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All posts tagged "hd2"


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

WP7 on HD2 a Bit Harder Than Thought

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone Developer" @ 03:00 PM

http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...8&postcount=143

"So, how different is CE7/WP7 from that model? (Which is the model we have now in CE5.x/WM6.x) - The mARM AMSS provides a different interface and initialization proceedure. That means any of the WP7 drivers from a donor device we might port from would not work at all with our current AMSS. Which in turn means no boot without re-writing the drivers/kernel or AMSS. So to compare it to a desktop PC once again, we need to write a BIOS, a Hardware Abstraction Layer, and a set of drivers for each component on the system (likely a good deal of the drivers would be usable once the rest is done) Do I sound jaded yet? Yes, yes I am It's probably a factor of 10 more complicated than I thought it would be initially."

Remember when I said half-baked WP7 on an HD2 was a bad idea? Well those who are attempting to port WP7 over are finding it a bit tougher than they initially thought to even get it on the device, aside from the performance concerns I raised. Also putting aside the legality (which isn't vague - the HD2 isn't licensed for WP7, so you'll find no one arguing that the device should have WP7 running on it), I think this is further evidence that WP7 marks a radical shift in Windows Mobile development, away from what we've had in the past. It's no wonder that no existing device got an upgrade, despite the pleas of the users!


Sunday, June 20, 2010

HTC HD2 $0.01 Today on Amazon

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 08:30 AM

http://wireless.amazon.com/b/684177...&tag=gmgamzn-20

In case you haven't heard of the awesome Father's day deals around, here's a specific one on a really nice piece of hardware - the HTC HD2 through T-Mobile is on Amazon today only for $0.01 - not bad if you're looking for the last great WM 6.5 phone running on T-Mo!

Tags: amazon, sale, htc, hd2

Monday, June 14, 2010

Snag A HD2 On The Cheap

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone News" @ 07:00 AM

We're getting reports that the HD2 can be had for some pretty low prices these days - $48 in store at Wal-mart, and $49 on Amazon. So if you're still thinking about grabbing the most powerful Windows Mobile 6.5 device out there, now would be a good time to act on your desires! (Provided you don't mind signing a contract, of course).


Saturday, June 5, 2010

Rent From Blockbuster on Your HD2

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone Software" @ 10:00 AM

http://pocketnow.com/software-1/ren...ster-on-the-hd2

"It's always been kind of a pain to get movies onto your Windows Phones. You either had to do some special conversion and then copy it over in the File Explorer over USB, or you had to sync it through Windows Media Center and live with the low-quality conversion that gave you. Luckily, the HTC HD2 on T-Mobile USA comes with a Blockbuster application that lets you rent and buy full length high quality movies right from your phone. Not only do they look great on the HD2's screen, but you get to access actual new releases when they're released unlike with Netflix where you have to wait for them to show up."

A few gotchas are mentioned at Pocketnow but other than the prices involved, this looks like a nice way to actually watch great content on a great device. I can see it as a wonderful option while flying, especially when you want to pick your own movie rather than watch what the airlines offer!

Tags: blockbuster, htc, hd2

Thursday, May 27, 2010

T-Mobile BOGO Deal Extended, Sorta Includes HD2

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone Mobile Operators" @ 06:30 AM

http://www.tmonews.com/2010/05/t-mo...ough-june-20th/

"T-Mobile is certainly looking to take this Smartphone BOGO and ride it all the way to the bank. They have again extended the offer, this time through June 20th. Currently, the Garminfone and HTC HD2 are only available as the first phone and cannot be used as the free device."

If you and someone else are thinking of switching to T-mobile and one of you wants an HD2, it looks like the other can score a free phone through June 20th that they'd otherwise have to pay for. Too bad you can't get 2 HD2s for the price of 1!

