All the phones get 4.0-inch 800×580 Super LCD screen. They run on a 1Ghz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage space, plus a MicroSD card slot. As far as specifications go, this puts them right in line with the HTC One V, albeit with a slightly larger screen. These similarities continue in the 5-megapixel camera and support for Beats audio.  Each Chinese cell phone company gets its own version: China Unicom gets the Desire V T328w, (plain back with metal oval around the camera), China Mobile gets the Desire VT T328t (plain back with dimples) and China Telecom gets the Desire VC T328d (diagonal grooves, above). All three will come in black or white, but only China Unicom is releasing the price, at 1,999 yuan. In addition, the  Desire VT T328t has only one SIM card slot to the others’ two.

It’s the last that might hold the most interest for American HTC fans. Note the diagonal styling along the back: a close (but not exact) match for the leaked device purporting to be Verizon’s Incredible 4G. The red-on-black styling matches the latest leaked pictures, while the white version looks more like an even earlier leak. If nothing else, this announcement gives us a clearer look at HTC’s design style for non-One phones going forward, which hasn’t changed much.

[via UnwiredView]

The HTC Desire finally received its very own update to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) this past Monday. Also expect an update very soon for the LG Revolution; it should include many bug fixes but still no Gingerbread upgrade. A couple applications saw new versions this week as well, Skype and Google+. Skype’s update in the Android Market included support for many more smartphones. As for Google+, you should definitely check out the improvements included into Huddles and Notifications. Those who unofficially update their devices will be pleased to know that the Sony XPERIA, Neo, PLAY, and Arc will officially be supported by CyanogenMod 7 very soon.

AT&T recently informed it’s customers that it will move those with unlimited data to a tiered plan if they continue to tether their devices. This execution is most likely in response to their upcoming improved LTE data network. On that same note, the next generation Motorola ATRIX HD may run on AT&T’s 4G LTE towers.

We’ve wondered who will be the SoC (System-on-a-chip) manufacturer for Google’s next flagship device for a long while now; and now it seems we have a winner! They seem to have chosen the Texas Instruments OMAP 4 CPU; nothing is set in stone, but this is the most information we’ve seen on the device.

Wednesday, Chris Burns ran a hands-on and unboxing for the HTC Wildfire S on T-Mobile. The device hit stores later that same day. A more thorough review of the Wildfire S took place the next day (when we actually found out how good this mid-ranged smartphone actually was!) It turns out that the Wildfire S performed surprisingly well in the benchmarks with its 600Mhz single-core processor. Also unboxed this week was the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 4G LTE. This sleek tablet certainly won’t disappoint us in its upcoming in-depth review by Cory Gunther.

Some interesting gadgets and applications have emerged this week, and hopefully some will set a trend into the future of technology. It turns out Motorola may be working on a new “Smartwatch” that runs Android OS. I’m not the kind of guy that wears a watch, but if this product actually takes flight then that may very well change! The Seagate GoFlex Satellite HDD now supports the Android operating system for transferring data over a WiFi connection. To use this feature, you must download the official Android app from the market. Another application worth taking a look at if you are in the market for buying a used car is VIN Viper. Just take a picture of the VIN # to get a rough price of what the vehicle is actually worth. It syncs with your Carfax account to look up any damages and incorporate them into the price. Yet another auto-oriented application released was the Nissan LEAF official Android app. With this, the driver will be able to see detailed specs on the life of their battery, set climate control, and even start the car remotely from your smartphone.

We always try to end Android Community Weekly with any promotions/deals/savings to help bring you closer to owning anything Android! Currently, Verizon Wireless is offering $50 off a tablet when you purchase any cellphone, and with the fastest service around – it may be worth your while. Also, don’t forget to check back for the final winners of TABLETPALOOZA! They will be announced this coming Monday, August 8.

In addition, all customizations to the ROM – including anything carriers may have installed or mandated – have been removed, and in fact even the wallpapers (bar the default) have been taken out to save space. HTC warns that some people may lose SMS/MMS functionality after upgrading too, though it sounds like that’s because this is a generic ROM and may not have the carrier settings required; those should be readily added back in afterwards.

