The HTC One A9 will get a price increase in the US very soon
When HTC originally unveiled the One A9 they said the price would be $399 for a limited time. We now know exactly what the time limit is and how much the actual price will be.
HTC have said that their regional sales team decides the price for each region. That is why in Europe the One A9 cost around $725 US. However, what will the real price for the US version be after the limited time $399 deal is over? The answer is $499.99 starting on November 7th.
“The cost of the HTC One A9 is the same worldwide to all distributors and operator partners. For end consumers, HTC’s sales regions are given the freedom to set prices and promotions as they see fit for local market needs. The One A9 price in the US is a very limited-time promotional offer for that region’s online store, as well as select HTC-only franchise stores. The offer is a special promotional pre-sale and is expected to conclude once the One A9 is available on-shelf at major retail and distributor partners.
After the promotional pre-sale offer ends, the new price in the US at htc.com will be $499.99 beginning 12:01 a.m. on 11/7.”
A lot of people have been complaining the HTC One A9’s price was already too high at $399, I can’t imagine what they will be saying once they find out it will increase $100? Also, if you were planning on buying a HTC One A9, you better hurry up since November 7th is only a couple weeks away.
Via: Android Central
Come comment on this article: The HTC One A9 will get a price increase in the US very soon
Download all of the HTC One A9’s stock wallpapers here!
The entire official stock wallpaper collection from the unreleased HTC One A9 is now available to download thanks to a system dump which appeared online earlier today. We got our hands all six backgrounds, so you can choose which one to set as the cover screen on your smartphone and tablet.
Hit the break below for a full gallery of all of the images.
Come comment on this article: Download all of the HTC One A9’s stock wallpapers here!
HTC One A9 fails to impress financial analysts
The HTC One A9 is prepared to hit the market in the coming weeks and with a price point significantly lower than flagship devices. HTC is hoping the combination of a “good enough” device from a hardware standpoint combined with affordability in a package designed to emulate another market winner will be a win for them. Unfortunately, it does not look like any positives the new HTC device brings to the market is going to be enough to reverse the pessimistic view of the company that financial analysts have.
A U.S.-based brokerage, named withheld per Taiwan trading regulations, has commented that,
“We tend to believe a decent device is not enough to reverse a company’s fortune given the trend of commoditization for Android-based smartphones, industry growth deceleration and severe competition.”
While the brokerage sees the HTC One A9 as a decent device that is “competitively priced,” they do not see sufficient differentiation for the HTC One A9 to help HTC regain market share or lift profits. The firm notes that the device is positioned in a difficult spot. On the lower end, buyers have access to devices from Xiaomi and Huawei that can provide good performance for a smaller price tag. This challenge will be deepened by HTC’s scaling back on their company and the lack of a strong online sales channel. At the top end, the device is not able to compete with flagship type devices.
The firm also noted the impact of Apple’s new upgrade plans for iPhones. Those plans will likely shrink the product replacement cycle while at the same time increasing pressure on consumers to stay with a platform. Other large manufacturers will likely pursue a similar strategy, especially for higher end devices, a market where HTC has given up significant ground compared to several years ago.
source: Focus Taiwan
via: GSMDome
Come comment on this article: HTC One A9 fails to impress financial analysts
HTC’s now rolling out the Lollipop update for the Desire 820 in Asia
HTC is in the midst of rolling out its second major update to the Asian variant of the Desire 820. The upgrade brings the latest version of Lollipop to the handset, together with a multitude of much-needed bug fixes and stability improvements.
Hit the break for the full changelog.
- Android 5.0 Lollipop update
- Lock screen and Notification: New Lollipop UI style with enhanced privacy features
- Recent apps; Supporting multiple pages
- Addition of search function within settings
To see if the update is ready for your device head into Settings, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification prompting you to install the upgrade.
Via: Twitter
Come comment on this article: HTC’s now rolling out the Lollipop update for the Desire 820 in Asia
HTC fitness devices delayed… again
The HTC Grip was all the hype for fitness fans when it was revealed at Mobile World Congress 2015. Sadly, we were only able to grip to the idea of this device coming soon for so long. The estimated Spring release window came and went with no news, until HTC revealed the product was delayed until “later this year”.
We are quickly approaching the holiday season and continue to wonder whether we will have this nifty activity tracker under our Christmas trees. To everyone’s disappointment, it seems such will not be the case. The guys at Phandroid have reached out to HTC, only to discover their “ecosystem of devices” done in partnership with Under Armour will not be available until early 2016.
