Well played guys, well played. It looks like both the carrier and HTC have teamed up and are shipping out free cases along with the smartphones to thank their customers for being patient and not canceling to opt for another device. Bonus! Then again there isn’t too many good choices from the Now Network, but users could have went for the Galaxy Nexus.

From the picture below, as well as reports by The Verge a nice and sincere letter of apology has been packed inside of the pre-order shipments, and users are getting a neat little case. Hopefully the same is happening at retail stores or those opting to buy from Best Buy, but we’ve heard no such reports. The smartphone being delayed by customs was for the most part out of their hands, but it’s still nice to see them owning up and being cool about it. That is just one more reason to like HTC. Now click here and root that shiny new EVO 4G LTE.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 4G LTE

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : April 04, 2012

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : SLCD 2

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.72 Inch
• Depth : .35 Inch
• Weight : 134 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16GB GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

This latest leak comes as one of HTC’s proprietary ROM Update Utilities, a ROM and installer wrapped up into one Windows EXE file (Mac and Linux users need not apply). Just put your phone into debug mode, plug it into your computer, make sure you’ve got the correct drivers, run the program, and wait. Keep in mind that this will technically void your warranty, but you should be in the clear if you get back on the “official” path when the software OTA becomes available.

We don’t have an EVO 3D to test it on, but it’s a pretty fair bet that the 1.13 update includes the same Sense 3.6 interface that’s been popping up in other, older HTC phones with ICS upgrades. If that’s not good enough, you can try out this One S adapted ROM, or just go out and buy an EVO 4G LTE. You know, now that the ITC says you can.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 3D

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : March 22, 2011

Release Date : June 24, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.30 Inch
• Resolution : 540x960
• Screen Type : S-LCD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.00 Inch
• Width : 2.60 Inch
• Depth : 0.47 Inch
• Weight : 170 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1730 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 355 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• MP3

Video Playback:
• h.263
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : Snapdragon

CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 4.096 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 5 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 720p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

CDMA Band:
• 800
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

[via Phandroid]

The process is about as easy as it gets on Android: just set your phone to USB debugging, install the relevant software drivers and run the batch file provided in the XDA thread. Bingo, you’re ready for unlicensed tethering and overclocking to your heart’s content. So far no serious problems have been reported, and the method works for Windows, Mac and Linux PCs. If you’re on Windows, just make sure to download the correct 32-bit or 64-bit drivers. Interestingly, this is exactly the same method as was used for the ASUS Transformer Prime.

And if you should mess up (and if you’re a regular modder, odds are pretty good that you will eventually) there’s already an RUU available. RUU stands for “ROM Update Utility”, and it’s HTC’s version of Odin or SBF for Samsung and Motorola, respectively. If you should find yourself in a boot loop, just plug your phone into a Windows PC, run the RUU (see the forum for the file) and you’re back to stock.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 4G LTE

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : April 04, 2012

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : SLCD 2

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.72 Inch
• Depth : .35 Inch
• Weight : 134 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16GB GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

[via XDA Blog]

Just like all of HTC’s recent phones you can go to HTCDev and unlock it with a few simple steps. Sadly AT&T chose not to allow that process on their version of the One X (International version is fine.) I’m sure you’re all well aware of this. It looks like all you need is a little command line skills and you can easily change it so HTC’s unlock tool identifies it as a Rogers model, and you’ll be unlocked in no time. Well played AT&T, well played.

Here’s how:
– Root device
– Dump MISC partition
– Edit CID in dump to change from AT&T to Rogers
– Flash patched MISC partition
– Use official HTCdev unlock tool

The instructions are actually a bit harder than that, our friends from MoDaCo simplified them with the outline above. The actual process is a bit more difficult and involved than those simple instructions look, but if you’ve done any command line tweaking or developing in the past it should be fairly straightforward.

For more detailed instructions as well as all the support you might need if you’re worried about taking on this task head to the XDA via link at the bottom of the page. As a friendly reminder you’ll need to be rooted for this to work. If you flashed the leak this morning that as of now can’t be rooted, you’re out of luck.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : One X [AT&T]

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : AT&T

Announced Date : February 26, 2012

Release Date : TBA

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 720x1280
• Screen Type : S-LCD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.75 Inch
• Depth : 0.36 Inch
• Weight : 131 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1800 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 16 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

CDMA Band:
• 850
• 1900
• 2100

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

[via XDA]

According to Android Police multiple customers have already received their new HTC EVO’s today and are enjoying those 3G speeds until 4G LTE arrives from the Now Network. Early reports suggested Best buy would start shipping to pre-order customers yesterday, so these could just be a lucky few that opted for overnight shipping.

