Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 72



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 04:00 PM PST
    HTC One V
    The chin is back! Two years ago, here at Mobile World Congress, HTC unveiled the Legend with its iconic unibody design and chin-first swagger. Today, in Barcelona, HTC resurrected that design in the HTC One V.
    The One V has a 3.7-inch WVGA Super LCD display at 480x800 resolution. It's rocking a Qualcomm 8255 at 1 GHz and has 512MB of RAM. Storage is a meager 4GB, but it's got that extra 25GB from Dropbox. The One V has a 1500 mAh non-removable battery.
    We weren't allowed to touch the One V, and the software's not ready, so we didn't get to see it turned on. But we've got some exterior shots and video after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:55 PM PST
    HTC One S
    The HTC One S (Codename: Ville) might not be the "flagship" device in the manufacturer's new lineup, but don't thell that to the phone. It's a little smaller than the One X, at 4.3 inches instead of 4.7 inches. And it's traded the 4.7-inch Super LCD 2 for a 4.3-inch AMOLED display and Gorilla Glass. It also loses a tad in the way of resolution, dropping to qHD instead of full 720p. And it trades the polycarbonate shell for an aircraft-grade aluminum that's been fried in plasma in a process that's called microarc oxidation. In layman's terms, it basically turns the metal into a ceramic, and it feels quite nice. 
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress The HTC One S has the same camera technology as the One X, as well as Beats audio. It's crowning achievement, probably, is that it's crammed into a body that's just 7.9mm thin. You have to feel it to believe it. But that does come with a trade-off: The non-removable battery is just 1650 mAh.
    Other specs of note: It's rocking a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor at 1.5GHz, has 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, plus the 25 GB you get with HTC's new deal with Dropbox.
    Rogers and Fido have announced they're carrying the HTC One S, as has T-Mobile in the U.S.
    We've got your hands-on video and pics after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:52 PM PST
    Dropbox
    Along with HTC's announcement of their One series devices, one thing that may have been overlooked while mulling the specs over was their new agreement with Dropbox. Previously, HTC was working with Dropbox to offer folks a free 5GB when using HTC devices but they've now bumped that up to 25GB free for 2-years:
    Dropbox integrated with HTC Sense - HTC One gives you an easy way to save and share your photos and videos. HTC has integrated Dropbox into HTC Sense 4 enabling HTC One customers to get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years. That’s enough to keep more than 10,000 high-quality photos. Dropbox is also integrated throughout HTC Sense 4, so it’s easy to edit, save and share your documents and other kinds of files.
    We've gone through the process of explaining cloud storage services like Dropbox can be used for storing files, and now with it built-into Sense 4.0, it'll make things easier then ever.