Tags: t-mobile, hd2, bogo

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Donation Drive to Get WP7 on HD2 Raises $1350, Most Likely Will Produce Mediocre Product

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone News" @ 09:30 AM

http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...099#post6523099

"Well guys, the only JTAG unit i'm aware of that is supported on Win CE/WP7 for debugging is TRACE32, and it costs more than a brand new in box HD2.. so unless someone is aware of a cheaper alternative, or has access to one of those units, it's not very likely that getting donations going to get me a device is going to go far enough to purchase one of those too."

Two and a half months ago, I wrote an editorial that argued that a Half-Baked Windows Phone 7 ROM would be a bad idea and now it looks like that bad idea has some serious steam in the form of around $1350 in donations (Mostly in small amounts, although a few site proprietors threw in some considerable cash, and I'm not quite sure why). Honestly, I think it's a great thing for people to tinker around with their devices, even going as far as to buy diagnostic equipment to learn more. But in this case, I can only see problems down the road. In addition to the points I raised a few months ago, now I see an even bigger issue: sunk costs. Sunk costs refer to the amount of money one has invested in a project, and the subsequent attachment one has to that project. Simply put, if people pay for something (even if it's in the form of donations), they expect an end-result that was worth the investment. I'm not saying that the people behind this HD2-WP7 implementation aren't sophisticated enough to do it - I just don't think they'll produce something half as useful as a true Windows Phone 7 device, which will let people down (especially those who invested).

What do you think - are "community" funded projects like this a good idea (ignoring for a moment the legal ramifications, which make this a definite no-no)? And what do you think will come out of it? And more importantly - if you donated and didn't get a working WP7 ROM for your HD2, how would you feel?


Monday, May 10, 2010

HTC HD2 Dropped on Road. Recovered with Surprising Results.

Posted by Eriq Cook in "Windows Phone News" @ 01:39 PM

http://www.wmexperts.com/htc-hd2-ta...rts+(WMExperts)

"Important safety tip, don't place your HTC HD2 on the roof of you car and drive off. However, if you do, all might not be lost. The Talk Show host in the above video was loaned an HTC HD2 to review. He was distracted while leaving work and left the Windows Phone on top of his car. Once home, he realized what had happened, traced back his steps and found the HD2 lying face down in the road. The HD2 didn't look pretty but the overall condition of the phone might surprise you."

I've always been pleased with the build quality of HTC smartphones, and as this video shows a loaner HD2 continues to work (less touch screen) even after being run over and put back together.

While I've never driven off with my lifeline left on the roof of my car like this, accidents do happen. How many of you have done a "tad more" than just drop your smartphone accidentally? Let us know your experiences!

Tags: hardware, htc, hd2

Thursday, April 22, 2010

WSJ Loves HD2 Hardware - Software Not So Much

Posted by Ed Hansberry in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 02:00 PM

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100...2544757750.html

Walt Mossberg at the Wall Street Journal reviewed the HD2 from T-Mobile and has mixed feelings about it. He likes the hardware, especially the screen. When it comes to the software, including HTC's UI customizations though, he was less than thrilled.

"However, I found the HD2 to be significantly inferior overall to touch-screen rivals from Apple and Google, mainly because of its software, based on the aging mobile Windows platform from Microsoft. While HTC has added its own software overlay to dress up the design, I still found using the HD2 to be too often a chore. It looks cluttered, a patchwork of different interfaces. And, in my tests, it was prone to error messages and even freezing. Also, despite a fast processor, the software responded sluggishly too much of the time."

I think that about sums up the Windows Mobile experience in recent years as Microsoft has allowed (encouraged?) OEM's to tweak the WinMo user interface, or replace it entirely. Here's hoping Windows Phone 7 changes all of that and Microsoft once again takes control of the screen with a consistent and smooth interface.

Tags: htc, hd2

Sunday, April 11, 2010

PhoneScoop Reviews The HD2

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/...ticle.php?a=354

"The T-Mobile HTC HD2 is the largest touchscreen phone on the market, running Windows Mobile 6.5 with HTC's Sense interface concept. If you like Web browsing, showing off photos or watching movies, you'll appreciate the large display. Even buyers considering a tablet, like an Apple iPad, will find plenty of ebook reading and multimedia software on board."

