New HTC One will have two back cameras

HTC may be going through a rough patch, but it seems determined to get back into the game. Their upcoming new flagship models seems to have something that we haven't seen yet: two cameras in the back.

At first, I thought (feared!) it would be yet another 3D camera gimmick. But the different sized cameras makes me think that's not the case, at least not primary motive (for that, we would expect to have two similar cameras - although even with different spec cameras they'll still be able to create Lytro style 3D images. One could also speculate maybe it would be something like FLIR's thermal vision module; which would be interesting, but not immediately appealing for most people in a consumer produtc (not to mention the added cost).

So, we'll need to hope it's some kind of enhanced low-light sensor that can take pictures in the dark (something like that color night vision camera would be amazing!) and that will make HTC stand out from every other device on the market.

We also get dual-tone color flash like we have on the iPhone 5S for improved natural looking colors even when you use the flash. But the key part is: what is HTC up to with its two back cameras in this new HTC One? We'll find out soon!

HTC and Ubuntu Countdown in Sync

It's most likely a coincidence, but if you don't believe in those, it's certainly intriguing that both HTC and Ubuntu have chosen the exact same day and time to unveil something new. In less than a couple of hours we'll know what they're up to, and see if there is anything related in these announcements... or not.

In case of Ubuntu, we can be sure that after their Ubuntu Phone they'll now show off their Ubuntu for tablets (probably running in a Nexus 7 and/or Nexus 10).

As for the HTC, while some say we might see a Ubuntu powered device, I think it's safer to assume we'll get to know the new "M7" high-end smartphone that is expected to come to market within a couple of weeks and that will mark the beginning of the super-maxi-phone wars for this year - we'll see how it fares comparing to the likes from Sony, LG, and of course... Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S4 which is still under wraps.

I just hope that, in the race for these amazing mobile devices, manufacturers don't forget that we still need high-end smartphones in more portable formats. These FullHD 5"+ screens might be impressive... but I still think there are a lot of people out there that are unwilling to carry those around in their daily life.

How do you see these upcoming monsters? Are you willing to sacrifice a bit of "pocketability" for the chance to have a FullHD screen in your smartphone?

HTC M7 Camera to Feature "Ultra-Pixels"

Looks like the megapixel race might be about to end (ok, I'm being overly optimistic). Just the other day I was talking about a new image sensor developed by Panasonic that promises to fully use 100% of the incoming light, and now it seems like the new HTC M7 will have a camera featuring ultrapixels.

But... what are these ultrapixels?

A while back I explained how image sensors worked, and how our digital color cameras mostly use monchrome image sensors fitted with Bayer pattern filters to actually figure out each color. But that also means that each color pixel isn't actually real, but estimated based on the pixels next to it. To actually be truly accurate we'd need to use at least three or four pixels with a color pattern to make one real color pixel. But you might imagine how that would go in the marketing department: "how do you mean our 8MP image sensor only produces a 2MP color image!?!"

But, there are different color image sensors, like Foveon:

Instead of wasting pixels with color filters, these sensors are stacked in layers, with each layer capturing a specific color. Meaning, each pixel is actually a "color pixel" and won't suffer from the interpolation estimation done in the bayer pattern image sensors.

This is the kind of sensor HTC will be using in their upcoming M7 flagship, and let's hope the differences will make it worth the wait.

Next Google Nexus 5 to come from HTC?

The Nexus family of reference Android devices has been something that Google has "spread around" several companies, as a sign of balance and equality among all. So, it would make perfect sense that after the Samsung Nexus, and the Asus Nexus 7, Google would complete the cycle by going back to the company that made the first Android device, and that would certainly appreciate its lending hand: HTC.

Of course, a long time has passed since those first early years, and this new Nexus 5 by HTC is nothing like the first Android device - quite the opposite. The Nexus 5 should bring us an amazing 5" FullHD 1080p display (something we have already reported a while back), as well as a top of the line S4 Pro CPU, 2GB RAM, 12MP camera (2MP front facing), LTE/4G, and 2500mAh battery to keep it all going.

It should also launch with a new and impoved Android version (4.1.2), that promises to that project Butter smoothness to even higher standards - as well as some other teaks, fixes and improvements.

Looks like those standing on the edge of buying/not buying the new iPhone 5, just got pulled from making a judgement call and should wait for a little while longer to see what Google/HTC are planning. The new Nexus should be annouced in the next few weeks, and we'll see just how much of these rumors pan out to be true.

Windows Phone 7 on HTC HD2

Microsoft showed no intention of allowing existing devices to run their new mobile OS.

But now, after we've seen it running Ubuntu on the HTC HD2, and after several official statements saying the new mobile OS from MS wouldn't run on it, it's time for us to see the new Windows Phone 7 running on the HTC HD2!

