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HTC
HTC
HTC has been a stoic supporter of the Google Android platform since day one. In fact, the very first Google Android phone was manufactured by HTC, dubbed as the HTC Dream. Two years down the road, we've seen a plethora of Android phones from the Taiwanese company, showing its support to the mobile OS. Along the way, HTC has been keeping up with the times, constantly introducing firmware installations to its devices after Google releases its Froyo (Android 2.2) updates.
During Mobile World Congress 2011, HTC revealed its 2011 lineup, which are mostly preloaded with Google Android 2.3. That's not to say that the company has forgotten about its loyal users who've been snapping up the earlier Desire series. Right after its 2011 lineup revelation, HTC also announced an upcoming Android 2.3 update for its HTC Desire, Desire HD and Desire Z.
Should you need to have a quick glance of the available HTC devices, here's a quick comparison between the 2010 and 2011 HTC lineup. (Note: huge table that's best viewed with 100% screen view)
Update: HTC's UK Facebook page has just made a post, which reversed its earlier decision to include the Gingerbread update on the HTC Desire, citing the lack of onboard memory as one of the main reasons for being unable "to bring Gingerbread and keep the HTC Sense experience on the HTC Desire." We've approached HTC Singapore, and the company has not been able to confirm if this will affect all HTC Desire units globally. However, in a later post on HTC's Facebook page, the company reversed its decision, and decided to bring the Gingerbread update to the HTC Desire after all. As of now, HTC hasn't confirmed if the update will still happen in Q2 2011 or postponed to a later date.
As of now, here's a snapshot of the following devices that will come preloaded or receive the Android 2.3 update:-
New HTC Devices Preloaded with Google Android 2.3
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HTC Desire S Seems like there's a lot of S labels popping up lately. Even HTC is jumping onto the bandwagon with the HTC Desire S, the obvious successor to the HTC Desire. The upgraded successor comes with a bumped up RAM capacity to 768MB, a new Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 1GHz processor and faster HSDPA download speeds clocking in at 14.4Mbps. While its camera sensor remains at 5-megapixel, it is now capable of 720p video recording. Availability: Q2 2011 |
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HTC Wildfire S Smartphones have become much more affordable over the last two years. The HTC Wildfire is HTC's answer to the growing demand for an affordable Android phone. In 2011, this is promptly followed up with its successor, the HTC Wildfire S. The new Wildfire S and its predecessor share the same goal - to create high sales volume through its affordable, yet feature packed offerings. Along the way, it gets a few upgrades, such as Google Android 2.3 update, to an improvement on its display with a HVGA resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, and a 5-megapixel camera Availability: Q2 2011 |
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HTC Salsa / HTC Chacha HTC devices have been known for its tight integration to Facebook, be it through the phone's contacts or HTC's Friend Stream that pulls news feed from various social networks. Thus, it's no surprise to see a Facebook-centric Android device by HTC, with a dedicated Facebook button to access the social network. The Facebook button is the core focus of the HTC Salsa and HTC Chacha. Its contextual-awareness will notify you of any potentially shareable content, be it music, web pages or messages, through a pulsing, breathing light. An even tighter integration into the basic functions of the device such as contacts is implemented, with your friend's latest status update and photos being reported when an incoming call comes through. New Facebook-centric widgets are also added into the formula to complete the Facebook experience on the mobile platform. Availability: Q2 2011 Here's our hands-on with the HTC Salsa and HTC Chacha |
Existing HTC Devices Receiving Google Android 2.3 Update
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HTC Incredible S To start off 2011, HTC introduced the HTC Incredible S. Similar to the Desire S, it will be powered by the same Qualcomm 1GHz processor, but it goes a step further with a larger 4-inch screen at a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, powered by Super LCD. Its imaging capabilities is also given a slight advantage over the other two devices, with an 8-megapixel camera accompanied by two LED flashes. Its multimedia features are aplenty, including stereo surround sound and the ability to stream the device's content through DLNA. Unfortunately, the Incredible S is preloaded with Android 2.2, in a bid to bring the device to the market as soon as possible. On the bright side, it will be receiving the Android 2.3 update by Q2 2011. Device Availability: March 2011 Android 2.3 Update Availability: Q2 2011 |
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HTC Desire Android 2.3 Update Availability: Q2 2011 Update: HTC has retracted its earlier decision to include the Gingerbread update on the HTC Desire, citing the lack of onboard memory as one of the main reasons for being unable "to bring Gingerbread and keep the HTC Sense experience on the HTC Desire." However, in a later post on HTC's Facebook page, the company reversed its decision, and decided to bring the Gingerbread update to the HTC Desire after all. As of now, HTC hasn't confirmed if the update will still happen in Q2 2011 or postponed to a later date. |
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HTC Desire Z Android 2.3 Update Availability: Q2 2011 |
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HTC Desire HD Android 2.3 Update Availability: Q2 2011 |