HTC HD Mini gets an audio hotfix
Apparently long-suffering HTC HD Mini owners have been having problems with intermittent audio muting during phone calls.
Fear not however, as HTC has a hotfix ready to sort out the problem. As a hotfix it will not delete your data, but a back-up remains advised.
Download the hotfix from HTC here.
HTC HD Mini, Touch Pro 2 gets ‘SMS stability’ update
HTC’s HTC Sense SMS software does not have the best reputation for speed and reliability, and while it seems recent versions of HTC Sense have fixed the issue, this does not help users running carrier ROMs.
Fortunately HTC has decided to take care of current owners by shipping a hotfix for the HTC HD Mini and HTC Touch Pro 2. The update “amends the internal management of SMS functionality, and enhances SMS transmission stability.”, and is suitable for ROM version 1.36.XX on the HTC HD Mini and ROM 2.08.XX for the HTC Touch Pro 2.
Download the HTC HD Mini version here, and the HTC Touch Pro 2 version here.
The update should leave your data untouched, but a backup is always advised.
HTC HD Mini gets a ROM update for better ring tones
The HTC HD Mini (specs) is a handset that has not created much of a fuss, unlike the HTC HD2, but apparently most users are quite happy with the device.
HTC has just released a ROM update which should make owners even happier. Besides the usual performance and stability improvements, HTC is also promising a smooth sliding mp3 trimming bar and improved ring tone sound quality.
The ROM update is available from HTC here and will reset your device to factory settings, so users should make a full backup of their data (don’t forget your Footprints).
Engadget reviews the HTC HD Mini, does not hate it
We have seen many Windows Mobile phones being put through the Engadget mangler, and usually being a lot worse for afterwards.
It seems HTC’s last Windows Mobile phone has come off a bit better than most, with a relatively positive review from Vladislav Savov, who gives the device a pretty good run through in the above video.
He concludes:
To conclude, if you take the time to train up your non-techy friends on how to use this phone, they’ll most definitely thank you for it. This is because the Mini truly is a smartphone and it truly advances functionality and utility beyond the feature handset division, but for the love of all that’s holy in tech — don’t let them see the real HD2. Or a Dell Streak. Or HTC’s own Desire. Just keep them away from those top-tier devices and their ludicrous speed and size, and you’ll have a very satisfied friend / customer / parent on your hands.
The Mini sets out to offer us a more compact experience of the HD2, but the HD2 is all about its massive screen, and the translation of the UI to a smaller footprint also comes with concordant tradeoffs. All the same, we like what HTC’s brought to the table and certainly wouldn’t begrudge someone giving us one of these to use as our day-to-day handset. Would we spend the money to buy one or get hooked onto a contract for it? Probably not. The HD Mini is presently priced far too close to the Legend and we still say it’s worth pushing the boat out that little bit further and getting yourself up into the 3.7-inch and above weight class. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself that you did.
Read his full review here.
HTC HD Mini gets first hotfix to improve “ring tone clarity”
HTC’s cute HD2 sibling, the HTC HD Mini, has just received its first hotfix. Apparently the HVGA device has a problem with ring tone clarity, appropriately addressed by the “HTC HD Mini Ring Tone Clarity Enhancement” Hotfix.
The hotfix should not damage any your user data, but as usual a backup is advised prior to installation.
Download the update here.
HTC HD Mini now available in India
HTC has announced the availability of the HTC HD Mini in India. Only the second Windows Mobile phone with a capacitive touch screen, the handset will be selling for a Rs 23,490 ($520), which is relatively steep, but still much cheaper than the HTC HD2.
The phone will retain existing features such as the WIFI hotspot capability, and will be available immediately from authorized HTC stores.
Read more at CellBharat.com here.
Vodafone promotional video for the HTC HD Mini
The HTC HD Mini has recently become available on Vodafone UK, and the company has published this short promotional video showing the device in action.
The video concentrates on showing the features, and the addition of a pretty girl certainly helps to make the device seem more attractive.
While the HTC HD Mini is not our most favourite device on WMPU, I do wonder if we have under-estimated the appeal. Let us know your thoughts below.
HTC HD Mini Review: Hardware
In part two of my HTC HD Mini review, we look at the hardware, rather than the software.
Hit the link below to see the review.
HTC HD Mini now available for free on Vodafone
The HTC HD Mini is now available on the Vodafone network in UK. The handset is available from £25 a month over 24 months or £30 a month over 18 months, the last which includes 500MB internet browsing.
For those who want a hands-on the handset should be available in stores starting next week.
ZDNet reviews the HTC HD Mini
Sometimes it is useful to see what they mainstream media think of our phones. ZDNet has reviewed the HTC HD Mini, likely one of the last Windows Mobile phones released by HTC, and have not found too much to complain about.
They note the screen is small, but otherwise excellent, calling it sharp and bright with excellent viewing angles. The size did however impact the ability to type on the on-screen keyboard, which may be a problem for users with large fingers. They liked the touch sensitive buttons, but would have preferred hard ones, and while they found the yellow internals cute, felt this touch was amusing but pointless.
They appreciated the WIFI Internet sharing and also the 15 day trial of CoPilot, and found the 5 megapixel camera surprisingly good, despite lacking a flash.
Battery life was however an issue, and they note they were never comfortable going for 24 hours of use without access to mains power.
In this first review of a Windows Mobile 6.5.3 device they conclude:
Conclusion
We found the HTC HD mini a pleasure to use. Its small format makes it pocket-friendly and easy to handle, and only very keen mobile web users will find the 3.2in. screen restrictive.Although the latest version of HTC’s Sense user interface for Windows Mobile is a step forward from its predecessor, the real question here is not about usability. It’s whether business users will upgrade now or hunker down and wait for Windows Phone 7 devices to arrive.
Read their full review here.
HTC HD Mini: Location based searching
Location based services are quite a big thing now, and HTC have built location based searches in to HTC Sense.
This is a demonstration of a new feature of HTC Sense on the HD Mini. It uses Google as a back end, so has most things you’d hope for.
The only thing I feel this could do with, is the ability to get directions to somewhere via Google Maps on device, rather than having to use the web based maps.
Thanks to appelflap for making me aware of this!
HTC HD Mini OpenGLES 2.0
As requested, here’s a quick video of the HD Mini and the HD2 running some OpenGLES demos. The HD2 seemed a lot more temperamental, not running some of the demos.
The two devices both features an AMD z430 GPU, and even with the much lower resolution on the HD Mini, the rendering is a similar speed on both.
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