We just received word that tomorrow is finally the day…the day that the HTC Merge becomes officially real on Verizon’s network.  You all know this device – the one that popped up oh, 18 times during Q4 of 2010, was rumored to be getting an LTE radio and other random upgrades, but never ever made it to store shelves.  Well, tomorrow is looking like the day.  And no, it hasn’t been upgraded, is still flooded with Bing and an 800MHz processor.  It does have global capabilities and that sexy keyboard though.  Still, does anyone still want one of these?  

Updated:  It’s definitely looking like it’s launching tomorrow, although it appears as if it’s only going to 3rd party retailers and not corporate stores.

Cheers ___!

HTC Merge Finally Launches Tomorrow on Verizon (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

HTC sure wasn’t messing around when they finally announced the Merge last week and said it would be here in the Spring.  It’s only March 2nd and the device’s FCC filing has been made available for public consumption including the full Verizon user guide, which is usually a pretty good sign that the phone is ready.  Well, we know it’s been ready for months, but maybe this time for real.  Too bad that a last minute 4G LTE radio was no where to be found though.

Anyone willing to pass on the Incredible 2 and  go with the Merge instead?

Via:  FCC, Phonescoop

Cheers @reistar83!

Verizon HTC Merge Clears FCC, No 4G LTE Love to be Found is a post from: Droid Life

The HTC Merge was re-introduced last week as a 3G CDMA world phone, but after disappearing just as it was supposed to launch in late 2010, rumors popped up that it had been delayed while they dropped a 4G radio into it.  But without a mention in the press release on Friday our hopes were a little crushed.  That was until we looked a little closer at the screenshots of the phone from Verizon’s internal system that snuck out over the weekend.  We’re now starting to think that there is a chance it and the Incredible 2 might be 4G LTE after all.

If you  check out the mini-description for the listings of the Merge and Dinc2 in the screen shot above, you can clearly see that there are two versions listed of each phone.  There is the standard ADR6325VW/ADR6350VW, but there is also another listing which includes the letters “EHRPD” which just so happens to be the technology used by networks to transition from CDMA to LTE.  You’ll notice that one of the descriptions also mentions “TRIA” which could easily be taken as “TRIAL”, leading us to believe that VZW is at least testing a 4G LTE Merge and Incredible 2.

While I am by no means an LTE technology expert, I’m almost 100% positive that eHRPD only has to do with handovers between CDMA and LTE networks and nothing else.  So if Verizon is testing the 4G versions of these phones, we have no idea if they’ll ever come close to a store shelf, but we can at least cross our fingers for a couple of weeks.

To learn all there is to know about  eHRPD, check out this and this.

Thoughts?  Maybe we can convince our LTE Panda friend to stop by and give his opinion on eHRPD.

Cheers VZW Tipster!

Are 4G LTE Versions of the HTC Merge and Incredible 2 in the Works or at Least Being Tested? is a post from: Droid Life

I hate to say it, but isn’t it a little late for this device?  The HTC Merge was supposed to be out some time back in November or December, but received the temporary-axe just before launch and we thought it had been lost forever.  Then it popped up again in January from one of our Alltel connections who said it should be available within a month, only we’re still sitting here without it.  And then today, HTC actually announced it as the CDMA-world phone we were expecting, but who’s still interested in it?  It has a 3.8″ screen, is not 4G LTE, does not have a front camera, will more-than-likely include an abundance of Bing, and runs old HTC Sense on Android 2.2.  Well, I guess it does have a fancy physical keyboard though.

Tough sell especially with the new lineup of DROID devices including the Incredible 2 on the way, plus a handful of 4G LTE devices.  Anyone still looking at the Merge as their next phone?

Spring 2011.  Full presser after the break.  

The HTC Merge™ Smartphone Brings Android™ and HTC Sense™ to HTC’s First CDMA Android World Phone

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — HTC Corp., a global designer of smartphones, today announced that the new HTC Merge smartphone will be made available through multiple North American carriers beginning in spring 2011. The HTC Merge smartphone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the power of Android 2.2, the HTC Sense experience, a large 3.8-inch touch-screen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience for those looking for a truly complete smartphone. The HTC Merge is also HTC’s first Android-based CDMA world phone.

“HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment,” said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. “Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it’s at home or travelling around the world.”