Still, unlike the streamlined OTA process, installing Gingerbread on the Desire will wipe out all of your existing customizations, messages, emails, apps and other content, so HTC is recommending it for “expert users” and development purposes only. You’re also out of luck if you have a Desire from Germany (Deutsch Telekom), North America, South America, South Korea, and Japan, where “concerns raised from our partners” have led to HTC not allowing the update in those regions.

If you’re feeling brave, you can download the HTC Desire Android Gingerbread 2.3 ROM from http://developer.htc.com/

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

HTC said they had to remove a few pre-loaded apps in order to make room for the updates, and latest reports suggest the 2.3 update is in testing stages and is running great. It looks like HTC was able to buckle down and get the update running fairly smooth and they did it quick.

If they were able to change their mind then start and get the update done all in this much time, wouldn’t it be fair to also think they could do the same for the updates for other phones waiting to get their bootloaders unlocked? HTC mentioned on Facebook the 2.3 Gingerbread update for the HTC Desire will be out before the end of July. Hopefully the Sensation and EVO 3D see updates this month too, we will have to wait and see.

[via HTC Facebook]

“Hi all- We’re excited to share that we are testing our build of Gingerbread for HTC Desire and will start doing quality assurance for it this week. When we have an update on availability we’ll post another announcement. Thanks for your support!” HTC

The news follows the will-they-won’t-they announcements over the past few months regarding an official update for the Desire. Having initially promised Android would be released for the handset, HTC then shocked owners by confessing that they would be unable to do so, citing an inability to preserve the full Sense experience.

After massive outcry, HTC changed its stance overnight and confirmed that it would indeed be pushing out a Gingerbread build. It was later revealed that the ROM would have a pared-down suite of apps, in order to satisfy the limitations of the Desire’s memory. There’s currently no telling which apps won’t make the grade.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

This is wacky, and totally unheard of. How could Telstra possibly do such a thing, won’t HTC go crazy with regret and loathing for an unfair and under fair world? I suppose we can’t be sure now, can we. The release from Telstra reads thusly:

Due to the increased memory requirements of the ‘Gingerbread’ update, new software that does not include HTC’s Sense UI is being prepared.

Them’s fighting words methinks. This update is said to be coming in August, and there’s some… doubt, being cast by onlookers. It doesn’t exactly seem possible, since it is indeed a unique situation, that a manufacturer like HTC would work with a carrier to release an update to their hardware’s software without their custom user interface, especially when they’ve already confirmed that they’ll be putting out the Android update with the interface intact.

HTC’s latest word said that they’d “cut select apps” in order to resolve the memory issue Telstra speaks of above. The following was written by HTC:

“To resolve Desire’s memory issue and enable the upgrade to Gingerbread, we will cut select apps from the release. … Look for status updates starting next week … we apologize for any confusion.”

That was on the 16th of June, and we still aren’t really clear on what that statement means. You can also check back with the original release of the destructive “no update” comment for more information, but you’ll find nothing, nothing Lebowski, nothing!

[via Engadget]

“To resolve Desire’s memory issue and enable the upgrade to Gingerbread, we will cut select apps from the release” HTC has revealed on its Facebook page. The exact nature of the apps that will be missing is unknown, as is whether they’ll be from HTC’s own Sense line-up or software Google normally distributes with Gingerbread itself. “Look for status updates starting next week” HTC promises,  ”we apologize for any confusion.”

HTC announced earlier this week that it had deleted the Desire’s Gingerbread update from the roadmap, after software engineers discovered they were unable to fit both the OS and Sense into a ROM that offered “the HTC Sense experience you’ve come to expect.” The news met with an unsurprising amount of vitriol from owners, with threats that they would boycott HTC’s future devices and accusations that it was a marketing move rather than an engineering one.

