HTC One A9 heading to the US in October
HTC is planning to release a new smartphone on October 20th and a model has just been spotted passing through the FCC and GFC, all but confirming that the HTC One A9 is heading to the US.
According to the listings, there appear to be three HTC One A9 models on the way. There’s what looks to be an international version sporting various network bands and the 2PQ9100 model number, which might be called the A9u. There’s also a 2PQ9120 variant which supports LTE bands 2,4,5,7 and 12, which are commonly used by US carriers. A third 2PQ9300 model supports LTE bands 25 and 26 additionally, which are both specific to the Sprint network.
The FFC and GFC listings are light on other details, but the latter also confirms that the smartphone will be known as the HTC One A9.
See also: HTC One A9 leaked image shows device in 6 different colors
The HTC One A9 has leaked a few times already in the past month and it looks to be a mid-range handset. The last rumor pinned the phone on a Snapdragon 617 SoC, a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and a 13 MP camera, although things may have changed since then.
The handset is likely to be unveiled at HTC’s launch event on October 20th. Are you looking forward to the official announcement?
HTC says that monthly security updates are “unrealistic”
Following the discovery of the Stagefright exploit that could affect nearly all Android devices, Google and a number of major OEMs pledged monthly security updates to ensure that users would be quickly protected from any future security issues. Although it has already rolled out some security patches, HTC has refused to commit to guaranteed monthly patches, and it appears that the company doesn’t want to promise something that it can’t deliver.
Answering questions via Twitter, HTC’s America President Jason Mackenzie states that, despite the company’s efforts to push them out, it is unrealistic to say that these type of updates can be guaranteed every month. This is not an unreasonable statement once you take into account the number of handsets that would require an update and the added delay from carrier testing and approval, but the news is not reassuring to those concerned about device security.
@bkerensa @htc 3. We will push for them, but unrealistic for anyone to say guaranteed every month
— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) October 3, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The revelation comes shortly after a second Stagefright vulnerability was discovered. The latest exploit can affect devices with malicious code just through previewing audio files. A patch for this issue is expected to appear in October’s monthly Android update from Google, but who knows when other OEMs will get around to releasing their fix.
What do you think about the current state of Android security patches?
Android Authority this week – October 4, 2015
Android fans, this week brought us a ton of exciting stuff, starting of course with the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The general impression is great, but the new Nexuses are not without controversy. Moving on, Google also brought us the intriguing Pixel C, a revamped Chromecast, and the Chromecast Audio. In non-Google news, we went hands-on with the futuristic Wove band; HTC introduced a refreshed One M9+ and announced the launch event for the Aero; and LG introduced the durable V10 and LTE-enabled Watch Urbane 2nd edition.
Inside AA HQ
Nexus, Nexus, Nexus! We’re all true Android fans, but what’s the role of Nexus phones, besides fan service? There are a lot of theories. From taking Google’s words at face value (“a phone for developers,” “pushing the ecosystem forward”) to the more outlandish ideas (“Nexus phones are just ads”), people don’t seem to agree what the Nexus program’s role is today. That said, Nexus devices are, without doubt, important for the Android community, and that is why they hold a special place in our coverage. Check out Josh’s excellent hands-on and comparisons starring the Nexus 5X and 6P (and the Pixel C) and let us know what you think.
With the Nexus event over, it looks like the biggest releases of the year are behind us. HTC is still trying to save a bad year with the Aero, coming October 20. But as far as big phones come, we’re pretty much done. Keep an eye for our updated best smartphones ranking.
This week’s giveaway is special. We have three prizes up for grabs, and they are all extremely appealing: Galaxy Note 5, OnePlus 2, and Moto X Pure. Head over here to enter the contest and good luck!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Comparison: Big phone comparison: Note 5 or Mate S – Gary weighs in
- Review: Smartwatches don’t have to be round to be cool. The ZenWatch 2 is proof
- Comparison: Mate S or Mate 7: two generations of the Mate series compared
- Video: Joe demoes Google Now on Tap, the biggest feature in Marshmallow
- Feature: The pricing of the Nexus got Europeans up in arms. Nirave looks for an explanation
- Tech talk: We’re already used to octa-core processors, but will the Snapdragon 820 end the madness?
- Review: Ash did a masterful review of the Moto X Play. Don’t miss it!
- How to: Is your battery charging too slowly? Here are some tips that might help
Top news of the week
Wove band: the future is flexible
- Video: Wove band puts a truly flexible e-ink display on your wrist
- Hands-on with the futuristic Wove Band
Nexus 5X: everything you need to know
- Nexus 5X officially announced: everything you need to know
- Nexus 5X vs Nexus 5 – quick look
- Nexus 6P vs Nexus 6 quick look
- Nexus 6P and 5X vs the competition
- Nexus 5X hands-on: a look at Google’s new affordable phone
Nexus 6P: everything you need to know
- Nexus 6P officially announced: everything you need to know
- Nexus 6P will cost just $500 in US, 650 Euros in Europe!
