Android 2.2 for the unlocked HTC Desire has been available for nearly ten days now, but owners of carrier branded phones are getting a little antsy.  Fortunately, Vodafone has made it known that their Android 2.2 update should start rolling out to their customers within the next 7-10 days.  To make things a little sweeter, Vodafone has promised that the Froyo update for the HTC Desire will no longer include the Vodafone 360 services which they recently rollout to the handset.  This change in strategy is mainly due to the huge number of customer complaint when the last update rolled out. 

Anyone still wanting to use Vodafone’s 360  services and application will be able to find the apps in the Android Market once they are updated to work with Android 2.2.  We still have no word from T-Mobile as to when they are planning to share the fryoyo love with their HTC Desire customers. 

Source: TechRadar

Shortages of Samsung’s AMOLED display have finally forced HTC to change supplier and display technology.  HTC has finally made an official announcement that the HTC Desire and global Nexus One will both be equipped with SONY’s new SLCD screens which feature VSPEC III technology. 

The new screens should offer a better experience for customers since SLCD should reduce power consumption and increase display performance when viewed in direct sunlight.  We expect HTC to make the change in production immediately, though we don’t know how long it will be before the handsets with the SLCD displays will show up in the marketplace. 

Surprisingly, HTC’s press release made no mention of the HTC Incredible, which has been struggling with supply shortages due to the Samsung AMOLED display ever since it went on sale two months ago.  We’re hoping to hear back from HTC shortly so we’ll be sure to keep you posted if we get an update from them. 

UPDATE: We just heard back from HTC in regards to our inquiry on the DROID Incredible.

Because amoled supply is being relieved on other models, we currently feel we can meet demand of droid incredible with amoled screens. Of course we may need to change our minds and add sLCD screen models should demand continue to remain high.

HTC officially moving to SLCD displays for the Nexus One and HTC Desire

HTC Introduces SLCD Display Technology To Its Portfolio

New Displays to be integrated into HTC Desire and Nexus One

Taoyuan, TAIWAN – July 26, 2010 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today introduced Super LCD display (SLCD) technology into a variety of HTC phones including the HTC Desire and global Nexus One later this summer. The SLCD display offers an exceptional natural balanced colour, clear contrast, broad viewing angles and improved power efficiency.

“HTC is experiencing high-demand for many of our phones, specifically our phones with 3.7 inch displays. The new SLCD display technology enables us to ramp up our production capabilities quickly to meet the high-demand,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The SLCD displays provide consumers with a comparable visual experience to HTC’s current 3.7 inch displays with some additional benefits including battery performance.”

SLCD is the latest generation of LCD technology that offers improved performance from earlier LCD panels including approximately five times better power management. SLCDs also offer an enhanced viewing experience with wider viewing angles that are enabled by Sony’s new VSPEC III™ technology.

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.

Though HTC has been plagued with component shortages for the HTC Desire, EVO 4G, and DROID Incredible over the past few months, HTC is hoping to finish out the year with an incredibly strong fourth quarter.  Industry sources are reporting that HTC is planning to introduce a total of six new handsets in Q4 which will help them boost their sale numbers for the year and ship nearly 8.5 million phone in the fourth quarter alone. 

HTC’s new handset lineup will most likely include the HTC Vision, Vanguard, and Emerald running on Android along with the HTC Mondrian, and Mozart which are expected to be running Microsoft’s new Windows Phone 7 platform.  The HTC Ace (HTC Desire HD) isn’t included in the list since it is expected to go on sale some time in Q3. 

HTC has already experienced two amazing quarters this year, beating their own and analyst expectations both times.  With six new phones on the horizon, we are hoping that HTC has finally been able to sort out their component supply issues, which could be their only obstacle in reaching their sales target. 

source: DigiTimes

We’ve been promised Android 2.2 for all of HTC’s 2010 phones, but if you’re looking to get your hands on Froyo a little early and happen to own an HTC Desire, we’re happy to announce that Android 2.2 has landed. The new build from udK_dev is mixed in with HTC Sense, offering a pretty complete build of Google’s latest Android treat. Keep in mind that in order to install udK_dev ‘s Froyo ROM you will need to have root access on your HTC Desire. If you’re not really convinced you want to undergo the rooting process and the hassle of flashing a new ROM that’s not officially supported by HTC, we would also like to point out that udK_dev has managed to bake in 720p video recording as well. For more details and step-by-step instructions on how to install the ROM, hit up the source link below.