It looks like a bunch of threads appearing on XDA have confirmed the phone arriving early for users in multiple locations from Ohio to New York. If you ordered the HTC EVO 4G LTE with overnight delivery you might have a little treat waiting on the doorstep this afternoon. If you’re still debating the purchase you’ll want to check out our full EVO 4G LTE Review for additional details of the new smartphone.

Did your EVO arrive today? Let us know in the comments below.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 4G LTE

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : April 04, 2012

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : SLCD 2

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.72 Inch
• Depth : .35 Inch
• Weight : 134 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16GB GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

Just like AT&T’s version, the One XL will forego a quad-core Tegra 3 processor for the still impressive dual-core Snapdragon S4, the same 1.5ghz processor found on the smaller One S. Naturally Germans will still get the rest of the admirable specs, including a 4.7-inch screen, 1GB of RAM, Beats audio and Android 4.0 with Sense. 32GB of storage comes standard, and you can expand it with 25GB of Dropbox cloud storage.

The One XL should come to those areas of Europe that have LTE networks soon enough, followed by a wider rollout in Asia and possibly Australia. AT&T’s One X(L) has a frustratingly locked bootloader, but the odds of this trend continuing overseas are slim to none. It’s only the Americans that have to deal with ridiculous carrier restrictions, huh folks?

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : One X [AT&T]

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : AT&T

Announced Date : February 26, 2012

Release Date : TBA

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 720x1280
• Screen Type : S-LCD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.75 Inch
• Depth : 0.36 Inch
• Weight : 131 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1800 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 16 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

CDMA Band:
• 850
• 1900
• 2100

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

[via TalkAndroid]

See, 10:08 is the time at which the maximum number of cells on a digital 12-hour clock (like the one you’ve probably got sitting next to your bed) are lit up. Of course “88:88″ would be ideal, but since the clock is constrained to real time and most of them only have two cells for the first hour position, 10:08 is as full as the cells get. Of course, modern touchscreens aren’t limited to this, so why keep the trend going? HTC doesn’t say this in their post, but it probably goes back to the original HTC Touch running Windows Mobile 6, way back in 2007. The TouchFLO interface introduced in this model eventually became the Sense UI we know today. You can see the digital-style clock in the Wikipedia photo below:

Wikipedia also tells us that 10:08 (or something close to it) has been a popular position for analog clocks and watches in marketing materials for decades. Reasoning varies, but the most obvious seems to be that the symmetrical hands wouldn’t obscure the manufacturer logo (either below the 12 or above the 6) or the date or week view, if such is present. There you have it folks – conspiracy theorists, it’s time to move on.

The list is mostly made of up phones released in the past 6-8 months, other than the Thunderbolt and the Incredible 2, and many have already been updated to 4.0. HTC has issued similar statements in the past but none of those had actual release dates. Today’s new is still pretty vague, basically saying June-July for almost all devices, at least we know they’ll be here soon.

The DROID Incredible 2 is the only device that is up-in-the-air and is still questionable for the upgrade. Other phones like the EVO 3D, ThunderBolt, HTC Rhyme, and even the EVO Design 4G will all see the update soon. It looks like the Thunderbolt will be last on the list, being one of the few listed as July/August along with the Desire HD. Sadly no mention of any tablets like the HTC Jetstream though. Check out the full list from the via link below courtesy of HTC themselves.

[via HTC Blog]

Speaking of the One X, there’s no news on whether or not it has also been cleared by the ITC. In all likelihood a win for the EVO is a win for the One X, since it seems unlikely that HTC would modify the software on one and not the other. This mess almost certainly stems from Apple’s successful patent suit in the ITC, barring HTC from using certain kinds of contextual links for its dialer and email apps.

