Virgin announces $200 LG Optimus Slider and HTC Wildfire S Tweet

Virgin Mobile USA just officially announced the LG Optimus Slider and HTC Wildfire S, their latest Android handsets coming to Best Buy at the end of October.

We told you about a Best Buy leak a few days ago confirming the Optimus Slider’s specs, which is really just a refreshed version of the $99 Optimus V. The specs are largely unchanged from the V apart from the slide-out hardware QWERTY keyboard and Android 2.3. If you’re not familiar with that device, expect the Slider to sport a 3.2-inch color LCD touhcscreen, 3.2 megapixel main camera, WiFi/3G, and 4 hours battery life (3 days standby). You’ll be able to grab it on October 17 from Virgin, or on October 31st at Best Buy and RadioShack for $200. It will hit Target November 6, and November 13 in Sprint stores.

Also announced today is the HTC Wildfire S, the first HTC device on Virgin. The Wildfire S will comes with a 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen display, 5 megapixel main camera with flash, 600MHz processor, 3G/WiFi, Android 2.3 and HTC Sense on top. The silver model will be available exclusively to Virgin customers (and Best Buy). You’ll be able to pick it up for $200 on October 23 through RadioShack and Best Buy.



“The HTC Wildfire S is the first HTC smartphone on Virgin Mobile and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring the Wildfire S™ to our customers,” said Mark Lederman, Business Line director, Virgin Mobile USA. “It is an attractive, easy-to-use and fast smartphone perfect for both the technically savvy and those looking to make the leap to a smartphone for the first time.”

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HTC’s software has a HUGE security hole Tweet

The fine folks over at Android Police have discovered that many HTC devices have a huge security hole due to a recent Android update. The results are pretty shocking, and HTC has no one to blame but themselves. In a recent update, HTC included a set of logging tools that logs users email accounts, last known network and GPS connection, phone numbers that have been recently dialed, encoded SMS data (probably can be decoded), and system logs.

Okay so HTC logs all of this, what’s the big deal? The big deal is that any app that requests android.permission.INTERNET can get their hands on this information. Phones include the Thunderbolt, Evo 4G, Evo 3D, and more.

As of now, the only way to patch this hole is to root your device and remove /system/app/HtcLoggers.apk. If you’re not rooted, stay away from sketchy apps. As Android Police points out, even a high-quality app could still get their hands on this information. Android Police has all of the technical details.

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Microsoft making nearly half a billion in license deals Tweet

updated 08:15 pm EDT, Thu September 29, 2011

Estimates show huge Microsoft profit on Android. Goldman Sachs analysts estimated that, at between $3 to $6 for each device, Microsoft's combined deals could lead to it making $444 million in its fiscal 2012 year, which ends next June. The deals range from majors like HTC and Samsung through to more niche firms like Onkyo and Velocity Micro.
Windows Phone itself is now a much smaller share of Microsoft's revenue at that rate. With 1.72 million Windows phones of all makes shipped in the spring and a $15 licensing rate, Microsoft would have made just $25.9 million a quarter or $103.4 million a year, just a quarter of what it makes from Android.

Goldman Sachs saw the royalties as still secondary to Microsoft versus building up Windows Phone. Google's buyout of Motorola might actually help by taking a completely independent Android maker out of the picture. Microsoft is also widely believed to be wielding Android royalty rates as a way of forcing firms to make more Windows Phones, lowering the rate if they agree to design more models and ship more units.

HTC may be warming up to the platform in spite of legal pressure to use it. Singapore manager Melvin Chua stated Wednesday that 30 percent of HTC's total unit sales were coming from Microsoft's OS. He saw this rising and that it could soon "give Android a run for its money," according to ZDNet.

Some of the hope was coming from the just-shipping Windows Phone 7.5, or Mango. It adds multitasking, a much newer browser, and other additions that have helped it catch up in features. Microsoft still faces some deficits, such as a lack of support for dual-core processors, but has generated "positive feedback" inside and out of the company, Chua said.

