Official EVO Rumors and Speculation thread

[LatinP]

The Droid and N1 both receive updates OTA... I know the Droid got 2.1 via OTA, I would assume Evo will as well..

And not arguing with you at all, I know updates come multiple ways, but I would assume FroYo will come to us via OTA.

I think we're confusing the term ota update. What I meant was it's not going to be a modular update that you can install and go. When you installed 2.1 your settings and home screens were reset and you had to reconfigure everything for the most part right? That's a full blown OS update, what Froyo will bring is modular updates which are installed and you won't need a full blown update, these mini releases will help with fragmentation.

How you get them ota through a website or in an e-mail is really irrelevant but since everyone is using the ota terminology I guess thats where we disagree. Although there is a big difference from getting a full blown OS update to getting small mini updates over time which is what Google wants to do.

 

[TREV21]

I think it's fair to say that the longer the wait the more likely people are going to deviate from the path to the EVO. This is a nation of fast food and impulse buys. People don't like waiting, and since we're surrounded by advertising-rich media, it's easy to get distracted. The general public hasn't the slightest clue what the EVO is or that it even exists. Meanwhile they're being bombarded by ads for the HD2 etc. I'm willing to bet a lot more of them would be willing to stick around if they also saw an ad for the EVO, or at the very least put in a few minutes to research, possible landing here and learning the truth.

Even tech-savvy folk like ourselves have to deal with tempting alternatives every day. Having a light at the end of the tunnel for the product we would PREFER would make it a lot easier to resist. Hell, at this point I'm even reconsidering leaving AT&T, and that says A LOT.

I just hope that when the ads start flying people don't think its still the HD2. I've seen those ads and so has my wife and she asks me if that the new phone were getting.

 

[keatre]

I don't know if this has been discussed before, I searched the thread but could find nothing on it.

Should it be possible to use a Bluetooth headset for voice dialing? I read a review of the Incredible on Amazon and the reviewers were complaining that it's not possible to do that. Would that be an Android issue and is it likely to be an issue for the EVO? Should an app be available that would make it work?

I'm getting an EVO on day one anyway, though it would be nice to be able to continue calling via bluetooth voice dialing like I do now.

Android, to my knowledge, does not support voice dialing bluetooth yet. I know there's a voice dialer that comes with the Hero that I played with, but it was awful from my experience.

I'm still sifting through Android's kernel, but I don't see anything that supports bluetooth voice dialing -- someone correct me if I'm wrong (which I know you guys would love to do ).

I think we're confusing the term ota update. What I meant was it's not going to be a modular update that you can install and go. When you installed 2.1 your settings and home screens were reset and you had to reconfigure everything for the most part right? That's a full blown OS update, what Froyo will bring is modular updates which are installed and you won't need a full blown update, these mini releases will help with fragmentation.

How you get them ota through a website or in an e-mail is really irrelevant but since everyone is using the ota terminology I guess thats where we disagree. Although there is a big difference from getting a full blown OS update to getting small mini updates over time which is what Google wants to do.

You're absolutely right, and I get what you're saying now... Yep, we're both saying the same thing, just different ways, my fault!

 

[Autosuggestion]

You forgot the "r" DILands, but it's all good.

http://androidforums.com/647747-post7534.html

I believe these cases could be real at least.

I just bought one from Amzer, at VZW for my DI this afternoon.

 

[Daddo]

I don't know if this has been discussed before, I searched the thread but could find nothing on it.

Should it be possible to use a Bluetooth headset for voice dialing? I read a review of the Incredible on Amazon and the reviewers were complaining that it's not possible to do that. Would that be an Android issue and is it likely to be an issue for the EVO? Should an app be available that would make it work?

I'm getting an EVO on day one anyway, though it would be nice to be able to continue calling via bluetooth voice dialing like I do now.

Ok nevermind, I did additional research and have learned this is an Android "feature" and some vendors have created add-ons that will make it work. I believe the problem is with initiating the call with a button on the bluetooth headset, but that you can still initiate the call from the phone. I'm not clear whether this should be fixed in a later Android release. Does anyone else know?

 

[billsmed]

I don't know if this has been discussed before, I searched the thread but could find nothing on it.

Should it be possible to use a Bluetooth headset for voice dialing? I read a review of the Incredible on Amazon and the reviewers were complaining that it's not possible to do that. Would that be an Android issue and is it likely to be an issue for the EVO? Should an app be available that would make it work?

I'm getting an EVO on day one anyway, though it would be nice to be able to continue calling via bluetooth voice dialing like I do now.

Hi Daddo, I know that's been discussed here, but I don't think we have a definitive answer.

 

[sitlet]

Haven't seen this posted yet. Front page on Yahoo when I just was on, with the headline "iPhone Rival On The Rise"

Top 5 bright spots for Android — plus a dark cloud - Yahoo! News

This should be a lot of publicity for the Evo, as MANY people use Yahoo as their homepages.

