Apple has filed a third challenge against HTC on June 4th claiming claims HTC is still violating patents with their new One series devices. If this case goes anywhere near success, Apple would slap down 29 devices including the new One Series, the One X, the One V and the One S. A full list of implicated handsets is in the source link below.
The latest suit contains a quote by Steve Jobs.
[quote]We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it, We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours. [/quote]
According to CNET, HTC is planning a revised Special Edition of its Android powerhouse the Sensation to include Beats technology along with a bumped up spec list. Major changes include a 1.5GHz processor along with 4GB onboard storage. Like a few other devices from competition namely here this phone will be aimed at the Asian markets.
HTC CEO Peter Chou updated the firm’s Facebook page to explain the deal for the bootloader unlock process for HTC devices. HTC will give you freedom to unlock the bootloader provided you are aware of the fact that “all or parts” of your warranty may be null and void.
The First devices to get the sweet taste of freedom will be Sensation and Evo 3D. Ready to give up your warranties for a little custom ROM business?
After the sudden downpour of benchmark gods in the division of mobility, HTC also let out its dual core beast amidst the ever growing population. The HTC Sensation is the first dual core phone from HTC and also the highest resolution device from the company. Lets see if it actually fares decently well with the competition in the market.
BUILD QUALITY
If you want benchmarks for build quality when it comes to mobile devices, HTC is the global standard. HTC has always managed to surprise us with their quality and build standards. Solid unibody construction along with a tough front facing gorilla glass display which is not only impact resistant, but is also very scratch resistant. The back of the device has rubber accents in strategic locations making it an easy to handle and operate phone. The device is well build and you can see that as soon as you pick up the device in your hand.
With no shaking and rattling this device is robust and built to last. The upward edged glass is functional and is easy on the fingers as you slide off – off the screen. The designers of the HTC Sensation took everything into perspective from the aesthetics to the functionality and the intelligent placement of the buttons – which by the way are extremely tactile and responsive.
HARDWARE
There is no questioning the latest hardware in the Sensation, the latest dual core processors a very high resolution screen, functional 8 megapixel camera with full HD video at 1080p.
DESIGN
While it may not be as clean and sleek as the Samsung Galaxy S2, The Sensation wasn’t meant to be. HTC Sensation takes its design cues from the practical and robust hues of life. You can call it a Range Rover in front of a 7 series ( Galaxy S2) while both may have powerful engines, the rover is more practical in India, is tougher, bolder and solid. Nothing describes holding the HTC Sensation better than this, Its a premium SUV in the smartphone market.
PHONE AND MESSAGING
Superior audio in and out from the Sensation during calls, is the only main thing we saw. The network performance was excellent and sustained throughout our test period. 3G and WCDMA performance excelled in the Sensation as we literally hogged the bandwidth of our providers. With brilliant performance from even the likes of an MTNL trump number ( usually 2 – bars, and weak performance in our area), we were literally amazed at how well this phone handled networks. With as little as two dropped calls in two weeks of testing, this phone has scored the top rank in the iG Phone- Networks Review till date.
The touchscreen on the Sensation is a 4 point multitouch, what that means is that you can have 4 simultaneous inputs. What it also means is that you can use the onboard keyboard as fast as you can move your thumbs. As soon as you lift the finger and tap the next letter, the device is already recognizing your input and will accept the desired letter. Brilliant keyboard , with an definable auto-correct smooth interactions throughout.
DATA & INTERNET
Getting a phone like the sensation and ignoring the Internet connectivity is like buying a spacecraft without the intention to visit the moon. The device is built for online connectivity, with a superb end user experience while browsing the web, streaming audio, playing multiplayer games or even watching an iGyaan review or two. The connections to WiFi are strong and stable, the device can connect to our wireless networks in areas which other phones would term as dead spots. In a head to head comparison the WiFi network on the Sensation was much better than that on the Galaxy S2.
The Hotspot feature is possibly the one we used the most on the Sensation. Because, the network performance was so great, we were able to share our 3G networks over 7 devices and were able to enjoy the shared bandwidth and download speeds of the connection. We did struggle to upload our posts from a off road cafe on the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway over a 512kbps upload connection split 7 way, but the Sensation is not to blame for it.
BATTERY LIFE
Unlike the Galaxy S2 the Sensation has a very stable OS, add to the mix a brilliant power management framework and you get a brilliant powerhouse with excellent battery life.
