A short, open letter to anyone at HTC - AT&T, Rogers HTC One X, Telstra One XL

My return to CM10 sparked the following open letter to HTC, which I opted to post on The Verge, since I know at least a couple people at HTC watch the Verge Mobile Show.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/19/3665826/a-short-open-letter-to-anyone-at-htc

I agree with everything but the sense part it's improved lots but has loads of room for improvements
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2

Unfortunately they don't give two sh*ts..
But I 100000% agree with your letter

I actually dont mind running Sense. When I had my HTC EVO I seemed to have more problems or had to always be flashing a newer release of a Rom when I was on AOSP. I know its not CM 10 but its still stock Andriod and some of them were builds off of CM. Either way it would awesome to be able to use some of HTC's widgets as apps and be able to run a Stock Android as the OS, that would be sick.
Question though on CM10 does the dialer work like Sense's dialer where, when making a call you can type the name of the contact and it will bring up their number. (ex if you chose P it would bring up all of your contacts with a p in their name). Sad but that is what has always been the one of the factors that pushes me back to sense.

Better to have the option of installing both.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 06:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:39 PM ----------
deepsouth06 said:
I actually dont mind running Sense. When I had my HTC EVO I seemed to have more problems or had to always be flashing a newer release of a Rom when I was on AOSP. I know its not CM 10 but its still stock Andriod and some of them were builds off of CM. Either way it would awesome to be able to use some of HTC's widgets as apps and be able to run a Stock Android as the OS, that would be sick.
Question though on CM10 does the dialer work like Sense's dialer where, when making a call you can type the name of the contact and it will bring up their number. (ex if you chose P it would bring up all of your contacts with a p in their name). Sad but that is what has always been the one of the factors that pushes me back to sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are able to do that in CM10 as well.
The main reason I stay on sense is cause aosp ROMs look boring
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app

adolfo778 said:
Better to have the option of installing both.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 06:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:39 PM ----------
Yes you are able to do that in CM10 as well.
The main reason I stay on sense is cause aosp ROMs look boring
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:silly::silly::silly::silly::silly::silly:
We need some JB Sense.. Hopefully it's smooth like aosp

I actually love sense...I would probably be with Sammy right now if HTC didn't have sense.... I wouldn't mind if they gave you an aroma like option when you first turned on the phone to go stock or sense that'd be brilliant and probably sell them much more to the aosp loving people

omario8484 said:
I actually love sense...I would probably be with Sammy right now if HTC didn't have sense.... I wouldn't mind if they gave you an aroma like option when you first turned on the phone to go stock or sense that'd be brilliant and probably sell them much more to the aosp loving people
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I totally realize some people love Sense, and HTC has put way too much effort into Sense to just throw the whole thing out - but there's no reason that most of these things couldn't just be optional downloads.
Seems like it'd be a win/win for everyone - people who love Stock could have Stock, people who love Sense could have Sense, and HTC could provide OS updates directly from Google. They could even update their own Sense components independent of OTA downloads, meaning we could get an updated Camera app without having to get a whole new OTA, for example.

I think the reason that Sense apps and widgets are not deployed as separate downloads is pretty simple: they want to provide a user experience that appeals to the masses, and provides features that (they think) most people would find useful or cool, right out of the box.
Once you relegate those features to separate downloads, many people would probably never know those features even existed, or not bother to download them.
Not saying you are in any way wrong. But I also think I see HTC's viewpoint as well.
You also bring up an interesting point, that HTC would be able to deploy updates or fixes to the components without deploying a whole new firmware.

redpoint73 said:
I think the reason that Sense apps and widgets are not deployed as separate downloads is pretty simple: they want to provide a user experience that appeals to the masses, and provides features that (they think) most people would find useful or cool, right out of the box.
Once you relegate those features to separate downloads, many people would probably never know those features even existed, or not bother to download them.
Not saying you are in any way wrong. But I also think I see HTC's viewpoint as well.
You also bring up an interesting point, that HTC would be able to deploy updates or fixes to the components without deploying a whole new firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, though I touched on this in my post - HTC could easily have these features installed by default, but allow for the knowledgeable user to uninstall them. My problem right now is that you can't get any Sense features (some of which are quite good) without the entire bloated Sense OS that comes with it.

That's such an awesome letter thank you do very much.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium

I agree with your letter entirely. I've never owned and HTC product before I bought the One X. Why? Just because of Sense. To me it's unneeded bloat just like carriers put on their phones. I root and mod anyway but that's not the point. The point is that HTC and other manufacturers feel the need to shove their skins down people's throats without a choice. This imo is a complete contradiction to the very premise of Android, to be open and free.
Even though I do root and mod every phone I buy, I won't be buying another HTC device in the near future. I won't say never, but it would have to be something that is one heck of a better phone than anything out there. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my One X and I am happy with it, but my hesitation to buy from the start was Sense and it always will be.

