News
Twitter Buys Spindle
Spindle today announced that it has been acquired by Twitter. Spindle is known for providing mobile phone users with up-to-the-minute information about what's happening nearby. It culls the real-time information by scanning social networks. According to Spindle, it believes that combining forces with Twitter will help it to deliver even better real-time search results for nearby events and attractions. Spindle's employees will join Twitter's in San Francisco. Terms were not disclosed.
Microsoft and Nokia Recently Scuttled Merger Talks
Talks between Microsoft and Nokia that would have seen the two cpmpanies combine have fallen apart, reports the Wall Street Journal. The talks were in advanced stages and occurred as recently as this month, but were halted by several roadblocks. For starters, the two companies could not agree on a price. Nokia's current stock price gives it a valuation of about $14 billion. Further, both Nokia and Microsoft are each in precarious positions. Nokia, in particular, is struggling to compete against smartphones made by firms such as Apple, Huawei, and Samsung. The Journal notes that the talks will not likely be revived any time soon. Nokia uses Microsoft's Windows Phone platform in its Lumia smartphones.
AT&T Announces the Rugged NEC Terrain with PTT
AT&T today introduced the NEC Terrain, a ruggedized Android smartphone that offers AT&T's enhanced push-to-talk services. The Terrain features a 3.1-inch screen, a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm snapdragon S4 processor, and a physical keyboard for text entry. It also includes a 5-megapixel main camera and VGA user-facing camera. The device ships with 8GB of internal storage, and support for microSD memory cards up to 32GB. The Terrain has a dedicated PTT button and earSmart technology, which NEC says gives the Terrain's dual speakers a significant boost with echo cancellation and noise suppression. It is ruggedized for protection against dust, water, and shock. The NEC Terrain will be available beginning June 21 for $99.99 with a new contract. It can be purchased through AT&T's business sales channels.
Rockmelt Brings Its Mobile App to Android
Rockmelt today announced that its Rockmelt for Web application is now available to Android devices. The app first reached the iPhone in April. Rockmelt for Web connects people to their social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, RSS, etc.) and offers a tile-based view of a wide range of content pulled in from those sources around the web. Though Rockmelt used to offer a full mobile browser, Rockmelt for Web is a socially-connected reader that collects news, stories, and updates and presents them in a visually appealing way. According to Rockmelt, the app is highly customizable, is free of advertisements, is searchable, and makes sharing content with social networks a breeze. The navigation controls come and go as needed, and "elevator buttons" let users easily return to the spot where they were last reading. Rockmelt for Web is also available as a web app on desktop machines. It is free to download from the Google Play Store.
Boost Mobile to Sell LG Optimus F7 for $299
Boost Mobile today announced the pending availability of the LG Optimus F7. The F7 includes a 4.7-inch IPS display with 1280 x 720 pixels; 1.5GHz dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of built-in storage; an 8-megapixel main camera and 1.3-megapixel user-facing camera; and a 2,540mAh battery. The Optimus F7 runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and comes with an assortment of LG custom software, such as QuickMemo and Q Slide. It can operate on Sprint's 3G and LTE networks. It will go on sale June 27 for $299.99 and can be paired with one of Boost Mobile's $55 unlimited plans. Boost Mobile does not require customers to sign contracts.
AT&T Boosts LTE Footprint Once More
AT&T today expanded the size of its LTE 4G network by a handful of new cities and towns around the U.S. The new markets that now have access to LTE include Florence-Muscle Shoals and Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Gallup, N.M.; Brownsville-Harlingen and McAllen, Texas; and Tri-Cities, Wash. AT&T also broadened the reach of its LTE network in a number of existing markets, including the outskirts of Atlanta, Boston, Providence, Allentown/Bethlehem, and Cheyenne/Laramie. According to AT&T, its LTE network is now available in a total of 284 markets.
