Official EVO Rumors and Speculation thread

[Orion]

Okay, I'm moving on from ALL the negativity and turning this thread back into a POSITIVE nature before people started trying to argue about stuff that's not even worth arguing about.

Today, I decided to stop into an Apple Store and going on an idea that was posted on here, I decided to follow their lead. It was actually a lot of fun messing with the iPad's, although I couldn't figure out how to get the stupid thing to save as the default page, when opening a browser. Anyhow, here are some pics of the work I did at Apple.


IPAD at apple store with a HTC EVO Youtube Video playing

Apple iPad at Apple store w/ full image zoomed in of HTC EVO

full image of HTC EVO

Now THAT was some fun stuff. Would've gone around to every device to do it, but just didn't have a chance because the store was closing.

BTW, the FUNNIEST part of the experience was when another customer picked up the iPAD that I loaded up the full image of the EVO on the browser and said, "Ooh, check it out. This is the new phone from Sprint. That thing looks NICE."...HAHAHAHAHA

Ah, the things to do for enjoyment while killing time waiting for a family member to finish shopping at the mall.

Hope you all enjoy the pics and the story as much as I did.

Hahaha good job!!

 

[SprintFun]

Yeah, you're probably right. I noticed the date. Still, there was another article about the same time saying the same thing and I thought it was a good article: Neowin.net - Sprint?s HTC EVO 4G will run ?Froyo?. What do you think?

The more I think about that sort of thing, the more I think that its irrelevant. Even if 2.1 doesn't support 4G, that doesn't mean that the Evo will have to run a completely new version of Android to use 4G...they can just give it a small patch to put in the functionality while still getting all of 2.5 in order. That is by far the most likely scenario - I know companies hate to "underdeliver" but I'd think if FroYo was a real possibility it would be announced instead of saying 2.1. Afterall, they weren't shy about saying it will have full flash support but now that looks to be in questions possibly (even though at any rate it will have Flash Lite).

Edit: Also, in my opinion, the Nexus One will get the privilege of getting FroYo before a new device ships with it. I mean Google wants to sell phones too, so why would they let a different company ship the flagship of their operating system. Not saying it couldn't be a concurrent release, but seems like we'd know more about it if it was in the pipeline for an early summer release (since they'll also get it immediately, IMO)...

 

[billsmed]

I'm not disagreeing with anything you said SprintFun. I have read quite a few different articles that suggested the EVO will ship with Froyo, but it's okay with me if it comes later as an update. The link I posted above mentioned this is near the end of the line for Android updates, because Google wants to concentrate on apps for awhile, instead.

This is a quote from the article link I mentioned above:

A large degree of platform fragmentation finds users and developers unable to take advantage of newer features and bug fixes that the latest release holds. For example, users without Android 2.0 or higher are left without Exchange support and new UI improvements among other things. Taking note of these critical problems, Google will tackle the issue head on by taking their software into their own hands for their next Android release.

Named "Froyo", Google's next Android version will be detached of the usual set of first party applications and core components that currently populate the OS. Instead of bundling those applications with the operating system, Google will instead make them available through the Android Market for download. This is currently how updates to Google Maps are handled on Android.

This new approach will apply to both Android applications and system components. So for example, if Google brings a new update to the virtual keyboard or email application, all one would have to do is download the update directly from the Market as it instantly becomes available. No longer would users have to wait for their carrier or manufacturer to make it available for download.

Also reported is that Google is finishing up most of the core work required for Android and will soon be shifting development to consumer features and applications. Developers should be getting finalized APIs and frameworks as Froyo arrives, so they can instead focus on making applications faster and easier with greatly matured tools for the OS.

What I just posted is a rehash from what was said two or three weeks ago in this thread, but some may not have seen it and I think it's worthwhile reading again.

 

[senormatt]

I think the nexus one would get a new version of Android before any other phone.

 

[esone1ll]

This is correct. Sprint actually has several current cell phones which will be capable of 4G with an update. These include the Pre, instinct, and black berry models. Wether they will all get an update or not idk. I am thinking not so it is more enticing to buy the Evo and sign a new contract. Atleast that would be the smart move for Sprint Cough Cough.

As far as i know the Evo will be available everywhere. More than likely more Evos will be shipped to 4G cities for that is where it should be more popular. Ill try and find out more but i would find that extremely peculiar. One thing i do know is that Government and huge corporations have first dibs on this one. The united states gov is all over this one haha

Are you sure about this? 4G aka WiMAX is a totally different spec than both EVDO and WiFi, so how could my Pre, which has no WiMAX radio, get 4G capability?