insanecrane said:
I agree with your letter entirely. I've never owned and HTC product before I bought the One X. Why? Just because of Sense. To me it's unneeded bloat just like carriers put on their phones. I root and mod anyway but that's not the point. The point is that HTC and other manufacturers feel the need to shove their skins down people's throats without a choice. This imo is a complete contradiction to the very premise of Android, to be open and free.
Even though I do root and mod every phone I buy, I won't be buying another HTC device in the near future. I won't say never, but it would have to be something that is one heck of a better phone than anything out there. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my One X and I am happy with it, but my hesitation to buy from the start was Sense and it always will be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a pure android experience you should get a nexus.I mean every one puts their skin HTC's just happens to be the heaviest...it's not like you can't slap on nova on there and HTC is getting better with releasing their kernel source so original development is doing well for the devices... But HTC just can't 'drop' sense ...like I said earlier for them to put an option when you first boot the phone to go stock android or have sense would be brilliant and than would appeal to every user...with great hardware and what type of software on their you like you can't go wrong

I was spoilt by my HTC Desire, being basically identical to the Nexus One it had multiple great AOSP roms and battery life was better as it should be on AOSP. I'm making do with Clean Rom and Nova launcher atm in part for the camera and sense has improved, also to be honest the fact CM10 has worse battery life has scared me away from even trying it. I was set to switch to the Nexus 4 but they put the wrong chip in it leaving battery life quite poor. In the end I still feel like this is the best phone on the market for me even with sense.
Anyway, to your letter I agree almost 100%, I would like to see them release like a developer AOSP rom for their devices on htcdev to flash over the standard rom for those inclined to do so. I don't see how it would be difficult for them to do, I'm no software engineer but surely all the hard work has been done with the low level stuff like drivers etc. when developing the sense rom. I have seen they will be releasing developer roms but it's unclear whether they will still be sense based.
As you say they could embrace some of these things and really carve out a niche for themselves. I still think they make the best phones.

I mean, cell phone is not only for geek like us. Recently I bought an One S for my day, who is really in love with that system. But yes it indeed make upgrading much slower...
The most important thing is I love their design and hardware, and I really hope they can have some longer sight and survive recent crisis.

Related

Are you disappointed with AOSP roms?

I don't know, There just doesn't seem much hype or effort going into the AOSP roms or the customization for them. I feel like it's a lost cause. I see sense being updated rather often and I dont see the hype over sense. This is legit T-Mobiles best phone. I just don't understand why there's lack of development for AOSP roms. Yes we have Cyanogenmod and we had Xboarder and Htcclay for a short term, which I feel hurt the sensation community. I just don't see much coming out. Which makes me want to move on (maybe trade up for a nexus s)
I'm not saying anyones work here wasnt good, I give you mucho props for developing and taking your time on this, it's more than i could say for myself that doesn't know anything about development.
Comment, Negative or Positive. I dont care. I'd like to hear what anyone or everyone thinks.
I like debates.
Thanks.
xamadeix said:
I don't know, There just doesn't seem much hype or effort going into the AOSP roms or the customization for them. I feel like it's a lost cause. I see sense being updated rather often and I dont see the hype over sense. This is legit T-Mobiles best phone. I just don't understand why there's lack of development for AOSP roms. Yes we have Cyanogenmod and we had Xboarder and Htcclay for a short term, which I feel hurt the sensation community. I just don't see much coming out. Which makes me want to move on (maybe trade up for a nexus s)
I'm not saying anyones work here wasnt good, I give you mucho props for developing and taking your time on this, it's more than i could say for myself that doesn't know anything about development.
Comment, Negative or Positive. I dont care. I'd like to hear what anyone or everyone thinks.
I like debates.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree completely, and I have shared this same opinion multiple times already in this section. I am not used to AOSP/CM being so unpopular with the users, I don't even understand how CM's views are surpassed by a Sense ROM. Every other phone I had it would be the opposite, but here you guys prefer Sense only and give it more support, causing the Devs to pay more attention to it instead. I noticed when I 1st came here that Faux was developing, but he had no AOSP ROM for this phone, I said hmmm at first cause I was curious about the situation. I was hoping for a AOSP from Faux as I had on my MT4G, now I know other devs have AOSP, but the support for it isn't as intensive as in other phone sections IMO.
