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The Unboxing: Verizon’s HTC Droid Eris

Will Park — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:32:15 +0000

We’ve already had a chance to play with the HTC Droid Eris from Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless, but there’s nothing like a retail package unboxing ceremony to really get up close and personal with a new handset. As the “ying” to the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid’s “yang,” the HTC Droid Eris offers Verizon customers a fully capable Android smartphone at half the price of Moto’s headlining Droid, and it deserves some of our undivided attention.

The HTC Droid Eris is a lot like the HTC Hero from Sprint. Just like the Hero, the Droid Eris packs a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, 5-megapixel auto-focusing camera, 3G data, WiFi, GPS and a microSD card slot. It also runs the Sense UI, HTC’s custom Android homescreen skin, which gives the Droid Eris a bunch of extra HTC widgets to play with – and it doesn’t hurt that Sense UI looks way prettier than the vanilla Android homescreen.

Surprisingly, the HTC Droid Eris isn’t much thinner than the Motorola Droid, which sports a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. That’s not to say that the Droid Eris is a brick, it actually sits really comfortably in the hand. Still, the Eris could stand to lose a couple millimeters around its waist.

The Droid Eris’s 5-megapixel camera is faster and less laggy than the Motorola Droid. It also supports touch-focusing, which gives it a another small but significant leg-up on the Droid. The 3.2-inch display is smaller than would be ideal, but it’s plenty big for day-to-day use. Above all, there’s no sliding mechanism on the Droid Eris, so build quality is top-notch – no jiggling or creaking here.

The Droid Eris is available from Verizon Wireless for $99.99 with new 2-year contract. Or, you might be able to find a better deal here.

Unfortunately, the Eris runs Android 1.5 OS. The Motorola Droid features Android 2.0 OS, which has the Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Maps Navigation app pre-installed. Android 1.5 isn’t bad, especially with HTC’s Sense UI riding on top, but it’s no Android 2.0.

Anyway, acquaint yourself with the Droid Eris below!

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HTC considering ‘unique value’ netbook

Will Park — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:20:01 +0000

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.

[Via: Cnet]

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New HTC Commercials Feature a Familiar Tune…

James Falconer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:06:18 +0000

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.

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Video: Hands-on with Verizon’s HTC Droid Eris

Will Park — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:52:55 +0000

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:

3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen (320×480)
5-megapixel camera (with autofocus)
Android 1.5 OS
3G data
WiFi
GPS
3.5mm headphone jack

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Verizon’s HTC DROID Eris Gets Official

Simon Sage — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:10:02 +0000

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.

[via PRNewswire]

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TELUS HSPA Network Goes Live, Here are the Phones and Plans

Simon Sage — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:34 +0000

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.

Next is the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Bold 9700. You’ve seen our first impressions, and they’re mostly good, though it’s still a pretty predictable iteration on a proven formula. RIM has been making a point to say that their Wi-Fi is UMA capable, allowing for calls over your local wireless internet connection, assuming your cellular service provider has a supporting plan. I took the opportunity to prod telus about supporting UMA, and they said they’re continually evaluating options, but don’t expect UMA before the holidays. Things sounded doubtful in general though, so don’t hold your breath. The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is available on telus for $249.99 on contract, or $649.99 with no strings attached.

Then there was the LG BL40, a ridonkulously widescreen device. I hadn’t spent much time with with LG’s S-Class 3D user interface, but the cube-spinning was kind of cool. The real wow factor was that telus was claiming a North American exclusive on the device. The original Chocolate did pretty well for itself, and I trust that the new one on telus will be equally successful. You’ll be able to pick up the New Chocolate for $79.99 on a three-year contract, or $249.99 without.

Finally, there’s the Nokia (NYSE: NOK) E71. There wasn’t much to ask about it, since it’s made the rounds by this point, but considering Rogers recently announced the N86 with 8 megapixel camera, I think telus is going to have some catching up to do when it comes to their high-end Nokia handsets. Still, the E71 is a great handset, and it’s available for $29.99 on contract, or $329.99 without. Red/white version is also available, apparently.

Oh, then there’s the iPhone, but they didn’t have one there for some reason. Maybe they think everyone already has heard enough about the damn thing. I’m tempted to agree. The telus 32 GB iPhone 3GS will run you $299 on contract, $799 otherwise.