- Nexus 6P has the second best mobile camera (according to DxOMark)
- Googlers share impressive 240-fps slow-mo video and photos shot with Nexus 6P
Pixel C: out of the left field
- Google announces the Pixel C, a new 10.2-inch premium Android tablet aimed at productivity
- Google Pixel C hands-on and first look
HTC: a new hero is coming
- HTC announces One M9+ “Supreme Camera” Edition
- HTC launches the Butterfly 3 for international markets
- HTC says the One M9 and One M8 will see Android 6.0 Marshmallow by year’s end
- HTC’s next hero phone is launching October 20th, Marshmallow onboard
Chromecast: new and improved
- New Chromecast and Chromecast Audio: new features and design, for the same $35 price
- Chromecast support is finally making its way to Spotify
- Latest Chromecast app update brings content discovery, search functionality and more
LG V10: drop it like it’s hot
- LG V10 officially announced: everything you need to know
- LG V10 hands-on and first impressions
- LG V10 vs LG G4: quick look
- LG V10 durability drop test
Watch Urbane 2: Android Wear, now with LTE
- LG Watch Urbane 2 official: first Android Wear watch with cellular connectivity
- LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition first look
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HTC launches dual-SIM E9s in India for Rs. 20,497
HTC has just launched the dual-SIM variant of its latest budget-friendly smartphone in India. The E9s Dual comes in Luxury White, Meteor Gray and Roast Chestnut colorways and has a Rs. 20,497 ($312) price tag attached.
As for the internals, the handset packs a 5.5-inch HD display, a 1.GHz octa-core MediaTek processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, a 13MP rear-facing camera, an UltraPixel selfie snapper and a 2,600mAh battery.
The E9s Dual ships running the latest build of Android 5.0 Lollipop skinned with HTC’s Sense UI, but is expected to receive the Marshmallow update by the end of Q1 2016.
If you’re based in India, like the sound of the E9s Dual and would like to find out more about picking one up — hit the source link below.
Source: HTC
Come comment on this article: HTC launches dual-SIM E9s in India for Rs. 20,497
HTC confirms which devices are slated for a Marshmallow update by the end of the year
We know HTC is going to be updating a good chunk of their flagship devices to the newly unveiled Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but the company’s own Jason Mackenzie has taken to Twitter to clarify exactly which devices will be making the cut. The good news is that the company plans on the update to hit by the end of 2015 with the HTC One M8 and M9 due at the beginning of Q4.
Pretty much all of HTC’s advertised flagships and a few others have made the list, as you can see above. The M8 and M9 will very likely be the first to see the update, not accounting for any carrier interference. But hey, if you’re rocking an unlocked version or developer version, you can expect the 6.0 update in the next few months. Considering we’ve heard very little from any other manufacturer about their update plans, this is a quick and positive move for HTC.
source: Jason Mackenzie (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: HTC confirms which devices are slated for a Marshmallow update by the end of the year
HTC announces One M9+ Aurora Edition, Butterfly 3 for international markets
Google obviously stole the spotlight this morning with its barrage of announcements, but HTC had some things to say as well. We’ve previously heard about HTC’s event in Japan, and suspected that variants of the top-end One M9+ and Butterfly J would be discussed (rather than the One A9, which was just teased). Turns out those rumors where true.
One M9+ Aurora Edition
Looking past the silly name, we essentially have a One M9+ with upgraded camera abilities. The sensor is bumped up to 21MP from 20MP. This may sound like an unnecessary upgrade, but it appears that the real value is due to HTC switching sensors. We now have OIS on-board.
Additionally, to aid focusing speed, HTC forwent the depth-sensing duo camera for a laser autofocus. The camera already has Phase-Detection Autofocus (PDAF), so now it switch between them to make best of the situation.
Other than this, we’re looking at a very similar device as the standard M9+: 5.2″ QHD display, MediaTek Helio X10 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD expansion), and 2,840mAh battery. The One M9+ Aurora Edition was only announced for Taiwan, arriving on Oct. 5th for NT$20,900 (~$630).
Source: HTC
Butterfly 3
The Butterfly 3 is a rebranded Butterfly J (previously offered in Japan only). This will be an “international” variant. It holds a lot of HTC’s top-end specs this year, but cheaper due to it’s plastic body.
The Butterfly 3 still has the secondary duo sensor on the back for depth control with images. The main rear sensor is 20MP with OIS. You’ll also notice a significant sensor on the front, which will provide 13MP high-res selfies.
