Official EVO Rumors and Speculation thread

[SprintFun]

I don't think this has been discussed yet, but according to this AP article from earlier today, it looks like HTC will be going with a new touchscreen supplier for the EVO:

Synaptics shares fall on market share concerns - Yahoo! Finance

This may be good news in light of findings about the Nexus One's (and I think Desire's) use of a cheaper Synaptics model that has had some issues with more complex multitouch gestures. Who knows, though, the new touch screen from Amtel may not be an upgrade at all... but hey, it probably won't be worse, right?

I checked out the new supplier, Atmel, and here's what they say about their touchscreen tech:

Excellent signal-to-noise ratio for superior precision — 3x better than competitive products
Superior performance for first-touch response — 3x better than competitive products

Always good to hear (but probably biased haha)

Here's a Vid from Atmel talking about their touch technology:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2lXa0NEYJ4&feature=player_embedded

 

[kcs7272]

#forgetapple #notiphone #psshipad?


Just kidding, but in all honesty, I'm very tempted to find a local T-Mobile store just to fiddle around with the HD2 as well!

Thankfully, my lazyness overcomes my slight obsession, but for how long I wonder....

I sold my Nexus One and got the HD2 because I want the EVO so bad I figured with sense over WinMo I could hack it until the EVO came. Needless to say my HD2 is for sale on eBay and I am going back to Nexus One. I did love the huge screen and call quality was great but sense over WinMo is still a pig in lipstick. PLEASE HURRY EVO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[billsmed]

The last thing I'm going to do is calling its demise before its even released. Like I have said, I hope the Evo will do for Sprint what the iphone has done for ATT.

I'm just trying to set some realistic expectations for when it does debut that it won't turn Sprint into the king of the hill, at least not over night. It has nothing to do with bashing. I'm a sprint customer and think their plans are the best bang for your buck, bar none. That being said, I don't want a repeat of the Pre debacle, but of course, HTC is actually making profits.

When the EVO 4G is released it will be the best Android phone on the planet, but it will not even come close to what the iPhone has done for AT&T. Their phone is simple and anyone can operate it, whereas I believe the EVO will have a better fit with those more technically oriented. I mentioned yesterday that the iPhone outsells all Android phones combined by a large margin. That's not going to change for awhile. That doesn't mean the EVO won't be successful. I think it will be. I expect people will be flocking to Sprint for this phone for the the WiMAX service. And I truly believe Sprint will be getting a lot of their customers back.

If you look at this chart, you'll notice that Apple sold twice as many units in February as all Android devices combined, but Android is getting a lot of recognition and is the hottest thing going right now. I'm sure this is the reason for the lawsuit and I think Mr. Jobs is concerned about the EVO 4G especially.
​

 

[VGPOP]

Hopefully I don't get flamed for asking this question. But after owning a G1 since it came out, I've never understood what the ROM do.

Evo will have a 1GHZ processor. That's a given. I've seen videos that says that this is what it makes phone go faster.

When I open an application, it will open faster, it will "process" it faster.

It says that Evo will have a 1GH ROM, and 512 RAM.

Now, the RAM is used to store applications, what does ROM do? It also makes the phone work faster?

How many apps can you have with 512 RAM?

Simple explanation with what the 1GHZ processor do, 1GHZ ROM, 512 RAM.

Thanks in advanced.

 

[yibrushn]

Hopefully I don't get flamed for asking this question. But after owning a G1 since it came out, I've never understood what the ROM do.

Evo will have a 1GHZ processor. That's a given. I've seen videos that says that this is what it makes phone go faster.

When I open an application, it will open faster, it will "process" it faster.

It says that Evo will have a 1GH ROM, and 512 RAM.

Now, the RAM is used to store applications, what does ROM do? It also makes the phone work faster?

How many apps can you have with 512 RAM?

Simple explanation with what the 1GHZ processor do, 1GHZ ROM, 512 RAM.

Thanks in advanced.

