Feb 20
It’s nearly time for the next HTC One to be released in a reboot only 2014 could handle, and the device has hit the FCC. This device will be released … Continue reading
Feb 19
You can be forgiven for asking about when the latest Android update is going to be available for your device. Android updates are never rolled out for all devices at once, there are carrier certifications and OEM tests that need to be run before an update is deemed to be ready for end users. These days the focus is on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, those with supported devices want to know exactly when they will receive said update. Samsung laid down its roadmap for U.S. release of Android 4.4.2 yesterday and today there’s word from HTC about the T-Mobile HTC One Android 4.4.2 update release.
T-Mobile HTC One Android 4.4.2 Update Releasing This Week original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Feb 19
Today we’re getting a glimpse of what will (essentially) be the final construct of the next HTC One. While we’re not entirely sure about the name just yet – HTC … Continue reading
Feb 18
This week the folks behind HTC’s promotional distribution have made clear their intent on pushing their next-generation hero phone later in the month of March. While it was widely expected … Continue reading
Feb 18
HTC Will Replace One Series Smartphone Screens In The U.S. For Free During First Six Months
Posted in: Today's Chili
HTC’s big push for more smartphone buyers in 2014 might not focus on hardware, despite an incoming new flagship; instead, the company is announcing a host of new customer service initiatives that could convince potential customers it’s the Android maker they want to hitch their cart to this year. A new program that offers free screen replacements to U.S.-based owners of the HTC One line of devices for the first six months of ownership is part of that push.
The plan overall is called HTC Advantage, and it includes the previously announced software support for a minimum of two years from the phone’s launch, as well as between 25GB and 50GB of free Google Drive storage for two years from time of purchase. Remember, though, these offers are all U.S.-only, and are limited to devices in the HTC One line – which currently includes the One, One Mini and One Max.
Still, it’s an appealing package, and will likely become even more so when HTC introduces its next-generation flagship One device March 25. Not only will you be guaranteed a device that’s more or less up-to-date for the duration of your contract if you buy or sign up for a new one when the device launches, but you’ll also be protected against your own clumsiness for the first six months of owning your new gadget.
While the storage and software support are nice, I suspect the breakage insurance will be the big seller for the average buyer. It’s rare to go a full day anymore without seeing someone carrying around a top-end smartphone with the tell-tale cracked spiderweb pattern of shattered front glass. I’d say as many as a quarter of the people I know are, at any given time, making due with a phone with a broken screen because of the cost of replacement and/or contract limitations. Six months’ protection isn’t going to get you through to the end of your contract, but it’s a lot better than nothing.
U.S. customers can get their screens replaced under the Advantage platform by sending their devices out free to HTC, and getting it back within eight to 10 days. Paying $29 will get you overnight shipping for faster turnaround, and the plan includes refurbishment or replacement of hardware if the broken glass is only the surface indicator of deeper problems, provided you’re still within the term of your original warranty.
Android smartphone makers have always struggled to differentiate their products from the rest of the field, and in the past the way they’ve tried to accomplish that is with modifications at the OS level that often come across as, at best, unnecessary and, at worst, frustrating. Targeting post-purchase care and support is a smart move by HTC, and Advantage hits a lot of the pain points of owning a modern smartphone, so it’ll be interesting to see how shoppers respond.
Feb 18
The HTC One was one of the best smartphones of 2013, according to just about anyone you could ask – the flagship Android device from the Taiwanese company bucked the trend of its major competitors using Google’s mobile OS by incorporating a sleek metal case into its device design. On March 25, we’ll see how HTC follows that act with its next flagship handset, according to new invites received by press (via Engadget).
The launch event will happen in New York and London, and it’s very likely that what we’ll see is the device that’s been making the rumor rounds with the codename “M8.” The M8 has enjoyed a large number of leaks so far, including an apparent photo that shows industrial design very much in keeping with the current look of the HTC One. That’s potentially a very good thing: The microperforated speaker grills and flat metal look of the HTC One are iconic, and insiders laud the ergonomics and quality of the device’s construction. However, other attempts to copy but modify that look (i.e. the HTC One Max phablet) have not been nearly as well received.
The M8 is said to stick pretty close to the original, however, and will hopefully avoid any cheapening effects. It’s going to be a little bit bigger with a ‘minimum’ 5-inch display, 1080p output, and a more powerful Snapdragon 800 processor than the one currently used. It’ll supposedly ship with Android KitKat 4.4 on board, and have a twin-sensor camera as its primary differentiating factor: Said camera would allow for refocusing of focal depth after a picture is taken, and improve other editing features including the deletion of certain objects form a photo entirely.
Originally, many thought we’d get a peek at the HTC One successor at MWC this month in Barcelona, but now it seems that won’t be the case. Still, not long to wait before we see what HTC has in store for its big bet for 2014.
Feb 18
HTC has launched a new program, HTC Advantage, to try to persuade One-series smartphone buyers that they’re backing the right horse, with the promise of free cracked-screen repairs and timely … Continue reading
Feb 12
Ramping up on the release of HTC’s next hero smartphone this week we’re being treated to one of the first up-close photos of what’s code-named M8, or what we’re calling … Continue reading
Feb 03
HTC M8 Launch Pegged At Late March
Posted in: Today's Chili
HTC’s much awaited successor to the popular HTC One smartphone is due to be released in the coming months. It is believed that the company might unveil this device at the Mobile World Congress later this month in Barcelona. HTC hasn’t confirmed its plans as yet, so its not entirely sure exactly when the smartphone is going to be made public. Latest word on the street is that the HTC M8 launch might not take place until late March, which rules out the possibility of seeing this device at MWC 2014.
HTC M8 Launch Pegged At Late March original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Jan 29
When Android 4.4 KitKat was announced, HTC promised to bring it to the HTC One within 90 days. Considering that we’re only a few days away from that 90 day promise, it looks like HTC might not be able to keep to their words after all. While the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update has made its way to those living in Europe, there’s still no sign of it in the US, and its absence has since been explained by HTC’s Americas President, Jason Mackenzie, in an open letter to HTC users. (more…)
Android KitKat For HTC One In North America Delayed original content from Ubergizmo. 
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