I have to agree, coming from an evo where it seems I had many many options of roms. this phone looks wise is everything I've wanted(the reason I obviously bought it). but I would take a nexus s if given the opportunity to be honest. I don't know what it is maybe due to the amaze being out? or the Sgs2? but I guess were third in the list fir t mobile devices now so not that popular anymore?
just my 2 cents.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
I guess there's a lack of AOSP ROMs because the source hasn't been released yet.
aNYthing24 said:
I guess there's a lack of AOSP ROMs because the source hasn't been released yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think people mean Gingerbread ASOP ROMs which we have had the source for a year now.
same here... not impressed with any AOSP Roms... camera very bad... many FC issues and miui with battery drain issues...
Same here...i am really done...once the galaxy nexus come out i will get it and be done with it. I would have sworn this phone would have cm7 by now. I should have gotten the nexus s last year if not because it didn't have sd...but this time around i will just stick with the nexus. REALLY done with all these so called wannabe nexus.
Sent from my Sensation using xda premium
Yeah, it's quite disappointing. I was quite shocked tbh, coming from the Desire (which has ****loads of roms). Guess I should have done a bit more research before buying my Sensation XE, but then again I love it anyway, despite the number of AOSP roms
Maybe the Sensation just isn't appealing to the majority of devs out there? Or perhaps it's just a matter of time before the devs from older models move on to better phones (hopefully Sensation)...
Fortunately though the devs we do have are awesome, and I for one am quite fulfilled with my current cm7 rom
Mad?
Are you kidding me? They are the BEST! They dont drain your battery.
I switched from Verizon to T-Mobile in hopes that I would finally get a phone that gets updates. Granted, this phone does get updates - to Sense. But I am slightly disappointed after seeing so much movement on these GSM devices in the past. Now it seems like there's a lot of focus in the CDMA area. Go figure.
I'd much rather have a GSM/HSPA phone, and I do wish we had a fully functioning CM7 so we can have better ROMs - especially for what was supposed to be HTC's flagship phone.
Sent from my Sensation using Tapatalk
You sir haven't tried coredroid. Don't go bashing all Roms.
jjdoctor said:
same here... not impressed with any AOSP Roms... camera very bad... many FC issues and miui with battery drain issues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
The only thing that is stopping me use AOSP roms are the terrible camera app they have. P.s CoreDroid really is disgusting to look at, I had it on my sensation for less than 5 mins before I downloaded a different rom. Overuse of colour and awful fonts really is not sleek, just tacky.
Yep. Thats right. AOSP roms are way better. the only thing people are wanting from the sense rom is the camera app i bet you.
vitusdoom said:
Yep. Thats right. AOSP roms are way better. the only thing people are wanting from the sense rom is the camera app i bet you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera and the beats audio. Aosp roms are nice to have but I just can't deal with all these bugs that are still there.hopefully the guys porting ics will bring a better name to aosp on the sensation
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
Not really. I use this rom:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321556
with the Faux kernel. It's AOSP with Cyanogenmod Settings included, so it's basically CM. At this point in time, AOSP roms for the Sensation are about perfect, so there isn't much development needed. Now we're all just hoping for AOSP Android 4.0.
Also, I agree about the camera, it's the only thing I like about Sense. The AOSP camera sucks hard.
I'm definitely not disappointed. For me, CM7 is faster, simpler, more elegant and more useful than Sense in every way.
The camera is the ONLY thing that is better on Sense, but the CM7 camera has improved greatly and is without a doubt good enough.
Btw, I've been using CM7 as my daily driver since it was released on this phone (while occasionally trying out every single Sense rom available) and have had zero issues with it since like alpha 6.. so what bugs are you all talking about??
There is also nothing on any Sense rom that can even compare to the amount of options you're able to customize with Cyanogenmod Settings. The status bar tweaks and notification bar widget tweaks alone are simply amazing.
i love sense... i buyed a sensation instead of a sgs2 because of sense why should i change this?
Thing is, If I wanted a stock android look I would have bought a nasty plastic samsung. AOSP may be fast, but twithout exception, they are pig ugle and dull. Sense makes a difference. HTC and sense is a winning combo, mainly because of sense
tinker2000 said:
Thing is, If I wanted a stock android look I would have bought a nasty plastic samsung. AOSP may be fast, but twithout exception, they are pig ugle and dull. Sense makes a difference. HTC and sense is a winning combo, mainly because of sense
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not saying you're wrong or I disagree, but most people are saying that Sense is what's holding HTC back. I understand both points, but I do agree that Sense is in need of an overhaul - and while Sense may be nicer than Gingerbread, Ice Cream's UI looks great.
tinker2000 said:
..AOSP may be fast, but twithout exception, they are pig ugle and dull..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is all that ugly..

