By Tony Bradley
January 14, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO – The Android 2.1 SDK is now available. Developers and handset manufacturers can download the latest Android development kit and begin to take advantage of the new functionality that Android 2.1 delivers.

The release on the Android Developers forum says “Android 2.1 is a minor platform release deployable to Android-powered handsets starting in January 2010.”

Under the Platform Highlights section of the page it reads “Android 2.1 does not add significant user features, see the Android 2.0 Platform Highlights document for the latest user features.”
That would all be fine and dandy if Google released the SDK to developers prior to launching Android 2.1, and it would seem more authentic if Google didn’t just host a major press event last week to launch its Nexus One phone–the first device built on Android 2.1, where Google trumpeted and demonstrated an array of cool new features.

Apparently, either the Nexus One launch event was simply hyperbole and hot air and there is really nothing to be excited about with Android 2.1, or Google is trying to downplay the significance of the latest platform release to appease developers who are disgruntled that the SDK is being released after the launch of Android 2.1 and the Nexus One.

Imagine if Microsoft developed and released a new version of the Windows operating system, but didn’t provide third-party vendors and developers with the tools to work with it until after it was released. You don’t have to stretch your imagination too far, because that was actually one of the biggest mistakes of the launch of Windows Vista. Many vendors were simply caught unprepared for the Vista launch and users were left scrambling without compatible drivers and software to work with the new operating system.

That is essentially the same position that Google has put Android in. While Google and HTC worked secretly on Android 2.1 for the launch of the Nexus One, Android app developers and handset manufacturers (other than HTC) were left to speculate and wait anxiously with the rest of us.

I attended the Nexus One launch event via the Web, and in my opinion Android 2.1 was the highlight of the event. The HTC Nexus One hardware is slick, but it was the unveiling of the new features and functionality of Android 2.1 that would make me want to go get one.

The living wallpaper feature seems like a battery-wasting novelty to me, but one that will most likely be popular with users. Android 2.1 also extends the voice command functionality to allow users to speak into any text field. With the Android 2.1 release, Google has also rolled out a revision to the USB driver that works with the Nexus One for syncing or transferring files between the phone and a Windows PC.

Those are just a few of the new features. They may be “minor” tweaks to Android 2.0 from a coding perspective, but Google certainly went out of its way to spotlight and hype the new capabilities at the Nexus One launch.

Now that Google has unveiled the Android 2.1 SDK, developers can begin to validate their existing apps to make sure they are compatible with the latest iteration of the Android platform. They can also begin to develop new apps that take advantage of features unique to Android 2.1.

By Tony Bradley
December 7, 2009

The 2010 product roadmap for mobile device maker HTC has been leaked. The detailed product specifications and gallery of device photos makes me wonder whether it’s a “leak” or just buzz marketing. Regardless of how the HTC 2010 roadmap became public knowledge, it looks like HTC is fully embracing the Android platform.

The HTC 2010 roadmap includes a variety of Android-based offerings. Five of the eight devices getting most of the attention are built on Google’s Android operating system. Three devices, the only three in the Productivity device category, are based on Windows Mobile 6.5. There is no mention on the roadmap of Windows Mobile 7.

HTC has always been a strong partner for Windows Mobile. Not only has HTC produced a number of Windows Mobile-based devices, but HTC’s innovative designs and customizations have arguably made Windows Mobile better, and have been one of the few factors keeping Windows Mobile in the game.

The increased focus on Android and relative decline of Windows Mobile devices doesn’t bode well for Microsoft. The HTC 2010 roadmap could be a sign that HTC has seen the writing on the wall and is making the transition to the emerging Android platform, or it could just be a symbol of the delays Microsoft has faced in bringing Windows Mobile 7 to market.

If Microsoft loses HTC’s attention, it could be the final nail in the coffin for the languishing mobile operating system. Even if Windows Mobile 7 lives up to market expectations, by the time it hits the street it could be a case of “too little, too late”. HTC is doing what it can for Windows Mobile 6.5, but Microsoft needs to give HTC and users something more to work with.

