Mobile Phone Blog – Mobile phone reviews and news

Google has recently stated that they will be supporting HTC and their co developers for the Android operating system as a response to the infringement lawsuit being filed by Apple against the Taiwanese manufacturing company.

While the lawsuit does not directly affect the Android operating system, it does cover 20 various patents for hardware and software innovations. Apple has been pretty thorough with the lawsuit considering the large amount of patents that it is bringing to the table.

HTC on the other hand has patents of its own and according to reports, the company will be defending their products and innovations. Looks like the International Trade Commission will be going through a lot of filed patents in order to sort out this mess.

In the meanwhile, neither of the two companies has gained the upper hand. Many believe that Apple is hoping that the case would help cripple HTC since the manufacturer is a major partner of Apple’s competitor Google. Should HTC’s manufacturing or shipping processes get complicated, it would mean serious trouble for the Android operating system.

The manufacturer currently has a large lineup of Android devices coming this year starting with a couple of March releases: the HTC Desire and the HTC Legend.

HTC’s Scorpion smart phone is going to be available later this year –posing as a potential threat to the upcoming iPhone 4G. With the Scorpion being considered to be a high end smart phone with a dual core processor, it makes sense that Apple would want to be dealing with less when their new device comes out.

The Apple machine is indeed a scary thing, but Google and HTC are standing their ground. With patent infringement lawsuits being a common occurrence in the mobile industry this will be a standoff amongst pros.

Get more info about the lawsuit from Tech Radar.

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Well, looks like rumors about Windows Phone 7 series have been spreading and this time, it is about existing mobile devices that are capable of running the new operating system. The HTC HD2 is considered to be the most likely Windows Mobile smart phone that would be compatible with an update to the new OS.

First off, here’s a quick summary of the new WP7 platform. It requires a large capacitive touch screen and plenty of processing power. This is because the layout of WP7 is heavily reliant on touch screen input and gestures. It also has plenty of animations and other dynamic content.

The HD2 on the other hand comes with a large capacitive touch screen, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and of course, it runs the old Windows OS. Of course, people tend to forget that the device also uses the HTC Sense UI.

We do know that the new WP7 is not compatible with skinning and old apps for previous versions of the OS. This will leave HD2 owners having to start from zero with their phones if they wish to update to the latest version. Well, it is still unlikely that HD2 will ever get an update to a newer version. At most, it will get some of the ongoing updates for 6.5 (such as the newer Maldives update that popped up a couple of weeks back).

Right now, it is still too early to listen closely to speculations such as these. While the HD2 does have some hardware that fits the minimum needs of WP7, there is no guarantee that the new OS will indeed run smoothly even on a Snapdragon. Looks like we will have to wait and see until later this year when the new OS finally comes out.

Get to read more about the HD2 getting a WP7 update at Stuff TV.

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HTC HD Mini

HTC have recently unveiled a new range of mobile devices of which their new HD Mini is one. It is a Sense-based Windows device and it aims at delivering the improved specifications of the previously very popular HD2 in a much sleeker and compact device. According to Peter Chou, HTC’s Chief Executive Officer, the original HD2 ended up richly exceeding any and all expectations for its demand, which is what led the company to expand and improve upon both its functions and design in the Mini.

Mr Chou stated that ‘the new HD Mini is designed to deliver all of the experience and capabilities of the original HD2 to customers, only in a much improved and more sleek and compact design’ and he hopes that, in this way, the device can fully satisfy customers in terms of both design and function. He also ventured that the integration of HTC Sense and Windows Phone on the HD Mini would give customers much more choice ‘in an advanced Windows phone that is sleek and user-friendly’.

HTC HD Mini

There is little question that the HTC HD Mini has been painstakingly designed, and a lot of attention has clearly been focussed on delivering a user-friendly device. The originality and strength of the design is fully encapsulated and is clearly evident should wish ever remove the battery holder and look under the cover as doing so will reveal a striking yellow interior. Clearly, no design feature has been overlooked in striving for originality.

