HTC do not do many slide-out QWERTY keyboards, so those who stick with this Smartphone for that very reason will be happy to learn of this update. Owners have had to be very patient, so you could understand why they would get upset with Thunderbolt user’s moaning about something that they have been waiting on for quite some time.

The Gingerbread update for the Desire Z is not ready yet, but ITProPortal reports that it is the final stages of testing. The OTA updates are expected to begin in the coming weeks, so not long to wait. In the meantime, if you know anyone with a Thunderbolt device – now is the time to start annoying the hell out of him or her.

We cannot say for certain which version of Gingerbread UK customers will be getting, but the smart money will be on version 2.3.4. However, one has to assume that the Desire Z is nearing the end of its lifecycle, as most other 2010 handsets have since been updated. Looking at the specs we can see that one is needed soon, although there are still a few Android phones coming to market that are still unable to compete – well mid-range anyway

The specs are as follows: single-core 800MHz processor, 1.5GB of internal storage, 512MB of RAM, 5-megapixel camera and a 3.7-inch screen. Now we would not expect a huge spec bump, as this is seen as a low-priority handset. If we had to make an assumption as to what the specs will be in the newer version, then we would guess a single-core 1.5GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. We would not expect a megapixel increase, but maybe an improved lens. Apart from that it is a little hard to say.

Having said that, the update to Gingerbread will give the Desire Z a new lease of life, and could extend its life by a few more months at least. How do you Thunderbolt owners feel that you have missed out yet again, even the Droid Incredible 2 now has the update?

More About: Google Android Gingerbread, HTC, HTC Desire Z, Thunderbolt

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

That is exactly what has happened now, as we can confirm that Sense 3.0 UI downloads are now available for the HTC Desire HD as well as the Desire Z handsets. Who knows when HTC intends to update the handsets officially to Sense 3.0, they might not not do it at all – which is why you should download these as soon as you can.

Judging from feedback on both ROMs, they seem to be a pretty stable build of Sense 3.0 and you’ll see that all the UI changes are there, including the snazzy weather animation themes, enhanced lockscreen and an update to various widgets, which are now more visually impressive.

If you are interested in trying these out, you’ll find information and the download links over at XDA Forums here. As always, installing ROMs is your own responsibility and there’s always a risk of bricking your device. So don’t go crying to HTC for help, because you won’t get it.

Let us know how you get on!

More About: HTC, HTC Desire HD, HTC Desire Z

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Cnet UK are reporting that the update will not arrive before the spring, but a HTC spokesman did confirm the handsets will get the update but not until the Desire S has been released. The new handset is due for release in April, and according to the spokesman updates should happen within two months of this.

It is thought the Desire HD and Desire Z will be the first to receive Gingerbread, and the best possible scenario could be sometime in June. Then it will depend on the various networks when Desire owners start receiving the update, unless you have a sim free version which normally means you get the update as soon as it released.

According to Mobile Magazine the Carphone Warehouse and partner Bets Buy, have an exclusive on another HTC handset the Incredible S. they will b offering a matte black version which is said to have ‘unique look and feel’. This will be the first HTC phone to have this color and will be running Android 2.2 Froyo.

More About: android gingerbread, HTC Desire, HTC Desire HD, HTC Desire Z

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

According to the ad (seen here) the Desire Z will be free of charge when you agree a two-year £30-per month contract, each month this will give you 3000 mins to UK landlines, 750 mins to UK mobiles, 250 standard UK texts and 500MB of internet usage.

If you do not want to sign your life away with a two-year deal I’m sure that Vodafone UK will offer it SIM-free, no price has been confirmed, however Amazon UK has it listed for £429.99, so expect a similar price tag.

Interest in the HTC Desire Z? if so, you should perhaps check out the full specs and hands-on videos we posted previously, as we hear of an official release date we will keep you posted.

Will you be buying this smartphone from Vodafone?

Source: Eurodroid

More About: HTC Desire Z, vodafone

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

As you can imagine the contract-free option is not cheap, it will set you back $499.95, as part of a three-year deal it will cost $129.95, as part of a two-year deal it will cost $449.95 and as part of a one-year deal it will cost $474.95.