 

[SprintFun]

Wow - way to bring that up from the dead.

But I think Jackson's point was that if they had the hardware, its just a software update to get them running 4G. But of course that would never happen.

Edit: If you're going take the time to comment on posts from 2 weeks ago then take the time to read the 2 week old replies too.

 

[evotitans]

Are you sure about this? 4G aka WiMAX is a totally different spec than both EVDO and WiFi, so how could my Pre, which has no WiMAX radio, get 4G capability?

Im almost 100% positive there is no phone with a WiMax radio in it, that the EVO will be the first offically released with a 4G radio in it.

Now with that being said, I have heard rumors, that 3G phones could pick up some hybrid 4G signals...WITH software updates.

Infact I mentioned awhile ago, in this thread...that EVDO Rev. A is actually capable of Voice+Data simultaneously(Another Hybrid), but Sprint just never activated it due to the strain it would put on the network....and that they were focusing on Wimax/4G.

So it could be true, that the phones that were mentioned are capable of some WiMax Hybrid...but as far as having true 4G, it wont be possible, none of them have the radio for it.

This is actually great news as far as 4G having Voice+Data, its already been mentioned that it is not a hardware issue anymore( 4G Radio), that it is just a software one.

 

[legacy]

Sprint needs to throw us a bone here.

And roll out some more advertising. Iphone HD news is being leaked all over the place. Time to get the word out Sprint.

 

[ImGreen]

Engadget has put up their review of the Incredible:

Droid Incredible review -- Engadget

I know this is the EVO forum ;-), but a lot of the info about the usability and performance of the Sense UI on the Incredible should be very encouraging to those of us waiting for the EVO. The Incredible also has the same 8mp back camera, which Engadget was also impressed by.

bendispo, thanks. This review is especially useful for those who do not currently have an Android device to compare to... also I notice in the review there is a glitch with making use of the 8GB integrated storage, and some other details that make me feel that the EVO is well worth waiting for. Thank again!

 

[Self Praise]

Are you sure about this? 4G aka WiMAX is a totally different spec than both EVDO and WiFi, so how could my Pre, which has no WiMAX radio, get 4G capability?

You're correct. There are no phone on Sprint that could be upgraded to use WiMax. It's like the Iphone 3G (S)) being able to use LTE, through a upgrade. That's impossible. You'll have to make it capable of handling the technology and that's a lot of backhaul. The Incredible wouldn't be able to use LTE in the future, but only a newer Android device that was made to use a LTE radio. A Pre, BlackBerry, and Instinct having a WiMax radio included in the future is the correct method. Palm C40 could very well be the second device to include WiMax, since there should be about 2 more devices coming to Sprint that will be WiMax capable. That's if they get released on time, or Sprint wants a 1-2 punch with their flagship EVO. Other unknown devices are already being tested to include it, but not the ones that are already out in the public.

 

[esone1ll]

You're correct. There are no phone on Sprint that could be upgraded to use WiMax. It's like the Iphone 3G (S)) being able to use LTE, through a upgrade. That's impossible. You'll have to make it capable of handling that technology and that's a lot of backhaul. The Incredible wouldn't be able to use LTE in the future, but only a newer Android device that was made to use a LTE radio. A Pre, BlackBerry, and Instinct having a WiMax radio included in the future is the correct method. Palm C40 could very well be the second device to include WiMax, since there should be about 2 more devices coming to Sprint that will be WiMax capable. That's if they get released on time, or Sprint wants a 1-2 punch with their flagship EVO. Other unknown devices are already being tested to include it, but not the ones that are already out in the public.

Thanks for the confirmation, SelfPraise.

 

[senormatt]

Btw matt that was the real iPhone iPhone 4G: proof -- Engadget

Don

 

[evotitans]

it seems it is legit from apple - I'd be surprised if the design was final though

This Is Apple's Next iPhone - Iphone 4 - Gizmodo

Anyone else going to be mad if they call this the Iphone 4G??

To me that is false advertisement......

The EVO is the only true 4G smartphone.

 

[SprintFun]

Yea, it will tick me off.

