Remember the HTC Shift? It was HTC’s first attempt at a super-portable laptop capable of running both Windows Vista and Windows Mobile. These days, we’d be inclined to call it a “netbook” if not for its prohibitive price tag. Despite its innovative design and features, however, the HTC Shift never gained any traction in the crowded ultra-portable laptop segment. But, don’t count HTC out of the netbook game just yet. According to HTC CEO Peter Chou, the smartphone maker is still considering an entrance into the netbook market.
At the HTC HD2 launch yesterday, Chou stated that HTC was “carefully looking into [the netbook] category and how it can be part of that.” He added that HTC doesn’t want to make another “me too” netbook that will get lost in the shuffle. Instead, HTC would be looking to launch a product with “unique value” to differentiate itself from the crowd. The HTC Shift was unique in its own right. It offered instant-on access to the Windows Mobile operating system as well as Windows Vista.
How cool would it be if HTC launched a netbook with instant-on access to Android? Or, for that matter, how about an Android-powered netbook? Speculating is fun.
Chances are you’ve noticed one of HTC’s latest commercials on the boob-tube. I first took in one during the Yankee’s punishment of the Phillies a little while back. You can check one of the spots out above. Now, the background music you hear… you recognize it, right? For the life of me I couldn’t figure out what song it came from… I was scratching my head over and over, trying to figure out where I’ve heard that beat before…
Then it came to me this morning.
The song? ‘Sinnerman‘ by Nina Simone. I think the song was featured in the movie ‘The Thomas Crown Affair‘.
Had to share this with you folks. Was bothering me Check out the scene in the movie I’m talking about right here (fast forward to around 2:14). Great scene.
If you’ve had your eye on the Android-powered HTC Hero and its customized Sense UI, but just couldn’t bear to leave Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s warm embrace for Sprint (NYSE: S)’s network, you’re in luck! Verizon went official this morning with the Hero-esque HTC Droid Eris. The Eris is a lot like the Hero, just for the Verizon Wireless network. And, at just $99, the Droid Eris is the more affordable alternative to both the upcoming Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid and the Sprint HTC Hero. The Eris even sports the same Sense UI that we’ve come to love on the HTC Hero.
The Motorola Droid might be hogging all the hype this week, but the Eris deserves some time in the limelight. So, without further ado, here’s a hands-on look at HTC Droid Eris for Verizon Wireless.
Here’s a quick spec-sheet rundown on the HTC Droid Eris:
After an early unboxing, Motorola (NYSE: MOT)’s little brother in Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s Android rollout has gone public. The HTC droid Eris is bringing a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, 320 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack and HTC’s very slick Sense user interface to the party. I’m still a little boggled as to how the Eris qualifies as a “with Google (NSDQ: GOOG)” experience with all the custom work done on top of Android 1.5, but more power to ‘em. Although not quite as buxom as the Motorola droid, or even HTC’s own Hero, the Eris still offers a lot for $99.99 on contract, and is a great option for folks who want the fancy Android experience while staying on a budget. Keep an eye on the VZ store for the Eris starting tomorrow, or take a closer look at the device over at HTC.
Bell busted out their fresh HSPA devices yesterday, and today we have a similar official announcement from telus (NYSE: TU). Earlier this week, we had a chance to sit down and take a look at the new toys; most of the players you’ll already be familiar with, but here’s a rundown of telus‘ take on each one.
First up we have the Hero, HTC’s Android avenger, jam-packed with their custom Sense user interface. I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t packaged in Sprint (NYSE: S)’s slick, smooth, curve casing, but telus apparently wanted to capture the European flavour by offering something unique to North America, although it’s arguably reminiscent of Rogers (NYSE: RCI)’ HTC Dream in terms of aesthetic. Prodding a little bit about other Android hardware in the future, telussaid that they’re really not interested in vanilla builds – they really want to see some unique experiences with each manufacturer, and I couldn’t agree more. If you’re hoping to see the Hero on another carrier up north, good luck; telus said they’ve nabbed the Canadian exclusive on the Hero, and it sounded indefinite. The price point is also killer: $99.99 on contract, $499.99 off contract.
All of the pictures of the Android-powered droid Eris have been slick and smooth marketing shots, but nothing beats a look at the real device. Since this Eris (code-named Desire once upon a time) is fresh out of the box, Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is clearly ready to roll out the droid’s little brother very soon, and likely in tandem with Motorola’s device. We hear the droid Eris will have Wi-Fi, a 5 megapixel camera without flash, HTC’s Sense user interface on top of Android, and possibly costing $99 on contract. Keep an eye on your VZ stores for this one on November 6.