ROM highlights

• Android 2.2 Froyo (FRF-85B)
• Kernel 2.6.32.15
• New Radio 32.41.00.32U_5.08.00.04
• New Base v2.04
• 720p Video recorder
• Native APP2SD
• App Sharing
• Car Panel
• Plurk
• Torcia
• Wi-Fi Hotspot

Source: XDA-Developers

Froyo may have just hit the Nexus One, but HTC is already working hard to bring Google’s latest treat to a few of their other phones.  HTC has informed Recombu that they are already working on porting their HTC Sense UI to Android 2.2 and have plans on releasing it for the HTC Desire, Legend, and Wildfire in Q3.  We have already heard that HTC had plans to release Google’s latest build of Android to the HTC EVO and DROID Incredible during the summer.  HTC Hero owners are still in the dark about a Froyo update and many are still waiting to get their hands on Éclair. 

We are working hard with our partners to update the HTC Sense experience on Froyo and distribute it to our customers as fast as possible. We expect to release updates for several of our 2010 models including Desire, Legend and Wildfire beginning in Q3.

Keep in mind that “beginning in Q3” does not indicate that HTC’s Froyo rollout will be starting any day.  The vague timing reference gives HTC a lot of leeway and will hopfully help them avoid the HTC Hero update fiasco. 

Source: Recombu

While we knew that the launch of the HTC Desire on US Cellular has been delayed by Samsung’s inability to produce their 3.7” AMOLED displays quick enough, HTC has just announced that the HTC Desire will be hitting the U.S. market sometime in August.  Until now, we only thought that the phone would be heading to US Cellular, but HTC’s email announcement indicated that the phone could be showing up at other regional operators as well.  The announcement is short and simple, not giving any details on which other carriers would be stocking the phone later this summer, but it’s clear that the HTC Desire will not be coming to any of the big four.  At this point, most customers on the larger networks who were looking for something like the HTC Desire have probably already picked up the DROID Incredible, Nexus One, or the recently launched HTC EVO 4G. 

Just wanted to let you know that the HTC Desire will be coming to the US via select regional operators beginning this August. The operators will have more specific details on the device (pricing, specifications, etc.) as we get closer to availability, but I can tell you that it will feature the same 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Android 2.1 with HTC Sense that has proven so popular on the international version of HTC Desire.

The HTC Hero has already been well received by customers in regional markets, and the HTC Desire represents the next step for HTC in bringing the power of Android and the usability of HTC Sense to even more consumers across the country.  We’ll continue to keep you posted as we get closer to availability.

HTC has just finished working with Verizon and Sprint on rolling out Android 2.1 to the Hero and the DROID Eris, but now people are starting to wonder when Android 2.2 will be hitting their devices.  Right now there is no indication that HTC is working on a Froyo build for their Hero lineup, but a customer service rep from HTC let slip that the HTC Desire will be getting the latest flavor of Android very soon. 

But you never heard this from me…. A new update is coming the 23rd of June and you will be able to put some apps on to the micro sd card.

I’m sure HTC is already working on Android 2.2 for the Desire and maybe even the HTC Legend, but we find it a little hard to believe that they would be rolling out the update so soon.  According to Google, the source code for Android 2.2 is yet to be rolled out to the public and OEMs.  However, if Android 2.2 does roll out to the HTC Desire, we see no reason why it shouldn’t hit the Verizon DROID Incredible as well. 

Source: Androinica

Those of you hoping to get your hands on the HTC Desire in North America will need to start packing their bags and heading north. Canadian service provider Telus will be the first to offer the HTC Desire on this side of the Atlantic. Telus’ version of the desire will be named HTC Triumph. Don’t worry though, that looks to be the only thing that Telus has tinkered with. The Telus HTC triumph will feature all the same specs at the HTC Desire and should be available before the end of July.