We’re checking with HTC now to see if they can tell us either which apps are on the firing line or at least whether they’re from Sense or core Android. Update: HTC UK tells us that it has no word on which apps will be kept and which will go at this stage.

[via SlashGear]

HTC UK posted on its Facebook page today with the short and sweet notification “Contrary to what we said earlier, we are going to bring Gingerbread to HTC Desire.” As you can imagine lots of Desire owners are feeling much better about their purchase and might actually be considering HTC for future smartphones again.

HTC has offered no indication of exactly how long it will take to bring the update. I also have to wonder how suddenly HTC has figured out how to get Gingerbread onto the Desire when it cited lack of memory before. Do you think perhaps HTC Sense will be shed? Would you rather have your Sense UI or Gingerbread and no Sense? I think this post sums up the entire reversal process pretty well from Facebook use Punit Clare, “had enough backlash??” Yes, they have.

Previously, carriers had told Desire owners they could likely expect the Gingerbread update at the end of April or early May. Unfortunately, it seems HTC couldn’t get both Android 2.3 and Sense to play nicely together in what memory the Desire had to offer:

“Our engineering teams have been working hard for the past few months to find a way to bring Gingerbread to the HTC Desire without compromising the HTC Sense experience you’ve come to expect from our phones. However, we’re sorry to announce that we’ve been forced to accept there isn’t enough memory to allow us both to bring Gingerbread and keep the HTC Sense experience on the HTC Desire. We’re sincerely sorry for the disappointment that this news may bring to some of you.” HTC

Unsurprisingly, the news isn’t going down well among Desire owners, many of whom are still inside their original agreement from when they first bought the handset. Of course, they could head over to xda-developers where there are several unofficial ROMs to be had, bringing the smartphone up to speed with Gingerbread.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

The PowerSkin is a one-piece case that is impact-resistant and made of soft silicone rubber. It is rechargeable and lightweight with an on/off button and LED battery status light. PowerSkin first launched its battery-boosting smartphone cases last month at the CTIA Show in Orlando and have since been adding to their line up of cases for more and more Android devices. We will be getting one to test on our HTC Thunderbolt very soon and will let you know it it delivers as promised.

PowerSkins are available at T-Mobile stores as well as at most online retailers such as Amazon. PowerSkin pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S 4G, the Samsung Vibrant, HTC HD7, HTC HD2, Samsung Galaxy i9000, and i3000 are all $59.99. Pricing for the HTC myTouch is $49.99.

BONUS: There’s a whole ‘nother big list of devices this little bit’o'magic will be working on right here – and note: we’re getting a rather important one in to test very soon: HTC ThunderBolt. Will it relieve our ever-so-slightly annoying short battery woes? We shall see!

PowerSkins will be available for:
myTouch 4G
HTC HD7S
HTC HD7
HTC HD2
Samsung Galaxy i9000
Samsung Galaxy i3000
Samsung Galaxy S 4G
Samsung Vibrant
HTC Evo 4G
HTC Inspire 4G
HTC Desire
Motorola Droid X
Motorola Droid X2
Samsung Nexus S
HTC Thunderbolt

Press Release:

PowerSkin’s® Battery-Boosting Smartphone Cases Now Available for Samsung Galaxy S 4G, Samsung Vibrant, Samsung Galaxy i9000 and i3000

Modesto, CA – April 26, 2011 – PowerSkin® continues to roll out its line of shock-absorbing cases that double battery life, announcing the immediate availability for the Samsung Galaxy and Vibrant series.

“PowerSkin® dominates the market for smartphones powered by Android,” said David Becker, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PowerSkin® / XPAL Power. “With the launch of the Samsung PowerSkin® and upcoming skins for all the popular Android-based phones like Droid, HTC and others, we’re confident our new line will fill a gap in the Android space, providing much-needed power to these users.”