Do these comanies really think we like their interfaces (sense, touchwiz and so on)?

They are putting so much effort into these new interfaces - now all redone for ICS. And you look at these new interfaces and you say to yourself - WHY?!
Take Samsung's new TW for ICS. Why oh why would they take anything that is so fresh and new and put the same old TW - making the phone look like it's old before it even came out?
Now HTC are doing the same.
They are all missing out on the fact that users would rather just have it 'the way it is". This is the reason XDA is so full with people changing the roms, and so on.
benyben123 said:
They are putting so much effort into these new interfaces - now all redone for ICS. And you look at these new interfaces and you say to yourself - WHY?!
Take Samsung's new TW for ICS. Why oh why would they take anything that is so fresh and new and put the same old TW - making the phone look like it's old before it even came out?
Now HTC are doing the same.
They are all missing out on the fact that users would rather just have it 'the way it is". This is the reason XDA is so full with people changing the roms, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is sad. I've had opportunity to play with vanilla ICS on my HD2 and love it so much I was hoping HTC wouldn't mess it up with Sense or the same old thing. I have an Inspire waiting for the update and want vanilla ICS...or something resembling it. I guess rooting will have to be an option to get what it should have.
You may not like it, but alot of people do. Sense is a beautiful thing. The companies absolutely have to implement their own UI. To the casual user, this is the only selling point that distinguishes one company from another. A non-tech savvy person could care less how many Ghz the CPU runs at, or how many cores it has...they are going to pick the one with the pretty screen. If us at XDA don't like sense or touchwiz, we flash an AOSP based ROM...problem solved.
lowandbehold said:
You may not like it, but alot of people do. Sense is a beautiful thing. The companies absolutely have to implement their own UI. To the casual user, this is the only selling point that distinguishes one company from another. A non-tech savvy person could care less how many Ghz the CPU runs at, or how many cores it has...they are going to pick the one with the pretty screen. If us at XDA don't like sense or touchwiz, we flash an AOSP based ROM...problem solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed". These modern smartphone are insanely hungry - they sometimes need to run more tasks than my personal PC. Yes, you do get the occasional teenager that says that "the way it moves [sense] is soo cool". But all things aside, I am not sure these teenagers are the biggest buyers. I may be completely wrong here though, and perhaps this is what counts. I am in my late 20's so the ppl i ask are my circle of age
benyben123 said:
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed". These modern smartphone are insanely hungry - they sometimes need to run more tasks than my personal PC. Yes, you do get the occasional teenager that says that "the way it moves [sense] is soo cool". But all things aside, I am not sure these teenagers are the biggest buyers. I may be completely wrong here though, and perhaps this is what counts. I am in my late 20's so the ppl i ask are my circle of age
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My opinion on it was null until I used ICS. Having Sense or TW on GB or FroYo is no big deal to me or any kind of tragedy. But ICS is altogether a much different affair. It is the best Android Google has ever conceived and it will feel like a horrible downgrade covering it up with an OEM UI.
With GB or FroYo, I could install any 3rd-party UI if I didn't want Sense or TW and I didn't mind. Right now, in fact, I'm using an authentic iOS UI on my Inspire. But with ICS, it's already the best UI humanity will ever be graced with using. Sense or TW will only muddy it.
benyben123 said:
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed". These modern smartphone are insanely hungry - they sometimes need to run more tasks than my personal PC. Yes, you do get the occasional teenager that says that "the way it moves [sense] is soo cool". But all things aside, I am not sure these teenagers are the biggest buyers. I may be completely wrong here though, and perhaps this is what counts. I am in my late 20's so the ppl i ask are my circle of age
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't disagree with you one bit. I never go away from AOSP ROM's. I'm just saying why they do it. It's like asking Nike to make some shoes without the swoosh...
But you can't disagree that they don't cover both end of the spectrum by using their own UI. The manufacturers know that if the techy people don't like it, we just get rid of it.
benyben123 said:
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, duh, if you ask your question like that... But the problem is, with such a question, you're not getting the data you want to get. The way to get what you really want know, they would need to be using (and for more than 30s) both interfaces on the same phone. Only then could you get a valid answer as to which interface they prefer.
