Pre Facing European Pre-Release Struggles
So the Pre made its debut at the PlayBite event in London yesterday and it seems that it’s not the well polished machine the North American version has been here in the states. Accounts from people at the event tell of everything from Google Maps failure, to the device not being allowed to be photographed due to “issues”. Such a shady display seems to be peeving some of our cross-lantic friends.
We here at PMP are filing this under, “not too bloody surprised”. Don’t get us wrong, we looooove the Pre. It’s one sexy lil phone. BUT, anyone who’s made the pond crossing or has simply googled European phone selection, knows that over there, the Pre is simply normal. If you’re not familiar, I’ll give you a taste:
Take this general comparison. Handset maker HTC releases sets over in Europe many months before they hit U.S. soil. When they hit over there they contain many features not found on U.S. versions. For instance, front-facing video conferencing technology is common and carrier supported. Added to this, European carriers seem less apt to “tinker” with the manufacturers specs post production. While carrier subsidization over here has provided cheaper prices, it also gives Verizon, Sprint and etc. free license to add/remove/cripple specs at will. Big Red seems to be the worst in this game, but I digress.
Bottom line, as exciting as the Pre is here in the states, it’s kinda business as usual over there. So yea, don’t count on the trend creating craze that the iPhone managed with throngs of European Apple drones. But don’t worry American Pre fans. We’re still here and we still love you.
-PMP admin