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:25 PM PST
    Android Central
    Sony today announced the Xperia P and Xperia U -- two new additions to its Xperia NXT range, which bring the aesthetics of its 2012 flagship to mid and entry-level smartphones. Both devices feature dual-core CPUs and the familiar angular design from the Xperia S, in a smaller form factor with a couple of interesting new personalization quirks.
    We've got early video walkthroughs of the Xperia S and Xperia P after the break, along with first impressions of both phones from Sony's pre-MWC event today.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:23 PM PST
    HTC One X
    If you thought HTC's phones of the latter half of 2011 were good, wait till you get a load of the first half of the 2012 crop. The flagship model for HTC's new "HTC One" line is the HTC One X. Code named Endeavor, it's sporting a 4.7-inch 720p Super LCD 2 display that looks as good as you can imagine (especially in the horrible lighting we had to endure).
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress The back, home and multitasking buttons are capacitive and aren't a part of the screen, so you actually get more real estate than you might expect. That's a double-edged sword because it can make it that much harder to reach from corner to corner. The phone is made of a special polycarbonate -- basically meaning it's plastic, but it's bad-ass plastic. It feels pretty good, though it is a tad slick.
    The One X is either running a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, or a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, depending on whether it's got an LTE radio. (AT&T's version will rock Snapdragon.) The 1800 mAh battery on the One X is not removable. 
    The real stars of the show, however, are the 8MP rear camera with HTC's new ImageSense technology, and Sense 4.0. The former means you can take better pictures (and take them faster). And the latter means you get more of a stock Android experience, while retaining that feeling that you're using an HTC. The menus are nicely skinned, and widgets go on the home screens more like previous versions of Android and Sense, and not like default Ice Cream Sandwich.
    We've got hands-on pics and video after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 01:57 PM PST
    Android Central
    We've had quite the night in Barcelona. Fresh from HTC's official launch of the One Series of devices, what we want now -- aside from actually getting our hands on them -- is to know just when we can actually get our hands on them. The UK is faring pretty well out of MWC so far, and we've already had word from a couple of UK carriers and a top UK electronics retailer confirming their supply of the devices.
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress
    Coming right out of the gate are Clove Technology. Clove will be stocking the whole trio of devices, including the white version of the One X. SIM free the One X will cost £492, the One S will be £450 and the One V comes in at a reasonable £264. The One X and One S are both slated to be available from Thursday April 5. The One V is a few weeks behind, due on Thursday April 26. Hit the links below for Clove's HTC products page.
    Carriers already confirmed to be stocking HTC's latest are Three and Vodafone. Three will be carrying all three of the One Series devices, but as yet can't offer any possible pricing or availability information.
    Vodafone will only be carrying the One X and the One S. Again, no word on price or availability at this time, only that both are "coming soon."  
    Additionally, third party retailer Phones4U have added both the black and white One X to their coming soon page. Nothing beyond a "register your interest" box for now, but it looks like there won't be a shortage of places to get your hands on one. 



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 01:49 PM PST
    HTC One X Rogers
    With the HTC One series devices now officially unveiled, carriers have already began staking their claim on the devices. As noted in the official press release, Roger in Canada is amongst the mix but it never stated which device would be available on the carrier. One quick look at the however shows Rogers will indeed be getting the LTE equipped HTC One X.
    • Entertainment at the speed of sound – Our fastest LTE phone yet - Entertainment is delivered quicker and smoother than ever thanks to a super-fast LTE network connection. With this clean, minimalist phone design, you still get a pixel-packed 4.7-inch HD screen. Then there's the amazing camera that captures every moment with crisp, beautiful photos.
    • 4.7” HD Display - Within seconds of starting a movie download, view it in vivid detail on your 4.7-inch HD display. And with just a swipe of your finger, movies go wirelessly from your phone to a wide-screen TV.
    • Audio the way the artist intended - Nothing comes between the studio and your audio enjoyment. Thanks to Universal Beats Audio, the listening experience is deep, clear and rich—just like the artist intended.
    • Capture every moment as it happens - Quickly bypass the lock-screen with instant access and always get the shot with a shutter that never delays. You can even snap a picture while shooting HD video.
    We'll have to sit back and wait a bit for actual release dates and pricing but if you're on Rogers at least you can take satisfaction in knowing it will be arriving. Fido, also owned by Rogers will getting the HTC One S.
    Source: HTC (Rogers), (Fido)



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 01:16 PM PST
    HTC One
    HTC has now taken the covers off not only one device but a whole brand new series of devices dubbed the HTC One series. With the new series, HTC is focusing on premium experiences by concentrating their efforts on the freshly unveiled Sense 4.0 with Dropbox integration, Beats audio integration and their new new suite of camera and imaging features called ImageSense.
    “The best moments in life are captured with a photo or remembered by a song, so it was key for the HTC One series to improve these emotional experiences with an amazing camera and authentic sound experience,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “We are very focused on creating a camera and audio experience customers will love and use often and we believe the HTC One series delivers this in a way never seen on a phone before.”
    The HTC One X, HTC One S along with the HTC One V kick off the new series and ceratinly don't run short in the specs department. We'll be breaking down each device on their own shortly here but for now, you can jump on past the break for the full press release from HTC.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 01:05 PM PST
    HTC One S
    T-Mobile has announced that they will be carrying the HTC One S, coming sometime this spring. The HTC One S features the same Sense 4 experience and high performance camera as the One X, in a smaller and thinner (7.9mm) package, making it T-Mobile's thinnest smartphone. The One S will be equipped with an HSPA+42 modem for fast 4G speeds, and features an aluminum unibody design. The Qualcomm S4 dual-core 1.5GHz CPU combines with Beats Audio and HTC's all-new advanced 8MP camera will bring rich multimedia content to the forefront, whether it's user created or just being enjoyed on the 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED Plus display.
    We're getting some hands-on with the One S at the HTC event, be sure to keep an eye out. T-Mobile's press release is after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:52 PM PST

