14 DAY TRIAL // HTC ThunderBolt, Verizon Wireless' first smartphone to offer support for the carrier's new 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, was delayed a few days from the initial release estimate, and it seems that it might be pushed back several days more, mainly due to a series of issues related to its battery. Initially set to arrive on shelves on February 24th, the HTC ThunderBolt smartphone was than said to have been pushed back to February 28th, and now to arrive on shelve only some 10 days from now.
With March 10th being pinned down as the most possible release date for the new device, some rumors on what might have caused its delay also emerged, and the main reason is said to be problems with the battery life.
A recent article on Engadget cites “people familiar with the matter,” stating that the handset has a terrible battery life, and that things are not looking that great for enthusiasts.
The handset is reportedly unable to offer more than a few hours of usage/standby time, with the battery going dry in no time, which would make it impossible for customers to use it in real life.
Nothing was confirmed on this for the time being, but rumors has it that Verizon and HTC are working on the delivery of a new firmware for the device, to increase the battery life, and that the phone won't hit the shelves until the software is ready.
In the meantime, we should note that Verizon and HTC seem to have been already prepared for the handset's arrival, as it was already spotted both in the Celebrite system, as well as on HTC's online store.
The mobile phone maker lists the upcoming smartphone with a price tag of $699.99 attached to it, slightly lower than what we're heard about before.
What's certain is that Verizon’s first 4G LTE phone should become available for purchase in the United States in the near future, and the fact that accessories for it already appeared at Best Buy confirms this.
