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Most Android smartphone owners are eager to get the latest OS updates for their device. HTC is no exception with its wide range of smartphones that come with decent specs that’s capable of running the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
With speculation and unofficial announcements flying around, HTC has published a full schedule which sets the record straight on their commitment to upgrade its current and past models. So far we have seen several models being upgraded including the HTC Sensation XE. The Android 4.0 upgrade comes with its HTC Sense 3.6.
Next in line will be the HTC Incredible S, EVO 3D, Desire S & Rhyme which is scheduled for June/July. Surprisingly, the granddaddy HTC Desire HD is still included with roll out expected in July-August.
Unfortunately not all devices are listed especially the lower end HTC Wildfire S, Chacha, Salsa and Explorer. Even their 7″ tablet HTC Flyer is not listed as well.
Head over to HTC’s blog to check out your device’s roll out timelines.
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Here’s a nifty unofficial trick on the HTC One X. Someone has discovered that you can use your bluetooth headset as a remote shutter button for your camera. This however doesn’t work with any bluetooth headset and so far they have tried an i.Tech splash, Platronics & Jabra EasyGo. Triggering the shutter button varies depending on models as seen in the video above.
Whether this one done intentionally or accidentally by HTC, this is cool feature for taking self-portrait shots and other phototaking possibilities. The only down side is that you can only take a picture at a time, so there’s no burst mode here. Anyone tried this yet? Do let us know which bluetooth headset you’re using in the comment box below.
UPDATE: Added BlackBerry Bold 9900 into the comparison.
In our previous Samsung Galaxy S III spec comparison, we compared it with its direct rival the HTC One X and its former Galaxy predecessors. Now we are comparing it with the rest of the notable flagship models including the Sony Xperia S, Huawei Ascend D Quad, iPhone 4S and the Nokia Lumia 900.
With the Xperia S in the picture, Sony is in the lead for having the highest pixel density for squeezing 1280×720 pixels display into a compact 4.3″ screen. In terms of camera, it is the highest among the lot at 12MP. However it is one of the thicker and heavier models of the lot. In our review, the Xperia S performs admirably well despite being a dual-core processor and we appreciate the polished interface it has to offer.
Huawei too is going quad core with its Ascend D Quad which is expected to be released in mid 2012. It uses its in-house K3V2 processor which is clocked either at 1.2GHz or 1.5GHz. It is one of the smaller quad-core phones with a 4.5″ screen that has better pixel density at 326ppi. For those that feel 4.7″ or 4.8″ is too big in the hands might find the Ascend D Quad as a more comfortable choice.
In terms of cloud storage, it is worth pointing out that both Apple & Microsoft are bundling their own storage in the form of iCloud and SkyDrive. Overall, looking at all flagship devices launched this year, all of them are on the Micro-SIM bandwagon. So for those who are still using a standard SIM format, you are likely to convert/cut your SIMs if you’re getting a new high end phone soon.
The HTC One X features a unibody polycarbonate design which is tough enough to withstand day to day abuse. Surpringly, HTC is reported to be introducing a series of case for the HTC One X that comes in striking colours.
The folks at Android Central managed to get a hands-on of the new case which they claim to be good in the hands and easily removable. Initially we thought the case might be able to protect the bulging camera but the case seems too thin to provide additional padding around the area.
At the moment, HTC doesn’t have any pricing or availability information. More photos of it after the break.
The HTC One S with its micro arc oxidised body is yet to be launched here but already it is facing some chipping problems.
As seen from the photo above from XDA Developers, the surface of the HTC One S is reported to be easily chipped off. HTC has acknowledged such problem and they have issued the following statement:
HTC is committed to delivering a high quality product and great experience for all our customers. There have been a few, isolated reports of this issue. The finish on the One S was laboratory tested as being at a hardness similar to ceramic. While that’s hard, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to damage. Regardless, HTC takes quality very seriously and are providing all customers with an immediate fix and we are implementing some small changes to ensure customers do not experience this issue in the future.
According to The Verge, HTC will offer immediate fix if the defective device is sent in within 30 days of purchase, otherwise the standard warranty terms apply. Currently in Malaysia, both HTC One X and One S comes with 2 years warranty and a one to one swap for the first year. Hopefully HTC has a permanent fix for this before they release the One S here.
With smart phones getting larger displays and having a different use of IPS, Super AMOLED and Super LCD2, determining the best display isn’t that straight forward. The folks at PhoneArena had conducted a display comparison test that compared the screen of the HTC One X, iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, LG Nitro HD & Samsung Galaxy S II.
For outdoor visibility, the HTC One X’s Super LCD 2 is reported to be the best. While the iPhone 4S and Galaxy S II screens are readable, the Galaxy Nexus was found to be the worst performer under bright sunlight. In terms of resolution, all devices except for the Galaxy S II have higher than 300ppi. However due to the PenTile pixel arrangement of the Galaxy Nexus, text appear slightly jagged but it isn’t really a big problem for text.