Much in the vein of all of HTC’s newly-released devices the HD Mini also runs the HTC Sense system which is also extremely user friendly – as Mr Chou stated, ‘with its aim of putting the user at the very heart of their mobile experience.’ Sense is great to use for virtually all users and it affords the user easy navigation between any of the currently open and running screens by means of pinching and tapping via the Leap or ‘Helicopter View’, operating in much the same way as Expose works on the Mac.

HTC HD Mini

The dedication to putting the user at the very heart of things is continued by the user of Outlook integration, which affords the user the opportunity to see multiple shots in one view – be they text messages, photos, e-mails or status updates from social networking sites. The device also comes complete with an application called HTC Peep which is the company’s Windows-based Twitter application, allowing the user to ‘Tweet’ and follow their Twitter stream. There is also a capacitive touchscreen which allows the user to not only view websites and documents but also to zoom in and out and also re-size – a great feature, especially as files and documents such as PDFs and various Microsoft Office files and pictures can also be affected this way for easier viewing.

Connectivity wise there is also complete 3G broadband connectivity as well as Wi-Fi which allows for easy wireless data transfer to and from similarly enabled devices within range. The Mini comes complete also with a fully rechargeable lithium ion or ion polymer battery that allows a talk time of 400 minutes when fully charged, and the device’s integral 5 MP camera also takes good still shots and packs some useful additional features such as an ambient light sensor, an autofocus facility and a widescreen photo capture ability to help fully capture and appreciate images.

The fully integrated media player also plays back a full range of file formats giving around eight hours of playback, and a range of video formats will give around 12 hours of playback time. Given the interest in the new Mini many people are quite excited to get their hands on one, and if you’re looking for one of your own the HD Mini is slated for release in the second quarter of this year.

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It is already November 2009 and this 1 GHz monster of a mobile phone is already out on the market. Go to Vodafone UK if you are looking for some tight HD2 deals, or if you do not like being on a contract, try for the retail version. This 4.3 inch screened HD mobile phone from HTC is worth every Pound. Of course, that is if you prefer to have Windows over other operating systems, Android fans should wait for the HTC Hero instead.

The HD2 got quite a lot of attention when it was first announced; boasting an impressive processor and large high resolution screen, people knew this phone had the right stuff. With the device now available, it can definitely be said that HTC can deliver.

Hardware Specifications

The HTC HD2 has a 480 x 800 pixel resolution, 4.3 inch capacitive touch screen display. It looks beautifully bright, displaying image clarity not usually found in most mobile devices. The touch screen itself is very responsive to touch commands and tracks movements and gestures accurately. The response time however, can be attributed more to the 1 GHz Snapdragon processor rather than the touch screen. For good reason too, Windows Mobile 6.5 has been known to run smoothly on slower 528 MHz processors; HD2 reviews are not detailed on how the WinMo OS fully utilizes the processor.

The device is slightly larger than the average touch screen phone; mostly due to the extra space needed for the display. At 4.74 x 2.64 x 0.43 inches, the HD2 is both wide and slim, providing an excellent balance in size.

Overall

HTC’s official press release states that this mobile phone is the first time they incorporated the HTC Sense interface on a different operating system –being Windows Mobile. HTC has successfully done this and the result is that the HD2 has an amazing interface for accessing all the useful features of Windows Mobile.

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There is a reason why we never see a basic Android phone, this is because the operating system provides so much versatility and Google itself has many great mobile applications that you cannot stick this operating system into a low end mobile device. Still HTC is providing us with a pretty good alternative for the holidays with the HTC Tattoo. This is still your basic 3G smart phone, but with only a 528 processor and basic 3G specifications. This is still worth its cost through some HTC Tattoo deals if you get one with unlimited browsing that unlocks the Tattoo’s true potential.

Good Web Integration

The HTC Tattoo shines in its consolidated contacts list feature which synchronizes all your social network accounts and your contacts list to give you a quick and easy access to all the updates and messages from your friends and loved ones. The Tattoo will support Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and many other social networking sites and will allow you to view shared files and even upload some of your own. Take images with your 3 mega pixel camera for geo tagging then upload the files through Flickr. There is a lot of excellent functionality that can be gained from the Tattoo’s online capabilities.

Got Google?