I wonder how Sprint will tackle it. I would hope its something like -

Apple Fanboi: Hey, check out my iPhone 4G!
Evo user: Oh cool - I didn't realize it runs on a 4G network.
Apple Fanboi: Oh - it doesn't...I'm still on 3G.
Evo user: Then why is it called 4G?
Apple Fanboi: Because its the 4th generation phone I guess.
Evo user: Ah. Well let me show you what 4G really means (enables hotspot app).

 

[ekt8750]

I'm quite sure Sprint will have something to combat AT&T/Apple from marketing the iPhone as a 4G phone. Advertisers love coming out with stuff that smacks down false info put out by their clients' competitors.

 

[senormatt]

Yea, it will tick me off.

I wonder how Sprint will tackle it. I would hope its something like -

Apple Fanboi: Hey, check out my iPhone 4G!
Evo user: Oh cool - I didn't realize it runs on a 4G network.
Apple Fanboi: Oh - it doesn't...I'm still on 3G.
Evo user: Then why is it called 4G?
Apple Fanboi: Because its the 4th generation phone I guess.
Evo user: Ah. Well let me show you what 4G really means (enables hotspot app).

I think Apple would be silly to call it iPhone 4G and if they do and open themselves up to the critique I hope Sprint does respond with a widely done commercial making fun of their name.

 

[legacy]

I think it will be called the iPhone HD. After looking through that article though, I'm not impressed. Evo for me!

 

[cary328is]

First of all thanks to all the folks who sent in the latest news on the Incredible. Although it's not the EVO, the similarities give a good understanding of how functional the software will be and a preview of how the hardware might "feel"

As far as the annoyance of certain members...please guys use the ignore list. No need getting fired up. Plus it's hilarious to see all the ignored posts by someone who can't get their rants across when everyone has him on their ignore list.

 

[Self Praise]

Im almost 100% positive there is no phone with a WiMax radio in it, that the EVO will be the first offically released with a 4G radio in it.

Now with that being said, I have heard rumors, that 3G phones could pick up some hybrid 4G signals...WITH software updates.

Infact I mentioned awhile ago, in this thread...that EVDO Rev. A is actually capable of Voice+Data simultaneously(Another Hybrid), but Sprint just never activated it due to the strain it would put on the network....and that they were focusing on Wimax/4G.

So it could be true, that the phones that were mentioned are capable of some WiMax Hybrid...but as far as having true 4G, it wont be possible, none of them have the radio for it.

This is actually great news as far as 4G having Voice+Data, its already been mentioned that it is not a hardware issue anymore( 4G Radio), that it is just a software one.

One more piece of information. EVDO Rev. A is not capable of using Voice + Data simultaneously. Rev. B was capable and Sprints the only CDMA carrier that was on board for the upgrade. CDMA announced CDMA 2000 1X Advanced (SVDO), which will be able to support voice over 3G as well. Sprint and Verizon won't agree to the upgrade, as their entire focus is WiMax/LTE. SVDO and WiMAX/LTE would make life easier, but it'll take plenty of infrastructure chances, and the device will have to be SVDO capable as well.

Edit: @evotitans: Sprint never went Rev. B. They really wanted too but none of the other CDMA carriers (strongly Verizon) wanted to make the switch. This was before WiMax and LTE came to light. Besides WiMax/LTE using VoIP, Sprint is currently testing Voice over 4G, and it's looking good. WiMax is capable of doing it, and they are working on it.

 

[Eguy]

I have been playing with that version of sense for a week now on my HTC Desire that I bought online.

Is it as smooth?

Regarding the iPhone "HD": It's ugly, smaller screen than 3GS, bulky, non-removable battery. Do I need to go on? EVO dominates before the competition comes out!

 

[evotitans]

One more piece of information. EVDO Rev. A is not capable of using Voice + Data simulaunltaneously. Rev. B was capable and Sprints the only CDMA carrier that was on board for the upgrade. CDMA announced CDMA 2000 1X Advanced (SVDO), which will be able to support voice over 3G as well. Sprint and Verizon won't agree to the upgrade, as their entire focus is WiMax/LTE. SVDO and WiMAX/LTE would make life easier, but it'll take plenty of infrastructure chances, and the device will have to be SVDO capable as well.

Sorry, you are right, it is Rev. B that was capable...and like I mentioned, the big reason it wasnt rolled out was Sprint ( And Verizon sort of) moving on to focus on WiMax. Thought alot of it had to do with it severely hanging up the network if it was officially released.

