Touch HD NOT Coming to the US!

HTC just broke the horrible news via twitter:

sad news, US. we looked into it- by the time we could bring Touch HD to the states, it would be old news. we do have other cool stuff coming

In other words, the Touch HD with its gigantic screen, 3.5 mm headset jack, and general iPhone-challenging form factor is going to be import-only for the US and, on top of that, it's likely never to see the 3G bands used by AT&T. The dream, our friends, is officially dead on this side of the pond. At least the import of the non-3G-compatible version will be legal by dint of the recent FCC approval. HTC's grand tradition of release CDMA versions of most of their stuff here also has hit quite the speedbump, too.

...Of course, the 'other cool stuff' intrigues us, but it's not much consolation just now. Meanwhile, you'll have to excuse us while we wither under the jibes of our iPhone-toting friends in the US.

(side note: comments a little broken right now, if you head to the forums and log in, you'll be able to comment. Alternately, just go here. Update: Comments Fixed)

WC Staff
13 Comments
  • Our take:
    http://twitter.com/wmexperts/statuses/948785342
  • The way HTC keeps one-upping themselves at a breakneck rate I wouldn't sweat it too much. They'll no doubt have something even more drool-worthy headed to our shores before you know it.
  • But of course, whatever the cool new stuff is going to be... it will always be 6 plus months after it is released overseas. =(
  • Great,,,,,,,,,, now what? After looking at this thing,, everything else looks worthless. We sure do get short changed in the US when it comes to technology. If we could get the nation off drugs and raise the number of college grads maybe we could be come a technology hub. :mad: :( :censored:
  • "HTC's grand tradition of release CDMA versions of most of their stuff here also has hit quite the speedbump, too."
    WhatwhatWHAT? Did I miss a news article? I thought that the release of HTC's CDMA equipment was lumbering on at the usual pace (well behind GSM).
  • HTC thinks we're all supposed to be excited about the G1! Some of use aren't. The G1, like the iPhone, are COOL...but they just don't work for corporate users. Another option is the Touch Pro but it's just not enough to get me to jump ship from my Mogul at this point.
    C'mon HTC!
  • My guess is that either this means a CDMA variant is coming OR, "hang in there until 2H2009 when WM7 based devices with similar form factors will be coming."
    I'm betting on the latter.
  • Won't they come out with an 850 rom upgrade like they did for the touch diamond?
    Also would you be able to upgrade from wm6.1 to wm7 when it comes out?
  • Won't they come out with an 850 rom upgrade like they did for the touch diamond?
    Also would you be able to upgrade from wm6.1 to wm7 when it comes out?
    As usual, the upgrade is entirely up to the manufacturer. While it is very technically feasible, what's the upside to HTC to put in a bunch of R&D to sell you an upgrade for only $30-$50 (which is my guess as to what the market would be willing to pay for an upgrade)? Instead, I think they'd rather sell you a whole new device which likely carriers a higher margin.
  • HTC thinks we're all supposed to be excited about the G1! Some of use aren't. The G1, like the iPhone, are COOL...but they just don't work for corporate users. Another option is the Touch Pro but it's just not enough to get me to jump ship from my Mogul at this point.
    C'mon HTC!
    I am permanently scared by this issue. I feel like I got dumped. When news of the Touch Pro came out I was excited but now I cant even look at that thing. Everything looks like silly junk compared to the HD. The HD has ruined me for all other devices.
  • Sprint JUST got the Diamond, Verizon is supposed to get the Diamond soon, At&t wants nothing to do with this phone, T-mobile is just getting the G1, and this device looks very very similar to the new touchscreen blackberry. So basically, not enough room in the highly political US cellphone industry. The only place it would appear is in best buy. Do they really want to invest in a US 3G model just to sell maybe 50 -100k at best buy?
  • Im starting to feel a little bit better today. My Treo Pro has been keeping me company. I think the healing has begun. Maybe we could start a support and community outreach program for those of us that have been emotionally scared by this latest abuse from HTC. Today I only thought about the HD a few times.........:(
  • "HTC's grand tradition of release CDMA versions of most of their stuff here also has hit quite the speedbump, too." WhatwhatWHAT? Did I miss a news article? I thought that the release of HTC's CDMA equipment was lumbering on at the usual pace (well behind GSM).