HTC Windows Phone 8X vs. 8S

HTC has recently announced two new smartphones running Microsoft Windows Phone 8. Yes, Microsoft is still in the business of smartphone operating systems and they are competing against iOS, Android, and BlackBerry.

The 8X is a high-end smartphone and the 8S is similar, but slightly less powerful and less expensive (and it lacks a front-facing camera).

How will Microsoft position their new Mobile OS?
How quickly will we see mobile apps for Windows Phone 8?

These Windows 8 smartphones from HTC are joined by others such as the Samsung ATIV S, the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820, and others.

HTC explains why it killed the ICS update for the HTC Desire HD

HTC had originally promised to provide Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) updates for a number of their Android smartphones. Then, they changed their mind and killed the ICS update for the HTC Desire HD. Here's their explanation:

For more background, due to how storage on the HTC Desire HD is partitioned – and the larger size of Android 4.0 – it would require re-partitioning device storage and overwriting user data in order to install this update. While technically advanced users might find this solution acceptable, the majority of customers would not. We also considered ways to reduce the overall size of the software package, but this would impact features and functionality that customers are currently using. Even after installing the update, there were other technical limitations which we felt negatively impacted the user experience.

Those in the United States are waiting to see if HTC is going to make the same decision about the HTC ThunderBolt. Will HTC release an Android 4.0 update for the ThunderBolt?

The HTC ThunderBolt may not get Ice Cream Sandwich

Although HTC originally promised Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) updates for a number of their smartphones, recent reports seem to suggest that HTC may be changing their mind about a few of the older Android smartphones. I happen to have one of those older smartphones: the HTC ThunderBolt which made history as the first 4G smartphone on Verizon. I've been hanging on to this phone hoping to test how Android 4.0 runs on it. Now, I'm not sure that I'll ever get to load Android 4.0 (I suppose I could unlock the bootloader and load a custom ROM, but I don't want to go through that headache).

Polycom and HTC to Deliver Polycom® RealPresence® Enterprise-Grade Video Collaboration

If you're in Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress 2012, you may have already caught this announcement. I'm posting it here because this type of application is what we need in health care for effective telemedicine:

Polycom and HTC to Deliver Polycom® RealPresence® Enterprise-Grade
Video Collaboration to Smartphones and Tablets

HTC devices with Polycom® RealPresence® Mobile software will connect customers through high-quality video collaboration in any environment including on the go, at home, at work, in a conference room, or in an immersive theater

BARCELONA, Spain, Mobile World Congress 2012 – Feb. 28, 2012 – Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), the global leader in standards-based unified communications (UC), and HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today announced an agreement to collaborate and enable Polycom® RealPresence® Mobile on select HTC smartphones and tablets in mid-2012.

"Video collaboration is a critical application within mobile platforms, and offering Polycom’s RealPresence Mobile on HTC smartphones and tablets will provide tremendous value and opportunities for our customers," said David Jaeger, executive director of Global Enterprise and Services for HTC. “Polycom’s mobile video application supports our commitment to provide authentic audio and amazing imaging on our devices and together, we can now extend this experience to our enterprise customers.”

Frustrated with the HTC ThunderBolt Gingerbread update (yes, I downloaded the update)

I was one of those unfortunate people who recently upgraded my HTC ThunderBolt to the Gingerbread update. I should have waited, but I pressed the button a few weeks ago that updated the Android OS to 2.3.4.

My phone has been acting very funny. The phone was very sluggish and my contacts were not appearing. The 4G LTE would often disconnect and I finally got to the point where I did a factory reset to see if that would fix some of these problems.

The HTC ThunderBolt has been plagued with faulty ROMs that have caused problems. The latest ROM update supposedly has some problems associated with the voice mail notification, but that's probably not an issue for me since I use Google Voice. The sluggish performance and the disconnections from the network were my main problems. I've been tempted to flash a custom ROM on this device, but I just don't have the time these days to do that. For now, I'll see how the next few weeks go. I'm hoping that the hard factory reset will solve my main problems.

Impressed by the 3D photos on the Sprint HTC EVO 3D

Over the weekend, I had the chance to spend some time with an HTC EVO 3D from Sprint. This phone has a special camera that allows you to take photos in 3D. I was very impressed by the 3D camera. Once this phone comes to Verizon (assuming that it will), I may need to sell my ThunderBolt and get this one so that I can play around with taking 3D photos and videos. Here's how Sprint describes this phone:

Big black glasses are for hipsters, not watching movies. Ditch the frames and go glasses-free with the HTC EVO 3D, America's first 4G smartphone with a 4.3-inch 3D qHD display. Create and stream HD video, view it in 3D and share it easily. Quickly download movies and enjoy a Flash-enabled web browsing experience that takes advantage of the speed of the Sprint 3G/4G network and the power of a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon® processor. With the latest version of the HTC Sense user experience including Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates and Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the HTC EVO 3D is ideal for users who want to update their social network in a flash. The HTC EVO 3D makes the most of the power of 4G and lets you share it, offering Mobile Hotspot capability for up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.

Right now, the HTC EVO 3D is only available on Sprint.