I believe Baltimore was one of the original markets to have a functioning Rev. B w/ Voice+Data....but Sprint killed the notion of activating this function.

With that said, I truly believe Sprint would be making a HUGE mistake if they do not enable Voice+Data with 4G. You need to beat your competitors in everyway with the EVO.

 

[awayne]

Yea, it will tick me off.

I wonder how Sprint will tackle it. I would hope its something like -

Apple Fanboi: Hey, check out my iPhone 4G!
Evo user: Oh cool - I didn't realize it runs on a 4G network.
Apple Fanboi: Oh - it doesn't...I'm still on 3G.
Evo user: Then why is it called 4G?
Apple Fanboi: Because its the 4th generation phone I guess.
Evo user: Ah. Well let me show you what 4G really means (enables hotspot app).

That almost sounds like the conversation I had with a AT&T Employee.
AT&T: Can I help you
Me: Yes, what size is the screen on the Iphone... I don't see it listed on the specs here?
AT&T: Well, ummmmm.... I, ahhhhhh.... I don't know.
Me: Oh, ok... I was just wanting to compair the size to the HTC Evo 4G that sprint will be coming out with soon.
AT&T: Oh, well its not like sprint really has any 4G areas to use 4G.
Me thinking and not talking outloud: Well atleast Sprint can handle the 3G customers better then AT&T and all there Iphone users... Oh and they do have 4g in some areas with more to come this year... Where does AT&T have 4G???

 

[ImGreen]

The more I think about that sort of thing, the more I think that its irrelevant. Even if 2.1 doesn't support 4G, that doesn't mean that the Evo will have to run a completely new version of Android to use 4G...they can just give it a small patch to put in the functionality while still getting all of 2.5 in order. That is by far the most likely scenario - I know companies hate to "underdeliver" but I'd think if FroYo was a real possibility it would be announced instead of saying 2.1. Afterall, they weren't shy about saying it will have full flash support but now that looks to be in questions possibly (even though at any rate it will have Flash Lite).

Edit: Also, in my opinion, the Nexus One will get the privilege of getting FroYo before a new device ships with it. I mean Google wants to sell phones too, so why would they let a different company ship the flagship of their operating system. Not saying it couldn't be a concurrent release, but seems like we'd know more about it if it was in the pipeline for an early summer release (since they'll also get it immediately, IMO)...

I looked at the article that Bill quoted and I can see why one might jump to the conclusion that 2.5 might be loaded on the EVO out of the gate, but then I read from the pic included in the article (see below.) Before I say what I think, let me just be clear that I am neither a developer nor an expert of any kind. I have worked with and supported developers in the past and I have taken programming classes. I am hoping that someone with real programming/development experience will come forth and chime in. If you are not a programmer please don't attack my post just because you disagree with my interpretation of the evidence.

So I read the text in the code sample that "Type_WIMAX will be included in Froyo SDK." The second line however says, "Until Type_WIMAX is supported you will need to hard-code the value 6." In the article "Froyo" is in a red box.

Here is my logic:

1. "Type_WIMAX" is a programming function or library that allows the developer to write code that can recognize the state of the 4G radio. An example would be the demoed YouTube app that could detect a 4G connection and then automatically change the video quality. I do not believe that if this function is missing that 4G data is not support, it just means developers will not have an easy way to detect the 4G connection state. My conclusion here is that Android 2.1 does support 4G data, just not detection of the 4G connection state. In other words EVO 4G will work fine with 2.1.

2. The second line of the sample code suggests to me that 2.5 will not ship with EVO. The line offers a workaround to developers to identify the 4G connectivity by simply hard-coding the value. My thought here is why create a workaround if EVO will ship with 2.5? The way I read this I would say that 2.1 is again more likely, because 2.5 is not required for the workaround to work with 4G data connection.

3. I think that the writers of the article are trying to create some buzz (which is not bad,) but they are certainly not offering any definitive proof that their opinions are valid. The title of the article is full of

 

[SprintFun]

Good logic.

 

[cary328is]

2 quick things:

1. Jackson or Self Praise or anyone who can answer: will sprint do a pre-sale the same way VZW is allowing online sales of the incredible right now?

2. I think Sprint would make a KILLING selling different colored backs for the EVO and a variety of different types too like: one with no kickstand, brushed aluminum (given it wont interfere with internal radios), "new charging method" back, CLEAR back plate LOL, Fender back plate (like the mytouch), Rosewood LOL, I could go on but you get the idea