As said, the HTC Tattoo will be running Google Android 1.6 Donut and this will give you access to plenty of Google’s mobile applications. Aside from the web integrated apps in HTC’s Sense, you will also get Google Mail, Google Talk, Google Maps, the Android Market and YouTube. There are also plenty of other Android mobile applications that cater to various needs. The combination of the HTC Sense interface and the Google Android operating system goes hand in hand, thanks mostly to HTC’s familiarity with the Android. The Tattoo itself also features some nifty hotkeys for both the Sense and the Donut.

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If you live in the United States, you should be ready to jump T-Mobile’s hot HTC Touch 2 deals. The carrier offers this amazing mobile phone for an equally amazing price; unless of you are an Android purist, then we completely understand why you ignored it. Hopefully, we can expect similar packages offered in the UK. This mobile phone maximizes the potential of the Windows Mobile operating system and combines a touch screen interface with a slide out QWERTY keyboard for an amazingly smooth and seamless navigation experience. Well, relatively smooth; the WinMo OS tends to jump around and slow down intermittently.

HTC’s Sense and WinMo’s OS

The HTC Sense interface and the Windows Mobile operating system both rely heavily on touch screen input. Other HTC Touch 2 reviews would concur that the physical keyboard is important particularly with the resistive touch screen needs of WinMo. Unlike the Sense, WinMo’s small and narrow access buttons require the thin point of the stylus. The Sense on the other hand operates smoothly whether you are using a stylus or your fingertips. Windows Mobile 6.5 offers a wide variety of new features and improvements over 6.1 such as the new application store and updated versions of Pocket Office, Outlook, Internet Explorer and the Windows Media Player 10.

Matching Hardware

With Windows providing excellent software features, HTC provides the backbone through the hardware of the phone. From the 3.6 inch touch screen to the 3 mega pixel camera, the Touch 2 has been designed with media functionality in mind. It also uses a full slide out QWERTY keyboard for typing messages. Right now, the Touch 2 is facing fierce competition from the XPERIA X2 by Sony Ericsson. With both devices running the WinMo 6.5 OS, it will be interesting to see which one the public prefers more.

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If it’s generating that much talk, it must be something work catching. And so the story goes for the HTC HD2, otherwise known as Leo, as it headed to the O2 showroom mid-October.

The Leo was given a four-day start on the O2 showrooms, a news tip said. Engadget claims they have been tipped that another smartphone is listed on 02’s intranet. We’re not asking more questions as to why and exact date details, we’re just bent on discussing more the features of the Leo.

What makes is so great, this Leo. Well, if you’re so into your Windows phones, this HD2 from HTC is going to be your Jack. Like Jack, Leo, Leonardo de Caprio? Get the point?

Anyways, it’s worth the fuss as the celebrity but we’re not saying it’s dubbed after the latter. It’s just a phone!

But it’s not your any other phone. This handset comes with Windows Mobile 6.5. As to claims from those who’ve tried it say that it’s the fastest WinMo, it shouldn’t be news at all. It’s quite expected.

We’re keener on the 4.3-inch touchscreen display. It’s like watching films and editing office work now made much easier.

What else? It has the fast 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Spell fast! Then it comes with the TouchFlo 3D Navigation. Spell clear! The Leo also comes with HSDPA connectivity, has a Wifi and Bluetooth features. The 5.0 megapixel camera comes with an autofocus mechanism and a built-in flash. Spell convenience!

Of course, it would be easy to say these are all just marketing hypes, and you need to know there are always facts and there’s a good amount of fiction in the ver-competitive industry. But wonder no more if people are already rushing to include purchasing the Leo for an early Christmas gift to themselves.

Click here to read more regarding this post: T3

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HTC Tattoo may not be the most wanted handset in the market, but it can certainly prove to be a lot of users who cannot afford expensive smartphones. HTC Tattoo features Android 1.6 and HTC Sense as its user interface and operating system platform, which offers as effective online feeds and updates from major social networking and email websites on the internet as the best phones in the market.

Not only that but HTC Tattoo has a variety of connectivity options which are absent in even the most popular of smart phones. HTC Tattoo offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and also supports 3G Network modes like HSDPA and WCDMA.

