The confirmation came through today that the flagship one series of devices from HTC, The One X, The One S, and The One V would not be coming to Verizon wireless as some might have originally hoped. HTC’s Jeff Gordon has stated that “Verizon Wireless will not be carrying any of the HTC One devices currently announced, as for future devices, anything is possible.” Instead, VZ-Dub has opted to fully back and debut The HTC Droid incredible 4G LTE at the upcoming CTIA wireless trade show this week.
There are some similarities between the incredible 4G and the one series of devices. The incredible 4G will carry beats audio, support for HTC’s Media Link video system, and will run on Android’s newest version of the operating system 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While it shares these traits however, some things are different as it will not house the same 1.5 ghz dual core snapdragon S4 from qualcomm, but a slower 1.2 ghz dual core model. It also doesn’t use the image sense camera processor that is found in the One line of devices.
All this points to a still very stellar device heading Verizon’s way. Jeff Gordon also made note to inform that the incredible 4g LTE doesn’t have an under-clocked processor, that HTC and Verizon both decided it was better to go with a slower part. Verizon is not the only carrier deciding against carrying a One series device. Sprint has also decided not to pick one up and will customize its HTC EVO 4G LTE. Sprint will revamp it with a different body style, a built in kick stand and HD voice. Comparing the two side by side, the EVO 4G LTE is more than likely closer to the One X than the Incredible 4G LTE is to any of the One series devices. Even Virgin mobile is a partner when the HTC One V was originally announced.
Even though the incredible 4G seems to have a few things that it lacks compared to the One X, it does have an unlocked bootloader which the One X does not. It seems that there was quite following of fans that wouldn’t have it any other way. This small group of android nerds is extremely passionate about the capability to tweak and change their devices. For those of you that are unfamiliar with what an unlocked bootloader does, it allows you somewhat endless possibilities to customize the firmware (or OS) on your device. Which can enhance its user experience, looks, features and the like. This move by HTC to keep the bootloader unlocked is because HTC says they fully support the ability to keep things open and customizable.
HTC is fully committed to the bootloader unlocking program and that Verizon is also completely behind it. Ultimately leading to its choice to make the incredible 4G LTE with this feature. While Verizon is behind the idea now. They could of course change their mind at any time.
Unlike its closely linked competitor, the HTC One X has a locked bootloader. Restrictions unknown by AT&T to make this decision cause many to think that AT&T are unsupportive of the unlocking software on its devices. This comes as no surprise to me of course as they have restricted other android devices in one way another in the past. The Captivate was a good example of this as you had no option to load 3rd party applications into device, meaning apps had to come from the Play store. (Know back then as the Android Market).
So all you subscribers of BIG RED out there. Are you eagerly awaiting the release of the new incredible? I know it would certainly be a considerable choice for me if I was a subscriber of Verizon wireless service.