Could be slower though (i.e. Samsung)... Let's see how Sense evolves on ICS, I've always been a fan but I'm ready to move to stock right now unless the next version adds something really worthwhile (a-la-lockscreen shortcuts)... Hopefully CM9 is not too far off for Qualcomm devices.
I am not sure what you mean by Samsung being slow with ICS - I am currently running ICS on my Galaxy S II via Samsung's latest Beta firmware (it is actually very good - I have not had a single issue so far with the LPD firmware).
It seems that a lot of American customers seem to have been put off Samsung by their carrier's lack of support for firmware updates. In Europe especially (but also the rest of the world), Samsung's firmware release schedule is second to none.
It's not just the carriers tho. I'll grant you Samsung has done a much better job with updates in Europe, sure... But why are the two other major Android manufacturers not having as massive an issue in pushing updates past US carriers? HTC & Moto have even more US-specific models than Samsung does, and AFAIK HTC has as much a presence in Europe as Samsung does...
It seems to me that it's clear someone dropped the ball when it comes to the relationship between Samsung and US carriers, and blame cannot lie exclusively at the carrier's feet when other manufacturers are pushing out updates in half the time thru the very same carriers.
I do envy the diminished role Euro carriers play in all this tho, as do a lot of US customers, they seem a lot more analogous to the "dumb pipes" we wish our carriers were... Then again, what's the status of LTE deployment over there? Grass is always greener and all that. ;)
This is a perfect example of how HTC has way too many smartphones in their lineup. If you didn't know any better, you'd have no idea which one was the flagship...
I work for a large company in a different industry (pay television). Recently, in an enterprise-wide address, our CEO expressed that he wanted our products to have the same brand/name recognition as devices like the original Razr, iPhone or Droid.
in the past, all our receivers had numerical numbers (typically three-digit numbers, each number would denote a significant feature; minor revisions to models would typically result in an alphanumeric suffix at the end - similar to Intel's 2500 vs 2500S vs 2500K) but we are now moving away from that. I am guessing this line of thinking (unique product name > model numbers that represent available features) is fairly common.
They did say they would be focusing on fewer, better models in the future. IMO they should have just three for every OS for high, mid, and low end. You're right, I have no idea if the Schnazzybeats XL is better than the Tingly Sensation QX.
Wont happen. The reason is that CDMA carries a royalty paid to Qualcomm since they invented it. So unless a phone is made for Verizon or Sprint it wont have CDMA modems on board. "World Phones" are assumed to only need GSM/UMTS support
Wasnt that excited for 4.0, until I read about only 4.0 getting a chrome browser, I rather dislike the stock browser so I cant wait to get 4.0 on my Rezound.
Chrome for Android is certainly an interesting product, but I wouldn't worry too much about not having it just yet. There are a few issues with it at the moment which means I tend to head for the default Android browser above Chrome at this stage (at least on my SGS2 - on my Xoom it seems to behave a little better)
Thanks HTC! For once again abandoning a "flagship" phone and trying to pretend it never existed. Seriously hurting the odds of me buying another phone from you :( (and I really liked my last 2)
The radio software needed for ICS will likely prove a large challenge and roadblock to CM9 on the thunderbolt :( Our best bet is the fact that the rezound uses the exact same radio design.
It pisses me off because the Incredible S is an older phone using the exact same CPU (well, MSM8255 vs MSM8655 - CDMA is the ONLY difference)
Really? The Rezound can do simultaneous voice and data on EVDO like the Thunderbolt? That's actually pretty interesting if that's the case... but I won't be picking that phone up as the battery life seems to be middling.
I kinda feel the same way about the Thunderbolt and would make a switch to the Razr MAXX for the outstanding battery but stock gingerbread with the updated radios are doing just fine for me. It would be nice to see ICS on their supposed flagship LTE phone but not holding my breath.
The thunderbolt does have some interesting quirks that may slow down progress: it has a special chip that allows for SVDO (Simultaneous voice and data while on EVDO) that also requires special network capabilities on VZW's end. So in a way I am understanding.
I've been out of contract for over 6 months. I have an HTC incredible since it was first released. I'm kind of fed up with android right now. I've been thinking about this for awhile and will most likely switch to iphone when the iphone 5 is released (unless WP7 releases something that WOWS me in that time). I definitely will miss some of the things with android like:
1. Google Navigation. 2. Google Voice 3. Free Tethering (PDANet & also i'm rooted). 4. Gmail integration ..and some other things.