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HTC Slaps Cease And Desist Order On Illegal ROM Distributor Tweet

HTC has sent a cease and desist letter to ROM distributor Shipped ROMs. According to Engadget, the big deal here is HTC is against the site hosting ROMs that should otherwise be available only on HTC or carrier partner servers. HTC told Engadget that they try to take a hand's off approach to modded ROMs, but they cannot tolerate the distribution of plain vanilla ROMs. Does that make sense to you?

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RUMOR: Dell, HTC, Motorola and Samsung confirmed to release Android 2.2 Upgrades? Tweet

While neither Google nor any ODMs have seriously confirmed any Android 2.2/Froyo updates (except from Google for its very own Nexus One which was much expectable), with today's press release, Adobe has spilled some beans which Android smartphones will - most likely - get the Froyo update. In its press release about today's Flash Player 10.1 for Mobile launch, Adobe named the Dell Streak, Google Nexus One, HTC EVO, HTC Desire, HTC Incredible, DROID by Motorola, Motorola Milestone, Samsung Galaxy S. While other devices are yet not explicitly mentioned, this is already an impressive list of smartphones which might get Google latest Android mobile OS.

As mentioned, there are yet no official information or release dates available about the expected Froyo updates for the HTC, Motorola and Samsung smartphones.

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HTC Of mozart: new communicator on the basis Windows Of phone 7 Tweet

On the forum Of xDA-Developers appeared the photograph of the document of the Australian operator Of telstra, in which it is possible to see the model HTC Of mozart. It is there indicated, that this device works under control of the operating system Windows Of phone 7 and will leave into sale already in October of this year. At the given moment on the rumors to one degree or another known several communicators on the base new OS, for example, lg Of panther. They will begin to leave toward the end this year, it is the earlier - in October, simultaneously with [relizom] Windows Of phone 7.

Returning to HTC Of mozart it should be noted that thus far nothing not known about its characteristics. Judging by the photo, this is [tachfon] with the large sensory display. Possible to assume that it will obtain a good functionality in order to correspond to the minimum requirements of the operating system Windows Of phone 7. completely possible that soon in the Internet will appear the details about this device, and thus far about its technical equipment it is possible to only surmise.

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HTC Wildfire Deals Spread To T-Mobile, Free From £20 Per Month Tweet

The socially-savvy HTC Wildfire has arrived onto the T-Mobile network, filling out its role as the affordable Android device by being available for free from £20 per month.

For that you get a generous 600 minutes and 500 texts, as well as a flexible booster and unlimited shedloads of mobile internet. Actually, the magenta carrier is most generous when it comes to all-you-can-surf data, with a whopping 3GB data limit on snazzy smartphones.

Looking like a shrunken HTC Desire, the Wildfire is actually a great smartphone for both the budget and fashion conscious, with a 3.2-inch display, a media player with FM radio, a compact form factor and exclusive app recommendation and networking widgets.

Equipped with Android 2.1 (also answering to Eclair), the Wildfire loses nothing in the Google-phone stakes, fully kitted with Gmail, the Android Market and support for the free turn-by-turn navigation of Google Maps.

Soon to be available in a variety of new colourways, the HTC Wildfire is proof that the smartphone revolution is already here…

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Galaxy S vs X10 vs Desire - Screen comparison Tweet

Samsung Galaxy S: 4 inch Super AMOLED 800x480px | HTC Desire: 3,7 inch AMOLED 800x480px | Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10: 4 inch LCD 854x480px |

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Galaxy S vs X10 vs Desire in direct sunlight Tweet

Samsung Galaxy S: 4 inch Super AMOLED 800x480px | HTC Desire: 3,7 inch AMOLED 800x480px | Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10: 4 inch LCD 854x480px |

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[HOW-TO] Enabling Wireless N on Evo Tweet

Update: Thanks to Calkulin there are now flashable zips on my blog post as well as just the driver. Just flash them like any other update.zip file.