We also got some numbers on the new Clear and Simple pricing, which cuts the system access fee and 911. Here’s a quick rundown of the smartphone plans, which all includes voicemail, call waiting, and conference calling:

$50/month: 100 local anytime minutes; 50 bonus anytime minutes; and choice between 5 local favourites or 1,000 outgoing and unlimited incoming SMS or double anytime minutes; unlimited nights and weekends; 500 MB data
$65/month: 200 local anytime minutes; 50 bonus anytime minutes; and choice between 5 nationwide favourites or unlimited incoming SMS or double anytime minutes; unlimited nights and weekends; 1 GB data
$80/month: 350 local anytime minutes; 50 bonus anytime minutes; and choice between 5 nationwide favourites or unlimited incoming SMS or double anytime minutes; unlimited nights and weekends; 2 GB data
$100/month: 450 local anytime minutes; 50 bonus anytime minutes; and choice between 5 favourites or unlimited incoming SMS or double anytime minutes; unlimited nights and weekends; 3 GB data

Devices and plans aside, we talked about the HSPA rollout itself. Everything was built right on top of their existing EVDO network, so everything completely overlaps. The situation in the prairies still sounds somewhat sketchy, however – a roaming agreement with Sasktel is getting finalized, but the Manitoba network is still under construction. In terms of future hardware selection, telus will be pushing HSPA for the first little while, but they won’t be abandoning their EVDO network; it’s inaccurate to think that Bell and telus are swapping out CDMA for GSM, since they’re really just piling one on top of the other. It’s also kind of interesting that the HSPA handsets will have no 2G connectivity, which makes me a little scared – it’s always been somewhat reassuring that on Rogers I could fall back on an EDGE connection if 3G coverage was hurting. HSPA does have its benefits, though, like simultaneous data and voice transmission; missing calls while tethering shouldn’t be a problem.

I also asked about the telus Black’s Photography acquisition, which is seeing a proper retail presence today. I was a little worried that employees in a camera store would know jack-all about selling phones, but telus was likening the situation to Best Buy in that they’re as trained as they need to be to sell phones. It will be interesting to see what kind of perspective those salespeople offer on phones with higher-end cameras, though.

The whole lot of handsets are available today, but if you’re excited for these phones, telus showed us a few others that will be worth sticking around to hear about. One in particular we’ll probably be seeing Monday… For more information, check out telus‘ HSPA landing page.

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HTC DROID Eris Unboxed

Simon Sage — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:55:28 +0000

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.

[via BGR]

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HTC HD2 Confirmed Due in North America Early 2010

Simon Sage — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:42:58 +0000

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.

[via HTC]

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HTC HD2 appears on T-Mobile UK website

Ben Robinson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:02:03 +0000

This actually is the HTC HD2 ...

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

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New HTC HD2 screenshots show off cool features

Will Park — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:29:53 +0000

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!

[Via: WMPowerUser and PocketPC.ch]

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HTC HD2 Launch Event on November 4

Simon Sage — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:01:45 +0000

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.

[via PocketNow]

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Video: Android 2.0 ported to the T-Mobile G1

Dusan Belic — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:17:31 +0000

Don’t throw away that G1/HTC Dream just yet. Thanks to the ever active Android hacker community, we’ve already seen the first-ever Android phone running the MOTO BLUR user interface. And now we have the brand new Android 2.0 Eclair singing along the good ol’ Dream. I’m not sure it works as fast as the Moto Droid, but it’s certainly a good idea to add new life to the old devices. HTC should do this by itself (release the official firmware update with Eclair) to keep its existing customers happy… And now the clip, enjoy!

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

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HTC Website Shows Off TELUS HTC Hero

James Falconer — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:13:10 +0000

Well what do we have here? Some HTC Hero love on TELUS (NYSE: TU)? Yep, that’s exactly it! To be honest, we kinda sorta already knew the HTC Hero was coming to TELUS… But now word has slipped out via HTC’s website that a GSM/HSDPA variant of the Hero will be offered. No real surprises (so far) on specs, as the new Hero for TELUS will apparently ship with the same stuff we’ve come to love so far. The only question I have left on the table at this point is wether the TELUS HTC Hero will ship with Android 1.5 or 2.0 installed. My money is on 2.0.

Check it out for yourself over at HTC.

[Via: BGR]

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Verizon Wireless to open its stores at 6AM on November 6th?

Dusan Belic — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:30:09 +0000

File this under “rumors” but it seems Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless will be opening its stores at 6AM sharp on November 6th. According to always highly informed Boy Genius, the idea is to better serve customers looking for some DROID love. At the same time, this is obviously a PR stunt, which will certainly get some media attention (check us out).

And as you know, it’s not just the Moto Droid that will start selling on November 6th – it’s also the all-touchscreen HTC Droid Eris that also gets its power from the Android platform. Those of you who hate waiting in the queue, don’t forget you can pre-order the Droid from BestBuy.