Customers will appreciate seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with the Android Market™ with more than 100,000 applications. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.

In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smartphone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p video.

Availability

HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011.

About HTC

HTC Corp. (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

HTC, the HTC logo, FriendStream, HTC Merge, and HTC Sense are the trademarks of HTC Corporation.  All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

HTC Merge Officially Announced, Headed to Carriers Spring 2011 is a post from: Droid Life

Howard Stern recently made his way onto the Android platform through the Sirius app, but if you listened to today’s show, then you’ll know he’s also considering switching to a phone running our favorite OS.  The 10-minute clip below is Howard’s conversation with Gary Dell’Abate (who recently made the jump to Android) and his initial impressions for the “DROID” he just picked up. What’s funny though, is the fact that one of his listeners who is some sort of a phone tester, apparently told him to wait for the HTC Merge to come out before switching over from a Blackberry.  Yeah, the Merge, the same phone that we’ve been told was cancelled on Verizon and is now headed to Alltel.

Clip is NSFW, but you should know that since it’s Howard.  

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Ruben!

Howard Stern Considers Switching to Android, Told to Wait for HTC Merge is a post from: Droid Life

If you’ve been wondering what happened to the HTC Merge, we may have just found out.  After reportedly being shelved by Verizon, the device is now on its way to Alltel and if it passes some final tests, could be available in the next month or so.  It’s a little disappointing to think that this device may never see a Big Red logo, but at least now we know that someone will get to punch that beautiful keyboard.  

To recap the the life of the Merge as we know it, how about some bullet points?

• First appearance, looking like a fantastic global device.
• We give you more pictures of it.
• We leak the user guide.
• Supposed to be released on November 11.
• Rumored to be delayed for an LTE radio.
• Appears on Verizon’s site briefly.
• Disappears and is no where to be seen at CES.
• Now headed to Alltel.

And to add to this news, we’ve also learned that Alltel will be getting the DROID X.  Testing has completed on the device and it should be available very soon.  Wonder if this will be the 1.2GHz version that went to China?  Probably not.  Gotta give up to Alltel though for upping the ante on their Android line.

Cheers Stephen!

Been Wondering Where the HTC Merge Went? Over to Alltel. is a post from: Droid Life

The HTC Merge which was originally supposed to be part of the big Droid celebration tonight in Seattle, made a brief appearance on Verizon’s website before being pulled just minutes later.  Usually when 360 degree pages show up for phones, they are about to be announced, so stay close as we’ll be snooping around the interwebs for more details.  We also have a secret spy heading to the Incredible party tonight, so we’ll be sure to let you know if the device makes an appearance.

Pretty nice looking phone though right?  Try your best to ignore that Bing icon for a second…

Via:  Android Central

HTC Merge Appears on Verizon Site for a Quick Photo is a post from: Droid Life

A club in Seattle called Republiq is hosting a Patron Social Club event this Thursday, November 18th, that was originally supposed to be the unveiling of the HTC Merge and would also include a re-launch of the Droid Incredible.  (So much for the delay?)  And also,as you can see from the shot below, the Patron Social Club called it the “HTC Droid Merge World-Phone” which is what really grabbed our interest.  Remember, the Merge/Lexikon is a “Bing” device and we have all been under the impression that “DROID” branded phones would never see an ounce of Bing.  Has Verizon changed their thoughts on the Merge and turned it into a Droid?    

The second big thing is the mention of this party celebrating the “launching” of the device.  With it being on the 18th and previous rumors of the device landing on November 11th, maybe they just didn’t get the memo?  Or maybe Verizon still plans on announcing it?

We sort of think the PSC didn’t get the memo.  Check out the flyer for the event below which now only mentions the Droid Incredible…

Ali Landry in the house!  Anyone going?

Cheers Jeff!

HTC Merge to be Unveiled November 18th, Will be “DROID” Branded? is a post from: Droid Life

Twitter is turning into the ultimate information machine when it comes to upcoming Android devices and we’re loving it.  Last week we had a conversation with an LTE engineer who revealed that the Incredible HD is real and will likely be an LTE device.  Today, a new source (@V3RDICT) who appears to be some sort of a Verizon device rep, went through pretty major device training and tweeted about all of it.  