So the Evo's WiFi chip supports Wireless N technology, which allows for faster throughput on your WiFi connection. To use this you obviously need a Wireless N capable AP or router. Basically, for some reason (I am going to assume battery life?), HTC decided to disable the wireless n capability of this chip but this can be fixed. Since we don't have the source for the driver we need to use a hex editor. Note, if using AOSP wireless n will already be enabled using the AOSP driver. But if you are using a Sense rom then you will need to do the following. Also I am including a download link with the driver that you can just push if you don't want to get dirty with a hex editor. Anyway, here we go:

1. Download a hex editor (I just googled hex editor and downloaded this one: http://www.chmaas.handshake.de/delph...vi32/xvi32.htm)
2. Go into a command prompt or shell and perform:

Code:
adb pull /system/lib/modules/bcm4329.ko ./bcm4329.ko.old
adb pull /system/lib/modules/bcm4329.ko ./bcm4329.koThis will pull the file and make a backup in case you need to replace the backup.
3. In your hex editor open the file you just pulled. Now, in two spots HTC added 'nmode' in here to disable Wireless N. All we have to do is modify this string to be any other 5 character string and wireless N will be enabled. I did a search and replace and replaced 'nmode' with '-----' (Note: Do not include the single quotes).
4. Save the file.
5. Perform the following in a command prompt or shell:

Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
adb push bcm4329.ko /system/lib/modules/bcm4329.koNow wireless N should be enabled on your device. If not, restart it and try. If you ever want to restore your original just perform the following:

Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
adb push bcm4329.ko.old /system/lib/modules/bcm4329.ko.

Below is the download link for the already modified wireless driver.
http://objectunoriented.com/android/?p=35

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Dell offering HTC Aria for free Tweet

Currently available from AT&T for $129.99, this newcomer is a sprightly, mid-high end smartphone from HTC with the flavoursome 2.1 Eclaire running in the background. However, if you feel that $129.99 is too much, then get to Dell’s website now where you can snap up the HTC Aria for nothing, nada, $0… And this is across the board, without having to pay for activation or shipping either. Even though this is for new AT&T customers only, it’s still a great deal.

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Droid Incredible: Sizzle Tweet

The future got here early. Meet the Droid Incredible by HTC. With the power of Android 2.1 and a 1 Ghz processor, it's nothing short of its name.

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Droid Incredible by HTC - Navigating the Home Screen Tweet

Tutorial for basic navigation and getting started with your Droid Incredible by HTC.

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HTC Partners With Synnex To Expand Distribution In Australia Tweet

Sydney, Australia – HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, announced that it has signed a distributor agreement with Synnex, one of the largest distribution companies in Australia.

The addition of Synnex will expand the distribution support of HTC’s smartphones and wireless solutions to Australian retailers, including credit facilities and account management enabling them to offer improved levels of fulfilment and stock management.

"This strategic alliance with Synnex represents a great enhancement to meet the growing demand for HTC handsets in Australia,“ said Anthony Petts, Sales and Marketing Director ANZ, HTC Corporation. "Synnex’s experience will accelerate further the availability of HTC phones to Australian customers."

"We are very pleased to sign this agreement with HTC today as this marks Synnex’s first move into the distribution of communication devices. Synnex continues to expand its capability in the retail market and offers an unrivalled level of service, logistics and support to its customers. We look forward to helping HTC meet the demand for its products in the Australian market,” said Kee Ong, CEO, Synnex Australia.

The agreement, effective from July 1, positions Synnex as the second distributor in Australia of the power-packed HTC portfolio which caters to users' needs in mobile internet and social networking, with a wide variety of applications for work and leisure.