Verizon 4G LTE Smartphones

Right now, you can choose among 3 Android smartphones on Verizon that run on the 4G LTE network:

• Revolution™ by LG
• DROID CHARGE by Samsung
• ThunderBolt™ by HTC

Based on the number of reviews, the ThunderBolt™ by HTC is the most popular 4G smartphone on Verizon. It was also the first. Although Motorola recently announced the Droid X2, this smartphone is not a 4G smartphone. I wonder why Motorola hasn't come out with a 4G LTE smartphone yet.

Battery life is still a big problem with these early 4G smartphones. That's why I run my ThunderBolt on 3G mode most of the time.

Free Wi-Fi hotspot tethering on the HTC ThunderBolt 4G

Verizon Wireless has been gracious to extend the free Wi-Fi hotspot tethering on the HTC ThunderBolt 4G. So, you can continue to use your ThunderBolt as a MiFi for free until June 15. Perhaps Verizon is still trying to finalize how much it will cost to tether on their 4G LTE network.

Extend battery life on the HTC ThunderBolt by switching to 3G (disable 4G LTE)

For the past few weeks, I've been using my HTC ThunderBolt on 3G mode. Disabling 4G LTE and staying on 3G allows me to use the phone call day on a single battery charge (on a standard battery). If you're struggling to keep your ThunderBolt charged up, consider using the "LTE On/Off" app to disable 4G. I don't generally require 4G speeds, but it's nice to occasionally switch the 4G on so that I can download a 50 MB file in just a few seconds. 

Switch between 3G (EVDO) and 4G (LTE) on the HTC ThunderBolt

It would be nice if the HTC ThunderBolt had a widget or an app that would easily let you toggle between 3G and 4G. When I'm on 4G, my battery drains really quickly, even if I'm not actively using the phone. I could stop all my background processes, but that doesn't seem like it's the best option for me.

Here's how you can manually switch between 3G and 4G on your ThunderBolt:

Open the phone dialer
Dial: *#*#4636#*#*
You'll see a menu titled "Testing"
Go to "Phone information"
Scroll down until you see "CDMA + LTE/EvDo auto"

To set your ThunderBolt to stay on 3G, select: "CDMA auto (PRL)"

Then, when you want to go back to 4G, select: "CDMA + LTE/EvDo auto"

Blogging on the HTC ThunderBolt 4G

I have to admit that I've been very impressed by the HTC ThunderBolt 4G on Verizon. Compared to my old Motorola Droid X (which is a fine smartphone), the ThunderBolt feels so much faster and the 4G speeds are great for bloggers who like to upload photos and videos when they're at a conference or meeting. The WiFi Mobile Hotspot also works reliably.

For me, the biggest disappointment is the battery life on the HTC ThunderBolt. I may need to invest in an extended battery (which would make the phone really bulky) and use that battery when I know I'll require all-day performance.

It's refreshing to use a smartphone that's fast and responsive. I hope to share more as I continue to use this device.

Day 2 using the HTC ThunderBolt 4G LTE on Verizon

Today is day #2 using the HTC HTC ThunderBolt 4G LTE on the Verizon Wireless network. I've used the Droid X, the HTC Droid Incredible, and the HTC Droid Eris on Verizon.

Before I got the ThunderBolt, I was using the Droid X. Here are the main reasons why I chose to upgrade:

1. 4G is lighting fast (and if you're using the WiFi Mobile Hotspot feature, you can connect up to 8 devices)
2. Front-facing camera (which is great for interviewing or taking self-portraits when I'm blogging at various conferences)
3. It comes with a 32 GB microSD card
4. HTC Sync™ to synchronize Outlook contacts and calendar
5. Kickstand - works in both portrait and landscape modes
6. Simultaneous voice and data: You can talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time

HTC ThunderBolt 4G on Verizon

The HTC ThunderBolt is a 4G Android smartphone that is coming to Verizon very soon. At a glance, it looks like the HTC Evo 4G on Sprint.  Here's how HTC describes the ThunderBolt 4G:


This isn't your dream phone. It's the one after that. With instant uploads and downloads and more, the HTC ThunderBolt 4G brings you the future, faster.


8 megapixels. Ultra-mega-amazing. 8 megapixel flash camera and the power of 4G allow you to create and share like never before.


4G + HD = infinite possibilities. Record. Share. View. HD video and a hi-res 4.3" screen means unlimited entertainment. 

I'm currently using the Motorola Droid X and it's a fine smartphone. I like the 3G speeds that I get, even when I'm using my device as a 3G Mobile Hotspot. I'm sure 4G would be nice, but I'm not willing to pay a premium price just to get 4G over 3G. Not yet. For now (and the next 2 years), I'll be sticking with my Droid X.

T-Mobile myTouch 4G receives the PC Magazine Editor's Choice

The T-Mobile myTouch 4G has received the PC Magazine Editor's Choice recognition. The editors rate this Android smartphone "very good" and give it 4 out of 5 stars (or circles). Here's the bottom line:

• Pros
  Well-built. Latest processor and Android version. Wi-Fi calling. Hotspot mode. Awesome voice commands.
• Cons Bloatware. UI skin may not appeal to everyone.
  