Wi-Fi Alliance Kicks Off A/C Certification Program
The Wi-Fi Alliance today launched its Wi-Fi Certified ac certification program. The new program is meant to ensure the compatibility of 802.11a/c Wi-Fi products across a range of consumer devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Wi-Fi Certified ac devices will operate in two bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and will be able to handle streaming content such as Ultra HD and 4K video. The Wi-Fi Alliance expects the first Wi-Fi Certified ac devices to reach the market during the second half of the year. Routers and access points will be the first devices to attain the new certification, but other consumer electronics hardware will follow shortly thereafter.
Facebook Tweaks iOS App, Gives it More Granular Controls
Facebook today pushed out a small update to its iOS mobile application. The latest version of Facebook for the iPhone brings with it the ability to add emoticons to status updates, change who can see posts after they've been published, and start conversations after receiving photo messages. Facebook for iOS is a free update from the iTunes App Store.
Dish Bags Attempt to Buy Sprint
Dish Networks today offered an update on its bid to acquire Sprint. According to Dish, Sprint's recent legal actions have caused Dish to reevaluate its plans moving forward. It will drop its proposed acquisition of Sprint and will instead concentrate on acquiring Clearwire. "While Dish continues to see strategic value in a merger with Sprint, the decisions made by Sprint to prematurely terminate our due diligence process and accept extreme deal protections in its revised agreement with SoftBank, among other things, have made it impracticable for Dish to submit a revised offer by the June 18th deadline imposed by Sprint. We will consider our options with respect to Sprint, and focus our efforts and resources on completing the Clearwire tender offer." Sprint filed a lawsuit against Dish on Monday seeking to block its bid to acquire Clearwire, calling the proposal illegal.
Nvidia to License GPU Tech
Nvidia today announced that it plans to offer its mobile processor technology to other companies. Nvidia hopes to generate income through this new business model, which will see it license its mobile technology for a fee. To start, Nvidia said that it will offer the GPU core based on its Kepler architecture. The Kepler GPU includes support for OpenGL 4.3 and GPGPU, and Nvidia claims it offers excellent performance and efficiency. Kepler is found at the core of Nvidia's own GeForce, Quadro, and Tesla GPUs, as well as its next-generation platform, codenamed Logan. Companies that choose to license Nvidia's technology will receive all the support they need to integrate Kepler into their own hardware. Nvidia said today's move is based in part on the changing landscape of computing and its shift toward mobile devices.
Samsung Ring Lands at Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile today announced that the Samsung Galaxy Ring is now available for $179.99. The Ring features a 4.0-inch touch display, 5-megapixel main camera with LED flash and 1080p HD video capture, 1.3-megapixel user-facing camera, and a 1.4GHz processor. The Ring runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is compatible with Virgin iD packs. Other features include Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, Wi-Fi, and support for Virgin's CDMA 3G network. It is compatible with microSD cards up to 64GB and has a 1,750mAh battery. The device is for sale online and in stores beginning today.
Huawei 'Open' to Buying Nokia
Huawei is looking at ways to grow its business, and acquisitions are one possible avenue it might explore. One company that has made its short list of targets is Nokia. "We are considering these sorts of acquisitions; maybe the combination has some synergies but depends on the willingness of Nokia. We are open-minded," said Richard Yu, head of consumer products for Huawei in an interview with the Financial Times. Huawei has faced difficulty finding traction in the U.S. with its telecommunications networking gear business, though its handsets have found space on the shelves of U.S. wireless network operators. Yu did not indicate that Huawei and Nokia are holding formal talks, nor did Nokia comment on Yu's remarks.
AT&T to Sell BlackBerry Q10 June 21 for $199
AT&T today announced that the BlackBerry Q10 will be available beginning June 21 for $199.99 with a new contract. AT&T is also offering a minimum trade-in reimbursement of $100 to customers who swap their old phone for the Q10.
