HTC Sensation 4G
HTC Sensation 4G Receiving Android 4.0 on May 16
T-Mobile has indicated via its support forums that the HTC Sensation 4G will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Sense 3.6 starting on May 16. The update is optional and T-Mobile recommends that all users makes sure their system software is up to date before downloading and installing Android 4.0. T-Mobile says that the update would best be downloaded via Wi-Fi. Aside from the laundry list of Android 4.0 features that will be newly available to the Sensation 4G, the update also requires that customers add the Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot feature to their account in order to use the service after completing this update.
HTC Confirms Android 4.0 Headed to 16 Smartphones
HTC today published in a blog post a list of 16 smartphones that will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The devices include the Amaze 4G, Desire S, Desire HD, EVO 3D, EVO Design 4G, Incredible S, Sensation, Sensation XL, Sensation 4G, Sensation XE, Raider, Rezound, Rhyme, Thunderbolt, and Vivid. HTC said that it is still in the early stages of rolling out Android 4.0 to the Sensation and Sensation XE. The next phones in line for Android 4.0 updates are the Sensation 4G and the Sensation XL. HTC cautions that wireless network operators play a role in the update process, so it can't lock down firm timelines with respect to the exact availability of updates.
HTC Details Android 4.0 Roll-Out Plans
HTC today provided more details via its Facebook page on when it will update its existing smartphones to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The first batch includes the Sensation, Sensation 4G and Sensation XE by the end of March, with the Sensation XL soon after. HTC says that owners of the Rezound, Vivid, Amaze 4G, EVO 3D, EVO Design 4G, Incredible S, Desire S, and Desire HD will receive Android 4.0 later this year. HTC will provide more specific details about the upgrades in the coming weeks.
Cincinnati Bell Lands the HTC Sensation 4G
Cincinnati Bell today announced the launch of the HTC Sensation 4G. This Android 2.3 smartphone includes a dual-core 1.2GHz SnapDragon processor, and a 4.3-inch Super LCD qHD (540 x 960) display. It is for sale today for $249.99 after rebate with a new agreement.
Sensation XE First HTC Handset with Beats Integration
HTC today announced the Sensation XE, its first handset to include audio technology from its new partnership with Beats Audio. The Sensation XE is essentially the same Sensation announced earlier this year (sold by T-Mobile as the Sensation 4G), but with a few changes. The Sensation XE has Beats Audio software added and will come with a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones. These additions will deliver "fuller bass and crisper vocals and a new level of clarity and range," according to HTC. Other changes include a faster 1.5GHz dual-core processor and an extended battery. The Sensation XE will first be made available across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. HTC has not announced plans to bring this handset to the U.S. at this time.
T-Mobile Version of Qik Updated with Better Privacy Controls
Qik today announced an update to its video chatting client for T-Mobile Android devices. The most significant change to the software is enhanced privacy controls. Users will now be able to block anonymous video callers, and all videos recorded will be set to private by default. This lets users specify which videos their contacts are able to see. Qik for T-Mobile is available to the myTouch 4G, Galaxy Tab, Dell Streak 7, Vibrant 4G, Sidekick 4G, G2x, Sensation 4G, and Samsung Exhibit 4G.
HTC Names First Phones to Get Unlocked Bootloaders
HTC today provided an update concerning its commitment to offering unlocked bootloaders on its Android devices. HTC first explained that the process is complicated, with all new software builds and extensive testing required for each individual device. That said, HTC announced the first batch of phones to receive unlocked bootloaders, which will be the Sensation (global), Sensation 4G for T-Mobile, and the EVO 3D on Sprint. These devices will receive an update in August to prepare them for the unlocked bootloaders. HTC wrote, "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 also noted that it will provide more regular updates on the status of unlocked bootloaders moving forward.
T-Mobile Announces HTC Sensation 4G Availability
T-Mobile announced today via its Facebook page that the HTC Sensation will become available by June 15, with early availability at WalMart by June 12. Pricing wasn't announced. The Sensation 4G was introduced by HTC earlier this year and has a dual-core SnapDragon processor at 1.2GHz; a 4.3-inch Super LCD qHD display with 540 x 960 pixels; and an 8 megapixel camera with autofocus, flash and 1080p HD video capture, as well as a user-facing camera for video chats. The Sensation 4G runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with the newest version of HTC's Sense user interface overlay.
HTC's Sense 3.0 Destined Only for Newer Hardware
HTC has confirmed via one of its official Twitter accounts that its new Sense 3.0 user interface overlay will not be made available to devices that are already in the market. It will debut on the EVO 3D, Sensation 4G, and View 3D (Flyer) tablet, but will not work on older HTC phones.
Hands-On: HTC Sensation 4G
Phone Scoop got to spend a few moments playing with HTC's new Sensation 4G smartphone. Here are our first impressions of the latest in innovation from HTC.