Source: MobileSyrup

Probably one of the most notable features of Android is the ability to download apps from the Android Market.  Simply select the Market icon and you’ll be treated to nearly 40,000 applications to choose from.    However, things aren’t so simply if you just picked up the HTC Legend or the Desire.  You still have access to the Android Market, but many of your favorite apps are most likely most visible to you.  Apparently, Google has not updated their ROM database for the Android Market which dictates which phones can see paid and copy-protected apps.  Google uses the database to limit market access to handset in countries that are not yet set up for paid apps, but until Google adds the HTC Desire and Legend to the database, your shiny new phone will be limited to the apps not marked with copy-protection.  It’s unclear if this issue is affecting all versions of the two handsets or a specific subset from a certain carrier over in Europe, but we’re hoping the issue won’t last for too much longer. 

Source: Androinica

HTC promised that the HTC Desire would be launched globally, but until now, Europe has been the only market to get their hands on the phone.  Yes, the Desire’s twin brother, the HTC Incredible is heading to Verizon, but what about other U.S. carriers?  New clues lead us to believe that the HTC Desire could be showing up at two other U.S carriers.  T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular customers may see the handset in stores by early summer.   Over the last 24 hours, an image of Costco’s internal inventory system revealed the HTC Incredible, listing T-Mobile as the carrier.  This could simply be a typo or someone just trying to mess with our emotions, but we like to keep hope alive for all it’s worth. 

Just this morning, a U.S Cellular rebate form has surfaced which names the HTC Desire as being eligible for a $70 mail-in rebate.  The form also indicates that the handset much be purchased between 16th and July 15^th in order to be eligible.  Again, this could easily be Photoshopped, but U.S. Cellular has a good history of supporting new HTC handsets.

Though these small leaks do get us a little excited, for now we will simply classify them as rumors.  The main thing that stands out for me is the inconsistency in the names.  U.S. Cellular and Verizon both use CDMA technology which T-Mobile uses GSM.  It would make a lot more sense if the U.S Cellular rebate form listed the HTC Incredible and the Costco inventory system listed the HTC Desire for the T-Mobile handset.  At this way, the naming scheme would match up with the current CDMA/GSM names that area already confirmed.  For now, we’ll just have to wait a little more and hope that both T-Mobile and U.S Cellular launch their versions of the HTC Desire. 

Source: Phandroid, AndroidandMe

British readers will be pleased to learn that the unlocked version of one of HTC’s most anticipated phones is finally in stock today at online retailers including Clove and Expansys. The HTC Desire can be described as HTC’s Sense-enabled version of the Nexus One.

The Desire, which is expected to be available on every major UK carrier, has already been received by some lucky T-Mobile customers, but those of us with commitment phobia will be happy to know that the unlocked version is now available for around £430 ($660). With taxes and shipping fees this is about the same price as importing a $530 Nexus One from Google, so customers might want to weigh up the pros and cons of timely OS updates versus the swanky new Sense UI of the HTC Desire. A new optical trackpad and real, physical buttons might also sway you towards HTC’s newest 1GHz smartphone.

Meanwhile, Phones4U and Vodafone are now offering the HTC Legend to new customers online. An updated version of HTC’s highly successful Hero, The Legend offers little in the way of spec upgrades over its predecessor, although a brilliant AMOLED display and a sexy new aluminium body means it’s definitely an improvement. Under the hood, the Legend runs the latest 2.1 version of Android, and is another beneficiary of HTC’s Sense styling. The Legend is free with a 2-year contract at £20 per month, or can be picked up for £370 ($568) unlocked.

HTC will be hoping the brand new Sense UI, tweaked and twisted to fit Android 2.1, can give its devices an edge over the increasingly large number of Android phones now available. We don’t see why not, as unlike other less appealing skins (MotoBLUR), Sense makes some marked improvements over vanilla Android. In fact, HTC is so confident of its selling power, it’s even namechecked the interface on the back of the Desire.