Of course, this was done by a hacker, and the official stance remains - but at least it offers a glimpse of hope for all those that felt abandoned by MS and wanting to try the new OS in their HD2's.

Ubuntu in HTC Touch Pro 2

Remember the times where your desktop computer had a CPU running in the few dozen Mhz range, and had just a few Megabytes of Ram?

Even so, it still ran a full graphical OS and every program you could need back then.

So, no matter how amazing it might seem, running Ubuntu on a HTC Touch Pro 2 which has far superior specs... just serves to prove that point.

HTC Magic Sense Update

In case you've missed it: HTC Magic's firmware update is already available for all those wanting to try the sexy looking Sense UI.

As you'd expect: backup your stuff before trying it - as the upgrade process will wipe your Magic clean.

HTC HD2 [Video]

No one can deny this HTC HD2 sure looks sexy. It's a pity they don't give us the chance to choose from Windows Mobile and Android. I'd certainly feel tempted to buy an Android 2.0 version of this HD2.

But, if Windows Mobile is your thing, then I don't see anything keeping you from wanting one of these.

Run HTC Hero in Android G1

If you feel your Android G1 suddenly looks "old" when compared to the new Android user interface HTC launched in its Hero device, let me tell you a secret: you can get it running on your G1.



Thanks XDA-developers and GetYourDroidOn.

HTC Hero - Best Android Ever

Looks like HTC Hero is now being considered "the best android device ever".

I still can't get myself to like that Jay Leno jaw look...But that's just me, and it certainly won't detract from its hardware nor its capabilities.

If you're looking for an Android phone and can get past its looks, the HTC Hero definitely seems to be the best choice around.

HTC Magic - Android

With the arrival of the first Android mobile at Portugal, a friend of mine Marta, has kindly shared her first opinions going from her actual HTC Touch Pro (Windows Mobile) to her new HTC Magic (Android). Here's her first impressions about the Android "Magic":

Design: Great, slim and light. As my husband puts it: "looks like a girly phone".

Flow: Works every time, with no missed gestures. It has 3 screens, left-center-right.

The central page comes with an analog clock. I prefer a digital one (got it at the android market.) Most stuff there is for free.

The page on the right comes with Google search, the page on the left comes empty.
(You can add stuff into either one)

Wallpaper: Comes with just a few, but the neat thing is that it occupies the 3 screens, giving it a beautiful effect.

Explorer:There is none, which leaves me a bit "lost" when searching for files. If you want to look for photos you need to use "Gallery", to find musics you need to use "Music", etc. I find it a bit lacking.


Pattern to unlock: Never had it before, and I loved it. You can create your own uniques gesture to unlock the phone instead of a password.

Menu: The menu is always kept at the bottom of the screem, you just drag it up. Here you can find every app installed in the phone. Its quick to open and easy to navigate either using the touchscreen or the small trackball.

Contact list: I can't say its gorgeous, but it's certainly fast. Favorites look a lot nicer (wish the regular contacts showed like that.) One problem: the birthday field is missing, which is kind of odd as Gmail has it in its contact list.

Calendar: Loved it, as my entire life is there :) As soon as I add or edit something online or on the phone with syncs automatically. I'll never forget anything again. (Editor note: I wouldn't count on that! ;) I love the fact that it also keeps the same color I've chosen in Gcalendar.

Keyboard: Loved it, it works as expected, withou wrong key presses. Minor issue: it takes some time switching from portrait to landscape mode and back.

Browser: Its quite fast and easy to navigate. I don't usually access the web on the phone, but I must confess I'm impressed.

Voice Recorder: Doesn't have one. Don't know if it's really missing or if I just couldn't find it. Got one from the android market, but it should come with one as standard. I also think the sound isn't that great, and the volume is rather low.

Notepad: Also missing. Also required a "trip" to the market.

Video: Not bad, but it only allow us to see a small range of formats, If you record a video it will be stored as MPG4. I think it also plays wmv (heard it, but didn't test it).

Generally, I'm quite impressed with it :)

Now, all we need is another analysis once the "novelty factor" wears off, and we learn how it really handles in day-to-day operation. (Not that I expect it to "fail" in any way... but there those things that we can only learn when using it for real on a daily basis. :)

HTC TouchFLO v2.5

Better late than never! This new TouchFlo 3D for Windows Mobile created by HTC certainly looks great.

For the first time, this "flashy" interface goes deep under the hood, replacing even those "awkward" settings screens that ruined the feeling everytime you had to access it, showing you were still using a regular "Windows Mobile."
With this new TouchFlo, we can kiss those goodbye.

You'll be able to find this new improved TouchFLO 3D in the upcoming HTC Firestone, making it a prime candidate for all you Windows Mobile lovers out there.
(Hopefully, HTC will also release it as an update to its previous devices.)