I think it is a no-brainer to choose either the three-year deal or contract-free option, in fact I find the one and two year pricing options quite peculiar.

If you would like to buy the HTC Desire Z from Bell check out this link, if you are unsure, check out our previous Desire Z posts here, I recommend the hands-on video, first impressions and our spec comparison with the HTC Desire HD.

Source: IntoMobile

More About: bell, HTC Desire Z

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

As reported from Phandroid, you’ll find the download links for each handset over on the official HTC website here, there are also a full list of other handsets which HTC has provided some developer goodies for.

What does this mean for the average G2, Incredible or Desire Z owner though? Well basically, the release of the source code allows developers to work on some cool applications and Android OS tweaks specific for that device, while the naughty developers will get straight to work on some custom Android 2.2 Froyo ROMs.

If obtaining the source code interests you, head to HTC’s site above to download.

More About: HTC Desire Z, HTC Droid Incredible, T-Mobile G2

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

The following UK networks that will carry this Smartphone are T-Mobile with a monthly contract payment of £40 or £30 at Vodafone. If you would prefer a SIM-free version of the HTC Desire HD, then visit play.com where it will be available for £469.99 after 11th October.

This Smartphone benefits from a casing that is made from solid aluminium, and runs on the Android v2.2 operating system. An 8255 Snapdragon processor offering a speed of 1GHz powers the handset, while the screen measures 4.3-inches and supports multi-touch functionality.

Are you an HTC fan and will you be upgrading to the new HTC Desire HD, on contract or go for the unlocked SIM-free version?

Source: Techdigest.

More About: HTC, HTC Desire HD, HTC Desire Z

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

You can see a 11 screenshots showing many different aspects of the OS here, we have embedded a couple of our favorite screens at the end of this post.

The Desire HD runs HTC’s latest version of Sense, it has an enhanced look and a lot of new features. New features include an option to create a HTC Sense account, this allows you to simply back up all of your data and even locate your handset if it is lost.

Another new feature is Sense’s new eReader application, the last year or so has been huge for eBooks and eReaders therefore this addition is no huge surprise.

There is now access to what is being called the HTC Hub, here you can download and purchase alternative skins and other media.

The new version of Sense should allow you to find well reviewed apps more easily, from what we can see you can ‘like’ apps, which over time should filter the great apps from the rubbish ones, these ‘liked’ apps show as recommendations when you access the Android Market.

HTC’s new scenses feature should allow you to make your Desire HD more unique than the HTC Desire ever was, here you can choose different ‘scenes’ and customize them just how you want them, you will also be able to save your custom scenes.

Prior to the HTC Desire HD reveal the HTC Desire was in my opinion one of the best smartphones on the market, therefore the revamped UI and the impressive specs and design that the Desire HD features could perhaps mean that the HTC Desire HD is the best smartphone on the market, what do you think?

Source: AndroidSpin

More About: HTC, HTC Desire, HTC Desire HD, HTC Desire Z

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

The video comes to us courtesy of Phandroid, who were lucky enough to attend HTC’s event in London, where they first announced both handsets.

The video gives you a close-up view of both handsets, and also confirms that both the Desire HD and Desire Z will come with Android 2.2 Froyo pre-installed on the device – which is obviously a major plus.

We have already given you a full list of specs for both devices, but it is nice to see them on video to see how they compare with the original Desire model.

Which do you prefer though? The Desire HD with the larger screen and better camera, or Desire Z with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and optical trackpad? Release date information on both phones can be found here.

More About: HTC, HTC Desire HD, HTC Desire Z

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Earlier today it was listed for £499.99 with a release date of October 18th, however it is now listed for £429.99 with an expected release date of October 11th.

If you would like to pre-order your Desire Z you can here, I must say £429.99 for such an advanced smartphone sounds very reasonable, however I would much prefer to get it free as part of a contact.

If you would like to find out more about the Desire Z before pre-ordering yours you should check out our previous article, this should help you make your decision.

Have you pre-ordered your HTC Desire Z today? If so, what convinced you?

Source: SlashGear

More About: HTC, HTC Desire Z

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad