HTC Sheds Light On Plans For One Max, One Mini, And EVO 4G LTE Updates

HTC says Android 4.4 updates for the One max and One mini are currently being built and tested internally within HTC. The One Max’s update is expected to hit first, with an estimated arrival in March, while the One Mini’s KitKat update can be expected sometime in April.

HTC also revealed its plans for the EVO 4G LTE on Sprint. Owners of the HTC EVO 4G LTE will be happy to hear HTC is prepping an Android 4.3 update for the device, however due to memory partition size limit, the software won’t be made available over the air. Instead, HTC is creating a manual update process for “technical users” that want 4.3 on their devices. HTC is currently testing this update process and is looking for EVO 4G LTE owners to help out. You can get in touch with HTC by shooting an email to HTCTrial@htc.com.

HTC has caught some hell in the past for some of its actions regarding Android updates, such as the decision to stop providing major updates to the One S less than a year and a half after its launch. The Taiwanese firm seems to be placing more of a focus on providing updates for its flagship hardware lately, though sharing information about the rollout of updates and pushing them out in a timely manner. That’s a smart move from a company that had a pretty bumpy 2013 as it will help restore consumer confidence in HTC and perhaps push it have a better 2014.

Source: Reddit

Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE Android 4.3 Update Confirmed For February

HTC’s Jason Mackenzie confirmed on Twitter that carrier testing of the update will start in mid-January with the consumer release scheduled for mid-February.

The Android 4.3 update for the Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE will include all the usual features from Google plus a major facelift for the UI as the phone will be getting HTC Sense 5. It’s still unclear if the HTC EVO 4G LTE will eventually be upgraded to KitKat (Android 4.4). The phone is essentially a re-branded version of the HTC One X, but even that phone hasn’t officially been blessed as an Android 4.4 update candidate.

Since HTC is being transparent about the end-to-end update process for its deviceshere in the US, let’s hope they can sort things out and let consumers know if they should be expecting the latest version of Android on HTC’s 2012 flagship phones.

Source: HTCSource

HTC Sense 5 Beta Available For HTC EVO 4G LTE

HTC Sense 5 has been ported over to the HTC EVO 4G LTE, and the first public beta has been released to the public.


There are reportedly a few bugs being beaten to death for the next release, and right now the focus, according to the development thread, is more on development than supporting a public user base. But still, a public beta is now available if you’re interested in seeing what it looks like.

There have been various leaks recently pointing to the EVO 4G LTE being on the short list to get Sense 5, but it looks like it’ll be completely here for rooted users very soon.

It should be noted that the gallery and Bluetooth don’t function correctly, and there are some sizing issues with a few things that stem from the HTC ONE M7 base image that’s being used. I would expect those to be ironed out fairly quickly after the important things are rock solid.

Unfortunately I can’t flash anything on my phone that could take it down for any amount of time for the next couple of weeks, so I’m stuck oooohing and ahhhhing at pictures and reports of the preliminary HTC Sense 5 fabulousness.

If you’re planning on trying this out, don’t expect a daily driver (although many have reported it’s quite capable), and don’t pester the developers too much on what works and what doesn’t. It’s a huge project and it’s here a lot sooner than I would have expected.

As for HTC Sense 5, it looks like quite a step in the right direction. I’ll be extremely interested to see what the end-result resource footprint of the thing ends up being in comparison to the mighty hog that Sense 4 has been.

If you give it a try, let us know how it works for you.



Source: XDA-Developers

Check Out The Latest PlayStation Mobile Certified HTC Devices

Back in early October that Sony finally released their long awaited PlayStation Mobile app for a few certified HTC devices the HTC One X, S, and V. But as many of readers pointed out in the announcement post, there were a few notable exceptions curiously left out of the PlayStation party. Today, Sony is fixing that by adding a handful of new One cousins to the mix, adding the HTC One X+, One XL, and EVO 4G LTE to the list of officially certified PlayStation mobile devices.

PlayStation Mobile App download

HTC EVO 4G LTE Receives OTA Update To 3.16.651.3

The HTC EVO 4G LTE is receiving an OTA update to 3.16.651.3. Which bring's some much needed bug fixes and other improvements to the device.

Weighing in at 44MB, users are reporting improvements to the proximity sensor, fixes to the camera shutter sound, and improved voice mail.

Here is the official changelog, as listed on the Sprint Community Forum:

• Proximity sensor improvements while on a call or listening to voicemail
• Ability to output audio/video to HDTV (and other external displays via MHL cable
• WiFi Connection improvements
• Bluetooth compatibility improvements
• Android process/application shutdown resolved

Source: Android Central

Yahoo Moves Away From BlackBerry Smartphones

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is instituting a new company policy called Yahoo! Smart Phones, Smart Fun!” according to an internal memo obtained by Business Insider. Under the new policy, full and part time U.S. employees of Yahoo will be receiving their choice of the iPhone 5, Galaxy S III, HTC One X, EVO 4G LTE or Nokia Lumia 920.

In addition to buying the devices, Yahoo will also be covering the monthly plans for data and voice.

The possible casualty in this fight is that this means Yahoo is moving away from the company supplied BlackBerry devices, and they are not offered amongst the choices. As Mayer states in the memo, “we’d like our employees to have devices similar to our users, so we can think and work as the majority of our users do.” RIM can’t be too happy about such a statement, but considering the declining market share of the BlackBerry line, it makes sense.

No word as to when the new phones will be arriving in employee hands, but seeing as some of the devices have not yet been released, it would appear it will be a staged rollout.

The thought process behind this initiative is:

We have a very exciting update to share with you today – we are announcing Yahoo! Smart Phones, Smart Fun! As of today, Yahoo is moving off of BlackBerries as our corporate phones and on to smartphones in 22 countries. A few weeks ago, we said that we would look into smartphone penetration rates globally and take those rates into account when deciding on corporate phones. Ideally, we’d like our employees to have devices similar to our users, so we can think and work as the majority of our users do.

Moving forward, we’ll offer you a choice of devices as well as provide monthly plans for the data and phone.

The smartphone choices that we are including in the program are:

* Apple iPhone 5

* Android:

- Samsung Galaxy S3

- HTC One X

- HTC EVO 4G LTE

* Windows Phone 8:

- Nokia Lumia 920

We’re getting started right away and taking orders starting now.

Google Says Official Fix For Google Wallet Is Coming Soon For HTC EVO 4G LTE

Google has just updated its Play Store listing for Google Wallet with one little tidbit for HTC EVO 4G LTE owners: “Google Wallet will be unavailable on the EVO 4G until an OTA update in July.”

This is significant for several reasons: first, it’s a very public recognition from Google that it’s aware of the problem and already has a solution in mind. Second, we finally have a timeframe in which we can expect a fix, even though it’s still somewhat vague. And third, we have semi-official confirmation that the EVO 4G LTE will indeed get an OTA update in July.

Granted, there’s still three weeks left in July, and Sprint also doesn’t have the best track record with OTA updates as of late. But in any case, Google seems confident that the problem will be fixed before the end of the month, and while I still think that this whole debacle was absolutely ridiculous and completely unprofessional, it looks like it will all be over soon.

HTC EVO 4G LTE Official Website Now Live

Sprint has just launched its new dedicated landing site for the HTC EVO 4G LTE, which you can preorder on May 7 and will be released sometime in the second quarter. To sign up for email reminders, just visit sprint.com/evo4glte and enter your email address there.

Additionally, in Sprint and HTC's official press release that announces the new EVO, Sprint confirmed that unlimited data plans will remain the same price, starting at $79.99/month for individual plans (this already includes the $10 premium data add-on).

The full press release appears below for those that are interested, don't forget to head on over to our comment section and post your impressions of the device.

Full Press Release:

HTC EVO 4G LTE, Exclusively from Sprint, First HD Voice-capable Smartphone Available in the U.S.; Offers Best-in-Class Features, including Beats Audio, Amazing Camera and HD Display

Next-generation EVO offers the ability to enjoy industry-leading features without fear of overage charges or throttling with unlimited data plans for new and existing Sprint customers.

Available in Q2 for $199.99; Register for updates at www.sprint.com/evo4glte

NEW YORK – April 4, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S), the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network¹, and HTC, a global designer of smartphones, announce the next evolution of the award-winning HTC EVO™ family: HTC EVO™ 4G LTE. HTC EVO 4G LTE focuses on exceptional improvements in camera technology, audio and voice quality on both the network and device.

HTC EVO 4G LTE will be available in the second quarter for $199.99 (excludes taxes and surcharges). The availability date will be announced later. Customers can sign up for updates today at www.sprint.com/evo4glte, and pre-order will begin Monday, May 7, at www.sprint.com.

HTC EVO 4G LTE is built on Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, integrated with HTC Sense™ 4. HTC EVO 4G LTE boasts brilliant features, including a vibrant 4.7-inch HD display, HD voice capabilities, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, large 2000mAh embedded battery and dual-cameras (8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.3-megapixel front-facing) with instant capture capability. HTC EVO 4G LTE brings back the fan-favorite kickstand built into the smartphone’s refined, slim design.

With the launch of HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint becomes the first U.S. carrier to announce plans for a nationwide HD Voice network beginning in late 2012 as part of Sprint’s Network Vision program.