:O
I cant DISAGREE MORE
Sense (and HTC's build quality) is all that is keeping me AWAY from Samsung.
And on that same note, Touchwiz and Blur are all that keep me away from Samsung and Motorolla....
If HTC stopped making Sense I would switch to IOS. Stock android is UGLY and lacks the functionality of Sense.
Well hopefully Samsung (and other mfgs) move towards the GUI being "less intrusive" to the OS. Have it as a launcher option instead of being imbedded into the OS. This would make OS updates quicker and give people a choice (as in keep it, use vanilla, or use another 3rd party launcher like LP, Go, etc).
adelmundo said:
Well hopefully Samsung (and other mfgs) move towards the GUI being "less intrusive" to the OS. Have it as a launcher option instead of being imbedded into the OS. This would make OS updates quicker and give people a choice (as in keep it, use vanilla, or use another 3rd party launcher like LP, Go, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't agree more emphatically with this. This is exactly what they all should be doing. It would please everyone all at once.
adelmundo said:
Well hopefully Samsung (and other mfgs) move towards the GUI being "less intrusive" to the OS. Have it as a launcher option instead of being imbedded into the OS. This would make OS updates quicker and give people a choice (as in keep it, use vanilla, or use another 3rd party launcher like LP, Go, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you are wrong here. It is not intrusive enough, and that is the main problem. Sense, touchwiz, blur, etc. are just overlays. This fact causes the ROM to be huge and use up resources which causes the lag. If it was "more intrusive" and built into the framework of the ROM, the performance gains would be huge.
I hated touchwiz on the sgs, although it added some nice functionality it had alot of annoyances. However I love tw on sgs2. But this of course is on GB. If they just stuck the same looking tw on Ics I'd be upset. Ics changed the ui so dramatically (imo positively) that I feel that manufacturers should also adjust. Of course I feel that since we all know companies will throw in their own overlay, I hope it will now be in a way that will not interfere as much with the update process.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
Now with the ICS they can stop putting so much effort in messing with Android UI. There are some changes that I really like, such as Samsung notify bar and contact.
I love Timescape UI, and from what I saw, the ICS update will mix Timescape with ICS, it will be so beautiful, i think. I just have to wait until I buy my Nozomi
Sent using Mini CM7 Pro by Paul
You can either: flash a custom rom or just live with it. No biggie for me though.
Sent from my E10i using XDA App
sooyong94 said:
You can either: flash a custom rom or just live with it. No biggie for me though.
Sent from my E10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to root first before you can flash a custom ROM. And from what I see of the rooting process of the Inspire, it's pretty complicated and technical. So rooting isn't really a viability in this case.
MartyLK said:
You have to root first before you can flash a custom ROM. And from what I see of the rooting process of the Inspire, it's pretty complicated and technical. So rooting isn't really a viability in this case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's not very hard though....
Root phone
Install recovery
Boot to recovery and install
???
PROFIT!!! (For typical Android phones)
Then if everyone is so paranoid about manufacturer skins or updates why don't they simply get a Nexus? Problem solved. Or they can go for other platforms such as WP7....
Because we aren't iOS or WP7 where everyone has the same layout, style or icons, and we all look the same.
Personally I hate the stock look, it looks bland and right now cliched due to the unchanging appearance. (yes, I will say the ics launcher still looks like gingerbread/froyo/eclair to me, just a different color, whoopteedoo)
However I like the other poster's ideas of including the ics stock interface, as this was also proposed in the sgs 2 forums. Rather give us the touchwiz/sense/blahblah and include ics stock if we don't like.
sooyong94 said:
Well, it's not very hard though....
Root phone
Install recovery
Boot to recovery and install
???
PROFIT!!! (For typical Android phones)
Then if everyone is so paranoid about manufacturer skins or updates why don't they simply get a Nexus? Problem solved. Or they can go for other platforms such as WP7....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at the Inspire process. I understand the general process and can do it rather painlessly on most other phones, but the process for the Inspire is overwhelmingly intimidating.
MartyLK said:
Have a look at the Inspire process. I understand the general process and can do it rather painlessly on most other phones, but the process for the Inspire is overwhelmingly intimidating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True dat. I wonder why HTC is locking their bootloaders when other phone manufacturers like Sammy and SE are doing right now. Even Moto is going to unlock their bootloaders too.

