Sammy’s Wildfire Thoughts

Friday, August 20, 2010

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Sammy at Palm Addicts recently had his hands on a HTC Wildfire and shared a few of his thoughts with us, a few of the key points are shown below

Even thought the Wildfire is a consumer related phone I still think it’s quick powerful, it does what I wanted to do and it’s fun to use at the same time.

battery life is very good, it’s lasted two days without a charge

the phone is indeed very light, much lighter than my iPhone and it has a nice plastic feel which I said yesterday it doesn’t feel as fragile as the iPhone

I especially like just how slim it is, and its lighter than my iPhone 4. I don’t get scared as much of accidentally dropping it, with my iPhone I am very protective. So I think the Wildfire is somewhat more robust.

Wildfire can be summed up in one word, fun/

If you want to read more, you can, his thoughts are on the links below:

Part 1 and Part 2

Update 23/08/2010:

Sammy has written some further thoughts – you can read them here.

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Posted by Jon

HTC Desire Android 2.2 Update – A Guide To

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

HTC_Desire_Bravo_Brown (2) As the proud owner of a HTC Desire, you no doubt like showing off to friends what your device can do and are pleased at how well it works for you.

You probably find that Android is more customisable and fun than previous clunky operating systems.  Much of this will be because you have the latest version of Android on the device. 

Still a rapidly developing system, 2.1 that shipped on the device has now been updated to 2.2  this means more features functions and improvements.  Sounds good? Yes? How do you get it?

Well, providing you own a UK specification, Unlocked, SIM FREE HTC Desire, you can now take advantage of a FREE upgrade to Android 2.2.

The upgrade brings a whole host of changes, a full list of which can be found here, but the main headline changes are as follows:

  • It’s faster in overall performance
  • Battery said to last longer.
  • Android Cloud to Device Messaging support, Eg. ChromeToPhone to send links, maps directly to phone from chrome/firefox browser now supported
  • Shutdown time has been reduced a lot.
  • Screen can now also be rotated to the right!
  • HTC App Share application – Share your applications with friends.
  • News & Weather application
  • Voice Search
  • WiFi Hotspot – Use your phones connection to the internet and share it with others
  • Torchlight  Use the LED flash of the camera as a torchlight
  • Google Search bar updated
  • It’s no longer possible to unlock the slide-down screen by pressing menu.
  • Device lock can now be a pattern lock, PIN lock or an alphanumeric password
  • Keyboard now allows for Chinese input
  • Keyboard now allows for quick language change.
  • Facebook events and birthdays are available in calendar.
  • Camera takes pictures a lot faster than before
  • 720p Recording possible with MPEG4 Codec.
  • Flashlight can be switched on during video recording.
  • The bottom box to type text in when creating a text message is bigger.
  • Text message screen now shows how many characters you have left from the start along with a new icon for send and an icon for attaching something.
  • So to the process of updating…

1.  Backup all of your data on the HTC Desire to your memory card or PC.

The HTC Desire (subject to your settings) will automatically back up all your data as and when changes are made, thus ensuring that constantly there is a backup of all the data on the memory card.

The update will wipe all data off the Desire, but once complete the backup will be automatically restored from the memory card.

2. Perform the update.

Because of the size of the download it is advised to do the update through WiFi, but it can be downloaded through a data plan with your network provider.

Do be aware if going through your network provider you may wish to check costs for the data download.

Do be aware too that this update may cause third party applications to fail as they may not support Android v2.2/HTC Sense customisation as yet. The majority will work without issue.

From your home screen click the Menu button > Settings > About Phone > System Software Updates > Check Now

HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot10HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot11

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HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The device will go and check for any updates. If you have not already updated a message should come up on screen confirming that an update is available.

You will then need to select over what connection (WiFi or GSM/Cellular) you wish to perform the update.

Select the appropriate one and let the download commence. Depending upon connection speeds this could take a while.

When complete follow the on screen instructions and leave the device to complete the update.

This could take 5-10 minutes and it will re-start a few times during this time. Just leave it until it re-boots and presents you with your re-stored home screen (providing you did the backup).

That’s it basically. It isn’t complicated, in fact it is very straight forward. You have now successfully updated to Android v2.2 as will be confirmed in your ‘About Phone’ screen.

HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot

Here are a few images to show what your device may look like before and after the update.

New Messaging Screen (Before/After):

HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot18 image

New Google Search Bar (Before/After):

HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot8

HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot17

New Apps/Widgets

 HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot1 HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot2  

HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot5 HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot6HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot4    HTC_Desire_Screen_Shot3

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Posted by Clove

HTC Wildfire – Back in Stock

Friday, August 6, 2010

Front_Page_Banner_Wildfire_2

HTC have over the last few years simply amazed everyone with the range of products they have produced.  The HTC Desire, HD2 and Wildfire are the most recent devices which have generally been in restricted supply since their launch namely as a result of the growth in demand.