PowerSkin® smartphone cases, designed to address the protection and power issues consumers face, launched last month at the CTIA Show in Orlando. Features included in all PowerSkin® cases:

• One piece tough case is impact-resistant
• Soft silicone rubber
• Provides twice the power
• 100% recycled case (except for the battery & internal components)
• Rechargeable
• Lightweight smart battery technology
• On/Off button
• LED battery status lights
• Patented XPAL Powered™ battery technology extends phone life up to 8 hours

PowerSkins® are available in T-Mobile stores along with most major E-tailer sites like Amazon for the Samsung Galaxy S 4G ($59.99), Samsung Vibrant ($59.99), HTC myTouch 4G ($49.99), HTC HD7 ($59.99) and HTC HD2 ($59.99); the Samsung Galaxy i9000 ($59.99) and i3000 ($59.99) are available via international carriers.

To learn more about PowerSkin® products, contact Jennifer Reiss at 305-576-1171 ext. 44 or via e-mail at jenniferreiss@maxborgesagency.com, or go to www.Power-Skin.com. Follow PowerSkin on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PowerSkinCases and on Twitter.

About PowerSkin®

PowerSkin® silicone cases with built-in batteries provide twice the power for your smartphone, featuring sleek, protective designs that fit your phone and fit your style. PowerSkin® is XPAL Powered, meaning it’s charged by patented battery technology that reflects the highest standards for safety, quality and performance. Designed to be your go-to, go-anywhere, go on-and-on power source, PowerSkin® has got you – and your phone – covered. For more information, visit: www.power-skin.com.

About XPal Power

XPAL Power, a subsidiary of TennRich International, is a California-based corporation with its sales and marketing team located in the United States. The TennRich design team is located in Taiwan, and the company-owned factory in Shenzhen, PRC is the first factory in China to focus on rechargeable lithium polymer batteries and is currently one of the largest manufacturers of portable power packs in Asia. The XPAL Powered™ seal stands for quality, safety and efficiency – a guarantee that these traits are inside every product that authenticates through the XPAL verification service. XPAL Verified™ is an authentication process that underscores our commitment to quality, using complex algorithms to detect and transfer battery serial numbers to verify its legitimacy – a safeguard customers can trust. For more information, please visit www.xpalpower.com.

Best game ever
by sean– April 18, 2011

So far, most of the users who have downloaded it today love it. Some say it’s a bit lagging on older handsets like the HTC Hero, and that they can’t update on the Evo 4G or HTC Desire forcing to uninstall and reinstall. And some complain that iPhone gets updates sooner than Android. But on the whole everyone seems to love the latest Spring themed chapter!

Rovio also has further plans for mobile world domination. According to the Rovio blog, Angry Birds Seasons will be going global. Plans are to take the game to the next level with clues around the world prompting users to discover secrets hidden in the game. Sounds like they have a ton of fresh new and cultural ways to get some porcine payback!

But what may cause some concern is the amount of internal storage space the Desire has to accommodate it. Users who have a lot of apps or games may find they have to make a choice. The solution suggested by some is to root your Desire in order to, install apps directly onto the SD card. Users can also get rid of the junk like the UI and go with a pure Google experience and save some space to boot.

And there’s also the relative age of the Desire. Could it be that while users desire Gingerbread, they may be pushing the hardware past the limits of an enjoyable experience? That was the main beef iPhone 3g users had when iOS 4 came out, rendering the 3g albeit unusable. Sometimes too much of a good thing pushes the envelope too much.

[via Swedroid]

At first some thought it was too iOS/TouchWiz but now that they have fine tuned the UI it has became the best of all worlds. It’s a little stock Android, with some iOS, TouchWiz, and Sense UI all tied into one beautiful user interface. With them also releasing English language packs they are quickly becoming very popular in the Android community.

The MIUI team yesterday released the above image on their forums and that is all they gave us, just a little tease. Mentioning that we should all stay tuned because something exciting would be coming soon to that spot. I have a feeling it will be any day now. For you readers that may not know a lot about MIUI, here’s a little info and a few video’s for you to see what they are all about, and their stuff in action. MIUI Dev’s Overhaul Android, and MIUI Beta 5 Released. Stay tuned on AC for more information as it comes in.