HTC Tattoo is expected to be lower in price than the HTC Hero, a handset that appeared before Tattoo in the HTC Android series, as it features a smaller screen and carries a 3.2 mega pixel camera instead of a 5.0 mega pixel one in HTC Hero. However, despite these weaknesses, HTC Tattoo is smaller, slimmer and lighter than HTC Hero, which is found desirable by many mobile phone users. Many even find HTC Tattoo far more attractive than HTC Hero in design. If you consider the design characteristics of HTC Tattoo useful, then you can enjoy having a phone the appearance of which suits your taste, while also bringing you the advantages of Android operating system for a lower price can be a real treat.

HTC Tattoo is also equipped with a built-in assisted GPS receiver and a digital compass. Apart from that, the handset is powered by a Qualcomm MSM 7255 processor at 528 MHz and comes with 256 MB of RAM. Other specifications include a 4-way navigation system, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, FM Radio, SD 2.0 compatible microSD memory card and a 1100 mAh Li-ion battery.

To stay up to date with the latest HTC Tattoo deals then keep any eye on Moby1, where you can find all the latest deals and a comparison of them all so you can more easily find one that you like.

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After a number of days of speculations and unofficial leaks, the HTC Click has finally been officially announced by HTC. It is set to be named as the HTC Tattoo.

The HTC Tattoo, which is a fairly small touchscreen phone, is quite unique in the fact that it is set to be the first ever Android phone to make use of a QVGA resistive touchscreen. This is very much unlike other Android touchscreen phones, which generally utilize a HVGA capacitive screen. The reason given for this by HTC is that the resistive technology is better suited for a screen which is 2.8 inches long, like the Tattoo’s screen. The Tattoo will be making use of a 528 MHz Qualcomm CPU and will have a RAM capacity of 256 MB.

Some of the more mentionable features of the HTC Tattoo include the Wi-Fi, the 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, GPS and 3G with HSDPA internet connectivity. An FM radio is also available to listen to your favourite radio stations as well as a digital compass for navigation and an accelerometer sensor. The specs sheet is completed by the miniUSB port, the 3.5 mm headset jack and the microSD memory card slot (capable of handling cards of upto 32 GB). The HTC Tattoo will be running on the HTC proprietary Sense UI. Previously, the only phone to have used the Sense UI is the HTC Hero.

The HTC Tattoo will see the light of day sometime during the beginning of October in UK. Other countries in Europe will get a simultaneous release, while countries around the world will see the HTC Tattoo in the coming days. HTC haven’t mentioned anything about price but, if other HTC Tattoo Reviews are to be believed, the Tattoo should cost around 200 Euros (180 pounds). Therefore, make sure you get your hands on it when it’s released. Be sure to also check out some of the great HTC Tattoo deals that are on offer.

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HTC has always been known for producing mobiles that are not only packed with loads of impressive features and functions, but also excel in the looks department. The new HTC Hero definitely does not disappoint as it is another addition to the company’s growing line of highly competitive Smartphones. Here’s a look at some of the best features of the new HTC Hero.

On the Big Screen

The Hero’s 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen is definitely a thing of beauty. It has a 320 x 480-pixel resolution and is able to display up to 65K colours. Aside from having a smudge resistant cover ala iPhone 3GS, another neat addition on the HTC Hero’s LCD screen is the improved light sensor feature. This time around, HTC has perfected the auto dimming function of the screen to help save on the device’s battery.

The HTC Hero will still be running the now familiar Android OS which will be combined with HTC’s Sense UI. It has definitely been optimized for touch use and the responsiveness of the device is quite impressive. We experienced very minimal technical hanging as well.

Power in the Snapper

After sulking in the mediocrity of 3 something-Megapixel cameras, we were definitely given a treat with the HTC Hero’s 5-Megapixel snapper. Sure there are mobiles with much more powerful cameras, but the one installed in the Hero can definitely hold its own. Autofocus is obviously on board and it is capable of snapping photos at a maximum resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels.

Although the image quality is not anywhere near the likes of dedicated camera mobile such as the Sony Ericsson Satio or the Samsung Pixon12 (both with mind-boggling 12-MP cameras), it is definitely much better than some of its closest competitors.

HTC Hero Links:

• HTC Hero Deals
• HTC Hero on Virgin
• HTC Hero Videos

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