Whilst the HD2 stocks have stabilised the Desire and Wildfire units are proving still to be a bit unpredictable with long periods of no stock being available for sale.  HTC are working to improve the stock situation but this takes time.

None-the-less we are pleased to announce that we do now have HTC Wildfire units back in stock.  At what must be the cheapest price in the UK, the Wildfire is available today from Clove Technology for  just £195 + VAT.

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Posted by Clove

HTC Desire to get Android 2.2 this week!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Breaking news just in from Engadget.

They have just heard from HTC regarding the Android 2.2 update for the HTC Desire.

You should be receiving your serving of Froyo by the end of the week, together with a new 720p video mode and iTunes sync for your music. HTC is also throwing in its App Share widget that it first introduced with the Wildfire, along with its smart Caller ID feature.

"The Android 2.2 (FroYo) update for HTC Desire will start rolling out across Europe this weekend. As well as including the complete set of Android 2.2 features, the update will contain a few special additions of our own through the latest iteration of HTC Sense. The update will provide 720p video capture, HTC’s App Share widget, as well as our enhanced HTC Caller ID, and improved multi-language keyboard. Also, through the update, HTC Sync will allow HTC Desire users to sync their music with iTunes.

HTC Desire users will be notified that the over-the-air update is available to download when their phone automatically checks for software updates. The update won’t delete any of the phone’s content. However, due to the size of the update, we would advise using a WiFi connection to download it wherever possible to avoid additional data charges.

This update will initially roll out to unlocked HTC Desire handsets. Operator specific versions of the update are undergoing testing and we expect to make them available in several weeks’ time."

SOURCE: Engadget

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Posted by Jon

Update for HTC HD2 Annually Recurring Calendar Appointments

Thursday, July 29, 2010

HTC_RGB_Strapline_Large

This update for the HTC HD2 allows you to set recurring calendar appointments year on year. Please see the following instructions and head over to HTC support to download the update.

Installation Instructions:

Note: This update is only applicable to HTC HD2 (Not applicable to T-Mobile HTC HD2)
Follow the instructions below to download and install the update on your device:

  1. Make sure you have Microsoft ActiveSync® installed on your Windows XP PC or Windows Mobile Device Center on your Windows Vista® PC. You can find Microsoft ActiveSync from this link or Windows Mobile Device Center from this link.
  2. Connect and synchronize your device with your PC via Microsoft ActiveSync® or Windows Mobile Device Center using the USB cable.
  3. To download this update select the update below and the location closest to you then click Download.
  4. Copy the update, which is an .exe file, to your device. To install the update, tap the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If you perform a device hard reset, you will need to reinstall the update after the hard reset.

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Posted by Clove

HTC using SLCD screens to cope with Desire demand, how much difference will it make?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

At the bottom of this post is the Press Statement that HTC released yesterday to confirm that it will start making the HTC Desire and Nexus One with Super LCD displays. The reason behind this is that AMOLED production cannot keep up with the level of demand for these devices.

So does this mean the new SLCD Desire units will be inferior to those already shipped with AMOLED? Well, it depends how you look at it. In the words of Peter Chou, the visual experience is “comparable”, but battery performance is better. One of the only niggles of the Desire has been poor battery life, so maybe its not such a bad thing sacrificing a bit of screen quality for a longer battery life.

The video below from OLED-display compares an SLCD screen on a Desire to an AMOLED display on a Nexus One. See this previous post for a comparison of the different screen technologies in direct sunlight.

HTC Press Release

HTC Introduces SLCD Display Technology To Its Portfolio

New Displays to be integrated into HTC Desire and Nexus One

Taoyuan, TAIWAN – July 26, 2010 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today introduced Super LCD display (SLCD) technology into a variety of HTC phones including the HTC Desire and global Nexus One later this summer. The SLCD display offers an exceptional natural balanced colour, clear contrast, broad viewing angles and improved power efficiency.
"HTC is experiencing high-demand for many of our phones, specifically our phones with 3.7 inch displays. The new SLCD display technology enables us to ramp up our production capabilities quickly to meet the high-demand," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. "The SLCD displays provide consumers with a comparable visual experience to HTC’s current 3.7 inch displays with some additional benefits including battery performance."
SLCD is the latest generation of LCD technology that offers improved performance from earlier LCD panels including approximately five times better power management. SLCDs also offer an enhanced viewing experience with wider viewing angles that are enabled by Sony’s new VSPEC III™ technology.

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Posted by Wardy

Brits Love Smartphones

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Now, we had a bit of a heads-up on this one (given the recent demand for devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S and HTC Desire), but it has now been confirmed just how popular smartphones are becoming in the UK market, particularly those powered by Android.