As we continue to develop the Connected Fitness platform and elevate our product offerings, Under Armour and HTC have decided to launch a fully integrated digital ecosystem of products early next year. This global launch will provide the tools needed to help athletes of all levels track, manage and improve their health and fitness. Our teams have done a remarkable job bringing these products to life and we’re excited to share them with the public soon. -HTC
Whether we will see the HTC Grip launching with this “ecosystem” of devices or not is still unknown. The Taiwanese manufacturer seems to have changed its plans since MWC and they haven’t made any mention of this specific activity tracker. It’s possible they have slashed it in exchange for whatever new products they are working on. I would be willing to bet they will at least release a similar one, though.
In the meantime, those who don’t want to wait until 2016 to get an activity tracker should probably start looking around for other options. After all, who’s to say there won’t be other delays? Let’s hope not!
Android Authority this week – October 25, 2015
Android fans, HTC was in the spotlight this week, though not just for good reasons. The Taiwanese company’s new A9 looks great, but it’s a little too familiar for some tastes. In other news, we heard a credible rumor about the release of the Galaxy S7; we brought you our initial impressions of the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P; Google released a couple of big updates; the BlackBerry Priv finally went up for pre-order; YouTube Red and YouTube Music launched; we got another look at the Droid Turbo; and Samsung launched the Galaxy On5 and On7.
Inside AA HQ
Android fans, on October 21, 2015, the future has finally arrived. We don’t have hoverboards just yet, but what we carry in our pockets every day is just as amazing. As Doc Brown himself put it, the “future” is different from what we all thought, but that’s a good thing. When it comes to mobile technology, Nirave did a good job highlighting the absolutely massive leaps that the phone industry made in just one decade. Think about that the next time you feel the urge to complain about your device. And think about where we will be ten years from now.
The results of our blind camera shootout between the Xperia Z5, Galaxy Note 5, LG G4, and the iPhone 6S has caused a huge stir. Yes, the iPhone 6S won on an Android site, and the Apple blogosphere rejoiced. For us, the takeaway here is that Apple is still better at giving most users what they actually want from their cameras, and that should be food for thought for the Android OEMs that are still too fixated on raw specs. The other takeaway? Expect more camera shootouts in the future!
This Halloween, share your data horror story and stand to win a Nexus 6P, Galaxy Note 5, or Xperia Z5 from our friends at Opera. Enter the giveaway here!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Review: Gary reviews the smallest member of the Xperia Z5 family
- Editorial: Delays are okay, lack of communication is not, Andrew tells Saygus
- How to: Here’s what you need to know to make the most of USB OTG
- Feature: Specs, specs, specs! On our unhealthy obsession with specs
- Review: It’s not Android, but it’s still a great smartwatch – Samsung Gear S2 review
Top news of the week
Galaxy S7 release date?
HTC One A9 is here
- HTC One A9 officially announced: everything you need to know
- HTC One A9 first impressions: trying some new things
- HTC One A9 vs Nexus 5X vs Moto X Style vs ZTE Axon: specs comparison
- HTC CEO: Our new smartphone will be good enough to replace the iPhone
- Unlocked HTC One A9: software upgrades within 15 days of every Nexus update
- HTC One A9 availability – what we know so far
- HTC executive is not amused: “It’s Apple that copies us.”
Nexus impressions
- Nexus 6P unboxing and impressions after first 48 hours
- Nexus 5X unboxing and impressions after first 48 hours
All things Google
- You can now become a beta tester for the Google app on Android
- Google Maps now makes pit stops easier, also adds gas pricing
- Here’s how Verified Boot warnings look in Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Google tightens its OEM requirements for new Marshmallow devices
- New look Google Play Store begins hitting devices
Priv is for priviledge
- BlackBerry details the security measures it baked into the Android-powered Priv
- BlackBerry Priv briefly goes up for pre-order: $749 unlocked [update: shipping Nov 6]
- BlackBerry Priv pre-order opens in US, UK and Canada; ships Nov 6
YouTube Red & Music
- YouTube Music app launching alongside YouTube Red
- YouTube Red, Google’s ad-free video service, launching October 28 for $9.99 per month
Here comes the Droid Turbo
- DROID Turbo 2 teased ahead of official announcement, courtesy of Verizon
- Motorola DROID Turbo 2 and Maxx 2 press renders leak out ahead of official unveiling
Galaxy On5 and On7
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Here are the videos you don’t want to miss this week – October 24, 2015
The Android world never sleeps, and that’s certainly been the case for this past week.
This week we’ve managed to bring you our unboxing and first impressions of Google’s new Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones, as well as an initial hands-on with HTC’s new One A9. That’s not all, though. We’ve brought you full reviews of the Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact and Samsung Gear S2, which you won’t want to miss!
A first look at the new Nexus phones
Nexus 6P unboxing and first impressions
While we didn’t have enough time to bring you our full review, we brought you the next best thing. Don’t miss Josh’s unboxing and first impressions of Google’s new Nexus 6P.
