Sunday, March 27, 2011

Android Community

Android Community

HTC EVO 3D Thickness Compared to HTC ThunderBolt in Photos

Posted: 27 Mar 2011 12:02 AM PDT

If there’s one thing that’s important about a phone, it’s how thick it is. Yes, no matter how powerful a phone is, what its capabilities are, how much it costs, what carrier it’s on, what part of the world it’s distributed in, what color it is, who manufactures it, how big its display is, what kinds of outputs it’s got, what kind of media it can access, or whether or not it can stand up with a built-in kickstand. No, it’s the thickness. Or the thinness!

Of course it’s the absolute thinness, right? It’s HTC, and as far as HTC is concerned very recently, there is only one perfection in overall form, and it’s the size you’ve most recently seen in the HTC Inspire 4G, HTC ThunderBolt, HTC EVO 3D, and oh – does that mean the ThunderBolt and the EVO 3D are essentially the same size? It sure as heck does.

But there is a bit extra popping up the back of the HTC EVO 3D for its 3D camera, and if you’d like to know, the kickstand is not included because that area where the kickstand would normally be is taken up by a fat battery. Also, if you add the extended battery on to the HTC ThunderBolt there’s no contest – like a two story house verses a one. Also take a peek at a couple other close-up shots of the HTC EVO 3D we’ve got here and get ready for the full review down the line.

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Sprint Kyocera Echo Presented at CTIA 2011 in an Odd Display [VIDEO]

Posted: 26 Mar 2011 11:47 PM PDT

Let’s talk for a moment about the Kyocera Echo that’ll be carried by Sprint in the very near future. Since you’ve more than likely seen this phone before, and you’ll certainly seen it explained at great length again by yours truly when a review model becomes available, I thought we’d take a little bit of a non-traditional approach to this situation by filming from the perspective of someone being presented this device at CTIA 2011.

You may already be aware, if you read Reddit, that there was a gigantic Kyocera Android dancing around in front of the Kyocera booth for hours and hours on end. Was it silly? Yes! Was it odd? Yes! Was it a “booth babe?” It may very well have been! But it wasn’t trying to trick us into paying attention in the same way at a “babe” would. This character was funny and it was very well designed and put together. Because of this dancer, we approached the Kyocera booth the same way we’ll be approaching the Echo handset – a little confused, but mostly enthusiastic.

As a bonus, you’ll also hear a bunch of words on how the Kyocera Echo will be functioning in your hands. This is a unique device running on Android that doesn’t pretend to be the fastest or the strongest, instead promising to have two screens and innovate by showing what’s possible when you’ve got more than one display running the same mobile OS. Take a look at what we’re in store for, and get your double-touches ready to go!

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Sprint Kyocera Echo Startup Sequence [EXCLUSIVE]

Posted: 26 Mar 2011 09:58 PM PDT

Whilst having another look at the Kyocera Echo at the Kyocera booth during CTIA 2011, we happened upon a unit that was switched off. Deciding to check to see if anything magical would happen if we switched the device on while filming, we hit the on button with our camera rolling. As it happens, it does indeed have a unique startup sequence, and now in this video you’re going to get to see it! Apologies in advance for the undeniably horribly terribly screen full of fingermarks! Take it as a sign that a lot of people are pumped up about this phone.

This phone has dual 3.5-inch WVGA displays with a pivot hinge that allows them four modes of view: single-screen mode, simul-task mode (two different apps running at the same time, one per screen,) optimized mode (such as a keyboard on one half and email on the other, and tablet mode, which of course gives you what they’re calling a 4.7-inch diagonal 800 x 960 pixel screen. But there’s a big line in the middle!

As for the everyday specifications, there’s a 5-megapixel camera on the back that can record with 720p HD video camcorder and a single flash, Android 2.2 Froyo inside, and a mobile hotspot with up to 5 connections to devices for some sweet 3G data speeds. It’s got a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Bluetooth 2.1, Telenav GPS, Flash 10.1, and an extra battery included – so that you don’t have to go out and purchase a big fat battery to power this double dose of display.