Disappointment of ICS upgrade

Just to make things clear, I've not got the Sensation ICS upgrade yet - but I've become a lot less enthusiastic about it after seeing the screenshots.
To me, it still looks almost identical. Under the hood I'm sure the changes are numerous. And sure there are some changes to some aspects of the GUI, but it's really not the wholesale change that stock ICS brought in with the nice cool blue holo theme on the Galaxy Nexus. I know HTC want the differentiation in their handsets, but I have to say, for the first time in my Android life, I'm thinking about rooting and whether my next Android phone will be an HTC at all....
It just looks a bit tired and dated. The HTC One X looks nice on paper (although I wish it had the AMOLED screen of the S), but the screenshots when it shows the software are making me yawn.
I'm interested to hear if others feel the same or whether they are still excited about the upgrade. Maybe it's just me!?!
Anyway, I'm off to read about rooting I'd be interested to hear what you think the best ICS ROMs are.
And it's going to be exactly the same with other manufacturer phones too such as samsung who will do the same and put their software on top.
It brings a lot of nice little changes does ICS and definitely worth the upgrade. If you didn't want Sense then get an AOSP rom installed or buy a pure android phone.
Sense is very good though and feel it adds a lot to the phone that stock android can't do.
Phil
Thanks for your reply Phil. I must admit, I was hoping the SGS3 wouldn't have too much crap put on it - it could well be my next phone if it's relatively "clean".
Before ICS, I completely agree - Sense added a lot for me and made the whole system consistent and a pleasure to use. But since getting an Asus Transformer Prime and having stock ICS (pretty much), I've realised that as of ICS, there isn't really anything that Sense adds for me anymore. Google has basically implemented all the Sense stuff I liked, and has moved the interface on at the same time (which HTC doesn't seem to be doing).
Of course, this is all personal opinion....
Thanks for the heads up on AOSP. I think I need to read up on how to do it and what kind of stability it has on the Sensation.
This is what I thought as well. The UI changes are minimal. A few changes here and there, and everything looks more minimalistic. I was very excited about the new lock screen on Android, but we didn't even get that What I do like, though is how much faster the phone is now, and the face unlock screen is awesome.
However, I will never ever use a custom rom on this. Def not worth shortening it's life-cycle.
I like Sense but it's not very well integrated with ICS, it seems a lot more disjointed than it was with Gingerbread. I'm considering just going with stock ICS for the consistency.
I don't like a lot of the changes to Sense such as the quick launch bar thing on the home screen, I much preferred it before. The shots of Sense on the One X look a hell of a lot nicer though so hopefully that'll make me happy.
different people have different tastes.
while ics might not be so captivating to some, but others look at it as a huge step forward from gingerbread. i personally dont look at ui changes and other personalization stuff. i decide to buy or not based on the hardware. OP said the one X is not as impressive as the one S. (if that's what the S stands for) but if u look deeper, one X only hoists tegra 3 while the one S has qualcomms latest krait s4 which is obviously faster than tegra 3. but screens aside, the one S dont amuse me at all. it only has a crappy pentile matrix which carries images that are not so sharp and sometimes blurred edges..
that said, different people has different tastes..
really? what was the need to create this useless thread? this is a development web-site/forum that is geared towards tweaking the stock stuff to come up with something different.
but I have to say, for the first time in my Android life, I'm thinking about rooting and whether my next Android phone will be an HTC at all....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you giving us a favor by rooting or what's the point here? you're not happy with HTC's version of android? go get a different branded phone or an iphone in that case.
this *****ing and moaning is off the gum-line recently. i'm still on a gb build and patiently waiting for the final release. will it be all that great? i don't think so, but has there ever been a "perfect" anything?
Just to make things clear, I've not got the Sensation ICS upgrade yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your whole post should have stopped right there, where you're missing a period...
FnH84 said:
However, I will never ever use a custom rom on this. Def not worth shortening it's life-cycle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explain please??? How does using a custom rom shorten the life cycle?????
moshbeard said:
I like Sense but it's not very well integrated with ICS, it seems a lot more disjointed than it was with Gingerbread. I'm considering just going with stock ICS for the consistency.
I don't like a lot of the changes to Sense such as the quick launch bar thing on the home screen, I much preferred it before. The shots of Sense on the One X look a hell of a lot nicer though so hopefully that'll make me happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain how sense is not integrated? If anything, it seems better than GB...
I really think ICS is one of those things you really need to experience and try it before voicing your opinions on it. I didn't think I'd like it as it looked ugly in pictures, but I can't imagine going back to GB now that I've been using it.
I'll ask my question again as I've never heard this ever, how does anybody think using a custom rom will shorten your phone's life??????
Just use nova launcher.
I think the ICS upgrade has been awesome so far. I isntalled a script to "remove sense" that was in the android revolution thread in the development section, and it's been great. HTC theme is still there (just no sense launcher/lock screen), and I use the nova lock screen and it seems to me, to be better than stock android in this configuration.
The phone's faster, the chrome browser is great, nova launcher is awesome. I was looking forward to a new phone, but not anymore. The new ones coming out arent that much better.
shiningarmor said:
OP said the one X is not as impressive as the one S. (if that's what the S stands for) but if u look deeper, one X only hoists tegra 3 while the one S has qualcomms latest krait s4 which is obviously faster than tegra 3. but screens aside, the one S dont amuse me at all. it only has a crappy pentile matrix which carries images that are not so sharp and sometimes blurred edges...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was talking about the S being better - I meant the AMOLED screen - and that alone. I can't use the Sensation as a bedside clock because of light bleed, but my old Desire with the AMOLED screen was great at this. The colours were also really vibrant - although a bit less realistic.
RussianBear said:
really? what was the need to create this useless thread? this is a development web-site/forum that is geared towards tweaking the stock stuff to come up with something different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the development bit would be Sensation Android Development forum. This bit is called Sensation General which is described as: "Discussion about HTC Sensation (general chat, tips & tricks, etc)". The "general chat" bit should give it away if that wasn't clear enough for you.
RussianBear said:
are you giving us a favor by rooting or what's the point here? you're not happy with HTC's version of android? go get a different branded phone or an iphone in that case.
this *****ing and moaning is off the gum-line recently. i'm still on a gb build and patiently waiting for the final release. will it be all that great? i don't think so, but has there ever been a "perfect" anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not "giving you a favor" (whatever that means). And as I said, I may well get another brand of phone - I actually wrote that in my original post. The point of the post was simply to gauge peoples reaction to HTCs efforts in porting ICS - as per the "general discussion" which this forum is designed for.