    AT&T One X
    AT&T has announced that they will be carrying the HTC One X on it's LTE network in the US in the coming months. The One X and it's new technology promises to bring "a camera so good it's a true digital camera on your phone" and it looks like a very nice next generation Android handset. With specs like a Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon CPU in the LTE version, 32GB of storage and Beats audio, the One X will fit nicely with AT&T's high speed LTE network and their Sense 4 version of Ice Cream Sandwich promises to bring a new experience that many will love. 
    The 4.7-inch HD display will provide clear and sharp images with an 80 degree viewing angle, and the Gorilla Glass coating will help keep things crystal clear and scratch free. Paired with a polycarbonate unibody design, the One X will look as good as it performs, and it's sure to quickly become a favorite with Android fans everywhere. 
    Specific availability dates and prices aren't yet available, but with the phones set to be on the shelves in "the coming months" we should be hearing something soon. We'll be sure to let you know when it happens. AT&T's announcement is after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:50 PM PST

    HTC One
    One piece of news from HTC's event at Mobile World Congress that has everyone excited is the word that the HSPA+ versions of the HTC One X will feature the NVIDIA 4-PLUS-1 architecture Tegra 3 CPU. The rest of the specs for the One X are impressive, you can't just ignore 32GB of internal storage and a 4.7-inch Gorilla Glass HD display by any means, but the star of the show is the Tegra 3 brain of HTC's next flagship device.
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress
    HTC has long used Qualcomm processors in their handsets, in both Android and Windows versions. Many expected to see news about the S4 Snapdragon announced last October making it's way into a device, and while we can't rule that out in 2012 we're going to have to wait for another day to see if it happens and the LTE version of the One X carries such a beast. Today's news, however, is just as good (if not better in many ways) as the Tegra 3 is one hot performer. With four high speed (1.5GHz for the version in the One X) CPU cores, 12 GeForce GPU cores, and a fifth low power companion CPU core the Tegra 3 chews through things like game graphics, HD video, and web browser rendering while being ultra power efficient at the same time thanks to the 4-PLUS-1 architecture design. The companion core sips power and controls things like background processes and UI rendering while the device isn't under heavy load, and the four high-power cores are ready to kick into gear when needed to provide the maximum user experience. Anyone with an ASUS Transformer Prime can tell you, NVIDIA has hit the mark with their System on Chip design.
    What this means for the One X is power and performance that we've never seen before in a smartphone, combined with (hopefully) excellent battery life. HTC has taken a beating for less than stellar battery life, and while it may be deserved in some cases the fact remains that to do all the things we ask our phones to do is going to take a lot of juice. The more we expect, the more battery power it's going to take. With the Tegra 3, HTC aims to strike a balance between the performance customers want, and the time away from the charger that we need. It remains to be seen if they will fully succeed, but any improvement is a good thing and I like the direction HTC is heading. Using the best available technology to lengthen time between charges is a welcome idea and we can't wait to give it a try. The NVIDIA press release is after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:49 PM PST
    HTC ImageSense
    One of our chief complaints about HTC devices -- OK, just about everybody's chief complaint about HTC devices -- used to be about the camera. While the smartphone hardware would be top-notch, and the design darn near a work of art, the cameras nearly seemed like an afterthought, and companies like Samsung quickly took over the top spot in that spec race.
    That started to change in 2011 with the likes of the HTC MyTouch 4G Slide and the HTC Sensation 4G, which finally had good cameras. Maybe not quite the best available, but certainly leaps and bounds above what HTC had previously produced. The software improved as well, with more scenes and modes (panorama, finally!) available out of the box.
    With the new crop of smartphones just announced at Mobile World Congress, HTC is putting it on record that it's serious about technology. How serious? It's developer its own processor for the camera side of things. HTC calls this new technology ImageSense, one of the three pillars of the new Sense 4.0.
    Starting with the HTC One X, HTC has a whole new generation of camera tech that promises faster shutter speeds for near-instantaneous pictuers. You're able to snap a still image while shooting video. And probably most impressive (if a little nerdy) is that images are being shot in RAW format for greater processing flexibility on the device before given to you as a more user-friendly JPEG format.