The ROM is where the apps are stored RAM is where apps are stored while they are running. ROM loads data into RAM which then feeds it to the Processor.

 

[VGPOP]

The ROM is where the apps are stored RAM is where apps are stored while they are running. ROM loads data into RAM which then feeds it to the Processor.

Thanks for the explanation.

 

[effluent]

Wish this thing had an optical trackpad or trackball for one handed operation! Seems odd for HTC to chose the largest phone they've made to finally skip out on this feature.

 

[cary328is]

Who knows, though, the new touch screen from Amtel may not be an upgrade at all... but hey, it probably won't be worse, right?

Speaking from an electrical engineer's perspective, I've used Atmel semiconductors for years and have even toured their manufacturing and testing facilities in San Jose. I can assure you they have a VERY high level of QA and apply this quality to all their products. I believe their touch screen sensor is one of the best in the business right now. Here's a link to give you an overview of their maxTouch technology:

maXTouch - Because we made the best chip, you can make the best product

 

[jadoe05]

Hey has anyone seen the new verizon commercial? It basically talks about how it is the best 3G network, blah blah blah. But the interesting part is near the end of the ad they announced something about FREE mobile hotspot. Is this in direct retaliation to Sprint allegedly charging for theirs?

 

[cluckkillerb]

When the EVO 4G is released it will be the best Android phone on the planet, but it will not even come close to what the iPhone has done for AT&T. Their phone is simple and anyone can operate it, whereas I believe the EVO will have a better fit with those more technically oriented. I mentioned yesterday that the iPhone outsells all Android phones combined by a large margin. That's not going to change for awhile. That doesn't mean the EVO won't be successful. I think it will be. I expect people will be flocking to Sprint for this phone for the the WiMAX service. And I truly believe Sprint will be getting a lot of their customers back.

If you look at this chart, you'll notice that Apple sold twice as many units in February as all Android devices combined, but Android is getting a lot of recognition and is the hottest thing going right now. I'm sure this is the reason for the lawsuit and I think Mr. Jobs is concerned about the EVO 4G especially.
​

As with every other company that has had the #1 market share, it will eventually be pushed to #2(or worse) by something better. I agree with you, Mr. Jobs should definitely be worried about the Android EVOlution!

 

[Norril]

thanks you guys for these few posts. I just found out I didnt get a job that I applied for. It came down to me and this other guy in the final round and he won. I'm really bummed out today but still thankful for what I have.

For some reason this forum is keeping my spirits up. And the fact that TS's ceiling fan fell on him - I laughed so hard when I read that I forgot how bummed I was for a second.

Anyways, I'm still gonna be at my current job but we will be moving 40 more miles away. This EVO will be my saving grace on those train rides.

Really sorry to hear that Cary. Get on Linkedin if you aren't already. I get 1-2 job offers from there a month (offers to apply). Economy is definately better and my customers are spending sick amounts of money right now. That means jobs are on the way.

Really glad to hear you are still working. If you work M-F, then go have yourself a margarita! I always like them in Fridays after work. They always make me feel happy

 

[TECHMAN]

Let me thing of other wonderful things about the iphone:

1.No alternative browsers
2.No alternative compilers - you must use the Apple compiler
3.No alternative platforms like Java, Flash
4.No file explorers, no root level control (needed for any decent encryption apps)

The list would get pretty long. The problem with the iphone is really Apple. Just more locked down garbage as far as I'm concerned.

You know I just have to say this. Before this phone there was nothing but lockdown. There are other browsers available. And flash suks.

How can you say that there is not " root" level control. There are millions of jailbreak iPhones and the new os looks good. Why are you rooting android if its so great?!

To me android looks promising but it's still a turd. You all have apple's os wrong. It's slick and liquid and there are a lot of great apps that enable the hardware.

