Thursday, April 5, 2012

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


Sprint HTC Evo 4G LTE becomes real, release in Q2 for $199.99

Posted: 04 Apr 2012 04:00 PM PDT

The pseudo-official has become official, folks! Sprint and HTC have announced the next HTC powerhouse, the HTC EVO 4G LTE. In all honesty, this looks like the biggest announcement since the original EVO 4G, a fitting comparison, given the return of the...gasp! Yes, kickstand!

Like the original Evo, there's HUGE focus on multimedia and camera, and it's really the main thing that they harped on in the announcement besides HD calling, which we'll cover later (foreshadowing). What you can say with certainty is that this (and the rest of the HTC One line) is HTC's first device that has a truly excellent camera. Between the 8MP shooter itself with its well-designed f/2.0 lens/sensor and HTC's stellar ImageSense software, it's going to be a force to be reckoned with and a good point and shoot option for those looking for quality. Along with simple quality is the fact that you can shoot quickly, as in four pictures in a second in its burst mode. This'll be great for those parents watching kids' soccer games from the sidelines.

Beyond the camera, you've got multimedia playback. From a video standpoint, you've got that gorgeous 4.7" HD screen to bring forth videos and pictures in superb clarity and definition. On the audio side, you've got the Beats integration, which is can be either a positive or a negative depending on your stance on it. Either way, I think we can agree this is going to be a spectacular device for media.

The only release date given for the HTC EVO 4G LTE is sometime in the 2nd quarter, but it'll be $199.99 with an upgrade and pre-orders will open up on May 7th. Given the EVO's release history, we can probably expect a June release date.

Check out the presser below for more info and let us know in the comments what you think of the HTC EVO 4G LTE!

HTC EVO 4G LTE, Exclusively from Sprint, First HD Voice-capable Smartphone Available in the U.S.; Offers Best-in-Class Features, including Beats Audio, Amazing Camera and HD Display

 Next-generation EVO offers the ability to enjoy industry-leading features without fear of overage charges or throttling with unlimited data plans for new and existing Sprint customers

Available in Q2 for $199.99; Register for updates at www.sprint.com/evo4glte

 NEW YORK – April 4, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S), the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network1, and HTC, a global designer of smartphones, announce the next evolution of the award-winning HTC EVO™ family: HTC EVO™ 4G LTE. HTC EVO 4G LTE focuses on exceptional improvements in camera technology, audio and voice quality on both the network and device.

HTC EVO 4G LTE will be available in the second quarter for $199.99 (excludes taxes and surcharges). The availability date will be announced later. Customers can sign up for updates today at www.sprint.com/evo4glte, and pre-order will begin Monday, May 7, at www.sprint.com.

HTC EVO 4G LTE is built on Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, integrated with HTC Sense™ 4. HTC EVO 4G LTE boasts brilliant features, including a vibrant 4.7-inch HD display, HD voice capabilities, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, large 2000mAh embedded battery and dual-cameras (8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.3-megapixel front-facing) with instant capture capability. HTC EVO 4G LTE brings back the fan-favorite kickstand built into the smartphone's refined, slim design.

With the launch of HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint becomes the first U.S. carrier to announce plans for a nationwide HD Voice network beginning in late 2012 as part of Sprint's Network Vision program.

HD Voice is the next-generation evolution of voice quality and the future of voice communications for mobile phones. The service will provide fuller, more natural-sounding and less fatiguing voice quality and should reduce troublesome background noises often found in a cafe or on the street.2 Users should expect to identify voices and hear every word better than ever. Sprint's commitment to HD Voice starts with HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint's first HD Voice capable device.

"Sprint has a long history of leading the wireless industry in innovation, and the debut of HTC EVO 4G LTE marks another chapter in that innovation story," said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. "Once again, we are partnering with HTC to deliver the benchmark Android device for the year with the next generation of our award-winning EVO brand. We know our customers will appreciate the focus on audio and voice quality with EVO 4G LTE, including the addition of Beats Audio and HD Voice capability."

HTC EVO 4G LTE is Sprint's first device with HTC's Authentic Sound experience integrating Beats Audio™. The technology enables customers to hear music the way the artist intended with unique audio tuning that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs.

HTC EVO 4G LTE incorporates Beats Audio across the entire phone experience, including playing music stored on the device, streaming from a favorite service, watching a movie or YouTube™ video, or playing the latest hot game. HTC Sync Manager software also lets users easily get their music on the device from their PC, and it works with current programs, including iTunes®.

"The partnership between HTC and Sprint has resulted in one of the most popular and successful smartphone brands of all time with over 7 million EVO devices sold to date," said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Corporation. "With HTC EVO 4G LTE, we've created a desirable successor that is sure to excite the millions of current EVO customers and beyond with HTC's distinct design, amazing camera and authentic sound." 

ADVANCING SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

HTC EVO 4G LTE makes mobile photography and video easy and intuitive.