Why i'm fed up with android. 1. Updates -- unless they start releasing guarantees that you will get updates for 2 years after you buy your phone (ones carries can't block). --i don't think this will ever happen because its one of the reasons carriers love android. 2. Some hesitation even with the fastest android phones. 3. Carriers can put all the crap they want on the phone and you can't remove it unless you root. (CarrierIQ is a prime example).
I have rooted my incredible so i can always make sure i get the latest updates which kind of sucks that you have to do this to get the lasted updated. I'm running MIUI.
I agree with your statements. If iphone 5 has a 4 inch screen, gorilla glass, and great battery life, I will probably make the switch. It is annoying how the updates take so long. I have an evo 4g running cm7. It is good but I want ICS now. Android apps are not as nice as apple's either. Depending on how my transformer update with ics goes I might make the switch to a jailbroken ipad 3 as well. The transformer is supposed to be a beast but it performs worse than a ipad 1.
I hope ICS changes the game for Android. It will be google's last chance for me.
1. Get a Nexus line phone. 2. Fixed with ICS. 3. Fixed with ICS.
It's actually been speculated that the carriers are to blame for the lack of updates to android phones. So get this:A. Work with carriers and sell lots of phones, or B. be like WP7 and suffer from the lack of carrier support. Or C, be apple and have the privilege of everyone else being your bitch.
I agree. There is no perfect solution but i prefer C over A. Its not only getting the latest version you have to be concerned with but also security updates and also the crap the carriers add that tracks you like CarrierIQ. I would maybe consider WP7 if the nokia 900 comes out on verizon but i'm probably not going to wait much longer than mid summer.
Its like getting a windows computer and, because of the carriers, you can't get updates because they want you just to get a new one. I think someday the carriers are going to loose and going to end up just being data pipes.
While the number of HTC phones (especially on the high-end) is quite high, I have to say that I, for one, wish there was more variety. Most models have 4" or 4.3" screens. The "only" solution with a smaller screen is the Wildfire S which, aside for non-impressive specs, has a huge limitation in terms of internal memory.
I would love to see a phone from HTC with 3.5-3.6" high-res screen (800x480, or a bit less than that) with a decent single core CPU and an amount of internal memory that doesn't require obsessive management every time you think about downloading an app. As far as I know, infact, there are no such phones around from any of the "big" names like Samsung, Moto and LG either. The only thing that comes close is the iPhone wit its preposterous price tag.
In short, I don't particularly wish HTC to have less phones, but a bit more variety. From my perspective, the Desire HD, the EVO, the incredible/S, the Desire S the Sensation and the Rezound are all extremely similar in terms of spec and performance (and price). It is difficult to choose between them and I don't understand why a company would put out so many products in the same range, ultimately competing with itself.
I want to know why the Incredible S is on the list but the Incredible 2 isn't. Only difference is the S is GSM & the 2 is CDMA. Or is it a matter of Verizon saying no to upgrading the Incredible 2 to ICS.
Or Droid Razr Maxx.. I have a Tbolt and while I'm not dismayed at the lack of ICS.. I could frankly care less.. I am dismayed at the stability of the device. It seems to slow down if I don't restart it every day or two.
Ever since Froyo, Google as messed up the phone log function of their phone.
Anyone with half a brain would notice for STUPID this has been, and it carried over to Gingerbread.
What MORON at Google decided to put all these stupid LOG options, but then take out the most useful LOG when in Phone mode?
When people are in Phone mode, we'd like to see our logs of PHONE ONLY! Default is now Phone with text messages... which is Fracking stupid. The Messaging system already does a fine job of keeping track of the in & outs of messaging. If you click on a text message from within the Phone mode, it doesn't treat it like a message... you are asked what to do (call or send a message).
Here are the views you get: All logs (default) Missed calls Dialed Calls Received calls Sent Messages Received messages
The last two are pretty much useless... maybe helpful. How about putting back "ALL CALLS"?!
Stupidity likes this is EXACTLY why I am planning on NOT getting another android phone, again.
The new notification screen on Gingerbread... they took out Silent and stuck in Flight Mode?! WTF? Fire the idiot who came up with that one. People will use silent mode 100x more than flight mode... which is two clicks away from hitting Setting (Settings / Wireless Networks / Flight Mode).
Google needs to fire the idiot development team and just keep the smarter ones.
Not sure what you're running but I'm on a Thunderbolt with stock Gingerbread Sense. It gives me all those things you're complaining about and more.
If stock Android doesn't give you what you want then try something else. That's the point of Android, you'll always have a choice... unless you're trolling.