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:46 PM PST
    Headphones
    One of HTC's major (if questionable) maneuvers of 2011 was the purchase of Beats Audio. With the reportedly $300 million deal came better earbuds for a few phones released late in the year, as well as some on-board audio enhancements.
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress But from a software standpoint, the Beats improvements were fairly sandboxed. HTC's apps could play with Beats, but not much else.
    That chances with Sense 4.0.
    The Beats software has been rearranged in the audio stack so that all applications on a Sense 4.0 smartphone can take take advantage of the feature. That means just about any application you download -- any third-party music player, any third-party video player, any game -- use the Beats Audio enhancements in an HTC device.
    Will you notice an improvement in, say, Google Music? Or Pandora? Maybe. Or maybe not. But the point is that with the upcoming HTC devices that were just announced this evening, you'll have the opportunity to find out.
    Headphones image via Shutterstock



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:45 PM PST
    HTC Sense 4.0
    When the first leaks of HTC's new crop of devices started trickling out, a funny thing happened -- folks started to fall in love with HTC Sense all over again. Only this time, it was for what Sense wasn't doing. The on-screen widgets appeared to have been toned down. Gone was the large and inflexible series of buttons at the bottom of the home screens, apparentl replaced by a more traditional-looking launcher.
    This is the new Sense 4.0.
    Oh, there's no doubt you're using an HTC device when you look at Sense 4.0. But it's obvious the company was looking to pare things back a bit. And HTC told us as much directly, saying that it listened to customer feedback and that folks -- that's people like you and me -- said they wanted a more subued user interface.
    And so while there's still very much a strong HTC influence over the Sense 4.0 phones -- you can't expect HTC to go completely stock, and nor would we want them to -- HTC made a conscious effort to give some of the power back, going with a less-is-more approach. Ice Cream Sandwich notifications work like Ice Cream Sandwich notifications. You get a more traditional dock. You get more customability. Icons rotate into landscape mode, as they should. (Hey, even HTC gets a little customization and flexibility back in this deal. HTC's excellent lockscreen with quick-launch icons remains, and we're glad to see it, as it's one of the best lockscreens we've ever used. 
    We'll be giving Sense 4.0 a more thorough look in the weeks ahead. But so far, we're very much liking what we're seeing.