With that said, the iPhone to me is a disappointment in that it can't sustain a phone call, that being the most motivating thing for me to switch to the evo and cdma. Specs are only a part of the equation and I hope sprint pulls this off, but enough of the bs. A great example is what's going on is in the incredible thread....spec idiots. It's the user experience and to this day iPhone is there for multiple reasons.

Flame suit on.

 

[drexappeal]

When the EVO 4G is released it will be the best Android phone on the planet, but it will not even come close to what the iPhone has done for AT&T. Their phone is simple and anyone can operate it, whereas I believe the EVO will have a better fit with those more technically oriented. I mentioned yesterday that the iPhone outsells all Android phones combined by a large margin. That's not going to change for awhile. That doesn't mean the EVO won't be successful. I think it will be. I expect people will be flocking to Sprint for this phone for the the WiMAX service. And I truly believe Sprint will be getting a lot of their customers back.

If you look at this chart, you'll notice that Apple sold twice as many units in February as all Android devices combined, but Android is getting a lot of recognition and is the hottest thing going right now. I'm sure this is the reason for the lawsuit and I think Mr. Jobs is concerned about the EVO 4G especially.​

Very good explanation, billsmed. The only thing I can see stopping the EVO from being a very popular and profitable device is if the performance doesn't live up to the expectations. If there are as many "issues" and/or "problems" as past Sprint "flagship" devices, the EVO will more than likely suffer the same fate as all of those past devices. Based on information that's been shared in this thread and accross the internet, I personally don't believe that will happen.

America is a very "trendy" society. The general public tends to flock towards "trends" (whatever those trends may be). Electronics, Clothes, shoes, home videogame systems, sports, celebrities, music, movies, etc, etc, etc...Apple was already becoming trendy and once their electronics (e.g. iPod / Mac computers) became "must haves," they came out with the iPhone to help build that popularity.

I personally don't believe any mobile phone can out sell or be competitive with the iPhone until the general public can see that phone as a device that's "easier" or "just as easy" to use as an iPhone, but also have 10X's better capabilities (e.g. better internet speed, better camera, more memory internal and removable, better battery life, compatibility with PC and Mac). The big question is if the EVO is that device that can acomplish that. I sure hope it is.

 

[dtokarz]

Take this with a grain of salt, but on the androidcentral forums a member states that pre-orders will start at Best Buy on the 16th. That would coincide with Supersonical's date of when marketing will start.

http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc-evo-4g/9363-htc-evo-go-pre-order-april-16th.html

 

[Norril]

Hehe, I stopped by a T-Mobile store the other day to play with one, but they didn't have it powered up and had that fake display screen on it!

Maybe too many future Evo owners were going in to just play with the phone

Yeah. I did that a couple weeks ago and posted a pic of a Curve next to the HD2, to give you all an idea of how big the software keyboard would be compared to physical BB keyboards. that phone was a dummy display.

 

[dvdivx]

Any word if the current $70 plan for 450 will still be the lowest plan I can get for this phone plus insurance? Or will the price go up?

 

[dtokarz]

Any word if the current $70 plan for 450 will still be the lowest plan I can get for this phone plus insurance? Or will the price go up?

That will still be the price, and nobody expects the price to increase for access to the 4G network.

 

[Android 17]

Speaking from an electrical engineer's perspective, I've used Atmel semiconductors for years and have even toured their manufacturing and testing facilities in San Jose. I can assure you they have a VERY high level of QA and apply this quality to all their products. I believe their touch screen sensor is one of the best in the business right now. Here's a link to give you an overview of their maxTouch technology:

maXTouch - Because we made the best chip, you can make the best product

That's actually very good news, thanks! I've actually read some articles and watched some youtube videos about a bunch of touch-screen issues regarding the Nexus One and even the HD2 prior to the U.S. release, I was worried these might be prevalent on the EVO, but it seems like that will either not be the case, or at least, the severity of such problems will be greatly lessened.

It even may turn out to have the best touch-screen out of any current smart phone out there!

Any word if the current $70 plan for 450 will still be the lowest plan I can get for this phone plus insurance? Or will the price go up?