The first tweet had to do with the HTC Merge, suggesting that it has been delayed while HTC packs an LTE radio into it…

He followed that up with release date info…

He then jumped onto some Incredible HD release info…

And finished it all off with HTC’s 2011 Android plans…

Talk about some information.  Everyone follow all of that?  Basically, the HTC Merge has been delayed for an LTE upgrade, but could still see a 2010 release date.  The Incredible HD is apparently still real and should be out by the first of 2011.  And I’m officially excited.

Cheers Mike!

Rumors: HTC Merge Release Delayed Due to LTE Radio Upgrade, Incredible HD Coming Beginning of 2011 is a post from: Droid Life

Verizon is running its Urban Challenge this weekend up in Seattle and plans to give away a few HTC devices to 3 sets of winners. Which one exactly? Possibly the Droid Incredible?  Well according to the picture on their main page it’s the DI, but if you take a quick look at the “About” page for the challenge you’ll see a much more surprising name.  Six HTC Merge (aka Lexikon) devices are up for grabs!  

And yes we know, both HTC and Verizon have yet to announce this device, so we’re as  surprised as you are.  They may still have some spots available in the contest, so jump on it if you want to have a brand new, and unannounced HTC device.

And if any of our readers are in the area, feel free to snap some shots as they’ll likely have the phones on display.

Source:  Verizon Global Challenge
Via:  Android Central

Verizon Giving Away HTC Merge at Urban Challenge in Seattle? is a post from: Droid Life

Remember the oddly shaped, dual-screened Samsung Continuum that was rumored to be heading to Verizon?  Our sources have it pegged for an October 29th release along with the LG Vortex, another middle-of-the-road Android device.  Talk about Android overload.  With these 2 devices hitting store shelves at the end of October and the Droid Pro, D2 Global, HTC Merge, and the Motorola Citrus coming only 2 weeks later, are we starting to think there may be too many options?

Just give us the Motorola Olympus already.

Cheers money!

Have additional info or tips?  Submit them to Droid Life!

Samsung Continuum and LG Vortex Launching October 29th on Verizon is a post from: Droid Life

Late October-early November is shaping up to be Verizon’s ultimate holiday launch party if our sources are correct (and they usually are).  The latest news to hit our inbox suggests that the Droid 2 Global, Droid Pro, Motorola Citrus and Palm Pre Plus 2 will all hit VZW store shelves on November 11th.  This also matches up to the HTC Merge/Lexikon release date we had a couple of weeks back, making the 11th one heck of a day to watch out for.  Talk about giving Android users a handful of top notch Big Red choices, right?

Cheers money!

Have additional info or tips?  Submit them to Droid Life!

DROID 2 Global, DROID Pro, Citrus and Palm Pre Plus 2 Launching November 11th is a post from: Droid Life

We just received a little Friday tip that the HTC Lexikon/Merge will be hitting Verizon stores in about a month on November 11th.  A specific name was not confirmed nor was pricing information given, but we can guess that it’ll be at about the standard $199 on new 2-year contract with a mail-in-rebate of some sort.

We’re only considering this to be rumor until we get some really hard evidence, but Verizon definitely likes Thursday launches meaning the 11th looks mighty tasty.  Stay tuned!

Rumor: HTC Merge/Lexikon Headed to Verizon November 11th is a post from: Droid Life

We just posted up some new pictures of the HTC Lexikon/Merge that’s headed to Verizon and now have video of the boot animation which as you may have guessed, does not feature a Droid red eye.  Obviously one can be added at any time, but with this Verizon logo boot anim and Bing locked and loaded, doesn’t that pretty much seal the deal that this won’t be a Droid?

Anyone wish this was the next Droid and not the Droid Pro?  (My hand might be up right now.)

Video: HTC Lexikon/Merge Boot Animation, No DROID Eye is a post from: Droid Life

The HTC Merge/Lexikon keeps making appearances, but for the most part, is still somewhat of a giant question mark.  We gave you the user guide for the device which lacked an official name, had heard that it was initially going to be a part of the Droid franchise until it appeared full of Bing, and know that it won’t be a 4G device.  We do know it’ll be a global device that runs at 800MHz, but we still have zero idea as to when this bad boy might launch.  Questions, questions.  It sure looks pretty though doesn’t it?  

Want More HTC Merge/Lexikon Pictures? OK, Here You Go is a post from: Droid Life