If that is your gripe about Android, it really isn't for you. Android gives you the ability to change those things to your liking in about 5 minutes. It took me 30 seconds to get a call log app from market that has a custom feature where you can add "all calls" if you want. And I don't remember how my notification screen looked under stock, but the custom rom I use (only slight modifications) has about 2.5-3 displays worth of options in the notification screen: WiFi, data, bluetooth, gps, silent, vibration, auto brightness, flight mode, sync, secure mode, flash light and automatic orientation. So everything you need is there, but Android doesn't hand it to you on a silver platter decorated with flowers. Because maybe not everyone needs those things as badly as you do... :D
Damn annoying that even flagship products like the Evo 4G aren't updated to the latest OS through the length of the 2-year contract that goes with them. in fact, my Evo (bought on release day) is already listed for End of Life, and I'm stuck in my contract another 4 months!
As maligned as Microsoft is, at least they have supported XP a decade after I bought it. Cell phone product cycles are just assinine now.
MS comparison doesn't stick, really. I'd point to something like notebook graphicscard drivers that are not updated through AMD/nVidia. Like Sony for example.
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Impulses - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
Could be slower though (i.e. Samsung)... Let's see how Sense evolves on ICS, I've always been a fan but I'm ready to move to stock right now unless the next version adds something really worthwhile (a-la-lockscreen shortcuts)... Hopefully CM9 is not too far off for Qualcomm devices.mwarner1 - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
I am not sure what you mean by Samsung being slow with ICS - I am currently running ICS on my Galaxy S II via Samsung's latest Beta firmware (it is actually very good - I have not had a single issue so far with the LPD firmware).It seems that a lot of American customers seem to have been put off Samsung by their carrier's lack of support for firmware updates. In Europe especially (but also the rest of the world), Samsung's firmware release schedule is second to none.
Impulses - Sunday, February 12, 2012 - link
It's not just the carriers tho. I'll grant you Samsung has done a much better job with updates in Europe, sure... But why are the two other major Android manufacturers not having as massive an issue in pushing updates past US carriers? HTC & Moto have even more US-specific models than Samsung does, and AFAIK HTC has as much a presence in Europe as Samsung does...It seems to me that it's clear someone dropped the ball when it comes to the relationship between Samsung and US carriers, and blame cannot lie exclusively at the carrier's feet when other manufacturers are pushing out updates in half the time thru the very same carriers.
I do envy the diminished role Euro carriers play in all this tho, as do a lot of US customers, they seem a lot more analogous to the "dumb pipes" we wish our carriers were... Then again, what's the status of LTE deployment over there? Grass is always greener and all that. ;)
Belard - Monday, February 13, 2012 - link
We do a lot of things in the USA to screw each other over... its the American way. :(webmastir - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
Can't wait to see how HTC ruins ICS!Zoomer - Saturday, February 11, 2012 - link
I've been using ICS for a while, and I'm missing sense. Will probably go back to sense once I get sick of not having sense.sprockkets - Saturday, February 11, 2012 - link
It works very well, even better than AOSP, dumbass troll.vectorm12 - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
Considering Google not even finishing updating the Nexus S I'd consider this pretty quick.The fact that I bought the Nexus believing I would be first in line to get 4.0.x I'm feeling rather foolish at the moment.
dagamer34 - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
This is a perfect example of how HTC has way too many smartphones in their lineup. If you didn't know any better, you'd have no idea which one was the flagship...bhassel - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
No kidding, I liked sensible model numbers schemes. What happened to that idea?theprodigalrebel - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
I work for a large company in a different industry (pay television). Recently, in an enterprise-wide address, our CEO expressed that he wanted our products to have the same brand/name recognition as devices like the original Razr, iPhone or Droid.in the past, all our receivers had numerical numbers (typically three-digit numbers, each number would denote a significant feature; minor revisions to models would typically result in an alphanumeric suffix at the end - similar to Intel's 2500 vs 2500S vs 2500K) but we are now moving away from that. I am guessing this line of thinking (unique product name > model numbers that represent available features) is fairly common.