Other specs are a 5.2″ QHD display, Snapdragon 810 SoC, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD expansion), and a 2,700mAh battery. Also, this guy is rated for IPX5 and X7 water and dust resistance.
The Butterfly 3 will first launch in Taiwan on Oct. 20th, with the promise of other markets in the future. However, I wouldn’t hold your breath to see it overseas. It is priced at NT$19,900 (~$600).
Source: HTC
The post HTC announces One M9+ Aurora Edition, Butterfly 3 for international markets appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC’s One A9 arriving with Marshmallow’s sweetness on October 20th
As the world is busy welcoming the new Nexus 6P and the Nexus 5X, HTC has decided to make a weak attempt at stealing Google’s thunder by sending out invites for the launch of the HTC One A9.
HTC’s Senior Global Online Communications Manager Jeff Gordon casually mentioned in one of his tweets today that HTC was going to launch the next Aero (or Hero) device on October 20th.
“Meanwhile, if you want an ALL NEW smartphone running Marshmallow out of the box, see what we have on Oct. 20 at http://t.co/JicQSdENvd!” – Jeff Gordon
The link redirects us to HTC’s website where you can find an invite to the phone’s virtual launch. You can watch the livestream at 12:00 noon ET time (New York City), 5:00 pm BST (London), 9:30 pm IST (New Delhi) and 12:00 pm CST (Taipei) on October 20th.
While the invite doesn’t say much, it can be confirmed that the HTC A9 will be the first non-Nexus smartphone to run Android Marshmallow. If previous leaks are anything to go by, the handset will feature a Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) display, a first of its kind deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor backed with 4GB of RAM and an improved rear-facing camera with support for RAW photography.
Source: HTC
Come comment on this article: HTC’s One A9 arriving with Marshmallow’s sweetness on October 20th
HTC’s first Android Marshmallow device due on October 20th
Even though HTC isn’t a maker of the new Nexus devices with Marshmallow, it’ll definitely be one of the first to release its own phone running on the latest Android build. According to the company’s announcement, its upcoming product will be launched on October 20th, and you can tune in to the live-stream (12:00 noon ET / 5:00 pm UK) on its website. There’s no indication as to whether we can expect this to be the leaky “Aero” aka “A9,” but we’d like to think that the charcoal on HTC’s flyer is hinting at the model’s “carbon gray” color option. Guess we’ll find out in three weeks’ time.
As for HTC’s existing devices, most of the hero models from last year up to now will get the Android 6.0 update, according to an official tweet. These include the M8, M8 Eye, E8, Desire 816, Desire 820, Desire 826, M9, M9+, ME, Butterfly 3, E9 and E9+. Subject to regional and carrier requirements, the M9 and M8 will be the first among the lot to get the goodies — before end of the year.
Source: HTC
HTC will unveil its newest One smartphone on October 20
HTC on Tuesday confirmed it will announce its next One smartphone at a virtual event later this month. Scheduled for October 20, it will be revealed at a “virtual event” online, rather than in person.
As to what we will see revealed, it looks like we’re in for HTC’s first Android 6.0 Marshmallow smartphone. Rumors as of late suggest the One A9 (Aero) could be the new “hero” device. And, considering the recent report that it might launch with the latest in Android, we’re inclined to believe it even more.
Early leaked specs were initially suggesting a rather high-end experience but we later learned it may be a much more modest experience. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing as today’s mid-range smartphones have proven to be quite adept.
You can bookmark htc.com/launch and return to it in a few weeks time, but we’ll also shoot out some reminders.
The post HTC will unveil its newest One smartphone on October 20 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC’s next hero phone is launching October 20th, Marshmallow onboard
While most of us are drooling over Google’s new Nexus family and other Google-y announcements, HTC has started hyping up its next hero phone. The freshly received press invite tells us to “BeBrilliant” and invites us to learn more about HTC’s latest handset on October 20th.
Not a lot is revealed in the invite, but the actual header for the email invitation we received told us we’d get to “Meet the new Marshmallow from HTC on 10/20”. So at the very least, expect Android 6.0 onboard. Based on previous rumors, the phone mentioned here is likely referring to the One A9 “Aero”, a handset that has been leaked numerous times in the past, though with many conflicting reports as to its specs.
Most of the rumors suggest we are looking at a mid-to-high-end device with the A9, and not necessarily a full-fledged flagship. Previously it was believed to have a high-end MediaTek deca-core chip, though other rumors claim it will offer a Snapdragon 615. There’s always the possibility that there could be different models for different markets, as HTC is no stranger to confusing marketing and variants.
It is worth noting is that HTC will not be holding a conventional press event, and instead will broadcast the announcement to the press and to everyday consumers virtually. Are you excited to see what HTC has to offer with its next hero device? Or will it take a miracle to actually make you interested in whatever HTC has to offer? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.
AIVAnet 