  • The on-screen photo and video buttons are right next to each other so users don't have to switch modes. This allows the user to take video and still photos concurrently.
  • It makes the whole idea of "video mode" or "photo mode" irrelevant. While shooting a video, the user can just tap the shutter button and it captures a still image of that exact moment. Still images can also be captured during video playback.
  • HTC EVO 4G LTE's camera has a super-fast start-up time and auto-focus. With the fast auto-focus, users can easily stay with a moving object or person, taking numerous pictures just by holding the shutter button.

In addition, HTC ImageSense™ technology combines hardware and software advancements to the camera lens, sensor and software, including integration of a new custom HTC ImageChip, to take great photos even in adverse conditions. The best-in-class f/2.0 camera lens lets in 44 percent more light than the lenses used on most camera phones. The Smart Flash also adjusts the flash strength based on how far away the object is, so users won't get photos where everything looks washed out.
REFINED STYLE AND DESIGN

Crafted from aluminum spaceframe in an anodized black finish, HTC EVO 4G LTE delivers cutting-edge function and style in a thin and distinctive design. The smartphone's 4.7-inch display and 80-degree viewing angle makes it easier to share pictures and video with others. The multiposition kickstand allows users to watch videos hands-free.

HTC EVO 4G LTE customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint's Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones3 – a savings of $40 per month vs. Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month savings vs. Verizon's 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web.

Sprint recently announced Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service in mid-year 2012. Sprint 4G LTE will enable faster speeds for data applications, and the enhanced 3G service promises better signal strength, faster data speeds, expanded coverage and better in-building performance. The launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Sprint customers in these areas will soon enjoy ultra-fast data speeds and improved 3G voice quality. Whether a Sprint customer is using a smartphone to share a video, checking the Web via a mobile hotspot, Sprint 4G LTE will make it easier. And, when someone makes an important voice call, they can expect to find a clearer connection and a stronger signal in more areas. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint's 4G LTE rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint andwww.twitter.com/sprint.

 

About HTC

Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC's portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense™, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visitwww.htc.com.

 

Visit www.sprint.com/newswroom or www.sprint.com/presskits for more information and images.

Sprint HTC Evo 4G LTE becomes real, release in Q2 for $199.99 originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Sprint smartphone LTE to receive same unlimited data and pricing as 3G and WiMax

Posted: 04 Apr 2012 01:36 PM PDT

Sprint has a fantastic value going for its plans right now, both in price and the fact that they're the only US carrier to offer unlimited data without throttling for its smartphones. There was some question as to whether that value would carry over to Sprint's LTE offering when it was officially unveiled, but according to a Sprint spokesperson, you can put those fears to rest. In an interview with Fierce Wireless, spokesperson Scott Sloat said,

"4G LTE smartphone customers can enjoy the same unlimited data plans which provide customers with unmatched value and simplicity that allows them to utilize their phones to the fullest without worrying about incurring additional data charges."

The Everything Data plans will maintain the same price point, starting at $79.99. Sloan also said that "non-smartphone devices" (tablets, aircards, laptops, etc.) will also maintain the same pricing and plan structure. It wasn't mentioned, but I would assume that this means that LTE-using non-smartphone devices will still keep that 5 Gb cap that 3G and WiMax using devices do.

Beyond LTE data, Sloan also spoke on the LG Viper, one of three initial LTE offerings, confirming that it would be launching later this month. This isn't a huge surprise, given the device's April 12th pre-order availability, but it's still good to see a solid time window.

Regarding the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Sprint's only other announced LTE handset, Sloan didn't mention anything, though Fierce Mobile did bring up a rumored April 22nd launch date. Time will tell, but this would probably be a good launch window so that there's no conflict with another device launching - like the Evo One that Sprint is expected to unveil this evening. Stay tuned to Android Guys, as we'll be covering that rumored announcement closely.

Source Fierce Wireless

Sprint smartphone LTE to receive same unlimited data and pricing as 3G and WiMax originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Android overtakes 50% market share according to comScore

Posted: 04 Apr 2012 10:57 AM PDT

There's enough people in the world that every smartphone OS should be able to co-exist peacefully. In theory. Chalk it up to money and the electronic equivalent of Manifest Destiny, but the reality is that there's an all-out war among smartphone manufacturers of OSes and devices to capture the most market share, and it's a war that Android is currently winning.

According to recent data from comScore, Android has pulled in a whopping 17% of additional market share in the US since November of last year to hold the top spot at 50.1%. That leaves the remainder 49.9% to be divided up between everybody left. Of this, Apple takes up a hefty chunk at 30.2% (up from 28.7% last year), Blackberry takes up 13.4% (down from 16.6%), Windows takes up 3.9% (down from 5.2%), and Symbian takes up the same 1.5% it did last year. It's no surprise that Apple and Android adoption have continued to rise, but it's interesting how far ahead Android is pulling in the race.

