Waiting to Exhale
Sprint users all have been holding their breath since they heard that US Customs were putting the big return to sender sticker on HTC’s Evo 4G LTE just 2 days before the US release. Sprint not only stopped allowing pre-orders of the Evo4G LTE but axed the date of May 18th for the release completely out of the books. Leaving those who pre-ordered a little worried, and a lot disgruntled.
But Sprint users who pre-ordered have been given a reason to exhale, as HTC has released a statement saying those Customers who pre-ordered HTC EVO 4G LTE…”Your wait is almost over! Sprint expects to begin shipping HTC EVO 4G LTE for arrival on or around Thursday, May 24 to customers who pre-ordered the device online from Sprint.” Yes, they are being released from customs but there is no word on how many devices are being set free. Although Sprint seems to be pretty confident that it is enough to fulfill all of their orders.
The HTC Evo 4G LTE has got smartphoners drooling over its techs and specs, which according to the Sprint website includes: 4.7″ touchscreen display, Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), dual-core processor, a kickstand, 2000mAh Li-Ion battery and support a Wi-Fi connection for up to eight devices, Google Wallet™ ,a 8MP rear camera that is powered by a dedicated ImageChip and has a physical button, as well as 16GB ROM/1 GB RAM supports up to 32GB micro SD in memory, making waiting that much harder.
Still Behind Enemy Lines
The Evo isn’t the only HTC smartphone under fire right now, AT&T’s One X is also being held up in customs. What is the hold up? A patent battle between Apple and HTC. Apple is claiming that HTC has used technology patented by Apple. The patent in question has to do with how the smartphone interprets information such as emails, phone numbers and websites, which allows the user to simply tap on the material in question to send or make it perform a task.
According to an ITC ruling, Apple was in the right and that is when customs started holding. Since the issue, HTC has reconciled the problems and is now waiting on customs officials to give them the green light on all of the held merchandise.
What about the One X? Well with the exception of just a few making it through customs before the gates closed, they are still in the unknown. AT&T has yet to announce any information on the status of the One X as well as keeping it listed as “unavailable” on its website. AT&T users can only hope that the One X will follow close behind its smartphone brother, the Evo LTE and will be released soon.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Although the Evo 4G LTE has left the Customs building, it’s not totally free. Only those who pre-ordered the phone will be receiving them on or around the 24th of May. Sprint had nothing to say of when the rest of us will be able to see the phone on store shelves. They simply told the rest of the US that it would be “as soon as possible”
Wondering when your Evo will arrive at your door? This is what HTC had to say, “Some models have gone through inspection and been released to our carriers customers.” Not to specific, but at least we know that there has been some movement in the right direction.