RussianBear said:
your whole post should have stopped right there, where you're missing a period...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your kind words. Welcome to the block list. Troll.
kingston73 said:
Explain please??? How does using a custom rom shorten the life cycle????
I'll ask my question again as I've never heard this ever, how does anybody think using a custom rom will shorten your phone's life??????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It means that if you use a custom rom that is not stable, and it overclocks your phone, the hardware will not function properly for as long as it would with stock rom. If anything is incorrectly "set" it will cause problems with the hardware, and this will eventually damage it. This doesn't concern leaked stock roms.
I've flashed my previous model as it was so cheap anyway,but with $400 phone I will not take the risk.
tifosi256 said:
When I was talking about the S being better - I meant the AMOLED screen - and that alone. I can't use the Sensation as a bedside clock because of light bleed, but my old Desire with the AMOLED screen was great at this. The colours were also really vibrant - although a bit less realistic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Super LCD2 in the one X is better than the super amoled in the GNex! Search YouTube for one X vs GNex. The super LCD 2 is full RGB not pentile 720p display ( ips technology) with excellent viewing angles and vibrant colours. Watch some reviews and you will see what I'm talking about. I was a fan of Super Amoled until I saw the display of the one X.
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using xda premium
tifosi256 said:
When I was talking about the S being better - I meant the AMOLED screen - and that alone. I can't use the Sensation as a bedside clock because of light bleed, but my old Desire with the AMOLED screen was great at this. The colours were also really vibrant - although a bit less realistic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the sensation is proven to have 2 different screen manufacturers, one better than the other
FnH84 said:
It means that if you use a custom rom that is not stable, and it overclocks your phone, the hardware will not function properly for as long as it would with stock rom. If anything is incorrectly "set" it will cause problems with the hardware, and this will eventually damage it. This doesn't concern leaked stock roms.
I've flashed my previous model as it was so cheap anyway,but with phone I will not take the risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you don't have to overclock, it's in your control with apps like SetCPU etc. Anyway, it'll only decrease the life if you leave it on a very high clock speed for a long period of time, basically, you'll have likely upgraded/lost/broken your phone before overclocking kills it from what I understand.
k0zmic said:
But you don't have to overclock, it's in your control with apps like SetCPU etc. Anyway, it'll only decrease the life if you leave it on a very high clock speed for a long period of time, basically, you'll have likely upgraded/lost/broken your phone before overclocking kills it from what I understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but how many of these people REALLY keep an eye on the phone's hardware and keep changing the cpu settings back and forth? I would guess not too many, unless you know what you're doing. I'm not claiming that overclocking will kill your phone instantly or anything like that.. It'd take months, or even years till that happened (depending on how high you've set it).
But even still, for some models there are some experimental / unfinished roms that have loads of bugs; the phone screen keeps flashing, it reboots randomly etc.. I cannot help but think this cannot be good for the hardware.
FnH84 said:
Yeah but how many of these people REALLY keep an eye on the phone's hardware and keep changing the cpu settings back and forth? I would guess not too many, unless you know what you're doing. I'm not claiming that overclocking will kill your phone instantly or anything like that.. It'd take months, or even years till that happened (depending on how high you've set it).
But even still, for some models there are some experimental / unfinished roms that have loads of bugs; the phone screen keeps flashing, it reboots randomly etc.. I cannot help but think this cannot be good for the hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep an eye on the hardware as in check whether it's overheating or feeling too warm?
You don't need need to change the CPU settings back and forth though, they can just be set to Max 1600MHz and a Min of 384MHz and then select 'Set on Boot'.
True, those probably aren't great for the hardware but who would (or even could) use those kind of Pre-Alpha ROM's for more than a day even?
FnH84 said:
It means that if you use a custom rom that is not stable, and it overclocks your phone, the hardware will not function properly for as long as it would with stock rom. If anything is incorrectly "set" it will cause problems with the hardware, and this will eventually damage it. This doesn't concern leaked stock roms.
I've flashed my previous model as it was so cheap anyway,but with $400 phone I will not take the risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never heard of a single case of somebody shortening the life of their phone because they rooted and used a custom rom. I know people have bricked their phones in the ATTEMPT to to root or flash a new rom, but that's not the same thing. I just don't buy your theory, sorry. As for the OP, if you don't like ICS because you've used it for a week and prefer GB, that's good. But if you don't like it because of what you've HEARD or read, that's just pointless, as others here have already posted.
tifosi256 said:
Actually the development bit would be Sensation Android Development forum. This bit is called Sensation General which is described as: "Discussion about HTC Sensation (general chat, tips & tricks, etc)". The "general chat" bit should give it away if that wasn't clear enough for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're so full of fail... this whole forum, as in xda-developers.com is a place for, you guessed it - developers. I don't think chatting about something you haven't even tried counts
tifosi256 said:
I'm not "giving you a favor" (whatever that means). And as I said, I may well get another brand of phone - I actually wrote that in my original post. The point of the post was simply to gauge peoples reaction to HTCs efforts in porting ICS - as per the "general discussion" which this forum is designed for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you made it sound like it was a huge deal to root a phone, and now, for the first time in your life, you're going to go ahead and start reading about it. We already have numerous threads that deal with "reactions." How can you even have a "reaction" to something you haven't tried?
tifosi256 said:
Thanks for your kind words. Welcome to the block list. Troll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
boo-boo-ka-ka
Honestly, I've used every version of sense... 1.0, 2.1, 3.0, 3.5, 3.6, AND 4. Sure, 4 is great. I do like it, it's a lot simpler than the others. (HTC said they felt Sense became bloated themselves.) However, I do believe that Sense 3.6 is a very nice version of Sense. It's not at all disjointed in my opinion like I have seen others say, I mean... compared to Sense 2.1 maybe... BUT Sense 2.1 didn't have any of the 3D or extra gloss that 3.0, 3.5, and 3.6 have. I feel that they really redesigned the Sense interface rather well for ICS and they integrated all of the things from the previous builds that made Sense great, plus some. I was actually thinking if 4.0 came out for Sensation I might even stay with 3.6 because it's a well built, stable version of Sense. They did a great job with the new button sliders, the new notification area looks, etc. I love it over GB Sense.