 

[billsmed]

I think we're confusing the term ota update. What I meant was it's not going to be a modular update that you can install and go. When you installed 2.1 your settings and home screens were reset and you had to reconfigure everything for the most part right? That's a full blown OS update, what Froyo will bring is modular updates which are installed and you won't need a full blown update, these mini releases will help with fragmentation.

How you get them ota through a website or in an e-mail is really irrelevant but since everyone is using the ota terminology I guess thats where we disagree. Although there is a big difference from getting a full blown OS update to getting small mini updates over time which is what Google wants to do.

The way I'm using OTA, it means "over the air". Are we saying the same thing?

 

[lembowski]

Now do I wait for the EVO or stay with Verizon for the Droid 2?

Could These Be Motorola Shadow/Droid 2 Spec Details and Pics? | Android Phone Fans

Not sure if the 4G and $110 annual savings switching to Sprint

 

[LatinP]

The way I'm using OTA, it means "over the air". Are we saying the same thing?

Well you might get it over the air but what I was getting at is that it will be a full blown OS update, you will need to reconfigure the OS and redo your home screens and probably wait a while for the carrier and maker to make a device specific ROM such as we had to wait for 2.1 (which my moment still doesn't officially have). After Froyo however you will probably start receiving mini updates and releases, you won't have to wait for carriers to make full updates to the OS and go through months of waiting for carriers and manufacturers to release a proper device specific update. Also flash won't necessarily have to come with Froyo it can be delivered as an apk file through the market just like a regular app or as a mini update through the software update menu.

 

[keatre]

Now do I wait for the EVO or stay with Verizon for the Droid 2?

Could These Be Motorola Shadow/Droid 2 Spec Details and Pics? | Android Phone Fans

A June release? Not sure if that would happen...

 

[lembowski]

A June release? Not sure if that would happen...

Well we are not sure if a June EVO release would happen

 

[keatre]

The way I'm using OTA, it means "over the air". Are we saying the same thing?

I think what he's getting at is that FroYo will be a major update to decrease Android's fragmentation problem. Right now people have to wait huge amounts of time to receive their updates, but after FroYo, these "mini updates" as he calls them, will come out much faster, and will decrease the problem of Android versions being all over the place...

But you are correct in what OTA is Bill, he's referring to rather what OTA will do -- if I'm understanding him correctly.

 

[LatinP]

Well we are not sure if a June EVO release would happen

I don't think June will happen either. It might come out in June but again read my post above after Google releases the code to the public we have to wait for the tedious process of having a device specific update. HTC and Sprint could take a while before releasing such an update to it's users, the good news is there will probably be a million cooked roms all over the internet.

I think what he's getting at is that FroYo will be a major update to decrease Android's fragmentation problem. Right now people have to wait huge amounts of time to receive their updates, but after FroYo, these "mini updates" as he calls them, will come out much faster, and will decrease the problem of Android versions being all over the place...

But you are correct in what OTA is Bill, he's referring to rather what OTA will do -- if I'm understanding him correctly.

He is correct people are misusing the term OTA in some posts so to clarify I'm using mini updates and full blown OS updates . OTA means (over the air) which is simply one of many ways to deliver said updates, how they are delivered is not what I'm getting at.

 

[keatre]

Well we are not sure if a June EVO release would happen

I meant it more as -- releasing the Droid 2 one month after the release of the Droid Incred? Not saying it COULDN'T happen, just don't see why they would?

 

[lembowski]

I meant it more as -- releasing the Droid 2 one month after the release of the Droid Incred? Not saying it COULDN'T happen, just don't see why they would?

Thats true, however Verizon seeing a possible migration of current subscribers because of a device alone would want to put the brakes on that fast. June/July/August......its just a few more months of waiting.

 

[TheKingIV]

4g is a big selling point, but it can utilize 3g as well. It is a 3g/4g phone. So saying 90% of the population is wrong because the EVO will still work in 3g areas, it will just work better in 4g. Just like if you had a 3g/4g broadband card.

Some questions that no one might know the answer to yet:

1) Does the "Hotspot" feature still work if you aren't in a 4G area? I'm in Atlanta, but I'm not sure how consistent 4G will be here. If the EVO is only getting 3G (or whatever the Sprint equivalent of "Edge" is), can you still connect other devices wirelessly to it?

2) Does the phone have to be plugged in? I'm guessing it will drain the battery a good bit to have it as a "Hotspot"

3) Is the latest rumor on how much this feature will probably cost still $10-$20/month? Wouldn't it be great if they included it in the plan

If I get the EVO, I'd like to use it as my home internet.

 

[MyHTCevo]

The Inc is a pretty sweet phone. So I don't think there will be a lot returns to get EVO. My situation is pretty unique, my BB died last week and I'm traveling the next couple of weeks and I will need access to email. So I bit the bullet and ordered an Inc for a trial run. The NY event better give clear guidance and a release date by June 6th or they have a lost another 10+ year customer. Drksilenc nailed it you announce something and get everyones attention with no substantial follow up for 60 days. That is completely asinine.