[via MIUI]

This actually not only shows some great theme work by xda member haxzamatic but it also shows just how extremely powerful the T-Mobile Theme Engine really is. This has the capability to change the entire look, and feel of your Android device, and very quickly. Even better is it does all this without flashing anything. I must mention that this theme is only available for anyone running CyanogenMod 7. The CM team supports a very wide variety of phones so check it out. It may also work with phones running a CM7 Port for a phone not supported by CM.

Basically the Theme Engine lets you install a theme apk, then apply it using the Engine. It’s very straightforward, Like Metamorph only easier.

Install Instructions:

-Download the Honeybread.apk
-Install the APK
-Open the Theme Chooser app
-Select the Honybread Theme
-After it applies reboot

Enjoy!

Latest Version:
Honeybread v4

For more pictures, and information go ahead and check out the source link below.

[via XDA Forums]

Lucky for us the developer rori~ is always updating and keeping track of his MOD so it always seems to be working perfect. For those looking for a good statusbar mod but can’t find one that is almost always compatible with nightly CM7 builds. This MOD is for you. If you read the thread Rori mentions that it should work with all CM7 Nightly’s after the RC1. He also has confirmed it working perfectly with these said phones but should work for all official CM7 phones:

* LeoGingerBread
* Nexus S
* G2
* EVO
* Desire
* Incredible
* MyTouch 4G
* Nexus One

The new design includes:

* Gingerbread themed icons
* Moved carrier name, added 3D text
* Ongoing notification, fm.radio, download status text is white
* Moved & edited clear button, added 3D text
* New scrolling bar

Not only does it look excellent, but he also gives you a few options on how it will look. The image above you can see the “Clear” button now spans the entire bottom. That is how I have mine. If you’d like it how it was on the side only, rori~ has also included that version as well. Use file HDPI_v1.5F for the full clear bar, and v1.5L for it on the left like default. For more information you can check out the thread over on the XDA Forums. As always with a MOD or a Zip, Do a nandroid backup first and use Caution.

Latest Download Files:

* PulldownMod_HDPI_v1.5F.zip
* PulldownMod_HDPI_v1.5L.zip

[via XDA-Developers]

“We are excited to announce that the Desire HD, Desire Z, Desire and Incredible S will receive the Gingerbread update in Q2″ HTC

Originally launched last fall with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and HTC’s Sense overlay, the HTC Desire HD and Desire Z have 4.3″ and 3.7″ screens respectively, with an 8MP rear facing camera for the Desire HD, while the Desire Z gets a 5MP model. Both are capable of 720p HD recording. The Desire Z also sports a flip out QWERTY keyboard.

HTC Desire HD:

HTC Desire Z:

“These amazing deals are great for customers who want devices to fit their family’s wide variety of needs and lifestyles,” said Alan D. Ferber, executive vice president of operations for U.S. Cellular. “Busy parents will love how the cutting-edge Android-powered smartphones help them stay productive, and kids can stay entertained and connected with friends on the go. Many of our customers prefer texting over talking, so we also wanted to delight them with great deals on our messaging phones.”

Samsung Mesmerize has a 1GHz processor running Android 2.2 (Froyo). It also enjoys a 4.0” Super AMOLED Touch Screen Display with TouchWiz 3.0 and all the usual specs including a 5MP rear facing camera. The LG Optimus U, also runs Android 2.2 (Froyo), but from a less powerful 660 mhz processor and has a smaller, lower resolution 3.2″ screen. The Samsung Messager Touch, has a pull out qwerty keyboard, and a paltry 2.0 megapixel camera is is aimed at those who just want a message portal to stay in touch.

US Cellular has enjoyed some success of late, having been chosen as the best carrier in the country by Consumer Reports most recent customer satisfaction survey. And recently, dropped the price of it’s entire line of Android handsets to under $100, including the HTC Desire for $69.99.

