Android and Me » htc desire

HTC Dev team unlocks bootloads for the Wildfire S, Wildfire, Salsa, Merge and Desire

Nick Gray — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:40:35 +0000

The HTC Dev is starting 2012 off with a bang by adding support to unlock the bootloaders for five more HTC devices. If you own the HTC Wildfire S, Wildfire, Salsa, Merge or Desire you will now be able to unlock your handset using HTC’s official bootloader unlock tool directly from the HTC Dev website. HTC’s website indicates that there are currently 22 different HTC devices which can be unlocked, but that number should continue to grow as the HTC Dev team adds older phones to the list.

We’d like to remind you that using HTC’s official unlock tool carries the same (if not more) risks as rooting and unlocking your phone with tools created by the Android development community. Just make sure you know all the potential risks before you embark on your bootloader unlocking adventure.

Have any of you used HTC’s official bootloader unlocking tool on our phone?

Samsung Christmas gift: no Ice Cream Sandwich for the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab

Nick Gray — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:12:56 +0000

Samsung has delivered a devastating blow, announcing that the original Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab will not be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich. Since the Galaxy S features the same hardware configuration as the Nexus S (which is currently receiving an OTA update to ICS), Samsung claims that the phone’s limited ROM and RAM are insufficient since they would not be able to fit TouchWiz, video calling software, and other various carrier services.

With more than 10 million units sold, the Samsung Galaxy S was the very first successful Android phone in Samsung’s lineup. We’re curious to see how consumers react to the news. A short while ago, HTC faced a similar situation with the HTC Desire since the handset did not feature enough internal memory to run Gingerbread with HTC Sense. Public outcry forced HTC to eventually release a Gingerbread update with a lighter version of HTC Sense.

We know that stripping out features from TouchWiz in order to make Android 4.0 fit on the Samsung Galaxy S may not sound like an ideal solution for all consumers, but we’re guessing that most would like to at least have the option of upgrading to ICS even if it’s not the full experience that Samsung wants its customers to have.

Telstra goes Senseless, removes HTC Sense from HTC Desire’s Gingerbread update

Nick Gray — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:58:55 +0000

If you thought the HTC Desire Gingerbread saga was over, think again! After announcing the HTC Desire would not be updated to Gingerbread due to the handset’s internal memory limitation, HTC backtracked. They stated a stripped down version of HTC Sense would allow them to fit the new update on the phone. But now Telstra has a solution of their own. Rather than strip out a few extra app or widgets from HTC Sense, Telstra plans to update the HTC Desire to Gingerbread by not including HTC Sense in the Rom at all.

Due to the increased memory requirements of the ‘Gingerbread’ update, new software that does not include HTC’s Sense UI is being prepared.Telstra Support

Android purists should be really excited about this news. Many of you commented before that HTC should simply strip out Sense in order to make Gingerbread fit on the Desire. While we applaud Telstra for taking the matter seriously and listening to the community, we’re not exactly sure how Telstra’s HTC Desire users will feel about this move. Removing Sense from the Desire will completely change the phone and how users interact with it.

Has Telstra made the right call by stripping out HTC Sense in order to fit the Gingerbread update?

HTC: Never mind, Gingerbread is coming to the HTC Desire (Update: HTC explains why)

Alberto Vildosola — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:32:08 +0000

Talk about backpedaling. Not even 24 hours after HTC said the Desire wouldn’t be getting the Gingerbread update, the company is saying the complete opposite. Yesterday, HTC blamed the Desire’s 512 MB ROM memory for the device not getting Gingerbread, saying:

Our engineering teams have been working hard for the past few months to find a way to bring Gingerbread to the HTC Desire without compromising the HTC Sense experience you’ve come to expect from our phones. However, we’re sorry to announce that we’ve been forced to accept there isn’t enough memory to allow us both to bring Gingerbread and keep the HTC Sense experience on the HTC Desire. We’re sincerely sorry for the disappointment that this news may bring to some of you.HTC UKFacebook

Well, apparently something has changed. HTC took to Facebook once again this morning with the following message:

Contrary to what we said earlier, we are going to bring Gingerbread to HTC Desire.HTC UKFacebook

Huzzah! I think. While it’s good news that Desire users will be getting Gingerbread, HTC still doesn’t explain what changed since yesterday that now allows the Desire to get Gingerbread. Was the ROM memory limitation just an excuse? And did they only retracted it because of the public outcry? Maybe.

In fact, some pretty big names in the tech world believe HTC made up this limitation because they want to sell newer models. Hopefully that’s not what’s going on here. I’d hate to see HTC start leaving devices behind just so customers will have to upgrade to the latest gadget.

What do you guys think? Was this a mistake from HTC’s PR department? Or is something much more sinister going on behind the curtains? Let us know in the comments.

UPDATE: HTC has taken to Facebook once again, this time with an explanation on why the company changed its mind on the Desire update. It turns out the Gingerbread update couldn’t fit on the Desire due to some third-party apps — aka bloatware. HTC has removed some of these “apps” from the update, and that’s why the Desire is now able to get Gingerbread. Hurray for less bloatware!