HD Voice is the next-generation evolution of voice quality and the future of voice communications for mobile phones. The service will provide fuller, more natural-sounding and less fatiguing voice quality and should reduce troublesome background noises often found in a cafe or on the street.² Users should expect to identify voices and hear every word better than ever. Sprint's commitment to HD Voice starts with HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint’s first HD Voice capable device.

"Sprint has a long history of leading the wireless industry in innovation, and the debut of HTC EVO 4G LTE marks another chapter in that innovation story," said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. "Once again, we are partnering with HTC to deliver the benchmark Android device for the year with the next generation of our award-winning EVO brand. We know our customers will appreciate the focus on audio and voice quality with EVO 4G LTE, including the addition of Beats Audio and HD Voice capability."

HTC EVO 4G LTE is Sprint’s first device with HTC’s Authentic Sound experience integrating Beats Audio™. The technology enables customers to hear music the way the artist intended with unique audio tuning that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs.

HTC EVO 4G LTE incorporates Beats Audio across the entire phone experience, including playing music stored on the device, streaming from a favorite service, watching a movie or YouTube™ video, or playing the latest hot game. HTC Sync Manager software also lets users easily get their music on the device from their PC, and it works with current programs, including iTunes^®.

"The partnership between HTC and Sprint has resulted in one of the most popular and successful smartphone brands of all time with over 7 million EVO devices sold to date," said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Corporation. "With HTC EVO 4G LTE, we've created a desirable successor that is sure to excite the millions of current EVO customers and beyond with HTC’s distinct design, amazing camera and authentic sound."

ADVANCING SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

HTC EVO 4G LTE makes mobile photography and video easy and intuitive.

• The on-screen photo and video buttons are right next to each other so users don’t have to switch modes. This allows the user to take video and still photos concurrently.
• It makes the whole idea of “video mode” or “photo mode” irrelevant. While shooting a video, the user can just tap the shutter button and it captures a still image of that exact moment. Still images can also be captured during video playback.
• HTC EVO 4G LTE’s camera has a super-fast start-up time and auto-focus. With the fast auto-focus, users can easily stay with a moving object or person, taking numerous pictures just by holding the shutter button.

In addition, HTC ImageSense™ technology combines hardware and software advancements to the camera lens, sensor and software, including integration of a new custom HTC ImageChip, to take great photos even in adverse conditions. The best-in-class f/2.0 camera lens lets in 44 percent more light than the lenses used on most camera phones. The Smart Flash also adjusts the flash strength based on how far away the object is, so users won’t get photos where everything looks washed out.

REFINED STYLE AND DESIGN

Crafted from aluminum spaceframe in an anodized black finish, HTC EVO 4G LTE delivers cutting-edge function and style in a thin and distinctive design. The smartphone’s 4.7-inch display and 80-degree viewing angle makes it easier to share pictures and video with others. The multiposition kickstand allows users to watch videos hands-free.

HTC EVO 4G LTE customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones³ – a savings of $40 per month vs. Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month savings vs. Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web.

Sprint recently announced Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service in mid-year 2012. Sprint 4G LTE will enable faster speeds for data applications, and the enhanced 3G service promises better signal strength, faster data speeds, expanded coverage and better in-building performance. The launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Sprint customers in these areas will soon enjoy ultra-fast data speeds and improved 3G voice quality. Whether a Sprint customer is using a smartphone to share a video, checking the Web via a mobile hotspot, Sprint 4G LTE will make it easier. And, when someone makes an important voice call, they can expect to find a clearer connection and a stronger signal in more areas. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About HTC

Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense™, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.  

Visit www.sprint.com/newswroom or www.sprint.com/presskits for more information and images.

Sprint Announces The HTC EVO 4G LTE

The HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint’s variant of the HTC One X, was unveiled today at Sprint’s press event in New York city. Sprint’s CEO, Dan Hesse, took the stage during the press event, showing off what will be Sprint’s flagship smartphone for the summer.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE features a 4.7-inch 720p HD display, a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 8 megapixel rear camera with an f2.0 lens BSI sensor, dedicated imaging chip and HTC’s new Image Sense technology. Other specifications include a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, 1 GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, NFC, LTE and a 2000 mAh battery which will keep the EVO 4G LTE up and running for over 24 hours.

"One of the new unique features found of the HTC EVO 4G LTE is HD Voice. The feature uses voice over LTE in combination with noise cancelling technology on the handset to deliver extremely clear audio calls."

From a design standpoint, the HTC EVO 4G LTE features a uni-body annodized aluminum shell similar to other HTC devices. HTC has brought back the kickstand (painted red) which is featured prominently as a design feature on the back side of the handset. The placement of the kickstand would make most people think that they would be able to use in only in landscape mode, but HTC’s engineering magicians have created a dual-directional kickstand which works in landscape and portrait more – giving user the flexability allowed by the thicker kickstand featured on the HTC Thunderbolt.