If you’re living in the UK, you can most likely walk over to your closest T-Mobile store and pick to the HTC Desire with no issues.  HTC is expected to launch it on other carriers within a couple weeks as well.  But what if you simply want an unlocked phone?  Retailers were expecting to get their shipments from HTC this week, but word on the street is that delivery has been delayed.  Clove is reporting that HTC has postponed delivery of the unlocked HTC Desire to April 13^th.  Apparently, the delay affects all retails that plan on socking the HTC Desire.  The HTC Legend is already in stock at Clove and other online retailers.  We’re not sure if HTC is simply having distribution issues or is prioritizing where the handsets go.   At the moment, all we know is that we have to wait at least one more week before we can purchase an unlocked HTC Desire.  Let the waiting continue….

Source: Clove Technology

Last week, we got our first glimpse of the gray/silver HTC Desire that’s heading to BelCompany in the Netherlands.  This morning we woke up to find a link to a video that shows off an all black version of the Desire courtesy of AndroidSuomi.fi

Right now, we don’t have any details to do with the video, though it looks like HTC will be rolling out several different colors of the HTC Desire as the phone is released on multiple carriers across Europe.  Maybe HTC should simply make the Desire a little more like the HTC Tattoo.  Customers could choose between a rainbow of available colors and then go a step further and add their own customizations, names, pictures, or logos.  I’m waiting for an all white HTC Desire with Silver accents.  How about you?

If you’ve been craving a new dose of HTC with a touch of Android, T-Mobile UK is now selling the HTC Desire though their website. We still don’t know when the HTC Desire will show up in retail locations, but the website promises that you will have your T-Mobile HTC Desire is less than 7 days if you order NOW.  As expected, T-Mobile will be giving the HTC Desire away for free if you’re willing to part with £35 ($53) per month for the next two years.  If you would rather pay a little less every month, T-Mobile is offering a £15 ($22) plan that includes 300 minutes, 300 texts, internet, but the price of the HTC Desire jumps up to £129 ($194). 

Sites like Expansys and Amazon are not expected to start shipments of the HTC Desire for at least another ten days. Anyone planning on placing their order today? We would love to hear your impressions of the handset once you get your greasy fingers prints smeared all over the 3.7 inch AMOLED display.

Source: T-Mobile UK

When it comes to Android, HTC has always given customers a few color options.  The T-mobile G1 shipped in black, white, and brown and since then we have seen multiple color variations for the Magic and the Hero as well.  To carry on that tradition, HTC is allowing BelCompany in the Netherlands to order up a gray/silver version of the HTC Desire which they are expected to launch during April.  The gunmetal shell cover has been replaced with a smooth gray and the front buttons are now brushed aluminum to match the screen’s trim.  At the moment, there is no indication that HTC will be making this color available for any other markets, but you never know. 

Source: Engadget

Vodafone is prepping for one of the most exciting phone launches in quite a few years.  If you live in the UK, I’m sure you’ve already heard that HTC’s new Android lineup (HTC Desire and HTC Legend) are expected to launch on Vodafone in early April.  Vodafone’s coming soon page is full of pictures and details of the two handsets, but we also noticed the upcoming Nexus One there as well.  Back in January, Google announced that the Nexus One would be heading to Vodafone in the spring of 2010, but there has not been any update on when the handset should be available.  Recent rumors indicate that the Nexus One has hit a few bumps during testing, causing the expected launch date to be postponed.  We are not sure what these bumps might be, but we have all heard of the 3G issues that the U.S. Nexus One suffered right after launch. 

HTC new HD Mini is also slated to launch on Vodafone as well.  The HTC HD Mini is definitely not as mind bending as its older sibling (HTC HD2), but it should offer consumers a great Windows Mobile phone for those who simply are not ready to make the leap to Android.  Expect to see that HTC Desire, Legend, and HD Mini hit Vodafone stores in the UK during the first two weeks of April.  All three HTC handsets will be available for free on select contracts from Vodafone.  Pricing and availability of the Nexus One are still a mystery at this point, though we expect the N1 will also be available for free with a new contract and we’re hoping that it will become available before the end of April.

Source: Vodafone