Values
2G
3G
WiFi
Talk Time
upto 9 Hours
6 hours
–
Standby time
48 Hours
36 hours
7 Days
Web Browsing
8-9 hours
5 hours
5 Hours
Video Streaming
4 Hours
2.5 Hours
4 Hours
Music Streaming
14 hours
9 hours
14 hours
GAMING
We found that most games work great with the device and we had no issues with incompatibilities. The only issue that we did see is the difference in display size. Some apps failed to recognize the QHD display on the HTC Sensation and came as mini boxes within the screen of the Sensation, limiting them to their maximum pixel size. The processor is managed well with the GPU and can deliver great graphics and a brilliant gaming experience. Align those with excellent sensors, including a gyroscope and a brilliant touch screen, you have yourself a gaming device
DUAL CORE
We feel HTC did a better job than LG did on the Optimus 2X and Samsung on the S2. Sure the Optimus 2x is cheaper and Samsung has better benchmark results, HTC is more organized and professional and the framework and implementation of the hardware is built to last. The OS is tweaked to give little or no errors and is bug and crash free. Graphics and Implementation of the user interface elements is absolutely stunning and smooth. The Sensation impressed us in all hooks when it came to stuff under the hood, yes it didn’t score high on quadrant, but it can with a little tweaking. Currently the Sensation is a mature device and not as young and energetic as the Galaxy S2 especially when it comes to Processor and Graphics.
ADD ON NOTES
The Sensation has a much higher resolution display in comparison to the S2, but the super Amoled plus trumps the extra resolution 4 times over. The Amoled plus screen is extremely vivid and lifelike. We faced a lot of network issues on the S2, but none on the Sensation, the battery drain issue faced on the S2 was also nowhere to be found on the Sensation. The device does not overheat and performance is smooth throughout.
CONCLUSION
The HTC Sensation is true competition to the Samsung Galaxy S2 and the hype around it. The S2 failed to deliver where it mattered most, the Sensation on the other hand does everything that its meant to and more. The Sensation also is a bit cheaper than the Galaxy S2 in the market and provides excellent user support throughout its service channels. The device is robust, well made and is built to impress. If you are looking for a good investment for your moolah, this is the true multi-taskers of choice.
If it wasn’t for the washed out display in comparison to the Super Amoled Plus, this device would have scored maximum score but for now :
[xrr rating=4.5/5 label=”We Rate The Sensation : ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]
HTC has confirmed via their official Facebook fan page that they will start unlocking bootloaders in their popular phones come August. On the List is the HTC Sensation (global – yes the one in India) along with Sensation 4G on T-Mobile and the EVO 3D on Sprint.
HTC wont stop there and says that it will continue to provide unlocking capabilities to other devices as time progresses.
**UPDATE 7/10**
We wanted to provide an update on HTC’s progress with bringing bootloader unlocking to our newest phones. We know how excited some of you are for this capability, and we’ve put significant resources behind making this change as soon as possible. While we wish we could flip a simple switch and unlock all bootloaders across our device portfolio, this is actually a complex challenge that requires a new software build and extensive testing to deliver the best possible customer experience.
We’re thrilled to announce today that software updates to support bootloader unlocking will begin rolling out in August for the global HTC Sensation, followed by the HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile USA and the HTC EVO 3D on Sprint. We’re in the testing phase for the unlocking capability now, and we expect it to be fully operational by early September for devices that have received the software updates. We’ll continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments.
HTC continues its commitment to unlocking bootloaders and supporting the developer community. Because of the importance of this community to us, please expect an update on this about every few weeks as we make progress toward launch. Thank you for your patience and continued support!
Just as we predicted the Sensation Arrived Tuesday and we took full liberty to unbox the Sensation and do the full thing on video for you guys. (more…)
HTC and T-Mobile will be launching the HTC Sensation 4G powerhouse by 15 June in the United States. The Sensation 4G for $199 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) on a 2-year contract. It will be available country-wide in the US from June 15th.
The HTC Sensation 4G features –
4.3” qHD screen
1.2GHz dual-core CPU
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
MHL
8MP camera with 1080p
“4G” (HSPA+)
We got you exclusive new of HTC launch in India last month and it still holds true check it out here. We are trying to get in touch with HTC for a confirmed view of weather or not the launch dates are still the same.
According to this High Level Manager (who refused to be named) :
“The HTC market in India has grown tremendously after the launch of the new range of Android Handsets including the Desire HD, Desire S and Incredible S. We are seeing a continuous uptrend in market sales and earnings from the smartphone segment. The company sees the demand and has decided to make the handset available as early as June 22nd.”
Woah! We just hit the information jackpot here folks! You better hold your smartphone purchases for the next month if you are looking to get a powerhouse of an Android Device. A very reliable source at HTC India (Delhi Office) claims that the HTC sensation after its UK launch in first week of June, will hit the Indian Shores soon after.
According to this High Level Manager (who refused to be named) :
“The HTC market in India has grown tremendously after the launch of the new range of Android Handsets including the Desire HD, Desire S and Incredible S. We are seeing a continuous uptrend in market sales and earnings from the smartphone segment. The company sees the demand and has decided to make the handset available as early as June 22nd.”
In a later Q&A session we also were able to find out that there are 2 new Windows 7 Phones coming later this year along with a 3D HTC Android Device.
The pricing of the HTC Sensation will be upwards of Rs. 32k During Launch and then later fall below the Rs. 28K segment.
The HTC Sensation is the First Device from HTC to sport a 1.2GHZ Dual core processor and HTC Sense 3.0 along with the new SLCD High res display.
Like all our Previous Exclusive Launch announcements including the ones below. (For all those who don’t know our track record!)
