Gingerbread Update For The HTC Thunderbolt Leaked, Release Close?

Users of the HTC Thunderbolt have waited long and hard for their Gingerbread update, and as of today, things seem closer than ever. Build number 2.07.605.0 has just been leaked to the masses, and even though it isn't the final version we'll get baptized by Verizon, it's an official build from HTC, as opposed to the test builds that have been around in the past.

Sadly, as with everything that doesn't reach our hands from an official source, we can't guarantee that this update will allow you to later pick up the official build once it becomes live. If you simply can't wait, and don't mind all the extra work you might have to do if you can't update automatically in the future, get the instructions and downloadshere. 

HTC Sues Apple Over Wi-Fi & Processor Communication Technology

These days it seems that Smartphone manufacturers are good at both bringing cool devices to the market, and suing each other. We just received a Press Release in which HTC is filing a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) and the U.S. District Court of Delaware for patent infringement against Apple. This time, it seems the lawsuit is broad enough to cover Macs, iPhones, iPads and iPods.

According to the press release:
“We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners, and most importantly our customers that use HTCphones,” said Grace Lei, general counsel, HTC Corporation. “This is the 3rd case before the ITC in which Apple is infringing our intellectual property. Apple needs to stop its infringement of our patented inventions in its products.”

The two patents being claimed are:
1. Wi-Fi capability that allows users to wirelessly network multiple devices at home, at work, or in public, and
2. Processor communication technology that enables a seamless integration of a PDA and a cellular phone into a single device providing users with a true smartphone experience.

Obviously this is just the beginning of the Soap opera and Apple will most likely come up with another batch of complaints to keep the stock market busy speculating. We'll keep you posted on how this develops. 

HTC EVO 3D Comes To The UK, Is Very Expensive

HTC's launch of the EVO 3D in the UK has been a troubled one so far. First we heard that Vodafone was getting tired of waiting for it, and had decided to not carry the smartphone at all. Then news came that, while UK smartphone users would have other opportunities to pick up the EVO 3D, itwouldn't hit their shores until September. Considering it's been available in the US since late June, that would be quite the wait. Luckily, salvation is here for those of you waiting for the autosteroscopic handset, as all of a sudden multiple UK retailers have started-up EVO 3D sales.

Clove now has the EVO 3D, along with Unlocked Mobiles, ready for you to order. Before you do, though, take heed of the just what the phone will run you; with taxes, the EVO 3D from Clove will cost the equivalent of $878.

Unlocked, off-contract smartphones are always pricey, but we're still seeing the EVO 3D demand a premium price, above and beyond its peers. Compare that to an off-contract EVO 3D in the States, which is just about $550. If that wasn't a CDMA model, we might see the European price be much lower, but as it is now, there's no competition for a GSM EVO 3D. 

What Would You Pay For The Fujitsu-Toshiba IS12T Mango Phone?

The Fujitsu-Toshiba IS12T is plenty noteworthy as the first smartphone to run Windows Phone Mango. More than that, though, it could also pick up a reputation as one of the most expensive Windows Phone devices around; pricing information reveals that the IS12T could end up costing its users nearly $1000.

Price data comes courtesy of one of carrier KDDI's subsidiaries, which posted the price points for the IS12T with various service options. With no contract at all, the Mango-running smartphone will fetch a jaw-dropping $958. Even on a two-year service contract, the price only drops to $458, still well out of the range of many smartphone consumers. The only rational number we've seen is $252, which you'll only be eligible for if you're both a new subscriber as well as commit to two years of service. Even then, that's on the higher end of the smartphone price spectrum.

To its credit, the IS12T has some decidedly above-tier hardware specs, like its 32GB of flash storage, but even considering those and the Mango allure, this one could be a tough sell.

Update: Thanks to all the commenter pointing out how these prices fit in with the Japanese smartphone market as a whole. We still feel that this is pushing the limits for what anyone would pay for a smartphone.

Google Maps 5.9: Transit Notifications, Bubble Buttons, Tablet

If Google Maps is your preferred GPS solution you'll be pretty happy with the latest update (5.9).

This update allows you to personalize your "place pages" by uploading pictures from your visit, manage your starred and recently visited Places in the "My Places" tab, see descriptive terms for Places in search results and Places pages, and add a new place to Places when checking in.

Also, if you use mass transit (and are in a locale that Google supports) you can now set up custom notifications for transit navigation. If you're a tablet user, transit support has now been added to your platform, too.

One of my most favorite features, "Bubble Buttons", have now returned (after disappearing in a previous update). This feature lets you can call or navigate right from the map itself, saving you from having to go to the Place page.

The update is free and is ready for you to download from the Android Market.