Is there an official reason for the MT4G Slide not getting ICS/JB?

Hey all,
I am not a modder. I prefer my device to be stock as much as possible - I know, not very XDA-like. I am not averse to doing it if necessary.
TMo gave me the MT4G Slide as a replacement device for the MT4G which was having issues. It seems that neither phones are getting an ICS/JB update (as HTC hasn't mentioned it on their list of phones officially getting the update).
I'm curious as to any hardware constraints that the Doubleshot may have to have lead to this decision. Some folks have mentioned the amt. of storage being the issue, but seeing as how these devices contain a 4GB chip and HTC has been quoted saying that this unusable space is due to GB and Sense, is this reason validated? Would ICS+Sense be that much more huge vs. GB+Sense as to not be able to fit in that ~2.5GB of space?
This has probably been a very badly beaten dead horse, but I did a search and couldn't really find anything referenced here on XDA. I see there's some moment on CM9 for the phone...but ultimately I want to know why HTC can't put ICS/JB on the device. It's an important factor in deciding to either stay loyal to the brand or move on to something different. I realize that it's an OEM (TMo branded phone) and that it may be up to TMobile to get it updated, which I'm assuming they would under their "no phone left behind" promise...maybe I assume incorrectly? TMobile hasn't said a thing on the matter.
I may go ahead and put CM9 on it once it's gone 100% stable.
Thanks.
It's not that they CAN'T upgrade to ICS/JB. They WON'T, for just about any reason you can make up. T-Mobile or HTC have not given any official word as to why not, so it could be due to anything.
Possible reasons include:
-Custom MyTouch skin
-T-Mobile holding the update back
-Our phone is essentially a commercial flop. Probably why they're not supporting it. Consequently, we're not a big enough community to make a difference anyway.
-They simply want you to buy another phone.
There is no physical reason they won't do it. Our phone has nearly the same internals as the Sensation 4G. It's still a high spec phone and can handle anything. Hardware is not the problem here. It's the higher ups.
I would like to add that if you don't want to wait, TBalden's Virtuious Inquisition has always been a rock solid ICS ROM for me. NEVER a hiccup even though there have been a few complain of an issue or two. But it will most likely always be that way with any ROM.....even the official releases.
There are a couple of ICSs by UndeadK9 on Rootz Wiki too that are slick. Then there is MikMiui ICS that is soooo close it's scary! KWIM? You HAVE choices right now.
ICS natively doesn't support Hardware Keyboards. That's why our device is under review by HTC/T-Mobile. HTC is willing to push an update, but T-Mobile has it on hold. So it's T-Mobiles fault, not HTC. How do I know this? Worked places, and have numbers.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
Wow good topic I was just about to ask this because Ive been thinking about this for days now. Seeing the Galaxy 3 makes me crave that OS its really nice. I cant believe this phone flopped in the market its heaps good I love it, this with the droid look really solid with a slide out qwerty. So iffffff TMobile is holding out on the update is it possible that they will release it? or times gone by no chance of this? Im like the TC, Ive never modded a phone and dont know how to do it, but iffffffff I have to put ICS mod what is the best and closest to the real thing and is solid and does not have many bugs etc.? Like if this was your phone you are selling to the world which mod would you add to it? If TMob dont release one I might try attempting my first mod and if anyone can help me out with helpful links or pics as a walkthrough so I dont brick it much appreciated
As someone who spent a good deal of time with sense 4 I can say the only thing I miss from the mysense is the integrated visual voicemail. The positive changes out weighed the loss of the integrated vvm.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium
Archangel, if you do decide you want to root your device this is a fairly new but extremely comprehensive, simple & straightforward guide that will give you every bit of info you need to do that. Should you run into a problem, just come back with some specific questions about that parts you don't understand and "we'll git 'er done".
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801106
If I were to recommend an ICS ROM for you to cut your teeth on it would be TBalden's Virtuous Inquisition. http://www.virtuousrom.com/p/inquisition.html This one will let you see what you've been missing on your DS. Good Luck and have a BALL! :good:
If you're looking for a pared down, screaming fast & smooth version of your stock ROM.....MikTouch & BulletProof are VERY tough to beat. (both in the developers section) Just remember that any questions not directly related to a ROM function or issue should always go here in General.
What is the difference between the roms? Like compared to the Galaxy 3 does it have the slick icons that slide and glide easy from screen to screen? and I think its called the live wallpaper when you swipe left or right the image hovers? also kinda like that fish wallpaper they have that has the trickle effect is neat, I noticed the apps menus are different to the Mytouch and smoother. I dont know what you mean by fast, do some of the roms make the OS lag and jaggy?
Personally, I think of fast as responsive.....smooth as changing functions & desktops, etc. But to each their own in descriptive terms, I guess. As far as differences go, I'm not familiar with the Galaxy but each ROM really has a personality of it's own except maybe in comparing ports from other devices.
THAT'S why you will probably become like the rest of us......Flashaholics! LOL
Oh Yeah....then you have THEMES! :laugh:

Anyone else tired of HTC screwing with us?

Am I crazy for thinking it's ridiculous that they got a bunch of us to buy this phone based on their developer friendly promise, and still haven't given us S-off and full control/access to hotboot? Has anyone else emailed them a nasty letter about it? I know I've sent them multiple, but nothing appears to be changing except they are getting more aggressive about locking down hotboot with every update! I just sent them another email, but unless they get smothered in them, I doubt we'll ever see their "developer friendly" promise fulfilled...
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda premium
MadJoe said:
Am I crazy for thinking it's ridiculous that they got a bunch of us to buy this phone based on their developer friendly promise, and still haven't given us S-off and full control/access to hotboot? Has anyone else emailed them a nasty letter about it? I know I've sent them multiple, but nothing appears to be changing except they are getting more aggressive about locking down hotboot with every update! I just sent them another email, but unless they get smothered in them, I doubt we'll ever see their "developer friendly" promise fulfilled...
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to love HTC with a passion before getting this phone. Ever since, I have been slowly turned against them. Don't get me wrong! The build quality on all of my 3 HTC's is far past superb, it's the software / support side where they lost my love. This is my first phone with Sense and it will be the last. I dislike how long it takes them to roll out an update and I further despise the new Sense 4+ with lack of software support / compatibility, terrible USB MTP connecting, and many other gripes.
But don't worry. This phone can still be amazing. Get TWRP recovery and flash CM10 / CM10.1 (coming soon) and all is well for me. Thank the Android god for AOSP. The no S-OFF issue does not bother me. I am able to flash CM without connecting to the PC (I'm on HBOOT 1.06 or whatever, stock from T-Mo circa late May 2012) sans the time you need to to install TWRP.
EDIT: A further reason why I began harping on Sense: Sense used to be the most customizable, elegant version of Android. Now they are taking some of that away and assuming their own customization without regard for their users. One example is the homescreen not supporting scrolling. I also believe the current Sense 4+ look is dated compared to the now smooth looking stock Android JB.
However, some of the leaked 'Sense 5' images look convincing to add a nice simplistic, smooth, and nicely unique / modern feeling back to Sense. Let's just wait to see the final outcome...
I agree the hardware is amazing, if you forget about the lack of SD card support, and inability to access the battery. The GPS is the best I've ever used. But the ridiculous process that is required just to do something simple like flash a new kernel, is what's really pissing me off. I can't make heads or tails of the flash process because there's 3 different ways or more depending on which hotboot you have. My Galaxy S was stupid-simple to flash anything, but it was laggy and the GPS sucked. Can't win, I guess.
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

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