• Bottom Line
  The T-Mobile myTouch 4G combines a classy body with the latest software to offer the most you can get from Android today.

We're certainly going to see more new 4G Android smartphones coming out over the next few months. In 2011, most (if not all) the major wireless networks will be offering 4G services. Get ready to see some super-fast speeds on these little mobile devices.

Samsung Focus for AT&T running Windows Phone 7

The Samsung Focus may be one of the first smartphones running Windows Phone 7. This device will be available on AT&T. HTC will also be releasing some smartphones running Windows Phone 7.

I'm guessing that both Samsung and HTC will focus on developing more smartphones running Android instead of Windows Phone 7. Then again, maybe they'll create the same hardware that can run either OS. Wouldn't that make more sense?

T-Mobile G2 smartphones having hardware problems

The T-Mobile G2 (made by HTC) is going to be a very popular Android smartphone for T-Mobile customers. Unfortunately, early reports (on blogs like Engadget) are indicating that some of these G2 smartphones are having hardware problems. What type of problems? Loose hinges and missing memory. Sounds strange for a company like HTC to have quality control problems.

The G1 was the first Android smartphone in the U.S. market. It was only available on T-Mobile. Now, the G2 appears to be a very promising upgrade, but we need to make sure that these quality control issues get resolved first.

Motorola Droid X vs. HTC Droid Incredible

If you're on Verizon, are you struggling to decide between the Motorola Droid X vs. the HTC Droid Incredible? Both of these devices run Google Android. Both have 1 GHz processors, so they're really fast. They're both slates. No hardware QWERTY keyboard. They both have 8 MP digital camera capabilities.  So, which device should you get?

What's important to you? Size? Multimedia? Web browsing?

If you don't mind the relatively large size, then the Motorola Droid X is a great option. The large 4.3" screen makes this device a great tablet for web browsing and multimedia. The Droid X could be a great little movie player while you're camping out in your call room (but who has time to watch TV when you're on call?). The Droid X will also get that "what's that?" reaction from everyone around you. Why? Because it's so large.

The HTC Incredible is a better option for those who want a "normal" size smartphone. The Incredible is a great size, but the battery may run out if you're constantly synchronizing your account information and if you're heavily browsing the web. Fortunately, you can purchase an extended battery for the Incredible, but then you'll lose the slim form factor.

So, which device is right for you?

Is that a smartphone or a tablet?

The line between the smartphone and slate tablet is getting blurry these days. The latest smartphone on the Verizon network is the Motorola Droid X and this huge smartphone resembles a small Android tablet. The Droid X has a 4.3" screen.

The Sprint Evo 4G by HTC is also a large slate-smartphone that looks like a mini tablet that could be perfect for the mobile web browser. This device is the first 4G smartphone in North America (and I'm sure it won't be the last). Like the Droid X, the Evo 4G has a 4.3" screen and it runs Google Android.

Dell recently started showing off its Streak, an Android tablet that has a 5" screen. The Streak is a tablet and it's also a phone. This is one of the largest devices so far that combines the capabilities of a touch-screen tablet and a phone, but we know that Samsung and several other manufacturers will soon be releasing similar devices.

How do we classify these relatively "large" devices? Should they be considered smartphones or slate tablets that are capable of making phone calls?

My wife got her HTC Droid Incredible

I probably had more fun setting it up for her. The more I spend with the HTC Droid Incredible, the more I realize that Android will quickly emerge as the dominating smartphone OS. I am really impressed by the way Android integrates elements of your Gmail/Google account, Facebook, and other elements of social media. Given that my wife and I both actively use Gmail, Google Contacts, and Google Calendar, the Android OS is a true winner for people like us.

The HTC Droid Incredible is a very fast phone. The browser opens web pages very quickly compared to most older smartphones. It's a great size and you won't be disappointed by this device. The Motorola Droid X is also a very fast smartphone, but the Droid X may be too big for some people.

After I pulled the HTC Droid Incredible out of the box, I went right to the Android Marketplace so that I could download and install some medical apps for my wife (who's a family physician). What apps did I download and install?

I started with these free medical apps:  Epocrates, Skyscape, and QuantiaMD

I'll be installing a few more apps for her over the weekend.

Motorola Droid X vs. HTC Droid Incredible

My entire family is on Verizon Wireless. So, even if I really wanted the new Apple iPhone 4, I won't be switching to AT&T.

My wife recently ordered the HTC Droid Incredible. She hasn't gotten it yet, but I'm sure she's going to like it. I'll be due for an upgrade in 3 months, so I'm trying to wait patiently. If my current device had a faster processor, then I really would not mind using it a bit longer. Given that newer smartphones are so much faster, it really is getting painful to use my current smartphone. However, I will be patient.

So, should you get the Motorola Droid X or the HTC Droid Incredible? If you have small hands, try holding the Droid X before you make any decisions. The Droid X is a very LARGE smartphone (even though it's very thin). The Droid Incredible is a very nice size and still has a very fast processor.  So, which one is right for you? As long as you don't mind the large size of the Droid X, that's the one to get. However, if you don't want the "biggest" device out there, then choose the Droid Incredible.