As some others have mentioned, that will likely remain the cheapest compatible plan with it, however, I would really suggest checking if your employer provides a discount for sprint service, you'd be surprised at how many do.

If you find no luck in that, google "Sprint Everything Plus Plans", I managed to get in on a very similar plan to the $70 one, except for $60 monthly instead.

Also, as a few others have mentioned, within a couple years or so, we are going to see a shift from the typical "Everything" plans to more data-reliant plans.

I'm curious to see how it will all pan out.

 

[Norril]

The ROM is where the apps are stored RAM is where apps are stored while they are running. ROM loads data into RAM which then feeds it to the Processor.

Or another way to look at it, would be to compare it to a laptop/PC. The Rom is the hard drive.

The third component of storage is the micro SD. that is a tiny removable storage chip. It is always a good idea to save your pictures, music and videos to the SD chip, so they don't use up your ROM space, which you need for all those 30,000 Android apps

 

[Norril]

Wish this thing had an optical trackpad or trackball for one handed operation! Seems odd for HTC to chose the largest phone they've made to finally skip out on this feature.

this doesn't bother me. I have used phones with no pointing device and it is easy to adapt for one handed use.

 

[drexappeal]

Take this with a grain of salt, but on the androidcentral forums a member states that pre-orders will start at Best Buy on the 16th. That would coincide with Supersonical's date of when marketing will start.

HTC evo to go on pre-order on april 16th??? - Android Central Forums

If that's the case, I may be buying my phone from Best Buy again!...LOL...Last time I bought my Touch Pro, it was at Best Buy. Thing is, they also had a smartphone store discount that I was able to apply to it, so I got added discount on top of the normal Sprint discounts. I think the best thing about buying from Best Buy is that the rebates were all instant (no mail in rebate necessary).

Does anybody know if Best Buy still gives the entire Sprint discount up front (rather than an additional mail in rebate)?

 

[Norril]

Hey has anyone seen the new verizon commercial? It basically talks about how it is the best 3G network, blah blah blah. But the interesting part is near the end of the ad they announced something about FREE mobile hotspot. Is this in direct retaliation to Sprint allegedly charging for theirs?

April 1, they made the mobile hotspot feature on the Palm phones free. This is to help sell Palm. I just bought one to replace my Sprint Mifi. Yep, using a Palm Pixi for my laptop modem now and it works great! If you work for a company that has a corp plan with Verizon, of at least 5 lines of service, you can get a smart phone and get the "data only" plan for $49. This beats the normal $59 modem rates, the phone is free and hotspot feature is free. Heck of a deal. Also I just ran the Pixi for over 4 hours, streaming Pandora to my laptop, with the hotspot feature. mifi only lasts about 2 hours.

I love loopholes.

FYI, the $49 plan gives you 5gb/month of hotspot use and unlimited data use when not tethered and hotspot is off. mifi is a lump of coal when hotspot is off

 

[Norril]

If that's the case, I may be buying my phone from Best Buy again!...LOL...Last time I bought my Touch Pro, it was at Best Buy. Thing is, they also had a smartphone store discount that I was able to apply to it, so I got added discount on top of the normal Sprint discounts. I think the best thing about buying from Best Buy is that the rebates were all instant (no mail in rebate necessary).

Does anybody know if Best Buy still gives the entire Sprint discount up front (rather than an additional mail in rebate)?

last 3 phones I bought at BB were up front and no mail in.

 

[drexappeal]

Not sure if anyone already posted this, but just found this article talking about Sprint wanting dealers to get their EVO's at the end of May, but mid-June is still the projected sales date due to Sprint testing the 4G Network

HTC Evo 4G Released June, Store Late May

 

[ekt8750]

If you find no luck in that, google "Sprint Everything Plus Plans", I managed to get in on a very similar plan to the $70 one, except for $60 monthly instead.

Only problem with that is you have to be referred by a Sprint employee and activating a new line of service.