HTC Thunderbolt one pricey smartphone to make

HTC Thunderbolt one pricey smartphone to make
That's according to a recent study by IHS, who found that the phone's bill of materials was $262, the highest total out of any smartphone the firm has ever torn down. The high price was largely due to the 4G components, which added $39.75 to the cost of the smartphone. The company says the higher cost provides some insights on the issues Apple may have when it constructs a 4G-compatible iPhone. "The next iPhone's (build-of-materials) value certainly will increase substantially compared to the iPhone 4 if LTE is implemented in the same manner as in the HTC Thunderbolt," said Wayne Lam, an analyst at IHS. Related coverage• iPhone 5 rumor roundup• Four years of the iPhone• Why things are looking good for VerizonIn comparison, the CDMA variant of the iPhone 4 has a build-of-materials cost of $171.35. The firm estimates the cost would go up to $211.10 if Apple used the same LTE components that HTC did. While there remains speculation--mostly wishful thinking--that the next iPhone will be compatible with Verizon's 4G LTE network, many remain skeptical. Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said in April that the first generation of LTE components would force compromises that the company wasn't willing to make. The wireless carriers are eager to push 4G service, seen by many as the key to their continued growth. IHS, however, does note that there are more cost-efficient components available now than there were when the Thunderbolt was being designed. Still, any 4G components would require a radical redesign of the hardware.

HTC CEO slams Apple settlement estimates, calls them outrageous

HTC CEO slams Apple settlement estimates, calls them outrageous
HTC Chief Executive Peter Chou said today that he was happy with the settlement reached with Apple, and called the estimates floating around "outrageous."Earlier this month, Apple and HTC struck a 10-year cross-licensing agreement, putting to bed a long-running and bitter legal battle. While the companies didn't disclose the terms of the deal, analysts had surmised that HTC was on the losing end, and would pay upwards of $6 to $8 per Android phone. Related storiesAnalysts predict bold growth for Google AndroidHTC expecting sales turnaround with new lineupHTC's next super phones waiting in the wingsThe 411: Sorry, no Chocolate for youWanted at Google: Nexus One phone support Chou, speaking to reporters, including Reuters, at a product event in Japan, slammed the estimates as inaccurate and "baseless," but didn't provide any additional numbers. HTC President Jason MacKenzie told CNET earlier that he was happy with the settlement and that the deal wouldn't significantly impact the company's financials. HTC was the first company Apple targeted in its legal attack on Android, and its settlement with HTC have some hoping for a similar resolution to a similar legal clash with Samsung Electronics. Samsung said yesterday that it wanted to see the details of the Apple-HTC settlement because the deal may involve similar patents. A Samsung executive said it didn't intend to negotiate with Apple. HTC, meanwhile, gets to put away the distraction of multiple lawsuits and can get back to focusing on its turnaround efforts.