HTC Evo 4G Case Review: Otterbox Defender
You have a big, two-year investment in your HTC Evo 4G, and it makes perfect sense to protect it while you carry it day-to-day. While some can get by with less protection, say from a silicon case or skin, others need serious armor for their phone. Enter the Otterbox Defender series case for the HTC Evo 4G.
The Defender series case comes in three sections — a tough polycarbonate shell (including a protective clear membrane for the screen), a thick silicon outer skin, and a face-in holster. With everything assembled, the Evo 4G is ready for a duty belt, on an ALICE pack I.E.B., or a tool-belt. It’s also perfect for people who work in less stressful situations, but are a bit tough on their equipment.
Even the screen is protected, and the touchscreen works better than expected under the clear shell. The outer silicon layer wraps around all edges, and has well sealed rubber flaps over all ports and controls. The only part of your Evo that isn’t completely covered is the earpiece and the microphone, which has it’s own deep tapered opening. The trade-off of course is added thickness. The Defender does add a good bit of bulk to an already large phone, but nothing unnecessary, and it’s very tasteful in design. If you need this level of protection for your expensive Evo 4G, you will understand and appreciate the way it is done here. And of course, the Defender series case offers its own kickstand since it covers the original.
There are more pictures after the break, and the Otterbox Defender series case is available in the Android Central store for $47.95.
HTC Evo 4G Case Review: Otterbox Defender posted originally by Android Central
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HTC Evo 4G Case Review: HTC Hard Shell Case
The HTC Evo 4G and it’s massive 4.3-inch screen make for a pretty big package, and unless you want to holster it, a thin, form fitting hard plastic case like the HTC Hard Shell Case is a great way to protect it without adding too much bulk. The case is made from a textured hard plastic, and the matte finish helps maintain your grip even when your hands aren’t completely dry.
Its two-piece slide-on design is easy to put on and take off, and there are cutouts for access to all the buttons and features that come with the Evo. The cut-out on the bottom of the phone that allows access to the micro USB and HDMI ports is unique, and while the open-ended design may not be the best looking option, it allows the use of just about any USB or HDMI cable, even those with a thick jacket and wide plug. All the cutouts are raised with tapered edges so buttons aren’t likely to be pushed while riding in the pocket, and the case is just thick enough to keep the camera lens off the surface if you lay your Evo down on its back. And of course there’s full access to the kickstand.
Putting the case on and taking it off is easy, just place the red ( red for this one, the HTC Hard Shell Case is also available in gray and black) side on, then slide the black side over, lining up the interlocking tabs. The case isn’t going to slip apart on its own, but it doesn’t take much force to unlock and slide the case off. On the front, the case wraps around the sides of the phone and creates a raised lip to protect the screen when the phone is lying face down.
The HTC Hard Shell Case is a great way to protect your Evo without losing the slim profile, the cut-outs line up very well so the controls aren’t awkward to use. You can get it for $8.24 in the Android Central store, and there are more pictures after the break.
HTC Evo 4G Case Review: HTC Hard Shell Case posted originally by Android Central
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Flashing the new CM7 Gapps
If you went ahead and tried out any of the CyanogenMod 7 nightly builds, you’ve surely noticed the new Gapps builds. This is something that the fellows on the CM team has been working on as well, and it’s a pretty big change from what everyone is used to.
Whenever things change, we try to get on top of it all and keep you guys informed. Hit the break for the skinny, and if this is all old-hat to you, jump in the forums and help those who need it! [CyanogenMod Forums]
Flashing the new CM7 Gapps posted originally by Android Central
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Thunderbolt ROM booting on the Evo 4G, and a new leak can only make it better
Things like the HTC Thunderbolt ROM booting up on the Sprint Evo 4G is the reason we all get excited over ROM leaks and dumps. I know many of you get tired of reading how these things mean a lot to the developers even if they don’t do much for the average end user, but good things come to those who wait. XDA-Developers member and Evo 4G genius Caulkin has the Thunderbolt ROM up and running, though he says it still has a few issues that need worked out.
Speaking of leaked RUU’s, a new one leaked today that may help get things moving along — you can get that one yourself at the source link if you are able to chip in and lend a hand.