The HTC 2010 roadmap is great news for Android, though, and illustrates the growing presence of the Android OS. Device manufacturers and wireless providers alike have jumped on the Android bandwagon and 2010 looks like it could be a significant milestone in terms of Android’s ascendance.

HTC has a flare for creating slick handsets, and for developing innovative customizations that make the resulting devices greater than the sum of its parts. While it was lost in the shadows of the Motorola Droid marketing blitz, HTC’s Droid Eris is a compelling Android-based device.

If HTC brings the same inventive style to Android devices as it has for Windows Mobile devices, competing handset manufacturers and competing mobile operating system platforms need to watch out.

For Microsoft’s sake, hopefully the waning presence of Windows Mobile on HTC’s product horizon is a reflection of a holding pattern just waiting for Windows Mobile 7, rather than an indication that HTC is abandoning Microsoft’s mobile operating system platform altogether. I guess the ball is in Microsoft’s court to finally get Windows Mobile 7 delivered.

By Chris Brandrick
December 3, 2009

Although cell-phone cameras are improving in quality, offering higher pixel counts and better lenses, they still lack the photographic punch of a more advanced camera or DSLR. However, if you want to get more from your current cell phone camera without splashing out, you can by adding a macro magnifying lens to your device.

A recent modification by a modder by the name of Mathijs did just that. The modder took a macro lens from an old unused camera and strapped it to his HTC phone. The simple, yet slightly undignified, modification as seen in the video below, has surprisingly positive results.

A slightly more ridiculous modification, which includes taping an SLR lens to the back of the iPhone, can be found over at Hack A Day.

HTC, in partnership with SiS Philippines, has opened its first HTC Concept Store in SM North Edsa, 4^th floor Cyberzone Annex. This will be the first store in the Philippines to showcase HTC’s latest innovations, offer differentiated retail experience to its customers, and provide optimum after-sales services.

The Concept Store boasts exciting retail space and encourages customers to explore and browse through product displays.  Equipment display counters have been designed to be open and user-friendly, inviting the customers to touch and feel the products for sale.

With the dedicated service corner, customers who wish to optimize and enhance the performance of their HTC devices can bring them to the HTC Concept Store where they will receive on-site diagnostic testing to determine the time required for repairs.  Uncomplicated repairs can be rectified within two working days while more complex cases may need a longer time.  A speedy turn-around is guaranteed for all service repairs conducted at the HTC Concept Store and customers will be provided with a loaned phone during the repair period.

The HTC Concept Store is located at the Annex of SM North Edsa, Cyberzone, 4^th level, and it promises customers a more tactile and interactive shopping experience. The operating hours are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm from Mondays to Sundays.

HTC Corporation unveiled two new flagship devices, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2. Integrating innovative simplicity with unique style and an intuitive interface, the new devices balance function, form and cutting-edge technology to personalize communication and mobile Internet experience.

“The HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 introduce a mobile communication experience that simplifies how we communicate with people in our lives whether through voice, text, or email,” said Peter Chou, President and CEO, HTC Corp. “HTC is delivering the latest, cutting-edge sophistication in a broad portfolio of mobile phones that improve how people live, work and communicate.”

HTC TouchFLO 3D Integrated With Windows Mobile
The HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 utilize HTC’s latest TouchFLO 3D interface. TouchFLO 3D has been more deeply integrated into a customized version of Windows Mobile 6.1 to deliver more consistency throughout Windows Mobile applications and menus. Focused on making navigation easier and more intuitive, TouchFLO 3D brings important information to the top-level user interface, including quick access to people, messaging, email, photos, music and weather.  As part of this improved Windows Mobile integration the touch focus areas have been enlarged to be more finger-touch friendly.