HTC makes it official, Android 2.2 roll-out for HTC Desire starting this weekend

Nick Gray — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:38:37 +0000

It’s official, the Android 2.2 update for the HTC Desire will be rolling out to handsets in Europe starting this weekend. We were hoping that HTC’s Android 2.2 update for the HTC Desire would start rolling out yesterday, but it looks like Mark Moons jumped the gun just a little. The Froyo update for the HTC Desire will enable 720p video recording, support iTunes sync functionality, and add the application sharing widget and the caller ID features found on the recently released HTC Wildfire.

The OTA update will start pinging unlocked HTC Desire handsets this weekend. Currently, the Android 2.2 update is slated only for the unlocked version of the HTC Desire. Operator specific versions of the Desire will most likely be getting the Froyo update within the next few weeks, when final testing is completed.

Show Press Release

The Android 2.2 (FroYo) update for HTC Desire will start rolling out across Europe this weekend. As well as including the complete set of Android 2.2 features, the update will contain a few special additions of our own through the latest iteration of HTC Sense. The update will provide 720p video capture, HTC’s App Share widget, as well as our enhanced HTC Caller ID, and improved multi-language keyboard. Also, through the update, HTC Sync will allow HTC Desire users to sync their music with iTunes.

HTC Desire users will be notified that the over-the-air update is available to download when their phone automatically checks for software updates. The update won’t delete any of the phone’s content. However, due to the size of the update, we would advise using a WiFi connection to download it wherever possible to avoid additional data charges.

This update will initially roll out to unlocked HTC Desire handsets. Operator specific versions of the update are undergoing testing and we expect to make them available in several weeks’ time.

Android 2.2 rollout for HTC Desire to start tomorrow?

Nick Gray — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:31:21 +0000

It seems as though all anyone is talking about these days is Froyo. Currently the only phone to have received the Android 2.2 update is the Nexus One, but if Mark Moons (HTC Benelux Director) is to be believed, HTC will start rolling out the new update to the HTC Desire starting tomorrow. The fact that HTC is working on a Froyo build for the HTC Desire comes as no surprise to anyone, but you can probably agree with us that the timeframe for the new OTA system update is a little jaw dropping.

As you might remember, HTC took nearly 5 months to roll out their Android 2.1 update to the HTC Hero. HTC did state that the Android 2.2 build would be hitting HTC devices by year’s end, but most of us expected a release date towards the end of September. We’re waiting to hear back from our contacts at HTC, hoping that they can officially confirm Mark Moons’ tweet. Anyone else a little shocked that the rollout is coming so soon?

UPDATE: Right before we hit the publish button, we hear back from HTC. It looks like Mark’s Twitter announcement came a little early, but we could see the Android 2.2 rollout “possibly as early as tomorrow, but some things still need to be checked before we can confirm a specific day.” The fact that HTC is on track to roll out the update so soon should silence quite a few people who have been complaining about HTC Sense and the additional time it takes to develop the custom UI on top of the new Android build.

HTC Desire and Nexus One to be fitted with SLCD displays, DROID Incredible sticks with AMOLED

Nick Gray — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:42:03 +0000

HTC has officially announced their switch from AMOLED to SLCD displays for the Nexus One and HTC Desire. Low supplies of the Samsung sourced AMOLED display has led to manufacturing delays for several HTC handsets.

The new SLCD displays from SONY offer boarder viewing angles, improved battery performance and improved visibility in direct sunlight. The display switch for the two HTC phones is expected to happen later this summer.

Surprisingly, HTC’s press release made no mention of the HTC made DROID Incredible which is sold by Verizon. The DROID Incredible has been experiencing supply shortage issues since launch due to Samsung’s AMOLED screens. We reached out to out contacts at HTC and received the following reply:

“Because AMOLED supply is being relieved on other models, we currently feel we can meet demand of Droid Incredible with AMOLED screens. Of course we may need to change our minds and add sLCD screen models should demand continue to remain high.”HTC PR Rep

The AMOLED supply shift for the other two HTC phones to SLCD should be enough to accommodate the necessary displays needed to keeps the DROID Incredible stocked on store shelves. We’re not sure if HTC’s move to SONY’s SLCD displays is permanent, but we’re pretty confident that HTC will do whatever it takes to make sure customers can purchase whichever HTC phone they want.

Show Press Release

HTC officially moving to SLCD displays for the Nexus One and HTC Desire

HTC Introduces SLCD Display Technology To Its Portfolio

New Displays to be integrated into HTC Desire and Nexus One

Taoyuan, TAIWAN – July 26, 2010 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today introduced Super LCD display (SLCD) technology into a variety of HTC phones including the HTC Desire and global Nexus One later this summer. The SLCD display offers an exceptional natural balanced colour, clear contrast, broad viewing angles and improved power efficiency.

“HTC is experiencing high-demand for many of our phones, specifically our phones with 3.7 inch displays. The new SLCD display technology enables us to ramp up our production capabilities quickly to meet the high-demand,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The SLCD displays provide consumers with a comparable visual experience to HTC’s current 3.7 inch displays with some additional benefits including battery performance.”