Here is a big bummer from HTC, all devices including Desire HD, Incredible S or any other handset that doesn’t ship with it preloaded will not be getting the Sense 3.0 update. The company claims that the new Sense is Hardware intensive and will not work properly on last generation phones. This move could go both ways for HTC, loyalists will upgrade to new handsets and angry old customers will shift loyalties. what do you think?
HTC has just announced the new HTC SENSATION 4G ending all rumors of the Pyramid with this device. The device is an absolute stunned with a brilliant 1.2GHZ dual core processor and a qHD Display. Check out the specs we like on this before the full spec list.
4.3-inch (540 x 960) Super LCD screen
1.2 GHZ Snapdragon processor
Android Gingerbread (2.3) with Sense 3.0
8 megapixels in the camera and a dual LED flash
Full HD video frame rate to 30fps at max 1080p resolution
HSPA+ with download rates as fast as 14.4 Mbps
Before Launching in India/United States and Rest of the world the device will first launch in the UK and in Germany in May. We will try and get more info on the launches and prices of the device for our markets.
PRESS RELEASE
HTC UNVEILS MULTIMEDIA SUPERPHONE, THE HTC SENSATION™ 4G
HTC brings one of its most advanced smartphones ever to the United States exclusively to T-Mobile customers
BELLEVUE, Wash. – April 12, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today introduced the HTC Sensation 4G, a smartphone that shines a spotlight on entertainment with HTC’s new HTC Watch™ video service. Crafted with premium design elements, the HTC Sensation 4G features the company’s latest customer-focused HTC Sense™ experience that puts people at the center by making their smartphones work in a more simple and natural way. The
HTC Sensation 4G will be available in the US exclusively at T-Mobile USA beginning this summer.
“Consumers have quickly transformed smartphones into consumer lifestyle hubs that are pocket- sized entertainment centers that enable people to take their favorite multimedia content with them wherever they go. The new HTC Watch service makes it fun and easy for people to access premium movies and TV shows while on the go,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The HTC Sensation 4G combines this great multimedia experience within the latest HTC Sense experience in a
premium device that delivers a powerful and unprecedented smartphone to our customers.”
“The HTC Sensation 4G delivers the ultimate in speed and entertainment on America’s Largest 4G network,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president of marketing for T-Mobile USA. “With a lightning-fast dual core processor and 4G speeds, customers will feel the difference when accessing rich media and content on the HTC Sensation 4G’s beautiful qHD display. We look forward to adding the HTC Sensation 4G to our industry-leading lineup of 4G smartphones.”
Premium Design and Materials
Tapping into HTC’s trademark design language, the HTC Sensation’s premium look and feel is enhanced by its rounded edges, aluminum unibody construction and the touch screen surface is protected by a contoured screen that feels more natural as a finger is glided across it. The 4.3-inch qHD display delivers high-resolution widescreen viewing and gives the HTC Sensation slender proportions that feel natural in a person’s hand. At the heart of the HTC Sensation beats a powerful,
1.2-gigahertz dual-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor, which enables gorgeous graphics and all-around fast performance.
HTC Sense
Complementing the HTC Sensation’s premium design is the latest HTC Sense experience that boasts a host of new features and enhancements, helping people to have more fun and get more done. For instance, HTC Sense introduces a customizable active lockscreen experience that transforms the lockscreen into a real-time window to the most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply turning on the display. In addition, the new active lockscreen becomes a customizable gateway that lets people quickly jump to the most used features, like making a phone call, sending an email, taking a picture or anything else with the same quick gesture usually used to unlock the phone. For instance, the camera can be launched right from the lock screen with a single motion, saving precious seconds when you’re trying to capture the action. Sharper graphics, vibrant animations and new widgets make HTC Sense look better than ever and, by continuing to focus on all of the aspects, both large and small, that make HTC Sense special, HTC introduces a more cinematic and immersive weather experience with stunning imagery and audible weather effects.
HTC Sense also makes it easy to have fun by enabling people to capture and share special moments. The HTC Sensation’s 8-megapixel camera doesn’t just shoot gorgeous photos but, with the new instant capture feature, lets people capture the moments they want without worrying about missing or keeping up with the action. The HTC Sensation also shoots full HD video in 1080p resolution, with full stereo sound, at up to 30 frames a second, giving you smooth video that is better than many
other phones. With the new Video Trimmer tool, people can crop their clips to the perfect size for easy sharing with friends and family.
HTC Watch
The HTC Sensation is a smartphone that is built from the ground up for a sophisticated, evolved multimedia experience. The 4.3″ widescreen display means that users can watch movies like they were meant to be seen – in their full cinematic glory, with no cropping or letterboxing. The HTC Sensation is also the first smartphone to feature HTC Watch – an application and service that puts an entire library of the latest, premium movies and TV shows right at your fingertips, letting people discover the latest video content in an easy and visually engaging way. HTC Watch uses progressive download technology that makes it possible to watch videos without waiting for a huge file to finish downloading. HTC Watch offers the choice of renting or buying videos, and if purchased, lets you watch them on up to five different HTC devices.