Zoomer - Saturday, February 11, 2012 - link
The numerical scheme could still be kept. For example, HTC Desires had A8181-A8183.tipoo - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
They did say they would be focusing on fewer, better models in the future. IMO they should have just three for every OS for high, mid, and low end. You're right, I have no idea if the Schnazzybeats XL is better than the Tingly Sensation QX.shabby - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
Once a modem comes out that can work on att/tmo/sprint/verizon you'll see less and less variations of the same phone.scook9 - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
Wont happen. The reason is that CDMA carries a royalty paid to Qualcomm since they invented it. So unless a phone is made for Verizon or Sprint it wont have CDMA modems on board. "World Phones" are assumed to only need GSM/UMTS supportSttm - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
Wasnt that excited for 4.0, until I read about only 4.0 getting a chrome browser, I rather dislike the stock browser so I cant wait to get 4.0 on my Rezound.mwarner1 - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
Chrome for Android is certainly an interesting product, but I wouldn't worry too much about not having it just yet. There are a few issues with it at the moment which means I tend to head for the default Android browser above Chrome at this stage (at least on my SGS2 - on my Xoom it seems to behave a little better)Lord 666 - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
So glad did not pick one of them up.scook9 - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
Thanks HTC! For once again abandoning a "flagship" phone and trying to pretend it never existed. Seriously hurting the odds of me buying another phone from you :( (and I really liked my last 2)icrf - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
Yeah, if anything, it makes me plan to simply root it once CM9 gets stable. Gingerbread took too long as it was.scook9 - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
The radio software needed for ICS will likely prove a large challenge and roadblock to CM9 on the thunderbolt :( Our best bet is the fact that the rezound uses the exact same radio design.It pisses me off because the Incredible S is an older phone using the exact same CPU (well, MSM8255 vs MSM8655 - CDMA is the ONLY difference)
Omega215D - Monday, February 13, 2012 - link
Really? The Rezound can do simultaneous voice and data on EVDO like the Thunderbolt? That's actually pretty interesting if that's the case... but I won't be picking that phone up as the battery life seems to be middling.Omega215D - Monday, February 13, 2012 - link
I kinda feel the same way about the Thunderbolt and would make a switch to the Razr MAXX for the outstanding battery but stock gingerbread with the updated radios are doing just fine for me. It would be nice to see ICS on their supposed flagship LTE phone but not holding my breath.The thunderbolt does have some interesting quirks that may slow down progress: it has a special chip that allows for SVDO (Simultaneous voice and data while on EVDO) that also requires special network capabilities on VZW's end. So in a way I am understanding.
ncage - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
I've been out of contract for over 6 months. I have an HTC incredible since it was first released. I'm kind of fed up with android right now. I've been thinking about this for awhile and will most likely switch to iphone when the iphone 5 is released (unless WP7 releases something that WOWS me in that time). I definitely will miss some of the things with android like:1. Google Navigation.
2. Google Voice
3. Free Tethering (PDANet & also i'm rooted).
4. Gmail integration
..and some other things.
Why i'm fed up with android.
1. Updates -- unless they start releasing guarantees that you will get updates for 2 years after you buy your phone (ones carries can't block).
--i don't think this will ever happen because its one of the reasons carriers love android.
2. Some hesitation even with the fastest android phones.
3. Carriers can put all the crap they want on the phone and you can't remove it unless you root. (CarrierIQ is a prime example).
I have rooted my incredible so i can always make sure i get the latest updates which kind of sucks that you have to do this to get the lasted updated. I'm running MIUI.
I just hope they have LTE in the new iphone.
drbrock - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
I agree with your statements. If iphone 5 has a 4 inch screen, gorilla glass, and great battery life, I will probably make the switch. It is annoying how the updates take so long. I have an evo 4g running cm7. It is good but I want ICS now. Android apps are not as nice as apple's either. Depending on how my transformer update with ics goes I might make the switch to a jailbroken ipad 3 as well. The transformer is supposed to be a beast but it performs worse than a ipad 1.I hope ICS changes the game for Android. It will be google's last chance for me.
steven75 - Sunday, February 12, 2012 - link
All iPhones have had gorilla glass, so I don't think you'll need to worry about that.sprockkets - Saturday, February 11, 2012 - link
1. Get a Nexus line phone.2. Fixed with ICS.
3. Fixed with ICS.
It's actually been speculated that the carriers are to blame for the lack of updates to android phones. So get this:A. Work with carriers and sell lots of phones, or B. be like WP7 and suffer from the lack of carrier support. Or C, be apple and have the privilege of everyone else being your bitch.
ncage - Monday, February 13, 2012 - link
I agree. There is no perfect solution but i prefer C over A. Its not only getting the latest version you have to be concerned with but also security updates and also the crap the carriers add that tracks you like CarrierIQ. I would maybe consider WP7 if the nokia 900 comes out on verizon but i'm probably not going to wait much longer than mid summer.Its like getting a windows computer and, because of the carriers, you can't get updates because they want you just to get a new one. I think someday the carriers are going to loose and going to end up just being data pipes.