About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design. Since its establishment, HTC has developed strong R&D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations and launched state-of-the-art mobile phones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the US, Asia and around the world. HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

About Synnex Australia
Synnex Australia Pty is one of the largest distribution companies in Australia. It is a significant division of Synnex Technology International Corporation, the largest IT distribution company in the Asia Pacific region and ranked the third largest worldwide.
Synnex Australia services all businesses in the IT industry including SME Resellers, System Integrators, Computer Retailers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Corporate Retailers and VARs. It also has a growing retail division and has partnerships with all of the key retailers in Australia including Dick Smith, Myer, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. For more information, please visit: www.synnex.com.au

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Mid-range to high-end models still mainstream for US and Europe smartphone markets, says HTC president Tweet

HTC president Peter Chou has commented that mid-range to high-end smartphones are still the mainstream in the US and Europe, which are the Taiwan-based company's main sales markets for 2010.

The smartphone vendor is often criticized by industry pundits for its high price tags and lack of entry-level offerings.

Although there is a market for low-price smartphones, consumers in developed regions are willing to pay the modest price premium for more powerful features, Chou said after a recent stockholders meeting.

Almost every model is selling well in all markets distributed, which took the company a little bit by surprise and caused a slight supply shortage, he said. But the issue has been resolved, he added.

Second-quarter revenues are expected to rise sequentially by 40-50%, and sales, shipments and profits for 2010 should see significant growth.

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Galaxy S vs X10 vs Desire in direct sun light Tweet

Samsung Galaxy S: 4 inch Super AMOLED 800x480px | HTC Desire: 3,7 inch AMOLED 800x480px | Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10: 4 inch LCD 854x480px.

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HTC Aria multitouch test Tweet

Phil tests out the multitouch accuracy on the new HTC Aria on AT&T.

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Sprint's HTC EVO 4G Out Of Stock, Again Tweet

Planning to buy a Sprint HTC EVO 4G? You have to wait for some days as Sprint has once again sold out of its stock of the device, the first smartphone available in the US with WiMAX .

The high-end Android OS smartphone debuted this month and has become hugely popular within weeks. The surge in demand has been so high that the device has been in and out of stock on Sprint's web site very quickly.

The device manufactured by Taiwan-based HTC comes loaded with features, which makes it one of the most advanced phones available today. The smartphone has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, 1 GHz Snapdragon processor and 4G cellular-wireless networking. The EVO will soon offer video chatting.

On June 4, the day when the device was launched by Sprint, the carrier sold twice as many EVO 4G units as it had ever sold any previous smartphone in a single day. But the growing demand forced Sprint and HTC to put up the sold-out board. A second shipment arrived after some days but it is also out of stock now.

Sprint has put a message on its website, saying that has becoming familiar to those shopping for this model: "Sorry, this device is so hot we can't keep it on our virtual shelves. Check back later - more are on their way!" The carrier has stopped accepting pre-orders at this time, and it is still unclear when the next shipment will arrive.

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HTC Desire Getting Froyo in Next Two Weeks? Tweet

The HTC technical support email team has been known to leak bits of information about software updates that otherwise go untold by HTC public relations. In a recent exchange with HTC, XDA user jonnobright reports that an HTC rep revealed that the HTC Desire (review) will be getting an over the air Anroid 2.2 Froyo update in less than two weeks. Here's the email:

Dear Jonathan, Thank you for contacting us in regards to your flash player issue. Within the next 2 weeks HTC will release the Android 2.2 OS over the air. The will enable the lastest version of Adobe Flash Player on your device and will resolve any exisiting issues. I trust that this resolves your query, please do not hesitate to contact us again if required. Thank you for contacting HTC. Best regards, xxxxxxxxxxxxx HTC Technical Support

To send a reply to this message or let me know I have successfully answered your question log in to our ContactUs site using your email address and your ticket number xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Very good news indeed for Desire owners if this HTC rep is to be believed.

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HTC Desire & Motorola Milestone going to Alaska via GCI Tweet

Crab fisherman rejoice! You’re getting some hot Android hardware! HTC recently announced that its Desire smartphone would be coming to the US via regional carriers. Cellular South was the first to officially announce it and now, GCI, a regional carrier in Alaska, has announced it as well.

In addition to the HTC Desire, the Motorola Milestone is also heading to the US’ largest state. The Milestone seems to be invading all corners of the globe, seeing as how it was just announced that it’ll be released in New Zealand as well.

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