Bringing People Together
With the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2, HTC is introducing a new people-centric communication approach, providing a single contact view that displays the individual conversation history of contacts regardless of whether voice, text or email were used.  This can be viewed from the contact card or the in-call screen during a phone conversation, ensuring the latest communication contact-by-contact is always at hand.

Simplifying How People Access Their Information
Continuing its commitment to making the mobile Internet easier and more enjoyable, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 introduce HTC’s Push Internet technology.   HTC Push Internet alleviates slow downloading and rendering of Web pages on a mobile phone. Users can preselect their favorite Websites to get immediate access to them when needed.

HTC Touch Diamond2

The HTC Touch Diamond2 is the next step in the evolution of the successful HTC Touch Diamond. Crafted to fit perfectly into one’s hand, the Touch Diamond2 evolves the compact design and iconic style of the original HTC Touch Diamond. It incorporates a larger 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen VGA display for greater viewing area in a design just 13.7mm thick. The phone also includes a new touch sensitive zoom bar for even faster zooming of Web pages, emails, text messages, photos or documents.

Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D experience combined with a people-centric communication approach and HTC’s new Push Internet technology, the Touch Diamond2 offers an advanced touch experience that is optimized for one-hand use. 

With 20% larger battery capacity, a five mega-pixel auto focus camera, expandable memory, gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor, the Touch Diamond2 brings the most sophisticated capabilities to a broad consumer audience looking for the professional benefits of a smartphone without sacrificing size, looks or functionality.

HTC Touch Pro2
Designed for business professionals, the HTC Touch Pro2 is architected with distinct style and strength while delivering the most powerful productivity experience available on a mobile phone.  Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D, people-centric communication and Push Internet technology, the Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display for an expanded viewing area and large finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard. With improved battery life, expandable memory, a touch-sensitive zoom bar as well as gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors, the Touch Pro2 is optimized for touch as well as heavy email use. 

Introducing HTC Straight Talk For HTC Touch Pro2
The new HTC Touch Pro2 leverages voice in a new way to create one of the most sophisticated communication experiences found on a mobile phone.  HTC’s new Straight Talk technology delivers an integrated email, voice and speakerphone experience. Users can transition seamlessly from email to single or multi-party conference calls and turn any location into a conference room.

In addition to the new simplified calling experience, Straight Talk includes an innovative mechanical and acoustic design that features a sophisticated speakerphone experience similar to those found in corporate boardrooms. Straight Talk delivers a high-fidelity voice and sound experience enhanced by asymmetric speakers and advanced noise suppression with full duplex acoustics. When the Touch Pro2 is flipped over it automatically turns into a conference room speakerphone system.

Pricing & Availability:
The new HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 will be available from end May and end June 2009 at all authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of Php 36,900 and Php 48,900 respectively.

March 15, 2009

The Cheap Alternative
By Luis Anthony G. Oliveros
Published in the December 2008-January 2009 print edition of PC World Philippines

HTC P3400i
P16,400
www.htc.com

Sure the current high-end HTC Touch Pro smartphone does sound like a great decision with all its features busting at the seams, but if you’re part of the working class on a budget and fancy a Windows Mobile companion, the HTC P3400i is your low-cost alternative.

For its considerably cheap P16,400 tag, you get a touchscreen smartie carrying the bare essentials and then some. It has an intuitive interface and lets you get around the phone’s features, settings and access applications using swipe-and-tap finger motions. It functions on a Quad-band GSM network with GPRS and EDGE capabilities for connecting to the Web with Internet Explorer. Internal storage is at 64MB for all your basic e-mail and SMS messages and contacts, but if you still find it a little scant for your multimedia files and work documents, an SD/MMC slot is available up front for expansions up to 4GB.

Powered by Windows Mobile 6 Professional, it comes preloaded with the Microsoft Office Mobile suite, Outlook, Adobe Reader LE and Windows Live- essential applications to keep you productive but still keeps it light and upbeat with Windows Media Player10 for your multimedia playlists and a built-in two-megapixel cam for your photos and videos.