[Via: BGR]

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Fresh HTC Droid Eris Eye Candy

Simon Sage — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:25:58 +0000

All eyes are on the Motorola Droid right now, but Verizon (NYSE: VZ) will be following up with a second handset in the Droid family, HTC’s Eris (once code-named Desire). Tipsters have alluded to a $99.99 price point, and that the handset will have Wi-Fi as well as a 5 megapixel camera (without flash). That’s quite the steal for a stylish handset packing HTC’s most excellent Sense user interface. For a closer look at the Eris from Verizon’s equipment guide, hit the via link.

[via PhoneArena]

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Verizon to ask $99 for the Droid Eris?

Dusan Belic — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:51:27 +0000

Good news for Android fans looking for a bargain. It seems that Verizon (NYSE: VZ) will ask hundred bucks for the Droid Eris with a contract. As far as we know, the HTC-made smartphone will be launched on the same day as the Moto Droid and the carrier obviously needs to differentiate the offering. If they would price both devices the same amount, the choice would be obvious – get the QWERTY keyboard equipped Motorola (NYSE: MOT).

Now we’re thinking how will this impact Sprint (NYSE: S)’s $180 Hero offering? Yap, they’ll need to cut prices immediately. Don’t you just love when consumers win?

[Via: gdgt, unwired]

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HTC Hero to get Android 2.0!

Dusan Belic — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:49:10 +0000

HTC is working to bring the Eclair to its Hero smartphone. However, it won’t happen overnight, as they need to make significant modifications on the Sense UI. Here’s what they said:

“Yes, we are working on an Eclair update for the HTC Hero. Because Eclair is a significantly enhanced release, it will require some time to update Sense for this new version of the Android OS. Please be patient while we work to provide you with a tightly integrated experience like the one you are already enjoying on your Hero.”

As far as other HTC Android handsets are concerned, such information (that they’ll get Android 2.0) was not confirmed. However, considering that all HTC Android smartphones rely on the same CPU, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Taiwanese company updating its older devices, as well. In any case, I’ve no doubts we’ll see some third-party hack ROMs that will make sure your Dream or Magic runs the latest version of Google (NSDQ: GOOG)’s mobile OS.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

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HTC Touch Diamond2 gets Windows Mobile 6.5 update

Dusan Belic — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:15:29 +0000

HTC has released a new firmware upgrade for its once flagship Touch Diamond2 smartphone. As expected, the latest software version packs Windows Mobile 6.5 and it’s available for select European countries at the moment. Following firmware versions are available:

Germany: 2.16.407.1
Denmark: 2.16.403.1
United Kingdom: 2.16.405.4
Sweden: 2.16.413.1
Norway: 2.16.409.1
Portugal: 2.16.410.1

Before you push the trigger, make sure to backup all your data. Once you did that, hop over to this page at HTC’s website and follow instructions provided on the screen.

[Via: WMexperts]

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Verizon Launching HTC Eris and Motorola Droid November 6?

Simon Sage — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:44:42 +0000

Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s Droid lineup will apparently be launching November 6, according to tipsters. Motorola (NYSE: MOT)’s Droid (a.k.a Sholes) and HTC’s Eris (a.k.a Desire) will be the first members to the family, with more on the way. The Droid has a 3.7-inch 480×854 touchscreen, 5-megapixel autofocus camera, GPS, Bluetooth 2.0, WiFi, 256MB RAM/512MB ROM and a microSDHC slot supporting up to 16GB memory cards. The only thing we really know about the Eris is that it’s packing HTC’s Sense user interface – we’re definitely looking forward to hearing more about the specs. If you haven’t seen Verizon’s teaser campaign making tongue-in-cheek comparisons between Android and iPhone operating systems, it’s definitely worth a watch.

[via BGR]

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BlackBerry Curve2 Makes First Appearance in Verizon Newsletter

Simon Sage — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:35:49 +0000

It looks like the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 8520 will be getting an update that includes 3G connectivity, according to an internal Verizon (NYSE: VZ) newsletter, but details are scarce, aside from what we already know about the 8500-series Curves having Wi-Fi. The Curve2 likely has something to do with the projects code-named Essex or Atlas, which were meant to be a companion to the Tour that would have Wi-Fi (and the Essex specifically having a trackpad). However, I think the overall assumption was that either one would still be packing the Tour form factor, complete with nicer screen and camera. In any case, for those hungry for a Wi-Fi-enabled CDMA BlackBerry and can’t stomach the Storm2’s SurePress or won’t wait for an updated Tour, the Curve2 will be their only option. To get a feel for what the device might feel like, check out our BlackBerry 8520 review – just tack on Wi-Fi and likely OS 5.0.

Other devices to make an appearance in the newsletter include the HTC Imagio, Ozone, enV Touch, enV3, Chocolate Touch, Rogue, Intensity, Alias2, and the white Pearl Flip; of course, Droid gets a two-page spread to itself.

[via BGR]

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