Dish Calls Sprint's Lawsuit 'Transparent'
Dish Networks today offered a response to the lawsuit filed against it by Sprint. According to Dish, the lawsuit is a weak attempt on Sprint's part cover up the fact that its offer for Clearwire is inferior. "Sprint's lawsuit is a transparent attempt to ... exploit its majority position to block Clearwire's shareholders from receiving a fair price for their shares. Dish is confident that its superior offer, which has been unanimously recommended by the Clearwire Board, including the majority appointed by Sprint, will be upheld and Clearwire shareholders will be free to realize the 29% premium represented by the Dish offer." Sprint initially bid $2.90 per share for the portion of Clearwire that it does not already own, but later raised its bid to $2.97 per share and finally $3.40 per share. Dish then followed with its own offer of $4.40 per share. Clearwire's board of directors recently agreed that Dish's proposal is superior, but Sprint claims the offer is illegal and not actionable. Sprint and Dish have been trading barbs since the fight for Clearwire began.
T-Mobile USA to Sell the Sony Xperia Z
T-Mobile USA today announced that it will sell the Xperia Z smartphone in the coming weeks. The Z, which was revealed by Sony earlier this year, has a 5-inch 1080p HD display, 13-megapixel camera, and is water resistant. It will be sold in black and a limited edition purple. The Z will support T-Mobile's forthcoming LTE 4G network. Exact availability and pricing were not announced.
C Spire Makes Connecting to Wi-Fi Easier with New App
C Spire Wireless today announced the availability of a new app called WiFi On, which will allow C Spire customers to connect to more than 14 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. The app was made by Devicescape and uses its partners to connect to the various Wi-Fi hotspot networks. With the app running in the background, WiFi On will automatically search for and connect to open, public Wi-Fi networks. The app is smart enough that it will turn the Wi-Fi radio off when there's little or no signal available. WiFi On works on any Android smartphone running Android 2.2 and up, and it will come preloaded on devices such as the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4.
FCC Chair Nominee to Face Senate Today
Tom Wheeler, President Obama's selection to lead the Federal Communications Commission, will today face questions by the Senate Commerce Committee panel. Wheeler will be grilled about his past, about his knowledge of the telecommunications space, and about his position on net neutrality. Wheeler has already led the National Cable Television Association and the CTIA. The senate will want a clear indication from Wheeler that moving forward he will act in the peoples' best interests, and not those of the industries he used to represent. If confirmed by the senate, Wheeler will succeed Julius Genachowski, who left the FCC in May. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn is acting as FCC chairperson until the new chair is approved.
AT&T Sprinkling Solar-Power Chargers Around NYC
AT&T plans to set up 25 solar-powered charging stations around the five boroughs of New York City, reports The New York Times. The stations resemble helicopter rotors with three blade-like solar cells perched atop a tall pole. The stations will be able to accommodate up to six devices at a time, and will include a mix of ports that are compatible with Android devices as well as BlackBerries, iPhones, and Windows Phones. Though the chargers are being offered by AT&T, anyone can use them. The stations will remain in one spot for three to four weeks at a time, and will then be moved elsewhere in the city. The solar-powered charging stations will be available to New Yorkers until October.
Huawei Shows Off the 6.18mm-Thick Ascend P6
Huawei today announced the Ascend P6, an Android smartphone that measures just 6.18mm thick. The P6 features a metallic body that houses a 4.7-inch HD in-cell display that can be used with when wearing gloves. The P6 includes a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and an 8-megapixel main camera with backside illumination and an aperture of f/2. The P6 also has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for higher-quality self portraits. It comes with a 2,000mAh battery and Huawei's Automated Discontinuous Reception (ADRX) and Quick Power Control (QPC) battery optimization tools that Huawei claims results in power efficiency gains of 30%. Other Huawei software elements include its Emotion user interface, which offers customized widgets and apps. The Ascend P6 runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The P6 will first ship across China and European markets beginning in July, with other markets to follow. Huawei did not say if the P6 or a version thereof would be sold in the U.S.
