In our review of Verizon’s first LTE-capable smartphone, the HTC ThunderBolt, we told you about a minor gripe we had with the device: battery life. It’s true, powering a 4.3-inch screen and a handful of wireless radios can take its toll on battery life, so we were shocked to find that the ThunderBolt did not have a carrier-supported method for turning off the device’s 4G radio. The handset is sold in markets where Verizon’s next-generation wireless network is currently unavailable, and power-users often like to toggle the feature on and off as needed. While this functionality may not be included out of the box, the open nature of Android has brought a simple application to the Market to help you out. Dubbed LTE OnOFF, the 11KB application allows you to toggle LTE in three simple clicks. Open the app, click “OK” on the instructions page, and select “CDMA auto” for LTE-less operation. The applications creators describe the code as follows:
Like all the paid LTE “Switch” and “Toggles”, just faster, smaller and free. Simple, to the point. Distribute freely.
LTE OnOFF is sitting in the Android Market, just waiting to be downloaded. If you’re a ThunderBolt owner looking for an easier way to toggle your 4Gs, enjoy.
[Via Android Central]