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 11:59 AM PST
    HTC
    We're live from atop a converted bull ring (no kidding) here in beautiful Barcelona, about to find out what the next generation of HTC smartphones is going to look like. Liveblog's after the break!
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 10:58 AM PST
    Xperia
    We just heard what Sony had to tell us at Mobile World Congress, and while there was no one "big" announcement they did have a lot to say. The spent a good portion of the time telling us how the buyout of Sony Ericsson would lead to better, more connected products and how it would improve Sony by unifying their products and media company-wide. With things like a dedicated Movie and Music service from the entertainment group and games from the Playstation Network available on all Sony devices with a screen, we're going to have to agree -- Sony is a name to watch in 2012.
    On the smartphone side, we had a good look at the Xperia Ion -- Sony's LTE device with a 4.6-inch HD display. Previously announced for AT&T in the United States, we learned that it will be selling world-wide soon. We'll be sure to keep an eye on that. We also had another look at the Xperia P and Xperia U, two stunners in their own right that we'll be seeing sometime in the second quarter of 2012. Last but not least, we were told that the Xperia S would be available starting today (Feb. 26) at the Sony store in Barcelona. 
    It looks to be an exciting year for Sony, and they plan to launch their biggest advertising campaign ever for the Xperia line worldwide. Alex is on the floor getting some hands-on time with the phones, and we'll be sure to share with you.  
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 10:45 AM PST
    Android Central
    We're only just leaving the Sony press conference at MWC, but we're already seeing first news from carriers who will be stocking Sony's latest. Three UK have confirmed that they will be stocking the Sony Xperia U on both pay as you go and contract terms.
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress
    No pricing or dates available at this point, but good news nonetheless that carriers are already picking up the new devices. Three have already confirmed previously that they will be stocking the Xperia S, which is expected to be launched in March. 
    Meanwhile, not to be outdone. Rival UK carrier Orange have made their own announcement that they intend to carry the Xperia U. Orange will exclusively be offering the white version from Q2 2012.



    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:48 AM PST
    Sony Live Blog
    We're live in Barcelona for Sony's 2012 Mobile World Congress press conference. We're expecting to see more mid-range devices from the manufacturer, as well as more Xperia S, and maybe a few surprises, too.
    The fun starts at 6pm CET (1pm EST, 10am PST, 5pm GMT), and we'll have full coverage in our liveblog, so don't go anywhere!
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:26 AM PST
    LG Optimus 3D Max
    LG started this whole 3D craze a year ago at Mobile World Congress, and now the Korean manufacturer is stepping things up a bit with the Optimus 3D Max. On one hand, it's very much the same experience. A 4.3-inch display, Android 2.3, and a pair of 5MP cameras that get the 3D ball rolling.
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress Look, this part's simple: If you weren't sold on 3D displays a year ago, the Optimus 3D Max probably isn't going to change your mind now. It's very much the same experience. But LG has thrown real-time editing of 3D (and 2D) videos into the mix. The camera shutter button and 2D/3D toggle have been merged. Very cool stuff.
    But it's software tweaks that really make the difference here. In addition to the video editing, the 3D Max has the ability to convert standard 2D applications to 3D applications. Something like Angry Birds, for example works, and actually it's almost a better experience than dedicated 3D games because it's not quite as in-your-face. Google Earth in 3D? Very cool.
    Another interesting upgrade is real-time range-finding. Because the space between the dual-cameras is a fixed distance, some simple triangulation can be done, and the phone can tell you the distance to a given object in real time. Or, it can give you the distance between two objects. Dunno how much we'd use that in our daily lives, but it's cool to see.
    We've got some more hands-on goodness after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:08 AM PST
    LG Optimus 4X Max
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress Welceome to a new era for LG, folks. The LG Optimus 4G HD brings the manufacturer's first quad-core smartphone, and it's a beauty. As fast as you'd expect, as thin and light as you'd demand.
    On paper the LG Optimus HD is a killer. Consider:
    • 4.7-inch IPS display
    • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
    • Tegra 3 quad-core processor at 1.5 GHz, with that NVIDA 4-PLUS-1 technology that brings a fifth companion core into the mix, to handle the light loads and extend battery life.
    • 8MP and 1.3MP camera.
    • A 2150 mAh battery
    It's all full of sexy.
    As a matter of use, you've got a mix of LG's custom UI and the gorgeousness of Ice Cream Sandwich. It can be a little tough to tell where one stops and the other begins, and that's a good thing. Throw into the mix the gorgeous display and unmatched power, and you're going to want to get your hands on this thing.
    We've got some more pics after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 08:50 AM PST
    LG Optimus Vu
    Here we go again, folks. Another monster phone. The LG Optimus Vu is a 5-inch behemoth. It's big. It's got a 4:3 aspect ratio, so it's wider than you're used to. And you know what? It works. Mostly.
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress Just like with the Samsung Galaxy Note, once you get over the size you're left with a pretty good smartphone. It's got LTE baked in as well, so that's an obvious plus. And the XGA screen resolution is great at that size. Apps that are designed for this sort of palm-reading form factor are really nice -- news reading and the included comics app to name but two.
    Where the Optimus Vu falls short is with its uninspired user interface. A good bit of that blame can be placed on the fact that it's running Android 2.3 Gingerbread and not Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. But a larger display like this screams out for something other than a grid of icons. Le sigh.
    The included stylus works well enough, but the rubber tip certainly doesn't have the same sex appeal as the Wacom system on the Galaxy Note, and the rubber gives the writing experience some serious drag, where as the plastic tip on the GNote keeps things smooth.
    We've got some hands-on pics after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 08:20 AM PST