Coltch - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
Roll on March - at least I wont have to wait for Vodafone to butcher the update as I bought an unlocked european version of the SensationyankeeDDL - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
While the number of HTC phones (especially on the high-end) is quite high, I have to say that I, for one, wish there was more variety.Most models have 4" or 4.3" screens.
The "only" solution with a smaller screen is the Wildfire S which, aside for non-impressive specs, has a huge limitation in terms of internal memory.
I would love to see a phone from HTC with 3.5-3.6" high-res screen (800x480, or a bit less than that) with a decent single core CPU and an amount of internal memory that doesn't require obsessive management every time you think about downloading an app.
As far as I know, infact, there are no such phones around from any of the "big" names like Samsung, Moto and LG either.
The only thing that comes close is the iPhone wit its preposterous price tag.
In short, I don't particularly wish HTC to have less phones, but a bit more variety. From my perspective, the Desire HD, the EVO, the incredible/S, the Desire S the Sensation and the Rezound are all extremely similar in terms of spec and performance (and price). It is difficult to choose between them and I don't understand why a company would put out so many products in the same range, ultimately competing with itself.
Vepsa - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
I want to know why the Incredible S is on the list but the Incredible 2 isn't. Only difference is the S is GSM & the 2 is CDMA. Or is it a matter of Verizon saying no to upgrading the Incredible 2 to ICS.phreaqe - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
i agree, i have the incredible 2 and would like to have the upgrade for it.Obsoleet - Friday, February 10, 2012 - link
Or Droid Razr Maxx.. I have a Tbolt and while I'm not dismayed at the lack of ICS.. I could frankly care less.. I am dismayed at the stability of the device. It seems to slow down if I don't restart it every day or two.Belard - Monday, February 13, 2012 - link
Ever since Froyo, Google as messed up the phone log function of their phone.Anyone with half a brain would notice for STUPID this has been, and it carried over to Gingerbread.
What MORON at Google decided to put all these stupid LOG options, but then take out the most useful LOG when in Phone mode?
When people are in Phone mode, we'd like to see our logs of PHONE ONLY! Default is now Phone with text messages... which is Fracking stupid. The Messaging system already does a fine job of keeping track of the in & outs of messaging. If you click on a text message from within the Phone mode, it doesn't treat it like a message... you are asked what to do (call or send a message).
Here are the views you get:
All logs (default)
Missed calls
Dialed Calls
Received calls
Sent Messages
Received messages
The last two are pretty much useless... maybe helpful. How about putting back "ALL CALLS"?!
Stupidity likes this is EXACTLY why I am planning on NOT getting another android phone, again.
The new notification screen on Gingerbread... they took out Silent and stuck in Flight Mode?! WTF?
Fire the idiot who came up with that one. People will use silent mode 100x more than flight mode... which is two clicks away from hitting Setting (Settings / Wireless Networks / Flight Mode).
Google needs to fire the idiot development team and just keep the smarter ones.
Omega215D - Monday, February 13, 2012 - link
Not sure what you're running but I'm on a Thunderbolt with stock Gingerbread Sense. It gives me all those things you're complaining about and more.If stock Android doesn't give you what you want then try something else. That's the point of Android, you'll always have a choice... unless you're trolling.
Death666Angel - Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - link
If that is your gripe about Android, it really isn't for you. Android gives you the ability to change those things to your liking in about 5 minutes. It took me 30 seconds to get a call log app from market that has a custom feature where you can add "all calls" if you want.And I don't remember how my notification screen looked under stock, but the custom rom I use (only slight modifications) has about 2.5-3 displays worth of options in the notification screen: WiFi, data, bluetooth, gps, silent, vibration, auto brightness, flight mode, sync, secure mode, flash light and automatic orientation.
So everything you need is there, but Android doesn't hand it to you on a silver platter decorated with flowers. Because maybe not everyone needs those things as badly as you do... :D
thesafetyisoff - Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - link
Damn annoying that even flagship products like the Evo 4G aren't updated to the latest OS through the length of the 2-year contract that goes with them. in fact, my Evo (bought on release day) is already listed for End of Life, and I'm stuck in my contract another 4 months!As maligned as Microsoft is, at least they have supported XP a decade after I bought it. Cell phone product cycles are just assinine now.
Death666Angel - Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - link
MS comparison doesn't stick, really. I'd point to something like notebook graphicscard drivers that are not updated through AMD/nVidia. Like Sony for example.hingfingg - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
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