It's a pretty nice review of a pretty crazy cool device, so if you're planning on picking one up, check out Phone Scoop's write-up!


Friday, April 9, 2010

Win a HTC HD2!

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 12:30 PM

http://www.facebook.com/windowsphone

Simple: By May 15 head over to the Windows Phone Facebook page and enter for your chance to win a HD2. Not a big deal to do, but it would be a big deal to win!

Tags: contest, htc, hd2

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Trade in Your iPhone for a HTC HD2

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone News" @ 12:30 PM

http://www.wmexperts.com/t-mobile-i...rts+(WMExperts)

"T-Mobile apparently has a trade-in program that may help those who can't decide what to do with that old iPhone. From April 1 through May 19, you can trade in an iPhone for up to $350 credit towards a new HTC HD2. Participating T-Mobile dealers will be authorized to give a minimum of $100 credit (max $350) to those trading in their iPhones. The iPhone must be functional and in working condition; screen not broken, damaged or leaking; and no liquid damage or corrosion present. According to the details, activation is not required with the credit being applied to the fully priced HD2."

If you're looking to ditch an old and dusty iPhone for some HD2 goodness at T-mobile (assuming they have some HD2s in stock), you're in luck - the Trade-in program is live!


Friday, March 26, 2010

Matthew Miller's HD2 Tips and Tricks

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone Articles & Resources" @ 05:30 PM

http://blogs.zdnet.com/cell-phones/?p=3380

"I picked up my T-Mobile HD2 the other day and believe there are thousands of others that did the same based on my in-store experience and reports that the device is sold out across the country. Since I had the chance to use the Euro model and now this one while also being very familiar with Windows Mobile devices I thought I would put together a post of some key tips and tricks to help out new HD2 owners."

If you're lucky enough to have an HD2, Matthew Miller has some great tips and tricks for customizing your new premium phone more to your (or his, I suppose) liking. Enjoy HD2 Owners!


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

No More Messing Around: Get A HD2 Today from T-Mobile

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 05:12 AM

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones...l-phone=HTC-HD2

"Download books, TV, movies and more with the fastest processor speed available. Get the largest touch screen on the market, and you'll forget it's a smartphone. A data service is required with this phone."

If you're looking to score an HD2, now's your chance to do so. $449 without contract, $199 with. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a tough decision to make ;-)

UPDATE: And boom, just like that, it's sold out at all retail stores!

Tags: t-mobile, htc, hd2

Monday, March 22, 2010

Want an HD2 Early? Hit Up Walmart and Ask Real Nice

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 03:30 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/21/...ed-early-video/

"T-Mobile's not officially selling its world-beating HD2 until Wednesday, but if you've a Walmart nearby and hankering to get HTC's latest and greatest a few days early, it might be worth a trip out. JDMiPhoner managed to score one from his local Wally World a full four days early, and he's been kind enough to unbox it, boot it up and give us a few first impressions on video."

So I guess I'm happy I live in a country where money talks and official release dates walk, as evidenced by this lucky man's ability to pick up an HD2 ahead of the March 24 official drop date. He has the first "official" consumer unboxing, so feel free to take a look and further solidify your HD2 want or justify your HD2 "skip" status!


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

HD2 Owners Get No Windows Phone 7 Love

Posted by Darius Wey in "Windows Phone News" @ 12:40 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/15/...-phone-7-serie/

"Bad news, HTC HD2 owners: Microsoft has finally come right out and confirmed our suspicions that the mighty HTC HD2 won't be upgraded to Windows Phone 7 Series. Joe Belfiore just told us that the HD2 is "not compliant with the Windows Phone 7 Series hardware specifications," which should end any of the lingering doubt that's clouded this issue since MWC."

Well, it's official. The HD2 will forever remain a Windows Mobile 6.5 device. While it's a bummer, it really shouldn't be all that surprising. Microsoft wants to wipe the slate clean with Windows Phone 7 Series, and that means all-new software and hardware. What we're most interested in is that now that Microsoft has made it official this early in the year, will HD2 sales be negatively impacted? Only time will tell.