While HTC’s phone seem pretty safe for the preset, there is unfortunately nothing stopping the ITC from investigating every new HTC Android device that enters the country for the same level of compliance. We may see more last-minute delays like this one (the EVO 4G LTE was scheduled to launch last Friday), or carriers may simply build the delay into their launch schedules. Those who pre-ordered the EVO 4G LTE will see shipments starting on Thursday, so hopefully the phone will be in retail stores by next Monday at the latest.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 4G LTE

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : April 04, 2012

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : SLCD 2

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.72 Inch
• Depth : .35 Inch
• Weight : 134 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16GB GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

[via SlashGear]

HTC has followed their pattern of updating older phones to the somewhat more tame Sense 3.6, instead of the Sense 4.0 found on the One series. (If you want an official Sense 4.0 phone, you’ll have to go with the One S on T-Mobile.) You should also note that the carrier has stated that it will end its “free” tethering (or at least the unregulated use of non-approved tethering methods) once you upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich.

Of course, there’s plenty of alternate ROMs out there, and we’d encourage anyone with the know how (and who doesn’t mid blowing their warranty to smithereens) to try it out. Versions of pretty much all the popular community ROMs are available in either official or “kang” versions, and there are plenty of builds based on both the Amaze’s standard Gingerbread and leaked Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : Amaze 4G

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : T-Mobile

Announced Date : September 26, 2011

Release Date : October 10, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
• Resolution : 540x960
• Screen Type : S-LCD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.12 Inch
• Width : 2.58 Inch
• Depth : 0.46 Inch
• Weight : 126 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1730 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : Snapdragon S3

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16384 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

The AT&T One X and EVO 4G LTE have been the hardest hit in Apple’s patent spat, with the former seeing little to no stock at AT&T and the latter missing its launch date entirely. There’s also some cursory evidence that HTC’s Amaze 4G model is being affected. HTC stated earlier this year that software changes to its phones had worked around Apple’s nebulous patents, but apparently the ITC didn’t get the message.

Here’s HTC’s statement:

Each imported HTC model must be reviewed by Customs and will be released once Customs officials have completed the inspection. Some models have gone through inspection and been released to our carriers customers. We don’t have the status of each specific device model at this time, but we are working closely with Customs. We remain confident that this issue will be resolved soon.

Assuming that all the units of a particular phone are released once they’ve cleared inspection, it’ll still take several days at the very least for stocks to be replenished. For those of you waiting patiently for the EVO 4G LTE, I’d say that the end of the week is the very earliest that we might see a belated launch. And since there’s no indication of which phones are being released in what order, it may be quite a while yet. Anyone who’s sick of megacorporations making their purchasing decisions for them (or reading patent stories) can send their complaints to tcook@apple.com. 

[via SlashGear]

The news doesn’t get any better if you’re a Verizon unlimited data customer: buy a subsidized phone after the summer is over, and you can kiss your unlimited plan goodbye. At least you may be able to use your current Verizon 4G LTE phone internationally soon. Google did some backtracking after enabling a four-device deactivation limit to its Google Play Music service: you can deactivate as many as you like, at least for now. Good news for Nexus fans – Google may be using multiple partners for the next Nexus smartphone. One may be Motorola, since China has finally approved Google’s acquisition on the condition that Android remain open source for another five years.

Speaking of China and Motorola, they’re showing off three new RAZR designs in the territory, at least one of which will probably become Motorola’s DROID RAZR HD at some point. HTC was busy this week with the official announcement of the Desire C and leaks of the “Ville” C. And of course, hardware news wouldn’t be complete without the Samsung Galaxy S III. This week we saw photo samples of all four US carrier models, along with an FCC listing for T-Mobile, and leaks of the user manual and the S-Voice APK. Oh, and there are over 9 million pre-orders for the phone worldwide – can you blame them?

On the software side of things, the Galaxy S III got rooted even before it’s release, and was joined by its stablemate the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Ice Cream Sandwich for the DROID 4 was leaked, and an official update was sent out for T-Mobile’s Sensation 4G and teased for the Amaze 4G. The venerable HTC HD2 gets a Sense 4.0 port in progress, and the latest project to light up Kickstarter is the Chameleon tablet launcher.

Here at Android Community, you’ve got a few days left to enter our NVIDIA TegraZone Anniversary Tegra Pack Giveaway, and what better way to wait out the results than playing with Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II? Be sure to read our hands-on look at Sega’s latest. We’ve also got a hands-on look at the LG Optimus LTE2, and an editorial on the creativity (or lack thereof) among the latest crop of high-profile Android games.  Until next week, stay in school, don’t do drugs, and always make a Nandroid backup.