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LG Thrill 4G Hands-On

Posted: 26 Mar 2011 09:08 PM PDT

Whilst having a nice bite to eat at an AT&T event this past week at CTIA 2011, we were given the opportunity to check out the brand new LG Thrill 4G, a 3D capturing and sharing handset that’ll be released sometime this summer in North America. Now, before we get too far figuring out how many 3D devices are now on the market, note that this device is set to be the USA version of the LG Optimus 3D, a phone we got a short peek at during Mobile World Congress 2011 – this version is VERY* similar to that one.

*In fact, this phone is SO similar to the LG Optimus 3D that it’s basically indistinguishable, the one we’re looking at here actually the European build – which means this IS the LG Optimus 3D with a brand new name slapped on it: LG Thrill 4G. This phone will be launched with Android 2.2 Froyo, seems to have 2.3 Gingerbread in its future, and rolls out the gate with a pack o’ 3D content for your enjoyment.

There’s a dedicated button on the side that leads you to a 3D portal that’l ll allow you to pick from 3D Games & Apps, 3D Camera, 3D Gallery, YouTube 3D, a 3D Guide (with directions,) and another panel that’ll just have 3D Games. Why there’s one place for “apps and games” and another just for “games,” I do not know. It IS exciting to see YouTube 3D pre-loaded though, that aiming at a total 3D section coming up on YouTube in the very near future – which devices will be able to view it though, that’s the question.

The hardware consists of a 4.3″ WVGA touchscreen in front of a couple of 5-megapixel cameras which shoot from the back of the device. With these cameras, you’ll be able to capture both 3D photos and 3D video. This isn’t the lightest phone in the world – it’s got a lot of gear inside it. This isn’t the only 3D phone on the market – the HTC EVO 3D is a very similar phone and the war is indeed on.

Also take a peek at the LG Optimus 3D hands-on we grabbed back at Mobile World Congress 2011.

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HTC Thunderbolt getting Gingerbread by Summer

Posted: 26 Mar 2011 06:08 PM PDT

A frustrated HTC Thunderbolt customer trying to troubleshoot an compatibility issue with Bluetooth nearly forgot all his troubles this week. In an email reply, HTC reps responded that the Thunderbolt will be getting an update in the second quarter of the 2011 that while not addressing the Bluetooth issue, will bring Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) to the 4G handset. Of course, that’s HTCs time table. It will also have to clear Verizon before a roll out will commence, but the list of improvements look to really boost what is already a killer Android handset.

We are excited to announce that the Thunderbolt will receive the Gingerbread update in Q2 2011. Stay tuned for details as we get closer to the update availability.

The list of Gingerbread improvements include UI refinements which promise to speed up the experience, One-touch word selection and copy/paste, Improved power management,
Internet calling, better gaming performance and graphics management. It’ll also come with an open API for native audio, a new media framework fully replaces OpenCore, AAC encoding, and a host of behind the scenes network improvements. But the one thing still missing in the list of updates is improved battery life, which has been dogging the Thunderbolt since day one. HTC has addressed the issue with an optional, rather bulky 2750 mAh battery, which hopefully will ride users throughout the day. And for another $50, it had better.

The HTC Thunderbolt is a screaming fast 4G handset considering it only has a 1 Ghz single core processor. It has a 4/3″ screen and 768MB of RAM with 8GB of internal storage. And although it will be running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) after the update, it will still have to contend with HTC Sense as an overlay. For more on the Thunderbolt, check out Slashgear’s review. And get ready for a Gingerbread summer!