IMO the incredible is way to skinny. It just seems weird. I'm not comparing it to the Evo, I'm comparing it to how I would like a phone to look and feel. I hope I like the Evo's screen dimensions (I've checked out the HD2 at Tmo, so I can already say I do).

The incredible is nice but it's no way close to what we have in the Evo. I'm willing to wait the couple of months, get the Evo and be on board for an upgrade in a year. I'm set with Sprint, it will only get better!

 

[LatinP]

Some questions that no one might know the answer to yet:

1) Does the "Hotspot" feature still work if you aren't in a 4G area? I'm in Atlanta, but I'm not sure how consistent 4G will be here. If the EVO is only getting 3G (or whatever the Sprint equivalent of "Edge" is), can you still connect other devices wirelessly to it?

2) Does the phone have to be plugged in? I'm guessing it will drain the battery a good bit to have it as a "Hotspot"

3) Is the latest rumor on how much this feature will probably cost still $10-$20/month? Wouldn't it be great if they included it in the plan

If I get the EVO, I'd like to use it as my home internet.

1) It should work all the same as a 3G hotspot, 2g was discontinued on Sprint.

2) No it doesn't, no idea what the battery consumption will be since it's not released yet, wouldn't make it a very mobile hotspot of you had to have it plugged in now would it.

3)Won't be included, I honestly don't think it should. But it's nice that you won't have to pay extra for the deive itself to get 4G.

 

[alillowr]

As for the venting. I had planned on preordering from Best Buy and started looking into it and figured out that Sprint isn't available at Best Buy in my area. It seems crazy to me for it not to be available when we probably have one of the bigger 4G coverage areas around being in the Seattle-Puget Area. Then they have the release date during the work week. Hell, I can't get the time off to even try and make it to a Sprint dealer when they come out and now it's looking like I'll be stuck hoping that they'll have them instock when I get off of work.

It's either that or preorder it 2.5 hours away (Portland, OR) and make a dash down their after work, YEA!

I was thinking about maybe preordering from radio shack if that ends up being an option.. But you gave me a the idea of going down to Portland won't be so bad.

 

[drexappeal]

Now do I wait for the EVO or stay with Verizon for the Droid 2?

Could These Be Motorola Shadow/Droid 2 Spec Details and Pics? | Android Phone Fans

Not sure if the 4G and $110 annual savings switching to Sprint

Maybe it's the Motorola device that Jackson mentioned back on 4/12? Here's the post:

http://androidforums.com/555972-post2565.html

 

[TheKingIV]

1) It should work all the same as a 3G hotspot, 2g was discontinued on Sprint.

2) No it doesn't, no idea what the battery consumption will be since it's not released yet, wouldn't make it a very mobile hotspot of you had to have it plugged in now would it.

3)Won't be included, I honestly don't think it should. But it's nice that you won't have to pay extra for the deive itself to get 4G.

Cool, thanks for the answers.

So on #1, there is no step down if you aren't getting 3g coverage? Just no data?

Sorry, I am on AT&T, and it can be inconsistent, that's why I ask.

 

[alillowr]

Welcome Jimmy. I seriously doubt you'll have any trouble porting your number over. As far as the Best Buy thing goes, I'm really surprised by what you said. I know they're going to be selling the EVO 4G and we have a least one member here that works for Best Buy.

The Best Buys over here in the Seattle area stopped selling sprint phones in store for awhile now.

All they sell are At&t, T-mobile, and Verizon now. At least in store.

 

[ekt8750]

BTW Sprint's 3G is EVDO rev. A just so we all know...

 

[LatinP]

Cool, thanks for the answers.

So on #1, there is no step down if you aren't getting 3g coverage? Just no data?

Sorry, I am on AT&T, and it can be inconsistent, that's why I ask.

Theres no such thing as Edge on Sprint if that's what your getting at no. There is EVDO Rev. 0 and EVDO Rev. A both are roughly 3G speeds and widely covered so don't worry as far as 2G technology that was discontinued in 03 or 04.

Quote from a Sprint Employee regarding an aircard question a few years back but it may help clarify your question:

Hello All! I am one of the Sprint wireless switch tech for the San Francisco area market since 1999. I am not here to represent the company but to clarify a few things the 2G technology have been around since 1998 and the maximum throughput is only 14.4K, 3G is 144K (128K or less actual), EVDO Rev. 0 is 2mbps down/128k up, EVDO Rev. A is 2mps on both up/down. I do not think the Sierra Wireless aircard that is built-on (mini PCI-e) in the OQO has 2G capability anyway. Therefore, you may not have to worry about it. In fact, most aircard do not support 2G since 2003/2004.

Same can be said for phones today.