droid dna

HTC One source code now out in the wild

HTC this week released the source code for the HTC One, which makes it easier for developers to create new custom ROMs and apps that work specifically with the phone.

Keeping with tradition, the HTC Dev team added its new flagship device to a growing list of kernel source code, binaries, and updates. While smartphone owners don't immediately benefit when HTC releases source code this way, developers and modders find the tools quite valuable.

Those who like to root their Android phones will appreciate the custom ROMs that utilize some or all of HTC's custom touches. We might … Read more

HTC to launch follow-up to Droid DNA, says marketing chief

A successor to HTC's Droid DNA phone is in the works, says HTC Chief Marketing Officer Ben Ho.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, Ho said that HTC would soon launch a second-generation Butterfly to take advantage of consumer appetite for large-screen smartphones, the Focus Taiwan news site reported.

The current 5-inch model is known as the Droid DNA in the U.S., but flies by the name of Butterfly in Taiwan and elsewhere.

Whatever its name, the current phone has seen robust demand and healthy sales, especially in Japan and Taiwan. Butterfly topped the iPhone 5 as the best … Read more

Qualcomm Quick Charge powers your device faster

Have you noticed that your new smartphone charges up quicker than your old one? You might want to thank Qualcomm and the Quick Charge 1.0 technology, which Qualcomm today announced is in more than 70 Snapdragon-based smartphones and tablets.

The rapid-charging technology can charge your phone up to 40 percent faster than previous generations, Qualcomm claims.

Where other models might take up to 4 hours to charge, a Quick Charge could accomplish the job in under 3 hours. As of today, there are more than 70 devices with support for Quick Charge 1.0, with more on the way.… Read more

Verizon details HTC Droid DNA bug fixes

Verizon will issue an update for the HTC Droid DNA in the near term that tackles some of the more frustrating user problems encountered by customers so far.

In a blog post, Big Red promises to update the HTC Droid DNA. Sorry, but this isn't the Android 4.2.2 update currently rolling out to the Nexus line; this is far less ambitious.

Once installed, the handset will benefit from better connectivity and added functionality. There is very little new in the software, but most of the features outlined are listed with "improvements."

While the phrasing is opaque, … Read more

Ultrapixels? Karaoke? Where HTC's 'M7' could go next

HTC's rumored M7 smartphone will usher in cutting-edge audio and photography features, if recent clues are an accurate indicator. A close look at an official HTC infographic teases a "new sound and camera experience" and provides hints of what to expect.

While the last line of the infographic might be the most fun to read, it is the lead-up that tells us where HTC is focused. HTC makes a point of saying that Apple did not change the image sensor size for the iPhone 4S in 2011.

What's more, the handset maker opines that it doesn'… Read more

Verizon's HTC M7 could come to life as a Droid DNA refresh

Verizon may soon debut a refreshed version of the HTC Droid DNA smartphone, according to newly uncovered details leaked by software developer and HTC insider @LlabTooFeR.

Hardware specifications for a model known as "DLXPLUS" suggest that the nation's largest wireless provider could be readying a device with details that are not unlike the rumored HTC M7.

The hardware list points to an Android Jelly Bean device with Sense 5.0, a 4.7-inch 1080p display, a 13-megapixel camera, and a quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 processor. Said to also have 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, the … Read more

The top six wireless charging handsets (roundup)

Whether you think it's just a trendy party trick or the next feature we should all come to expect from high-end handsets, wireless charging is catching on and has been featured in a number of top-tier devices.

And while the future of its popularity still hangs in the air, we rounded up the best phones (in no particular order) that are available now and feature the technology. All these handsets, save for one Lumia, feature the capability natively and don't require a special phone case.

In addition, if you're looking at this list with envy while holding … Read more

Best Android Jelly Bean smartphones you can get now

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity for Android Jelly Bean phones to ship, I'm glad to see that a flood of handsets with the coveted software has burst onto the mobile scene. Some of these devices, such as the HTC Droid DNA and LG Nexus 4, rolled straight off the assembly line boasting Google's most modern OS. Older phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Motorola Droid Razr HD Maxx, just received this significant upgrade.

Take a look at this stellar list of smartphones that all offer a state-of-the-art Android experience. From the pure flavor only … Read more

Quad-core smartphone shootout

Until now, smartphones with quad-core processors used to be just a twinkle in the eye of wistful Android addicts and gadget gurus. Either that or they remained exotic pieces of futuristic hardware reserved for foreigners. Quad-core handsets are now starting to arrive in force. The question is: which device packs the biggest CPU wallop? This chart lays it all out with deeper analysis below.

Phone HTC One X+ LG Nexus 4 LG Optimus G HTC Droid DNA Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Processor 1.7GHz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon … Read more