In June, 73.5% of the UK contract market was made up of smartphones (according to GfK), rising from 55% in Q1 and 66.7% in Q2. While these are massive increases, this surge is popularity isn’t that much of a surprise given the strength of devices released in 2010, as well as the marketing push from the big players in the market such as HTC, Samsung and Motorola.

While the UK Smartphone market has grown, the UK Android market has rocketed. Between Q1 and Q2 of 2010 it has grown 350% (from 3% to 13.2%) and shows no signs of slowing. The next Android handset to wow users will be the Motorola FLIPOUT, due for release next month. If you haven’t tried Android yet, be sure to visit Clove to find out what all the fuss is about!

Via UnwiredReview

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Posted by Wardy

HTC HD mini review

Sunday, July 25, 2010

HTC_HD_Mini_Photon-Black_Front20100119

Thanks to WMPowerUser for this review of the HTC HD mini.

The HD Mini is HTCs first WM6.5.5 device, and the difference between WM6.5 and WM6.5.5 is definitely noticeable. All of the little controls that looked fairly horrible in WM6.5 have been skinned, and now feel like part of HTC Sense.

First though, a quick look at the Sense interface.
Because of the limited resolution on the HD2, the amount of information displayed is less. The weather wallpapers are still there, as is the calendar, but gone are the shortcuts on the front screen. You can still flick up and get a screen of nine, but it’s slightly less convenient.

The email tab has had many of the additions that were seen on the latest T-Mobile US HD2 ROMs. The menu button has been extended, with deletion, replying and account options now displayed very simply, it’s now fairly easy to deal with most emails without having to drop in to the traditional inbox.

The internet tab has one addition, the ability to do a local search, which is best demonstrated with a video.

The browsing experience is pretty good overall, and if you absolutely must have flash, then IE has support for some things in browser. Opera Mobile 9.7 is also installed, and sports multiple tabs, text reflowing, and very good page rendering. Pages load surprisingly fast, so you’re never left too long without the page. Pinch to zoom is available in both Opera and IE, and does a fine job making pages easy to navigate.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted by Clove

Update for HTC Touch Diamond2 Enhance the stability of SMS

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

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There is now an update available for the HTC Diamond2 which will improve SMS functionality.

From HTC Support:

This update for Touch Diamond2 amends the internal management of SMS functionality, and enhances SMS transmission stability.
Installation Instructions:

Note: This update is only applicable to ROM versions is between 2.51.xxx.x & 2.54.xxx.x

Follow the instructions below to download and install the Update on your device:

  1. Make sure you have Microsoft ActiveSync® installed on your Windows XP PC or Windows Mobile Device Center on your Windows Vista® PC. You can find Microsoft ActiveSync from this link or Windows Mobile Device Center from this link.
  2. Connect and synchronize your device with your PC via Microsoft ActiveSync® or Windows Mobile Device Center using the USB cable.
  3. Download the Update file “TOP_S2_00472.exe” to your PC or NB.
  4. Copy TOP_S2_00472.exe, to your device.

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Posted by Clove

HP ‘Hurricane’ tablet on its way, HP Android tablet benched for time-being, is HP focusing on WebOS?

Friday, July 16, 2010

HP_Tablet

After last weeks post on a forthcoming webOS tablet from HP (now codenamed the HP ‘Hurricane’), follows the news from allthingsd that an Android tablet from HP is not likely to be released anytime soon. So will this be a step in the right direction for HP or will it leave them lagging behind in the race to create a tablet worthy of rivalling the iPad?

Well, if HP can get the WebOS tablet released quickly and with a nice design, it could be a winner. Using WebOS could enable HP to release a device with a screen larger than the 7-inches that Android tablets are currently restricted to. Last week HTC revealed it wouldn’t be releasing a tablet anytime soon, essentially because it couldn’t offer anything different to Android tablets currently on the market. If HTC doesn’t feel it can contribute to the Android tablet market at the moment, would HP be able to offer a worthy device?

The Huawei S7 is due for imminent release, featuring a 7” screen and the Android OS, and there will be similar tablet devices to follow. If HP was to release an Android tablet a month or two down the line, would it really offer anything different to the Wave of tablets that will have already launched? Probably not. It may therefore be wise for them to work on a WebOS tablet that could be geared towards a selling point such as a larger screen.  

The first wave of ‘iPad rivals’ will be the 5-7” tablets, such as the Dell Streak and Huawei S7, that run Android 1.6/2.1/2.2. Once 3.0 Gingerbread is available, there will be the opportunity for larger screen Android tablets to emerge. HP therefore may stand a better chance of tablet success if they produce a device with a larger screen than 7”, meaning a WebOS tablet this year or a delayed Android tablet would make sense.

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Posted by Wardy

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