History of HTC
HTC's journey began in Taiwan, starting as a contract manufacturer for other companies. The company's first product, the Qtek 9100, was a Windows Mobile-based smartphone released in 2002. However, the T-Mobile G1, released in 2008, marked HTC's entry into the Android market. Known as the Dream, this device was the first smartphone to run on the Android operating system, setting the stage for HTC's future success.
Over the years, HTC has released numerous innovative devices that have captured the attention of consumers worldwide. From the HTC Magic to the HTC One series, each device has brought something new to the table. Despite facing stiff competition from other manufacturers like Samsung and Apple, HTC has maintained its position as a top-tier smartphone brand.
Notable HTC Devices
1. HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1)
Released in 2008, the HTC Dream was the first smartphone to run on the Android operating system. It featured a 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen display, a Qualcomm MSM7201A processor, and 256 MB of ROM and 192 MB of RAM. The device also included a 3.2 MP camera and supported Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity.
2. HTC Magic
The HTC Magic, released in 2009, was another early Android device from HTC. It featured a 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen display, a Qualcomm MSM7200A processor, and 512 MB of ROM and 288 MB of RAM. The device did not have a physical keyboard but supported Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity.
3. HTC Hero
The HTC Hero, released in 2009, was one of the first devices to run on Android 1.5. It featured a 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen display, a Qualcomm MSM7200A processor, and 512 MB of ROM and 288 MB of RAM. The device included a 5 MP camera and supported dual-touch functionality.
4. HTC One Series
The HTC One series, launched in 2013, marked a significant shift in HTC's design philosophy. The HTC One M7, M8, and M9 were all flagship devices that emphasized design and functionality. The HTC One M7 featured a 4.7-inch Full HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, and 2 GB of RAM. The device included a 4 MP UltraPixel camera and supported dual-SIM functionality.
5. HTC 10
The HTC 10, released in 2016, was a significant improvement over its predecessors. It featured a 5.2-inch Quad HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, and 4 GB of RAM. The device included a 12 MP UltraPixel camera and supported USB-C connectivity. The HTC 10 was praised for its sleek design and minimalistic approach to software.
Software Features
HTC has always been known for its custom user interface, Sense UI. Sense UI was designed to enhance the Android experience by adding features like BlinkFeed, which provided users with a personalized news feed, and HTC Themes, which allowed users to customize their home screen with various themes and wallpapers.
Sense UI
Sense UI was first introduced with the HTC Magic and became a hallmark of HTC devices. It included features like:
- BlinkFeed: A personalized news feed that aggregated content from various sources.
- HTC Themes: Customizable home screen themes that allowed users to personalize their device.
- HTC Sense Home: A customizable home screen that allowed users to add widgets and shortcuts.
Tips and Tricks for Using HTC Phones
Customizing Your Home Screen
HTC phones are known for their customization options. Here are some tips for customizing your home screen:
- Change Your Wallpaper: Long press on the wallpaper to bring up the personalization options. You can change the wallpaper, change the layout, theme, and add apps and widgets.
- Turn Off BlinkFeed: If you're not a fan of BlinkFeed, you can easily disable it. Long press on the wallpaper or pinch as above and select Manage Home screen pages. Swipe across to BlinkFeed and tap remove.
- Add/Remove Home Screens: If you want more home screens to fill with shortcuts and widgets, long press the wallpaper as above and head into Manage Home screen pages. Here you can remove empty pages, select which is your main home page, and add more pages as needed.
Using Now on Tap
Now on Tap is a feature that allows you to access Google Now by pressing and holding the home button or fingerprint scanner. This will return search results based on what you're looking at.
Reordering Your Apps
HTC offers various app layouts in the apps tray. You can reorder your apps by selecting "custom" in the right-hand menu and then rearranging the apps. This will let you drag one app on top of another to change their order.
Using Folders in the Apps Tray
To use folders in the apps tray, you'll have to select "custom" and then rearrange the apps. This will allow you to drag one app on top of another to create folders.
Hardware Features
HTC phones have always been known for their high-quality hardware. Here are some key features to look out for:
Display
HTC phones have featured a wide range of displays over the years. From the 3.2-inch HVGA display of the HTC Dream to the 5.2-inch Quad HD display of the HTC 10, HTC has consistently pushed the boundaries of display technology.
Processor
HTC devices have been powered by a variety of processors from Qualcomm. From the MSM7201A in the HTC Dream to the Snapdragon 820 in the HTC 10, HTC has always chosen high-performance processors to ensure smooth performance.
Camera
HTC cameras have been a highlight of many devices. The HTC One M7 introduced the UltraPixel camera, which provided exceptional low-light performance. The HTC 10 further improved camera capabilities with its 12 MP UltraPixel camera.
Battery Life
Battery life has been a concern for many smartphone users. HTC devices have generally provided good battery life, with some devices like the HTC One M8 featuring large batteries to ensure all-day use.
HTC has come a long way since its inception as a contract manufacturer. From producing PDAs and Windows Mobile-based smartphones to becoming one of the leading manufacturers of Android-based devices, HTC has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. With its focus on design, functionality, and customization, HTC has managed to maintain its position as a top-tier smartphone brand. Whether you're looking for a device with exceptional camera capabilities or one that offers unparalleled customization options, HTC has something for everyone.
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of HTC phones, from their history to their notable devices, software features, and hardware specifications. Whether you're an existing HTC user or considering switching to an HTC device, this guide should provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