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one slobbering for the HD2, HTC’s monster of a Windows Mobile 6.5 device – we want it here in North America just as much as you do, and now we have a general expectation of Q1 2010 from a joint HTC/Microsoft launch event. If you didn’t catch our hands-on playtime, the HD2 hosts a gigantic 4.3″ WVGA touchscreen, a 5 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack, and HTC’s custom TouchFLO 3D user interface. Between the giant display, slim profile, respectable camera, and WinMo functionality, this will be a choice handset for mobile media junkies. Europe and Taiwan have their units shipping presently, but there was no additional information about North American pricing or carrier availability (although T-Mobile seems likely), so stay tuned.
Well we knew it was coming sooner or later – thing is, it might well be sooner now that T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) have seen fit to post up some info on their UK site!
We’re apparently going to be in for some HD2-shaped love sometime within the next 28 days – which is nice. Interestingly, Coolsmartphone have picked up a number of errors in the coming soon listing you can see above:
the device is mistakenly called the HTC Touch HD2
the picture is actually of the original HTC HD
the device supposedly has ‘Android Market’
screen specifications are incorrect
But other than that, it’s pretty accurate Check out what appear to be mistakes here.
Bizarrely, on another area of the T-Mobile site, everything seems to be correct (here). Confused, I am – but then again that’s not difficult to achieve
With the HTC HD2 set to go official in a matter of days, we can almost taste its massive 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and 1Ghz Snapdragon processor. HTC’s latest Windows Mobile phone isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but for fans of Windows Mobile 6.5, the HD2 is as good as it gets. And, it looks like the HD2 will launch with some cool features. New screenshots show the HD2 getting down with multi-touch, compass mode, MP3 editing, WiFi router (routing?), car-kit mode and video playback at 1.7Mbps!
The HD2’s capacitive touchscreen makes multi-touch possible, and we’re glad to see pinch/stretch zooming in Acrobat PDF reader. HTC has also loaded a ringtone maker onto the handset, allowing the user to edit their favorite MP3 into a ringtone. And, there’s a “WiFi Router” mode that allows you to share the HD2’s 3G data connection with WiFi-enabled devices around you.
As for video playback at 1.7Mbps, it’ll go a long way to give help the HD2 realize its full potential as a multimedia monster. High-quality video usually hints at hardware video-acceleration, so that’s another plus. Unfortunately, we’ll be stuck watching said video on the ancient-looking Windows Media Player.
Check out our HTC HD2 hands-on coverage here, and make sure to check back on November 4th!
Invites to a private event in Taipei recently went out, boldly titled the HTC HD2 Product Launch and dated for November 4. HTC is touting the HD2 as “the first Windows phone with HTC Sense”, although that really just amounts to an update in TouchFlo 3D. Still, it’s good news that things are getting official with HTC’s WinMo behemoth; packing a 1 Ghz Snapdragon, a 4.3″ WVGA touch display, Wi-Fi, GPS, and of course Windows Mobile 6.5. The November 4 date lines up nicely with previous rumours that Europe would see the HD2 on the 11th., but the U.S. probably won’t get it until early 2010 – let’s keep our fingers crossed for confirmation in the next few days. To get up close and personal with the HD2, take a look at our hands-on video from CTIA.
Remember the HTC Shift? It was HTC’s first attempt at a super-portable laptop capable of running both Windows Vista and Windows Mobile. These days, we’d be inclined to call it a “netbook” if not for its prohibitive price tag. Despite its innovative design and features, however, the HTC Shift never gained any traction in the crowded ultra-portable laptop segment. But, don’t count HTC out of the netbook game just yet. According to HTC CEO Peter Chou, the smartphone maker is still considering an entrance into the netbook market.
Check out the scene in the movie I’m talking about 
Bell busted out their fresh HSPA devices yesterday, and today we have a similar official announcement from 
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one slobbering for the HD2, HTC’s monster of a Windows Mobile 6.5 device – we want it here in North America just as much as you do, and now we have a general expectation of Q1 2010 from a joint 
Check out what appear to be mistakes 
With 
Invites to a private event in Taipei recently went out, boldly titled the HTC HD2 Product Launch and dated for November 4. HTC is touting the HD2 as “the first Windows phone with HTC Sense”, although that really just amounts to an update in TouchFlo 3D. Still, it’s good news that things are getting official with HTC’s WinMo behemoth; packing a 1 Ghz Snapdragon, a 4.3″ WVGA touch display, Wi-Fi, GPS, and of course Windows Mobile 6.5. The November 4 date lines up nicely with previous rumours that Europe would 