Sprint Sues to Thwart Dish's Tender Offer for Clearwire
Sprint today filed a lawsuit against Dish Networks and Clearwire in Delaware that aims to prevent Clearwire from acting on Dish's tender offer for Clearwire. Last week, the special action committee evaluating Dish's proposal for Clearwire recommended that the board accept Dish's offer rather than Sprint's. Sprint contends that Dish's offer violates both Delaware law, as well as the rights of both Sprint's and Clearwire's investors. Sprint also calls the offer "structurally and actionably coercive." Sprint points out that the offer cannot be accepted without approval from 75% of Clearwire's investors, including both Sprint and Comcast specifically. Sprint goes on to accuse Dish of attempting to fool Clearwire's shareholders and obstruct Sprint's attempt to acquire the portion of Clearwire that it does not already own. Sprint wants portions of the tender offer to be rescinded, and is also seeking declaratory, injunctive, and compensatory relief.
Bing Voice Search Faster, More Accurate on Windows Phone
Microsoft today revealed that it has made some under-the-hood improvements to Bing voice search for the Windows Phone platform. The updates take advantage of advances in Deep Neural Networks technology, which helps computers mimic the behavior of neurons. Microsoft says the result is voice recognition that is twice as fast and results that are 15% more accurate. The improved Bing search is being rolled out in waves. Microsoft said that the improvements carry over to other apps, such as text or email messages, which will be better at transcribing dictated content.
Skype Video Messaging Reaches Full Release
Skype today announced that its video messaging service has graduated from beta status and is widely available for use. The service, which has been in trials since February, allows Skype users to record and send video messages (up to three minutes long) to other Skype users. Skype said that video messages can be viewed on any platform, but in order to record and send messages users must have devices running Android, BlackBerry, or iOS. Microsoft's own Windows Phone platform is not yet able to record and send Skype video messages. The feature is free to use, and Skype said that users can send an unlimited number of messages.
Sprint Expands LTE to 22 More Cities
Sprint today announced that its LTE 4G network now covers 22 new markets around the U.S. The new markets include Napa, Calif.; Dalton, Ga.; Gainesville, Miami, Palatka, Sebring, and Tampa, Fla.; Warsaw, Ind.; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La.; Lansing/East Lansing and St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Mich.; St. Cloud, Minn.; Dunn, Henderson, and Raleigh, N.C.; Clarksville and Kingsport, Tenn.; Corsicana, Texas; Centralia and Longview, Wash.; and Fond du Lac, Wis. According to Sprint, today's expansion boosts the total number of LTE markets to 110. Sprint also named more markets that are on deck to receive LTE later this year, including a handful of cities each in Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Samsung to Offer LTE-Advanced Galaxy S4 Variant
Samsung plans to introduce a version of the Galaxy S4 with LTE-Advanced on board, according to mobile chief J.K. Shin. "We'll be the first with the commercial launch of the advanced 4G version of the smartphone," said Shin. LTE-Advanced can attain download speeds that are about twice that of today's LTE. This new device will be sold in Korea as soon as this month, and Samsung is in talks with other carriers to sell the phone outside of Korea, though Shin didn't say which ones. The LTE-Advanced Galaxy S4 would mark the fifth variation of the device, following the S4, S4 Mini, S4 Active, and S4 Zoom. At the moment, there are no operational LTE-Advanced networks available in the U.S.
AT&T to Push Wireless Emergency Alerts to iPhone
AT&T today announced that owners of the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S will soon be able to receive wireless emergency alerts. AT&T will push a small carrier update to the iPhone 5 and 4S in the coming days that enables the function. Wireless emergency alerts are sent by the government to warn of danger. The alerts are most often related to severe weather or abducted/missing children, but can notify mobile device owners of other dangers, such as attacks. iPhone owners will be able to turn off all but Presidential alerts, which are pushed to all mobile devices and cannot be disabled. The alerts will be available to iPhones running iOS 6.1 and up.
