EVO 3D shipping with locked down bootloader, but HTC may reconsider policy

We've got some good news and some bad news. Let's do the bad news first: much like the Sensation, Thunderbolt, and Incredible S, Android Police has confirmed that the upcoming HTC EVO 3D will also be sporting a locked down bootloader of similar fashion, meaning custom ROM modders will have a hard time glamming up said phone. Not that anyone should be surprised by this finding though, given the sad trend. That said, there is still hope: earlier today, HTC announced on Facebook that it's "reviewing the issue and our policy around bootloaders" -- looks like someone's pulled a page out of Sony Ericsson's good book. If all goes well, we'll just have to wait and see whether HTC will beat Motorola to making their fans smile again.

Android Police, HTC (Facebook)

HTC EVO 3D priced at $200 on contract, free pack-ins cost your dignity

You've been able to pre-order an HTC EVO 3D since last week, but it involved a bit of a leap of faith since both price and release date were unannounced. Well, we can now solve at least one of those mysteries -- the EVO 3D will run you the industry standard $200 with a 2-year contract, while the commitment averse can snatch one up for $500. You can save yourself an extra $100 by picking yours up at RadioShack and trading in your EVO 4G or Shift 4G. Obviously, you'll still have to plunk down for the monthly "premium data add-on" and exactly when you'll be able to start leaving fingerprints all over that glasses-free 3D screen is still anybody's guess but, hey, at least it comes with a free copy of The Green Hornet and the Black Eyed Peas' Phenomenon. You know, because while a high-end smartphone may cost $200 on contract, good taste is priceless.

Good and Evo

HTC Evo 3D, View 4G available for pre-order at Sprint

Sprint customers holding out for the HTC Evo 3D can now inch slightly closer to that glasses-free display -- without dropping by RadioShack. The carrier has confirmed that you can reserve the WiMAX handset by visiting a Sprint-owned retail store and plunking down $50 for a gift card. There's still no word on when you'll be able to get the device in-hand (and the 3D's exclusive carrier is mum on pricing), but, if you don't mind reserving a phone without any hint as to how much you'll eventually need to pay, then Sprint seems happy enough to swap your Grant for a spot on the list. It's also taking names for the Evo View 4G tablet and, like the 3D, that $50 deposit can be used to take a bite out of a 2D handset. You know, in case you decide that a third dimension is too hot to handle.

SOURCE: Engadget

HTC EVO 3D pre-orders begin today at RadioShack, but launch date remains unknown

As of today, May 17th, RadioShack is starting to take pre-orders for HTC's mighty EVO 3D. You'll have to ask for it specifically, as this won't be an advertised undertaking, and you'll also need to swallow the cost of a $50 RadioShack Gift Card for the privilege. Moreover, the company makes sure to inform employees that the launch date for this Sprint-bound smartphone is still unknown -- meaning that what you're really signing up for is a glorified reservation. Still, if the retailers are stirring, we can't imagine the wait for actual stock will be lasting too much longer.