HTC One X
HTC Talks Jelly Bean Updates for Devices
HTC recently posted more information about which devices will and won't receive Android 4.1 Jelly Bean updates. Devices released in 2012 have the priority for 4.1 updates, but HTC will evaluate some 2011 devices as well. This year's One X and One S are definitely on the update list, as are other unnamed 2012 devices. Some didn't make the cut, however, including the One V and Desire C, which are not on the update list. According to HTC, their 512MB of RAM is the limiting factor. HTC was sure mention that just because some devices won't be updated to Android 4.1 doesn't mean they won't be provided with maintenance and other updates or fixes. HTC said the timing of the updates depends on many factors, such as carrier testing, and it will provide more information when it becomes available.
Alaska Communications Launches LTE in Several Markets
Alaska Communications has launched LTE 4G service in a handful of markets in Alaska. The markets covered include Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. At this point, Alaska Communications has not yet revealed what other markets might see LTE coverage. It offers a handful of LTE-capable devices, including the HTC One X, Samsung Galaxy S III, Samsung Galaxy Note, and a 4G LTE router for in-home use. Alaska's Optimal LTE plans for a single line, which include unlimited minutes to Alaska numbers, 5GB of data, unlimited messaging, and unlimited mobile hotspot, start at $109.99 per month.
HTC One X and One S to Get a Taste of Jelly Bean
HTC today announced that both the One X and One S smartphones, sold in the U.S. by AT&T and T-Mobile USA, respectively, will be updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Sense 4+ starting later this month. AT&T and T-Mobile have yet to specify exactly when.
HTC Updates the One X, Calls it the One X+
HTC today announced the One X+, a major update to the hardware and software of the One X. The One X+ looks the same as the One X with a polycarbonate shell, but has dramatically different internal components. The One X+ has a faster 1.7GHz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor paired with 1GB of RAM. Internal storage has been boosted to 64GB, the battery has been enlarged to 2100mAh, and the One X+ will be HTC's first device to ship with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on board. Other features of the One X+ include NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, 4.7-inch 720p display with Gorilla Glass 2, DLNA, MHL, Beats Audio, and an 8-megapixel camera. The HTC One X+ supports worldwide HSPA+ networks, and a separate version will support LTE. So far, no U.S. carriers have said they will sell the One X+, but HTC said an announcement regarding North American availability of the One X+ is forthcoming. The global version will ship starting in November.
AT&T Schedules Android 4.0 Update for LG Nitro HD
AT&T today announced that it will push Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to the LG Nitro HD starting Tuesday, July 31. The update will also include LG's new Optimus 3.0 UI. Users will be notified when their device is ready for the update. In addition to the ICS update for the Nitro HD, AT&T said it plans to offer maintenance updates to the HTC One X and the HTC Inspire that enhance performance of the two devices. AT&T noted that these two maintenance updates will be pushed out in the coming weeks, but it did not supply a specific date.
HTC Says Jelly Bean On the Way for One X, One XL, One S
HTC confirmed that it is preparing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for several of its devices. "We know HTC fans are excited to get their hands on Google's latest version of Android," said spokesperson Jeff Gordon in a statement to The Verge. "At this point in time, we can confirm that we have plans to upgrade our HTC One X, HTC One XL and HTC One S to Jelly Bean. Please stay tuned for more updates regarding device upgrades, timing and other details about HTC and Jelly Bean." HTC didn't specify if the U.S. variants of these devices will be updated or not. The One X is sold by AT&T and the One S is sold by T-Mobile. Noticeably absent from the list is HTC's most affordable One series device, the One V. Few other handset makers have come forward with their plans for Android 4.1 updates.
System Update for HTC One X Tweaks Wi-Fi Performance
AT&T and HTC are delivering a minor maintenance update to the One X. Software version 1.85.502.3 for the One X contains several fixes for Wi-Fi performance as well as a fix for the AT&T Address Book.
LTE Goes Live for AT&T Customers in Cleveland
AT&T has turned on its LTE 4G network in Cleveland, Ohio. AT&T customers in that market will be able to access faster data services with devices such as the HTC One X and Nokia Lumia 900.
HTC Says Its Smartphones Have Cleared Customs
HTC today issued a brief statement announcing that its smartphones have cleared inspection with customer for compliance with an exclusion order and are being allowed into the country. "HTC devices have been released, as they are in compliance with the ITC's ruling," said HTC in a statement emailed to The Verge. The devices were stopped at the border May 15 and have been awaiting examination since then. Some EVO 4G LTE units cleared customs last week.