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Atrix 4G and Inspire 4G to get HSUPA support in April update

Posted: 26 Mar 2011 05:43 PM PDT

AT&T has leaked in a Facebook response that the Motorola Atrix 4G an HTC Inspire 4G will be getting HSUPA 4G support with it’s April software update. In addition, the Samsung Infuse 4G will come HSUPA enabled right out of the box. AT&T has caught fire of late for hobbling HSUPA 4G on their hallmark phones while they proceeded to ‘test the network.’ That caused many of those Atrix fans who bought the hype brought on by the Atrix winning best cellphone at CES and dove in with both feet, only to find a 4G phone only running at 3G speed. That will all change come April.

The Motorola Atrix 4G has a 1Ghz dual-core processor running Android 2.2 (Froyo). But it’s more interesting feature is the optional 11.6 inch screen, and full QWERTY keyboard that users can buy to turn the Atrix into a full blown desktop replacement, though it oddly runs Ubuntu as an OS in this configuration. Not really the prime go to OS for the business world, but still a popular flavor of Linux nonetheless. And it won’t only be exclusive to AT&T either as it look like Sprint will also get the Atrix later this year. Check out our review here.

The HTC Inspire 4G has a mammoth 4.3-inch S-LCD touchscreen display which offers a rather crystal clear presentation. It’s powered by a a Snapdragon MSM 8255 1000 MHz processor, has a hefty 8-megapixel rear facing camera and comes with a rather cool GPS tagging feature which we really like. HTC says it’s 1230 mAh pack provide up to 6 hours of talk time or 372 hours of standby. Check out our review here.

Lastly, the Samsung Infuse is based on the Samsung Galaxy S with a huge 4.5″ Super AMOLED plus multi touch screen, 1.2 Ghz Hummingbird processor, and dual cameras including an 8MP rear facing camera and 1.3MP front facing camera for video chat. The Infuse is dubbed the thinnest device AT&T has ever carried and will run Android 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box. It recently cleared the FCC and it should be ready to release next month according to the Facebook post. We’re certainly looking forward to checking it out, but meantime, since it’s based on the Galaxy S 4G, you can look out our review here.

[via Phandroid]

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Kyocera Echo available for preorder through Sprint

Posted: 26 Mar 2011 05:13 PM PDT

With the new Kyocera Echo Dual Screen Android device coming April 17th to Sprint, the Now Network has set up a reservation and preorder site to purchase this odd, yet entertaining smartphone. The price at pre-order is $199.99 after a $100 instant rebate and requires a new line activation (or eligible upgrade) on a two year contract. Users can also get the Echo with an Everything plan with Data, or premium data add-on and a two year deal. And the site isn’t just a reservation site either, as Sprint is getting playful with a “challenge to a dual,” and a gunslinger shooting at you and getting you to play the Bottle Bustin’ Bandits game. In the game, users can also enter to win an Echo through the Duel for a Dual Sweepstakes.

Users also get to take a look at the various plan options to chose from ranging from $69.99 a month for 450 anytime minutes and unlimited data to the $179.99 a month Business Advantage plan with Unlimited data. All plans include nationwide long distance and no domestic roaming charges. Additional lines under the Everything Data family plan can be added for about $20 a month, and for free nights starting after 6pm is an additional $10 a month. Simply everything family plan is an additional $90 a month for 3-5 additional lines. So man, it adds up quick.

The dual touch screen Kyocera Echo comes with twin 3.5″ screens that can run int tablet mode (both screens in concert with a 4.7″ diagonal display size. Other options are the Optimized mode, which offers the same app spreading things out (think YouTube where one screen is the video and the second screen is the YouTube menu), Simultask mode, which takes full advantage of Sprints “Hyper-task” capability employing two of the core seven apps simultaneously, and Single Screen mode which works in the closed configuration for phone calls. The Echo is powered by a single-core 1GHz Snapdragon processor and will be running Android 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box.

It has a 5 MP rear facing camera capable of shooting 720p HD video with autofocus and digital zoom and with it's external microSD card it can handle storage up to 32 GB. But the real selling point here is the unique 3D hinge design which moves the screens around to be able to use the real estate that a dual screen configuration affords. Check out our Hands-on and stay tuned, a review is bound to come real soon on this exciting new handset!

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