Monday, March 8, 2010

T-Mobile's Release of the HD2 is So Close!

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 04:30 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/...bile-usa-wilds/

"T-Mobile has the release honors and is now showing the HD2 as "coming soon" in its phone inventory. We've also got the first "in the wild" shots courtesy of TmoNews showing that big Blockbuster shortcut linked front and center for downloading On Demand movies directly to the device. Still no firm price or date but $199.99 on contract ($449.99 unlocked) sometime around 24 March sounds about right"

Photo Courtesy of TmoNews, and a piece by Engadget to as well, are the latest proof that the HD2 is about to drop on T-Mobile USA. Start preparing your credit card or bank account now...


Friday, March 5, 2010

Why A Half-Baked Windows Phone 7 Release on an HD2 is a Bad Idea

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 05:00 AM

"We've had it up here with these shenanigans. You're jerking us around, and we're sick of it. We get it, you have a very particular concept of what sort of phones you want running your new Windows Phone 7 Series OS. Not only do we get it, but we're kind of proud of you for sticking up for yourself for once and ensuring some sort of sameness across your platform. Unfortunately, it's not the holiday season yet, so we can't buy one of these fancy WP7S phones yet. Meanwhile, on the other end of town, HTC is bringing the HD2 to T-Mobile in the US this month. Sure, it runs your soon-to-be-outdated Windows Mobile 6.5 OS which nobody wants, but it's also pretty much the best hardware we've ever seen. Bar none."

Paul Miller published an editorial at Engadget yesterday that made me think about the consequences of corporate secrecy and policy when it comes to the geek community. Even as someone willing to play by these rules (as evidenced by my own NDA with Microsoft), I still long for a time where geeks can have what they want, and companies can keep mainstream customers happy. Unfortunately I don't see that happening any time soon for some very practical reasons. And in the end, as frustrating as it is, I think it is for the better.

Read more...


Thursday, March 4, 2010

HTC HD2 Gets T-Mobile Leaked Release Date

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 06:30 AM

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2010...mobile-surface/

"One of our ninjas just dropped some tantalizing and blurry details for us to feast on. We've been informed that T-Mobile will be releasing the Motorola CLIQ XT on March 10th, the HTC HD2 (listed as "Dark Handset" on the screen capture) is confirmed on March 24th, and a Dell Inspiron Mini 10 netbook, complete with T-Mobile broadband access, on the 24th as well."

While technically a rumor since we haven't had an official announcement yet (Come on T-Mo...!), this looks pretty solid as we've seen other references to the HD2 as the "Dark" handset. I predict come March 24 I'll be visiting a T-Mobile store!


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

T-Mobile Launches Official HTC HD2 Page

Posted by Eriq Cook in "Windows Phone News" @ 05:00 PM

http://www.sticktogether.com/htchd2/

While no specific date has been officially announced yet, T-Mobile has launched a new web page for the highly anticipated HD2 with general information and mailing list sign up. This is obviously the teaser that T-Mobile posted on their twitter page last week. Judging by T-Mobile's history (as a 6 year customer), I suspect we're about a month away of release.

As of now, the HD2 is the only Windows Mobile device upgradable to Windows Phone 7. Do you plan on getting the HD2 when it's released? While I personally don't plan to (due to lack of physical keyboard), I know it'll be an awesome device nonetheless!


Tuesday, January 26, 2010

HD2 Gets Better Specs for T-Mobile USA

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 08:30 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/24/...ost-for-the-us/

"Looks like the HTC HD2 is getting a little spec bump on its way to our fair shores: the official spec page lists the version bound for T-Mobile US with 1GB of ROM and 576 of RAM, a boost over the international edition's 512 and 448MB. What's more, it looks like a bigger 16GB microSD card will come in the box, a big jump over the 2GB stick currently bundled overseas."

Over the weekend Engadget and others repoted that the version of the HD2 that is slated for T-Mobile will get slightly better stats than the first version available worldwide. My HD2 Saving Fund is strong in both amount and desire - how about yours?


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