Last but not least, the viewing angles are better on the Super AMOLED screens of the Galaxy S II and Galaxy Nexus but it follows closely by the HTC One X. Overall, the HTC One X is said to be an all round performer with great visibility outdoors, decent colour reproduction and viewing angles. In our hands, the HTC One X screen is really something. The display looks as if the graphics are floating on top instead of being under the glass and the curved sides of the display somewhat contributed to the illusion. Watch out for our full review of the HTC One X soon.
You can read up the full comparison of the display over at PhoneArena.
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HTC has recently announced its HTC EVO 4G LTE which now runs on 4G LTE network as opposed to WiMAX. Above is their product development video where it explains its aesthetics and function aspects of their design but they had a little surprise in the clip as well.
Around 0.22 seconds, there’s another EVO spotted with dual camera with dual LED assisted flash which is likely to be the replacement of the HTC EVO 3D. For 3D imaging and gaming enthusiasts, this could be something worth looking forward to especially with its built-in alloy kick stand. All we need is a GSM variant just like the EVO 3D.
The EVO 4G LTE runs on a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB and it also comes with a 8MP f/2.0 camera. In terms of display, it also features a 4.7″ Super LCD 2 that pushes 1280×720 resolution. Powering the device is a 2,000mAh battery which unfortunately is non-removable as well.
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The HTC One X is officially available today with contract offers from DiGi, Celcom, Maxis & U Mobile. We brought all 4 telco plans side by side and compared the total cost of ownership for easy reference.
For DiGi, their DG Smart Plans bundles only data which means that all calls and SMS made are charged separately. For comparison sake, we looked only at the minimal cost which is based on assumption of data usage only without any calls/SMS made. On Maxis, the bundled plans are based on bolt-on data plans on top of postpaid plans. For this comparison, we based on our calculation on Maxis’s Value First postpaid plan of RM30/month for voice and SMS.
For Celcom, all 3 plans come with bundled talk time, SMS and data while for U Mobile, it varies depending on plan. U Mobile’s U28 comes with free SMS while U58 comes with bundled voice calls. It’s highest U88 plan comes with both voice calls and SMS.
Head after the break for the full break down.
Maxis too has finally revealed its HTC One series bundled pricing with the HTC One X going as low as RM1000 while the HTC One V as low as RM100.
As usual, both devices are bundled with typical postpaid + bolt-on data plan of 1GB to 6GB. For the One V, it is also bundled on the new Value Plus Internet plans which offers voice calls, text and data. Full bundled pricing below:
HTC One X
Postpaid + 1GB (12 months) – RM1,899
Postpaid + 1GB (18 months) – RM1,799
Postpaid + 1GB (24 months) – RM1,599Postpaid + 3GB (12 months) – RM1,799
Postpaid + 3GB (18 months) – RM1,599
Postpaid + 3GB (24 months) – RM1,499Postpaid + 6GB (24 months) – RM1,000
HTC One V
Postpaid + 1GB (12 months) – RM899
Postpaid + 1GB (18 months) – RM699
Postpaid + 1GB (24 months) – RM599Postpaid + 3GB (12 months) – RM799
Postpaid + 3GB (18 months) – RM599
Postpaid + 3GB (24 months) – RM499Postpaid + 6GB (24 months) – RM100
Value Plus Internet 50 (12 months) – RM799
Value Plus Internet 50 (24 months) – RM699
Value Plus Internet 80 (12 months) – RM699
Value Plus Internet 80 (24 months) – RM599
For more information, head over to Maxis.
The HTC One series roadshow is happening now at Pavilion KL with all 3 telcos being stationed at the venue. As an early bird promotion, HTC is giving out UrBeats earphones for the first 300 HTC One X buyers and free car charger for the first 300 HTC One V purchase. In addition, they are offering promo prices for the HTC Media Link HD at RM188 (usual RM299), beats solo at RM499 (usual RM999) and urbeats at RM199 (usual RM599)
On Celcom, they are offering additional RM100 discount for their bundled pricing and the HTC One X is offered as low as RM1,258 on Celcom Exec 250 which comes with 5GB of data a month. As usual, there are other 2 Celcom Exec + data plans on offer with 1GB (RM88) & 3GB (RM108). In terms of contract duration, there’s 12 months and 18 months option. Full bundled pricing below with RM100 discount:
Celcom Exec 50 + 1GB data (12 months) RM1,598
Celcom Exec 50 + 1GB data (18 months) RM1,558Celcom Exec 50 + 3GB data (12 months) RM1,568
Celcom Exec 50 + 3GB data (18 months) RM1,518Celcom Exec 250 + 5GB data (12 months) RM1,388
Celcom Exec 250 + 5GB data (18 months) RM1,258
You can also get the HTC One X with Celcom Broadband plans + pay as you go (PAYU) voice at RM1,999 (after RM100 off) which comes with an option of 1.5GB (RM48), 4GB (RM68) and 6GB (RM98). Call rates are charged at 15sen/min and SMS at 10sen on top of your monthly subscription. In addition, they are also giving RM10 x 12 months rebate.
HTC One X plan details are available on Celcom website.
Head after the break for details of the HTC One V.