The offer goes through March 10 and includes 5GB of data per line, phone replacement and GPS navigation support. Adding the Primary Plus Plan gives unlimited text, picture and video messaging, and more.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. CELLULAR LAUNCHES FAMILY-SIZED BUY-ONE-PHONE-GET-FIVE FREE DEALS AND DROPS PRICES ON ANDROID-POWERED SMARTPHONES

All Android-Powered Phones Now Under $100

CHICAGO (Feb. 21, 2011) – U.S. Cellular, recently ranked the best wireless carrier in the country in a customer survey conducted by Consumer Reports, is offering a pair of family-sized deals to fit a wide range of mobile tastes. Through March 10, customers who buy a Samsung Mesmerize (a Galaxy S device) for just $99.99 can get up to five LG Optimus U smartphones free. For first-time smartphone users or anyone ready to experience the power of Android technology, customers can buy an LG Optimus U at $29.99 and get up to five more for free.

The Samsung Mesmerize, with its large touchscreen and super fast 1 GHz processor, makes watching videos, playing games and zipping through business and entertainment applications easy. With Android 2.2 technology, the LG Optimus U is ideal for smartphone users who want to explore a wide range of multimedia entertainment and time-saving Android applications. Both phones have cool Swype technology for blazing fast text messaging.

U.S. Cellular is offering a similar deal on its popular messaging phones for families who like to talk, text and surf the web. Customers can buy one Samsung Messager Touch for $29.99 and get up to five Samsung Profiles free. To top it off, the carrier dropped prices on its entire lineup of Android-powered phones to under $100, including the popular HTC Desire for just $69.99, the LG Apex for $29.99 and the Samsung Acclaim for free.

“These amazing deals are great for customers who want devices to fit their family’s wide variety of needs and lifestyles,” said Alan D. Ferber, executive vice president of operations for U.S. Cellular. “Busy parents will love how the cutting-edge Android-powered smartphones help them stay productive, and kids can stay entertained and connected with friends on the go. Many of our customers prefer texting over talking, so we also wanted to delight them with great deals on our messaging phones.”

Also through March 10, new customers who purchase a smartphone with a Belief Plan can get a $100 Smartphone Activation Credit per line. Current customers who add a new smartphone line also are eligible. They can pair their new smartphones with the Premium Plus Family Plan for $179.99, which includes two lines with unlimited minutes and messaging, 5GB of data per line, Phone Replacement and GPS navigation. They could also opt for the “best value in wireless” by signing up for the carrier’s $69.99 Primary Plus Plan that comes with 5GB of data, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free unlimited incoming calls, nights and weekends, mobile-to-mobile calls and GPS navigation.

All of the offers are backed by U.S. Cellular’s high-speed nationwide network and The Belief Project, both of which have received high marks from industry insiders and consumers. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and The Belief Project was recently named Frost & Sullivan’s Customer Value Enhancement of the Year. The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with unmatched benefits and rewards like faster upgrades to the coolest phones at promotional prices every 18 months or sooner without requiring customers to repeatedly sign contracts. It also offers an assortment of bundled National Single Line and Family Belief Plans designed to mirror the way people use their phones.

New customers who sign up for a Belief Plan and fulfill an initial two-year commitment will never have to sign another one with U.S. Cellular’s “no contract after the first.” Current U.S. Cellular customers who previously signed up for a Belief Plan and are already eligible for a phone upgrade can get promotional prices without signing another contract. Customers automatically get valuable rewards that can be used for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months, additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

For more information about all of U.S. Cellular’s deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time and recently unveiled The Belief Project, an array of industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Belief Project complements the Chicago-based carrier’s growing catalog of cutting-edge phones that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network. U.S. Cellular was recently named a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and provides the best cell phone service in the country according to survey results released by Consumer Reports, which found that wireless customers are more satisfied with U.S. Cellular than every other major wireless company. U.S. Cellular was also named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2010 “Most Trustworthy Companies.” To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

XDA developers “CoolExe” has been playing around with a very early Honeycomb SDK port and he installed it on his HTC Desire. So far, CoolExe has gotten the phone to boot and got some response from the multi-touch screen. He’s even gotten it to flip between landscape and portrait orientation. That’s as far as he’s gotten so far, but it looks pretty promising. Next up, WiFi, Network, audio and the onboard camera functions. But if he can pull all that off, that’ll make for some serious street cred. Imagine what he could do with a polished current Honeycomb SDK?

