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).

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.

Improved battery life on my updated HTC ThunderBolt

Verizon recently released a system update for the HTC ThunderBolt. Although this update doesn't bump up the Android OS to Gingerbread (2.3), it does appear to have made a significant improvement on battery life. In the past, I was switching to 3G mode all the time because 4G LTE was draining my battery way too quickly. Now, it seems like I can keep it on 4G LTE and the battery is lasting much longer. I'm also not experiencing any problems with random reboots (a problem that was reported in an earlier update that was released, then pulled from Verizon).

For more information about this update, you can visit the Verizon support page here.

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.