HTC and the case of the missing driversSir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous character, the detective Sherlock Holmes, was able to make startling conclusions from many different, minute observations. It's probably impossible to find a real person as brilliant as this fictional character. But with the power of the Internet, HTCClassAction.org looks like it's pulling an expose on HTC that would make the super sleuth proud. The story starts from the Xda-developers forum. Some users felt that their TyTN II didn't quite perform as well as it should for one of HTC's most important products. This is specific to videos and other graphics-related tasks. They documented their experiences in forum threads and even YouTube videos which showed the TyTN II struggling in a GPS demo, while a much older HTC Magician breezed through.  The YouTube video comparing the TyTN II's performance to an HTC Magician.
What lies beneathNow, most people do well to take what they read on the Internet with a pinch of salt, but the Xda-developers forum just happens to be one of the most respected communities among Windows Mobile enthusiasts. Discussions there range from simple device feature discussions to full-blown driver tweaking/coding threads that only full-time programmers and hardware experts should know. In short, the people there have a good reputation for knowing what they are talking about. According to them, the issue lies not with the hardware, but drivers that appear missing. This lack limits the capabilities of the Qualcomm MSM7xxx processors used in the devices. Those involved in the discussions are convinced that the Qualcomm chipset has an integrated video chip based on an ATI video chip--a feature not put to use in the TyTN II. In fact, they are so serious about it that many members of the Xda-developers forum have pooled together a bounty of US$4000 (and counting) for the first person who is able to create display drivers that solve the problem. |
- Talkback
-
The issue is really video playback as much as having par performance with previously released devices. Par meaning screen rotation performance, menu redraw, screen refresh, and other fundamental graphics functions.
Have you tried running your computer in Safe Mode and tried dragging windows around, or looked at the mouse pointer refresh? The TyTN II/Kaiser/Tilt/VarioIII is running SAFE MODE 100% of the time currently!
All we're asking for some sort of video driver that provides the minimal hardware acceleration so it performs par with previously released devices, at least!
Jan 24, 2008 09:01
I'm sorry I typoed. The issue ISN'T REALLY video playback as much as having par performance.
Jan 24, 2008 09:01
I am in the market for a pda smartphone, initially wanted to get HTC Cruise, but after reading about this everywhere including Gizmodo, Engadget, and CNet, now I am holding back.
Jan 25, 2008 00:45
I have no problem with my HTC TYTN II. Video playback and all multimedia work normally until now. Don't try or install another video player . . !
Jan 26, 2008 14:43
I say it only once. HTC ? "Hilarious Taiwanese Company".
Too bad it is rather said to see that "care" about his consumers does not belong to its mission statement anymore.
I predict lower sales figures for Q1 2008 despite all their launches. We'll see in April.
Meanwhile, I will advise all my professional business partner as we are a Bluetooth device manufacturer NOT to support HTC by buying their devices.
There is enough proof to say that thousands and thousands of owners have been screwed. Nothing less.
Jan 26, 2008 22:50
whether it is a case of a missing driver or any technical issues with the gadget or the microprocessor itself, one thing remained, customers don't get what they want (or at least expected). many people have high expectations with HTC, aside from the "poor" after sales service being reported. anyway, it's high time for them to offer a little compensation (just like what Apple does) to the affected customers, by fixing the bug as quickly as possible, or give some financial rebate. else the TyTN2 must be downgraded to a lower model together with its current pricing, then they could work on now with TyTN3(?)
Jan 28, 2008 08:54
I am wondering if the problem is more extensive, involving the os and qualcomm. Almost every function of my new TyTN II is slower than my old HP 6340. It could be a great machine but after paying $700+ for a SECOND pda to use outside the U.S. I'm quite dissapointed. I was planning to buy a CDMA HTC phone from verizon for use at home but......
Mar 17, 2008 12:32