If you want to follow CoolExe’s “exploits,” head on over to XDA Developers.

[via GeekWord]

“For HTC to be recognized by the industry in this way for the growth and success we have experienced in the last year is truly humbling. Thousands of people at HTC work tirelessly to create the intuitive and deeply personal smartphone experiences for which we have become known. This award is a measure of their passion and dedication,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “This award also belongs to the tens of millions of customers around the world who enjoy our phones and inspire us each day to create new innovative experiences. To those people, to our partners around the world and to the HTC family, you have my sincere thanks and congratulations.”

In awarding HTC, GSMA commented that HTC came out of nowhere and built it’s market clout on fresh branding and a strong portfolio of smartphones across multiple platforms. Additionally, they enjoy good customer service and communication, making the award well-deserved.

HTC AWARDED AS ‘2011 DEVICE MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR’ BY THE GSMA

Device Manufacturer of the Year Award Is Industry’s Top Global Honor

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Mobile World Congress – 16 February, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, has been honored this week with the highest industry honor as ‘Device Manufacturer of the Year’ by the GSMA at its Global Mobile Awards ceremony in Barcelona. The award follows a year of global momentum for HTC, which saw the launch of a large portfolio of industry leading smartphones such as the HTC Desire. HTC was awarded from a list of three finalists that included Apple and Samsung.

“For HTC to be recognized by the industry in this way for the growth and success we have experienced in the last year is truly humbling. Thousands of people at HTC work tirelessly to create the intuitive and deeply personal smartphone experiences for which we have become known. This award is a measure of their passion and dedication,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “This award also belongs to the tens of millions of customers around the world who enjoy our phones and inspire us each day to create new innovative experiences. To those people, to our partners around the world and to the HTC family, you have my sincere thanks and congratulations.”

The GSMA judges commented, “this company (HTC) has built its market presence from nowhere, with fresh branding and marketing and a strong portfolio of devices across many platforms. In particular, it has proven an exceptionally popular and enduring phone manufacturer. With great communication and good customer service, this is a well-deserved award.”

HTC previously was awarded for the ‘Best Mobile Phone of 2010’ with the HTC Hero.

A committee of judges that include industry analysts and consultants, mobile operators, educators and other industry leaders determines the GSMA Awards. For more information on the 2011 GSMA Global Mobile awards please visit – http://www.globalmobileawards.com

About GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. Spanning 219 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as more than 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media & entertainment organizations.

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

While it wasn’t exactly possible to hold the phone for very long outside the locked-down version, we did get a tiny taste with the hands, if you know what I mean, and this phone does feel rather natural, or at least as comfortable as we’d expect a phone of this size to be. Inside the phone, everything’s moving quick, essentially the same as the first Desire since it’s also a 1GHz single-core Snapdragon. On that note, we did hear during the press conference that Qualcomm and HTC are working together on multi-core models, but they did not give a date for any hardware.

Also inside you’ll see that the VGA cam isn’t the best thing in the world, but it’s certainly alright for what you’ll be using it for, there’s a Mirror app running that shows you what the camera can see pointing at you, and there’s a built-in video chat app for all your ever-loving talk-to-face conversations.

One of the more interesting points made during the presentation was that this phone will be running Gingerbread, but not Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Instead it will be running Android 2.4 Gingerbread, a version of the OS that fixes bugs and makes application tweaks in order for single-core Gingerbread phones to work with apps written for multi-core without a problem. This handset is exactly what HTC tells us it is: Evolutionary, not Revolutionary.