HTC Says Some Handsets Have Cleared the ITC Exam
HTC indicated over the weekend that some of the handsets blocked at the U.S. border due to an ITC exclusion order have been admitted into the country after passing an examination. "Some of our products have passed the review and have been delivered to our telecoms operators' clients in the U.S.," HTC said in a statement provided to the Taipei Times. HTC didn't say which handsets were admitted into the U.S. Both the One X and EVO 4G LTE were held up thanks to a patent violation. The delay at the border forced Sprint to postpone the planned May 18 launch of the EVO 4G LTE.
AT&T Wants Device Subsidies to Be As Low As Possible
AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega told investors at the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media and Telecom Conference today that the company is doing what it can to offer devices with low subsidies. "We have to watch subsidies and make sure that we bring devices to market that customers love and will keep and have low subsidies," he said. In the U.S., wireless network operators often subsidize the cost of handsets for customers who sign new contracts. Customers are then able to afford a decent device, and the carrier recoups the subsidy over the life of the contract. de la Vega cited the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC One X as good examples of devices with low subsidy points. "These are great devices that I think customers will like," de la Vega said. The full retail price of the Lumia 900, for example, is $449. AT&T sells it for $99, meaning it subsidizes $350 of the device cost. The iPhone 4S, however, costs $649 at full retail (16GB version). AT&T sells it for $199, meaning it subsidizes $450 of the device cost. Keeping device subsidies low will help AT&T reduce its margins and other costs. de la Vega also reiterated that the company is working to offer shared data plans later this year, which he believes will help increase sales of tablets.
Sprint Confirms Delay of HTC EVO LTE 4G
Sprint today indicated via its customer support forums that the planned May 18 launch of the EVO 4G LTE has now been delayed thanks to stalled shipments of the device into the country. Both the One X (for AT&T) and EVO 4G LTE have been blocked at customs, where they are being examined for compliance with an ITC exclusion order. Sprint has ceased taking pre-orders via its web site, and is no longer referencing the May 18 launch date for the EVO 4G LTE. Sprint said that it cannot provide information about when the device might become available at this time. It is working with HTC and hopes to get products on store shelves as soon as it can. Sprint said that it will not deliver devices that were preordered and would prefer that customers refrain from canceling their orders. Those who have preordered the device will be the first to get them once they are available.
HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE Held Up at Customs
HTC today announced that shipments of its One X and EVO 4G LTE smartphones have been halted at customs. In a statement emailed to media, HTC explained, "The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval. The HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE have been received enthusiastically by customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to get these products into their hands as soon as possible." HTC was found guilty of infringing on an Apple smartphone patent last year and the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that future imports of offending devices be blocked. The order went into effect April 19. HTC believes it has a software work-around in place, but has to appeal the ITC's order. The One X went on sale at AT&T stores earlier this month, but is now listed as out of stock. The EVO 4G LTE is due to go on sale at Sprint stores this Friday. Neither AT&T nor Sprint has addressed availability of the devices in light of the exclusion order.
Nvidia's 4G LTE Tegra 3 Roadmap Slips a Bit
Nvidia has indicated that LTE 4G won't be available with its Tegra 3 quad-core chipset until later in the year. During the company's recent earnings call, CEO Jen-Hsun Huang said that the Tegra 3 processor with a built-in LTE baseband won't be available until 2013. Further, Huang noted that the Tegra 3 processor mated to LTE basebands from other suppliers won't be ready until the third quarter at the earliest, and may not arrive in the U.S. until closer to the end of the year. The Tegra 3 is a quad-core processor with a fifth core for low-intensity tasks. It is available in the international version of the HTC One X, though that device doesn't support LTE 4G. The U.S. version of the One X uses a Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon with two cores and LTE 4G built in.
HTC One X Won't Have Unlockable Bootloader
HTC has revealed that the One X Android smartphone, which goes on sale May 6 via AT&T, isn't compatible with its bootloader unlocking tools. HTC provides the tools to users so they may safely unlock their devices in order to install custom ROMs. To-date, it has provided the unlocking tools for 45 of its handsets. With respect to the One X, HTC said, "In some cases ... restrictions prevent certain devices from participating in our bootloader unlocking program." HTC didn't explain the restrictions facing the One X, though. HTC said it remains committed to offering tools for developers and unlocking future devices.
AT&T Sets Date for HTC One X Launch
AT&T today announced that it will launch HTC's One X on May 6th for $200. Pre-orders begin April 22nd.
Hands On with the HTC One X and Sense 4
HTC's flagship Android smartphone for 2012 impresses in most respects. Here's what we like and what we don't at first glance. The One X is coming to AT&T. We also dive deep into HTC Sense 4 for Android 4.0.
Liveblog: HTC
We're live from HTC's event, where they are expected to announce new phones. Rumors whisper of a new series of phones called "One". Tune in to see what they unveil.
