Monday, May 7, 2012

Android and Me

Android and Me

HTC says “restrictions” prevent AT&T One X from joining in their bootloader unlocking program

Posted: 06 May 2012 09:33 AM PDT

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After a huge backlash in 2011, HTC changed their strategy and said they would start allowing customers to unlock the bootloaders on their devices. Over the past six months HTC has unlocked over 45 devices, but it looks like the AT&T One X might not be participating in that program quite yet.

Android hacker Paul O’Brien of MoDaCo noticed that his AT&T One X kept getting an error when he tried to unlock the bootloader, but he assumed this was an issue with pre-release software. Now it’s been confirmed that others are seeing the same issue, after the AT&T One X went on sale today.

Paul reached out to HTC who quickly responded with a message that doesn’t look good for AT&T customers.

HTC is committed to listening to users and delivering customer satisfaction. Since announcing our commitment to unlockable bootloaders, HTC has worked to enable our customers to unlock the bootloader on more than 45 devices over the past six months. In some cases, however, restrictions prevent certain devices from participating in our bootloader unlocking program. Rest assured, HTC is committed to assisting developers in unlocking bootloaders for HTC devices and we'll continue to unlock additional devices in the future.HTC Representative

Last year Peter Chou, HTC CEO, said, “There has been overwhelmingly customer feedback that people want access to open bootloaders on HTC phones [and] we’ve listened. I’m confirming we will no longer be locking the bootloaders on our devices.”

Unfortunately in this case it looks like AT&T has overturned the will of its customers. This doesn’t mean that the One X will never see its bootloader officially unlocked, but it might take a little outcry to convince the carrier to change their mind.

AT&T has a history of crippling the Android experience, but they have gotten better over the years by allowing users to install non-Market apps and improving the speed of software updates.

If you planned on buying the HTC One X from AT&T (or already picked one up), let AT&T know what you think of their decision to keep the bootloader locked.

Gameloft producer explains why you will buy N.O.V.A. 3

Posted: 06 May 2012 09:10 AM PDT

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Gameloft thinks N.O.V.A. 3 will be their best game to date and they have pulled out all the stops to make sure you know that. We already saw three teaser videos released last week and they are back again with a new clip that shows all the outstanding visual improvements you can expect.

Executive producer, Arnaud Bonnard, walks us through a new 90 second video that shows off a ton of eye candy tricks including depth of field, motion blur, distortion effect, normal mapping, dynamic lighting, shadows and particles.

We don’t have an exact release date, but Gameloft has said the game will debut on Android in May. Some were worried that Gameloft might ruin this game by making it a freemium title, but Gameloft has said it will be a paid title, with a retail price around $6.99.

Has Gameloft convinced you to buy N.O.V.A. 3 yet? I’ve seen enough to hand over my money.

HTC One X now available from AT&T

Posted: 06 May 2012 07:37 AM PDT

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The HTC One X from AT&T is finally here! AT&T stores across the country are now selling the HTC One X for $199.99 with a new two year contract while off-contract pricing is set at $549. If you’re looking to save a little extra cash, you can pick up the HTC One X from Amazon Wireless for only $149.99.

Based on our review of the HTC One X, it is currently the best Android powered phone money can buy in the U.S. market. The HTC One X’s 4.7-inch 720p Super LCD2 display is breathtaking and the battery life of the phone will impress even the toughest skeptics.  Is the HTC One X right phone for you? Only you can decide that. Leave us a comment below and let us know if you plan to or have already purchased the HTC One X.

 
Posted by at 8:08 AM

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