    Android Central
    We're live at Huawei's Ascend D series announcement, where the manufacturer's just taken the lid off its first quad-core smartphone, the Ascend D quad. The device sees Huawei challenging top-tier Android manufacturers with a device offering super high-end specs in just about every area. Read on to find out what we thought of the phone, along with the first video of it in action.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 07:53 AM PST
    LG Optimus L7
    When it comes to style, you've either got it or you don't. And wth its new L-Style series of Android smartphones, Korean manufacturer LG has a trio of phones looking to turn heads.
    Android Central at Mobile World Congress It's two thirds of the way there.
    The LG Optimus L3, L5 and L7 bring three levels of smartphones in terms of hardware and software prowess. Sounds good on paper -- a smartphone for every walk of life, right? Here's how LG puts it:
    L-Style’s design philosophy is comprised of five aesthetic elements: Modern Square Style for a comfortable grip, Floating Mass Technology for a slimmer look, Seamless Layout for a more intuitive arrangement of keys, Harmonized Design Contrast utilizing metallic accents and Sensuous Slim Shape that naturally draws one’s attention.
    And that's pretty much true with the L-Style, save for the baby of the bunch. The L5 and L7 are obviously cut from the same cloth, with 4- and 4.3-inch dislays, respectivey. Both are have Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with high-resolution displays, and both would be at home in our pockets out of the box. The LG L3, however, is an undersized, low-resolution (QVGA) Android 2.3 device that looks oddly out of place next to such high end fare.
    All three phones feature a custom user interface that certaily is more stylish than what we've come to know from LG. Some of that is Ice Cream Sandwich, of course -- the launcher has applications and widgets separated -- and some of that is LG's doing as well. Menus are nicely skinned, and options are easily accessible.
    We've got some hands-on pics with the LG L-Series devices after the break.
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    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 07:47 AM PST
    Posted: 26 Feb 2012 07:06 AM PST

    Three new phones in the Huawei D series, including first quad-core handset

    Huawei
    Huawei has been making some moves the past little while and now they've gone ahead an announced their latest series of Ascend devices that will be coming in April to China, Australia, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North and South America, and the Middle East in Q2 2012.
    The Ascend D quad series of devices comes from Huawei and carries some pretty impressive specs to go along with it. They would have to be if Huawei is going to be putting a tag line such as the World's Fastest Smartphone on it.
    • Huawei's K3V2 1.2GHz Ascend D quad /1.5GHz Ascend D1 quad-core chip and power management system.
    • 720P high definition touchscreen (PPI 330)
    • Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound and Audience earSmart™ voice technology
    • 8-megapixel BSI rear-facing camera, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera
    • 1080p full HD video-capture and playback capabilities
    In total, there is three devices in the series -- Ascend D quad, Ascend D quad XL, Ascend D1, each with their own set of specs that slightly differ than the other. can check out the full press release past the break to get a full run down of the models in the series and stay tuned for a better look. We're sitting in with Huawei right now at BCN.
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