Nexus 5X unboxing and first impressions
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Wondering what we think of the Nexus 5X so far? Check out Lanh’s Nexus 5X unboxing and impressions after 48 hours with the device.
Hands-on with HTC’s hero device
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HTC is doing something different, yet still incredibly familiar. Can the One A9 stand out from the crowd, or is it too much of a copycat? Check out Josh’s hands-on and first impressions with the HTC One A9.
- HTC One A9 first impressions: trying some new things
- HTC One A9 officially announced: everything you need to know
Reviews
Sony Xperia Z5 review
Sony’s new Xperia Z5 is one heck of a smartphone, but has it changed enough from past Sony devices? Don’t miss Krystal’s full review of the Sony Xperia Z5.
Samsung Gear S2 review
The Gear S2 may be one of the best smartwatches on the market, but are there any caveats that come along with Samsung’s newest wearable? Find out more in our full review.
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact review
If you’re in the market for a smaller handset, the Xperia Z5 Compact may be the phone for you. Check out Gary’s full review to learn more.
Tips and tricks for your S6 and Note 5
Wondering how to make the most of your Galaxy S6 or Note 5’s software? Gary walks us through some TouchWiz tips and tricks.
Android Apps Weekly
NBA 2K16, new Google Play Store, Minecraft: Story Mode is out – you don’t want to miss Joe’s newest episode of Android Apps Weekly!
Should OEMs focus on smaller phones?
Now that large-screened smartphones are here to stay, should device manufacturers make it a point to put more focus on smaller devices? Don’t miss Matthew’s written opinion piece attached below, and check out Jayce’s video for more speculation.
Don’t expect to see the HTC Grip in 2015
At the start of 2015, Under Armour formed a strategic partnership with HTC that would task the hardware manufacturer with designing products to work with UA Record. Both companies would be moving into the connected health and fitness sector that’s already crowded with offerings from Fitbit, Nike, Apple, Jawbone, and many more. The original release date for the partnership’s first product, the Grip, was scheduled for February; however, HTC continuously delayed the device and commented in July that a launch was coming “later this year.”
Nine months after the activity tracker debuted, we now know that the HTC Grip will not arrive in 2015.
The following statement was sent to Phandroid:
As we continue to develop the Connected Fitness platform and elevate our product offerings, Under Armour and HTC have decided to launch a fully integrated digital ecosystem of products early next year. This global launch will provide the tools needed to help athletes of all levels track, manage and improve their health and fitness. Our teams have done a remarkable job bringing these products to life and we’re excited to share them with the public soon.
It does seem that the Grip will be joined by additional products as the statement reads “a fully integrated digital ecosystem” is coming next year. But no one knows exactly what Under Armour and HTC will bring alongside the Grip. Maybe the two are going to make wireless earbuds or a smartwatch focused on fitness. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next year barring another delay.
Source: Phandroid
Come comment on this article: Don’t expect to see the HTC Grip in 2015
Access granted: Mobile security at the touch of a finger
Whether spurred by work regulations or the desire for personal data security, many of us spend more time than we’d like entering PIN codes and passwords to access our devices. Biometric authentication tools, specifically fingerprint sensors, can help us reclaim those moments by providing access with the touch of a finger. The technology isn’t new, but it’s only in the past few years that it’s started to become standard on mobile devices. This week, we trace the ascent of the fingerprint sensor, from its early days as a peripheral to the embedded technology that’s simplifying and securing our mobile lives. Slideshow-332525
Apple won’t be suing HTC over the One A9’s blatant iPhone 6S-like design
HTC this week announced the One A9, and the design turned out to be a blatant copy of the iPhone 6/6S. HTC claims that it was actually Apple who copied the Taiwanese manufacturer, but Cupertino won’t be serving papers to HTC anytime soon either way.
Apple was quick to start the litigation process with Samsung over every little minuscule patent, but not HTC. And that’s because in 2012, HTC and Apple reached a deal where the Taiwanese company would pay Apple $6-$8 per Android device the manufacturer ships in return for the patent battles to stop.
The terms of the deal remain confidential to this day. The agreement was for 10 years, and we’re only three years into it so far. HTC China’s President Ray Yam said this in 2012:
“The settlement with Apple will start to pay off next year, and the fourth quarter of this year is still going at a set pace. The biggest benefit to us is that we can put more energy into innovation, which is more important than anything else for a technology company.”
In other words, we won’t be seeing any litigation over the One A9, unless HTC breaks some confidential term of the deal. And in the meantime, HTC continues to “innovate” with blatant copycat devices.
What’re your thoughts on the One A9?
Come comment on this article: Apple won’t be suing HTC over the One A9’s blatant iPhone 6S-like design
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