SLCD is the latest generation of LCD technology that offers improved performance from earlier LCD panels including approximately five times better power management. SLCDs also offer an enhanced viewing experience with wider viewing angles that are enabled by Sony’s new VSPEC III™ technology.

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

HTC Desire HD coming in October with a 4.3″ screen, 8 MP camera and unibody construction

Sean Riley — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:43:19 +0000

Sadly no photos of the elusive beast as of yet (that’s the original Desire pictured above), but the guys over at SuperETrader have some rumored specs to go along with a rumored October launch date in the UK for the HTC Desire HD (previously known as the HTC Ace).

As the title suggests the three big bullet points here are a .6″ jump in screen size for those that were feeling a little constrained on their original Desire, a 3 MP bump for the camera which will also boast 720p video recording, and despite the Desire name this device will also reportedly carry some Legend DNA as it borrows the unibody aluminum construction from the Legend that so many users fell in love with.

The partially metallic Motorola Droid and now Droid X are touted as having a more solid feel than some of their plastic competition, but unibody aluminum is taking it to a whole new level.

Check below for the full rundown of rumored specs, notably missing is any mention of a front facing camera or HDMI out on this otherwise very Evo-ish handset.

Anyone excited at the prospect of a super sized HTC Desire/Legend hybrid?

4.3 inch WVGA Touch Screen
8 Megapixel Camera
1 GHZ Qualcomm Processor
Android 2.2 OS
HD 720p Video Capture
Xvid Video Playback
SRS Surround Sound
Automatic Face Tracking
Adobe Flash 10.1 Support
4GB Internal Memory (up to 32GB)
E-book Reader Feature
Unibody Aluminium Design

Samsung’s Super AMOLED display takes on LCD and AMOLED in direct sunlight

Nick Gray — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:27:58 +0000

Those in the market for a new Android phone have quite a daunting task ahead of them. Back in the day (only a about a year ago), customers simply had to choose between the touch-only HTC Magic and Samsung Galaxy and the QWERTY equipped HTC Dream. Internal specifications for all three handsets were pretty much identical and Android 1.5 was the standard build for all three. But today, things are a little more complicated. There are different versions of Android, different customer UI choices, a slew of options in different form factors, and a variety of different features and specifications to look at.

Most newcomers to android who are simply moving up from a feature phone will most likely opt for the most reasonable handset on their current carrier, but those reading this blog are already pitting their current android phone against phones that haven’t even hit the market yet. While most people focus on speed and performance, Samsung is hoping that their new Super AMOLED technology will take center stage in the years to come. Their Super ALOMOED technology offers a much brighter display while saving battery power. By reducing the number of layers between the human eye and the actual screen, Samsung is able to reduce the price, while increasing brightness and battery efficiency.

Techblog has just posted up a side-by-side comparison of the SONY Ericsson XPERIA X10, HTC Desire, and Samsung Galaxy S to show off how the SUPER AMOLED display on the Galaxy S fairs against the competing technologies. The video demonstration shows that the older LCD display on the X10 still has slight advantage in direct sunlight, but Super AMOLED is a huge improvement over the stander AMOLED screen on the HTC Desire.

For now, Samsung appears to be keeping their entire production of Super AOLED screen t to themselves for the Galaxy S and their Bada lineup. But as production of the new technology rams up over the next year or so, we should start seeing the new Super AMOLED display show up on other Android devices as well. Out question to you: is Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology a key you are looking for in your next Android smartphone?

HTC Desire coming to U.S. via regional carriers this August

Taylor Wimberly — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:56:36 +0000

HTC’s high-end Android phone, the Desire, will finally make its way to the United States later this year thanks to some regional carriers. The handset maker informed us today that the Desire will be available this August on “select regional operators”, but they did not mention which ones.

U.S. Cellular already announced they would carry the phone, but the other carriers remain a mystery at this point. A quick check of HTC’s “Where to buy” page list Cellular South as another regional carrier that sells their phones. We have already seen Cellular South launch the HTC Hero and they just announced the Motorola Milestone, so I would say they make a good candidate to also land the Desire.

AT&T and T-Mobile are still without a 1 GHz Android phone in their retail stores, so it will be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of months. Could a smaller regional carrier actually offer an Android “superphone” before their larger competitors?

Update: As pointed out in the comments, Cellular South announced the HTC Desire via Facebook.

HTC includes two regional carriers on their site.

“Just wanted to let you know that the HTC Desire will be coming to the US via select regional operators beginning this August. The operators will have more specific details on the device (pricing, specifications, etc.) as we get closer to availability, but I can tell you that it will feature the same 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Android 2.1 with HTC Sense that has proven so popular on the international version of HTC Desire.

The HTC Hero has already been well received by customers in regional markets, and the HTC Desire represents the next step for HTC in bringing the power of Android and the usability of HTC Sense to even more consumers across the country. We’ll continue to keep you posted as we get closer to availability.”HTC spokesperson