There’s no evidence that points directly to an ITC embargo due to Apple’s latest bit of patent trolling, but it would certainly fit the circumstances. Here’s the text of the email in question:

Dear T-Mobile Customer,

Thank you for your recent order.  We wanted to let you know that your order for the HTC Amaze has been delayed due to an unforeseen issue with receiving the product from the manufacturer.  At this time, we do not have an estimate as to when the product will be available. Because we don’t know when the product will be available, we recommend that you choose an alternate device.  Please call us at 1-800-672-5390 if you wish to do this and one of our agents will be happy to assist you with finding another device that will meet your needs.  If you do not select another device, the Amaze will ship to you as soon as product becomes available.

We recommend the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G as a replacement.  This device is free for you with no rebate required… We sincerely apologize for the delay.  Thank you for being a T-Mobile customer.  We truly appreciate your business.

Thank you, T-Mobile Customer Care

Note that T-Mobile recommends a Samsung phone as a replacement, and not the much newer and only slightly more expensive HTC One S. Notably, both phones still appear on T-Mobile’s website.

This mess started back in December, when the International Trade Commission ruled in Apple’s favor on a single patent for contextual linking. Earlier this week shipments of the AT&T HTC One X and the HTC EVO 4G LTE (which would have launched today) were stopped in customs for a purpose that still hasn’t been confirmed, but is widely believed to be compliance checks for the Apple patent case. HTC says that it has modified the software on all its current phones to comply with the ruling.

We’ve contacted HTC on the matter, and are waiting an official response.

The EVO 4G LTE had been scheduled to go on sale today, when it would have been the newest and most advanced phone on The Now Network. Thanks to Apple’s prosecution of a software patent for (of all things) contextual links, both US devices have been barred from import for the foreseeable future while the International Trade Commission determines whether or not they comply with its ruling. HTC has stated, twice, that it has reworked the software to limit the functionality of its devices and avoid using Apple’s nebulous patents.

Welcome to the future, folks, where any idea or function can be patented no matter how ethereal or obvious. The biggest loser here isn’t HTC, or even the networks that Apple is blocking from engaging in trade (while notably offering their own products, with inferior technical specifications, as alternatives). It’s the consumer whose choice is limited because the patent system rewards not those who create an idea, but those who can find the right way to stamp their name on it. Make no mistake, the system is being abused for commercial gain. Note that the HTC One S, with nearly identical software but running on a cellular network where Apple doesn’t compete, can be bought all over the country.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 4G LTE

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : April 04, 2012

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : SLCD 2

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.72 Inch
• Depth : .35 Inch
• Weight : 134 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16GB GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

If this sounds familiar it is because a very similar situation has also been put in place for the Apple vs Samsung situation. Apple and Samsung CEO’s (and judges and lawyers) are set to do something similar later this year too. According to the popular Foss Patents HTC and Apple will try to settle their differences and come to some agreements this August.

It isn’t know if they’ll be sending CEO’s like the Samsung sit down, but for now we can assume it will. The representatives will need to have some pretty high authority to make choices based on the company. The only concern I see here is the fact that the HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE have been delayed due to this situation, although HTC has worked around the IP they’ve infringed on. Could this mean those devices might get halted here in the US until late August after these meetings?

Most likely HTC will work their hardest to get their phones in the public as soon as possible, but this meeting could very well change their fate. The sit down is scheduled for August 28th and surely we’ll be hearing plenty more about this before, and after the date. Stay tuned for more details.

[via The Verge]

The new EVO was supposed to become available tomorrow, May 18th but the problems with customs put that up in the air. Then yesterday we learned it was being completely delayed because of the ITC investigation. This could mean that Best Buy either didn’t get the memo, or they know something we don’t and the phones will be arriving sooner than later.

According to multiple sources and tips we’ve just received (thanks guys) it looks like those who pre-ordered from Best Buy have started getting emails today from the retail store claiming pre-orders will begin shipping on May 23rd, so early next week. Until HTC releases a statement and the US Customs releases the phones this seems highly unlikely but we’ll all know soon enough the fate of the EVO 4G LTE and HTC One X.

Did you pre-order from Best Buy? If so did you receive this email too?

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 4G LTE

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : April 04, 2012

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : SLCD 2

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.72 Inch
• Depth : .35 Inch
• Weight : 134 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16GB GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

The custom ROM comes from (where else?) a team of developers on XDA, who call their project BlackOut ICS Primo. If it weren’t for the Windows button and the EDGE logos, you’d swear this was an official (if somewhat belated) update. The team has only released a preview of the software, based on the HTC One V ROM thanks to their identical resolutions, but they say they’re working hard to bring it to fruition.