Beyond a breakdown of actual OS market share rates, comScore found that smartphone adoption as a whole had increased 14% since last November, a statistic that goes hand in hand with people taking more and more advantage of various mobile data. This includes text messaging, web browsing, social networking, and all of the other stuff that you phone addicts(*cough*because I'm totally not one*cough*) can't get enough of, all broken down in the source article, if you care to take a gander.

The electronics industry, particularly mobile electronics, is a constantly shifting plane. Not too long ago, the trio of Windows Mobile, Palm, and Blackberry ruled the smartphone space. Now, thanks to a failure to adapt to the ever changing consumer climate, they're barely a consideration for most people when it comes to smartphone purchases. It makes one wonder: What will the smartphone landscape look like in 5 years? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Source Fierce Mobile Content

Android overtakes 50% market share according to comScore originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Touch app updated to include video and sound clip sharing

Posted: 04 Apr 2012 09:11 AM PDT

In this era of communication and connectivity, there seems to be a neverending search for platforms to reach people from. Be it social networking, IMing, or a little bit of both, humankind just wants that ability to reach out and touch someone,  in as many different mediums as possible. To this end, Enflick's latest update of their Touch app is a good step forward. Once known by the moniker of PingChat, Touch brings a slick UI and quite a few sharing options to the table with the ability to send/share video clips and sound recordings. Like a few other messaging apps, Touch is also multiplatform, allowing users on iOS, Blackberry OS, and Android to bridge the gap. Worth mentioning, also like other messaging apps, Touch may have a potential negative effect on your battery as it did for me. Still, those looking for a beautiful and full-featured messaging client will find a lot to like here...especially if you can get your friends to jump on board with you.

Check out  the screenies and press release below, as well as the Play Store link to try out Touch, but let us know in the comments: Which messaging app are you currently using and what do you like most about it?

Touch in the Play Store

 

 

 

Trailblazing Mobile Social Connectivity App "Touch" Extends Technology Innovation, Market Leadership with New Release
Touch Version 3.1 Adds Sound and Video Clips Optimized and Fully Compatible Across Major Mobile Platforms; Reaffirms Commitment to Strong Privacy Practices

WATERLOO, Ontario – April 2, 2012 – Today, less than four months following its initial launch, a new release of the mobile interpersonal connectivity application "Touch," that is transforming social networking by seamlessly connecting people with their closest relationships, has been made available across all major mobile platforms. Fully compatible across iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices, Touch Version 3.1 adds functionality to support audio and video clips, in order to deliver robust multimedia support for a more engaging user experience. As the first and leading niche social networking platform, Touch has now served 350 million one-on-one messages and 40 million group messages, delivering a solution to users who want a more intimate and real-time social networking experience customized for the mobile device.

"The rapid and widespread adoption of the Touch platform validates our belief that people want a way to more easily connect with their most significant relationships – a need that is not being met by other solutions on the market today," said Derek Ting, co-founder and CEO, Enflick. "We are pleased to fill that need with Touch and to deliver even more of the cutting edge capabilities that our users want with this new release."

Touch delivers an on-demand social networking experience, enabling instantaneous chats and photo and experience sharing from any phone and allowing users to immediately connect with their closest relationships. Further – unlike many emerging mobile applications – Touch helps guarantee the safety of its users' personal data through a commitment to transparency and choice and never stores raw numbers anywhere on its system to protect its users' privacy.

Touch Version 3.1 – Features and Capabilities
Touch Version 3.1 includes sound and video clips that have been specifically designed and optimized for mobile, leveraging the following technology capabilities to further enhance the user experience:

·         Incremental uploading – allowing multimedia files to be split in 'chunks.' If any chunk falls, only that chunk will be re-uploaded, reducing the chance of media uploads failing.
·         Progressive streaming* – enabling users to immediately start enjoying audio and video without waiting to download the entire file first – significantly improving the user experience by minimizing the wait-time required to start watching or listening to the media (especially on unreliable mobile networks).
[*This capability will initially be available on the iOS, followed by Android and BlackBerry.]

The new release provides users with even more ways to connect and communicate with their closest relationships, through video and audio messages and voice notes. Touch 3.1 can be downloaded at touch.com. Touch supports iOS devices (OS version 3.0+), as well as Android (1.6+) and Blackberry (5.0+).

About Enflick
Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Enflick is a leading provider of real-time social software solutions designed to transform the way that individuals connect with each other online. Its Touch platform delivers a single, unified mobile connectivity solution that makes keeping in touch with close friends and family an immediate, intuitive and completely seamless experience. More than 25 million users worldwide use Enflick's TextNow and Touch applications, serving 1.3 billion impressions per month. Since TextNow went viral in 2009, Enflick has achieved a 400 percent year-over-year growth.

Enflick is committed to designing user-friendly products that make connecting online easier and simulate how people engage in real life with the exact same immediacy and continuity. Enflick was recently named a company to watch in the 2011 Deloitte Technology Fast 50Ô Awards for its innovative technology and entrepreneurship and potential as a future leader in the Canadian technology industry. For more information, visit http://enflick.com.

 

 

Touch app updated to include video and sound clip sharing originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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