vigor Gets Profile Shots, Software Videos and a Possible Retail Name [Rezound]

Posted by on September 26, 2011 No comments

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More leaks for you today. This time, it pertains to the HTC Vigor that should be seeing a launch on Verizon sometime soon. Droid-Life got their hands on some profile shots of the device all its glory. There’s not much to see here – it’s your typical HTC design, but you can see a bit of “Verizon” strewn about that back cover.

HDBlog was able to scrape up a couple of video tours of the HTC Vigor, likely to be used on the device itself. Users will most probably be directed to a “getting started” guide upon setting their phone up where they can view these. Nothing out of the ordinary, though we are at least reassured this is coming out soon. Take a look at the short video above and be sure to hit the source link for more.

Finally, the HTC Vigor appears to be in Verizon’s system as the “HTC Rezound”. That name sounds very credible for retail considering this is poised to be one of HTC’s “Beats” smartphones. It looks like this one will not be graced with DROID branding (but will still be a fantastic device). [Droid-Life 1|2, HD Blog]

Downloads: HTC Vigor Wallpapers, Ringtones and More

Posted by on September 23, 2011 No comments

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We wouldn’t normally get excited about goodies pulled from a phone’s ROM ahead of its official release (or announcement, for that matter) but considering the HTC Vigor runs HTC Sense 3.5 we had to highlight this occasion. Android Police have gotten their hands on a lot of stuff for us to sink our teeth into.

Ringtones and notification sounds, wallpapers (static and live) and the bootanimation are all available for download. I spot a few new HTC-provided wallpapers I haven’t seen before and Verizon’s Wave live wallpaper looks interesting, to say the least. Find all the downloads below.

HTC Vigor Wallpaper

HTC Vigor Verizon Wave Live Wallpaper (install like any other app)

HTC Vigor Ringtones

HTC Vigor Notification Tones

HTC Vigor Boot Animation