Currently some pretty crucial components are non-functional, including the camera, SD card storage, data, WiFi and audio. When it’s complete the ROM will only work with T-Mobile. Hey, this is bringing Ice Cream Sandwich and Sense 4.0 to hardware that’s nearly three years old and designed for a now-defunct OS – it’s no walk in the park. Good luck to you, Team Blackout. Yours is a noble task.

[via XDA blog]

T-Mobile should fix the issue the next time they have a maintenance update. Of course, a slight interruption in wireless service isn’t the only troubling thing about the Sensation ICS update: T-Mobile is also ending its grace period when it comes to “unauthorized” tethering. Rooted users who skirt around T-Mobile’s official, paid tethering solution will be blocked if detected after upgrading their phones.

The only other phone on T-Mobile that’s confirmed to get an Ice Cream Sandwich update is the HTC Amaze 4G, which may have similar issues on both counts. (Samsung says they’ll update the Galaxy S III and Galaxy S Blaze 4G, but T-Mobile’s been silent thus far.) Of course for both phones there’s plenty of custom ROM options, if you’re not particularly attached to your warranty.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : Sensation 4G

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : T-Mobile

Announced Date : April 12, 2011

Release Date : May 19, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.30 Inch
• Resolution : 540x960
• Screen Type : qHD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 4.96 Inch
• Width : 2.57 Inch
• Depth : 0.44 Inch
• Weight : 148 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1520 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 350 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• 3GP
• MPEG-4 (MP4)
• WMV

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : Snapdragon

CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 768 MB

Internal Storage : 4 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

HTC had already said that its software works around Apple’s petty software patent, which covers how a smartphone reacts to contextual links for email addresses and phone numbers. By default both phones (and other US HTC phones which have been updated) don’t link to the email or dialer applications automatically. There is a settings menu in the US version of the software that allows you to manually assign apps to contextual links, similar to the way that desktop browsers handle links meant for outside programs.

So why exactly is the International Trade Commission holding up two major devices? Wouldn’t that seem to be a pretty fruitless waste of everyone’s time, and a ridiculous block on the free market? You tell us: why is it that a case that seemed to be over and done with reignited just as the would-be flagships on two major networks are coming out? Why is it that T-Mobile’s One S, a phone that’s similar in almost every software respect to the One X and the EVO 4G LTE, spared the same scrutiny? Could it be that both the One X and the EVO 4G LTE are competing directly against the iPhone 4S in the middle of its product cycle, months before it’s due for an upgrade, whereas the One S is running on a network with no Apple products at all?

It’s unclear whether the ITC knew about HTC’s changes to the US versions of its software before impounding the phones in question, and coincidentally completely ruining the launch of the HTC EVO 4G LTE. Likewise it’s hard to see what they could find to complain about once they start their investigation. Should they find cause for continued delay, HTC will likely send out another update that simply removes contextual linking entirely.

Welcome to the technological future, folks, where one company’s bull-headed stubbornness and arrogance is cause for punishing consumers across an entire country. Remember: “good artists copy, great artists steal.”

[via SlashGear]

Here’ the official statement:

The U.S. availability of the HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed.  HTC is working to resolve this issue and appreciates your patience as they work to get products into Sprint channels. We can’t provide specific timing for product availability at this time and we appreciate your patience as HTC works to get products on store shelves as soon as possible.

There’s no telling how long the ITC’s investigation will last, and certainly not what conclusion they’ll reach. Presumably if the phones are found not to violate Apple’s singular software patent, the devices will be released to the carriers and eventually the customers. Should the ITC rule against HTC, the company will probably send out yet another software update to re-comply with the ruling.

It’s interesting that this ITC ruling in Apple’s favor, now nearly five months old, is being enacted just as two major Android devices have hit the market. It’s also notable that other, lower-profile HTC phones like T-Mobile’s HTC One S haven’t been affected. Consider that T-Mobile is the only major US carrier to go without the iPhone. Of course that’s merely speculation. Wink wink.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : EVO 4G LTE

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Unknown

Announced Date : April 04, 2012

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.7 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : SLCD 2

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.31 Inch
• Width : 2.72 Inch
• Depth : .35 Inch
• Weight : 134 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16GB GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

[via Android Police]