As of this writing there’s no public download for the Evo port, but it’s one to keep your eye on for sure. We certainly will. [XDA-Developers; 911HTC via Droid-Life]
Thunderbolt ROM booting on the Evo 4G, and a new leak can only make it better posted originally by Android Central
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CyanogenMod-6.1.2 for the Evo 4G — support for newer hardware
Are you rockin’ one of the newer revisions (some 003 and all 004 versions) of the Evo 4G, and want some CyanogenMod loving? It looks like the man himself has got you hooked up, and it’s only a flash away. You’ll need to be rooted (of course) and we can help with that — head into the Evo 4G hacking forums, do a bit of reading, and holler if you need some help. The fellas in there may seem a little gruff, (looking right at you Jerzy, igotsanevo4g, d3xn2o and company ;p ) but they have a heart of gold and the wits to match. They’ll get you up and running and point you towards the right path.
This one isn’t Gingerbread just yet, give the CM team some time, but as far as custom ROMs go, it’s the creme of the crop. So what are you waiting for? Fire up Rom Manager and go! [@cyanogen via Android Central forums]
CyanogenMod-6.1.2 for the Evo 4G — support for newer hardware posted originally by Android Central
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Sprint flips the 4G switch for Denver and Bridgeport, Conn.
Owners of the Epic 4G and the Evo 4G in both Denver and Bridgeport, Conn., will finally be able to find out what they can do with 4G now that Sprint has officially flipped the 4G switch in both cities. With Verizon launching its LTE network earlier this month, Sprint might be feeling some pressure to speed up its expansion of its own WiMax network, which is now available in 70 cities. Full press release past the break. [Sprint]
Sprint flips the 4G switch for Denver and Bridgeport, Conn. posted originally by Android Central
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Sprint to carry 30 college bowl games via ESPN Mobile TV
College football bowl season is almost upon us, and Sprint and ESPN have teamed up to give subscribers access to 30 different bowl games — including all five BCS bowls. To get in on the goodness, you will need to head over to Sprint’s football website and download the Sprint Football Live app unless you already have it. In addition, the games can be watched from the ESPN Mobile TV channel of Sprint TV. Full press release after the break. [Sprint]
Sprint to carry 30 college bowl games via ESPN Mobile TV posted originally by Android Central
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He loves his Evo [video]
This man loves his Evo, and isn’t afraid to show it. See for yourself after the break. [demotherboyz via MiKandi (Adult)]
He loves his Evo [video] posted originally by Android Central
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Gingerbread SDK ROMs everywhere
Gingerbread ROMs are being ported from the 2.3 SDK device emulator left and right. As of this writing, we have the Eris, the Hero, the Wildfire (pictured, and video after the break), and the Evo 4G all booting up Gingerbread, and I’m sure we probably will see more, the OG Droid and Droid Incredible can’t be far behind.
It’s awesome, just because it’s awesome. Booting up Gingerbread and looking through the UI on a device it a load of fun. Don’t expect too much going in, and be sure to have a good backup to return to, then give it a whirl. There’s a video after the break to give you an idea of what to expect for the most part. [Eris; Hero; Wildfire; Evo] Thanks everyone who sent these in!
Gingerbread SDK ROMs everywhere posted originally by Android Central
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Review: Seidio Innocell 1750 mAh battery for the Evo 4G
Let’s face it — Android phones use a lot of juice. They do a lot, and need a lot of power to do it, and the Evo 4G’s big screen doesn’t help matters. This makes a spare battery almost a must if you’re on the go a lot. That’s where the Seidio Innocell 1750 mAh battery comes in to the picture. While some folks prefer a much larger capacity battery, others (like myself) prefer something that uses the stock battery door, and fits into other accessories without any issue. An extra 250 milliampere-hours may not sound like a lot (the stock Evo battery is rated at 1500 mAh), but I’ve found it extends my usage by several hours. And I actually use my unlimited minutes, making several hours worth of calls daily.
Construction-wise, the Seidio Innocell 1750 is identical to the stock battery — minus the color. My inner child would love to see it in red, but how often do we really see the battery? As you can see in the pictures (after the break) the Innocell is the same dimensions as the stock battery, and fits perfectly with the OEM battery cover. I know many of us carry a spare battery and swap mid-day, and the Innocell is perfect for this. It fits as you would expect, and offers a bit of extra oompf to make sure you’re still up and running when you get to a charger.
If you use your Evo as intended, syncing mail and social networks, taking pictures, or playing games, you need to consider this one. You can grab the Seidio Innocell 1750 mAh battery from the Android Central store for $44.95. More pictures after the break.
Review: Seidio Innocell 1750 mAh battery for the Evo 4G posted originally by Android Central
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