MetroPCS Begins Selling First HSPA+ Phones
MetroPCS today announced that it has initiated sales of HSPA+ based smartphones in its retail stores. Earlier this week, MetroPCS began accepting unlocked HSPA+ phones in several markets, including Boston, Hartford, Las Vegas, and Dallas, and today announced that it is selling the LG L9 and Samsung Galaxy Exhibit as the first two HSPA+ phones. The company is working to switch its CDMA-based customers over to GSM-based devices, which run on T-Mobile's network rather that MetroPCS' as it integrates the two. MetroPCS will begin selling an HSPA+ and LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy S III on June 17. The company did not say when it expects to broaden the availability of these first HSPA+ phones and the BYOD service beyond the first few markets.
Sprint Gives WiMax Customers - And Itself - An Out
Sprint altered its terms of service last month in such a way that it will be easier for Sprint's customers and Sprint to transition from WiMax service to LTE service. The altered language gives Sprint the right to migrate its customers from WiMax to LTE with proper advance notice. Those customers will be able to retain their existing 3G service minus access to WiMax, end their contracts without incurring an early termination fee, or transition to LTE gear and service. WiMax customers who switch to LTE will be given a free LTE-compatible device under certain circumstances. Sprint has not, however, made public any plans to shutter its WiMax service. "Sprint has not set any dates regarding discontinuing the WiMax network," said Sprint spokeswoman Jennifer Walsh to FierceWireless. "The change in contract language that took effect May 22 anticipates the possibility that we may be ready to begin decommissioning the WiMax network before the end of some contracts for customers with WiMax devices. The new language provides Sprint with the flexibility to give customers LTE devices so that their service is not interrupted." Sprint is planning to decommission its iDEN network, which resides in Sprint's 800MHz spectrum, on June 30. Sprint will then use its 800MHz spectrum to bolster its LTE network, which currently only operates in Sprint's 1900MHz spectrum. Sprint and Clearwire's WiMax network operates in the 2.5GHz band, which will also eventually be used for LTE. Sprint no longer sells new WiMax gear.
White House Wants Better Use of Government Spectrum
The Obama Administration signed an order today mandating that federal agencies make more efficient use of the spectrum they own so that it can be shared with consumers. Obama has for years been seeking ways to free up 500MHz of spectrum that can be turned over to wireless network operators and used for mobile broadband. This latest effort is targeting government use of the country's airwaves. Sprint and AT&T were quick to laud the Administration's move. "Sprint appreciates the steps that President Obama and his Administration have taken today to help ensure that spectrum is used in the most efficient and effective ways possible," said Vonya B. McCann, senior vice president of Government Affairs at Sprint. "Every day, consumers, businesses, and government are relying more and more on wireless broadband services. A steady supply of new spectrum, along with continued improvements in technology and innovation, are key to providing those services." AT&T's Jim Cicconi, AT&T Senior Executive Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs, said, "We commend the White House for recognizing the enormous progress in U.S. broadband deployment, wireless in particular, and for their commitment to meet the need for more spectrum so these investments can continue." Other wireless network operators have yet to comment publicly.
more at Reuters » / Sprint / AT&T
AT&T Revamps GoPhone Plans, Adds LTE Access
AT&T today made available a new series of plans for its GoPhone prepaid service and for the first time is allowing GoPhone customers to access its LTE 4G network. Plans for LTE 4G smartphones now start at $25 per month, which includes 250 minutes and unlimited messaging, with 50MB of data available for $5 more. The next step up costs $40 per month and includes 500 minutes, unlimited messaging, and 200MB of data, with additional data buckets available for $5 per 100MB. The highest tier plan costs $60 per month and includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messaging, and 2GB of data, with additional data available for $10 per 1GB. GoPhone plans do not require a contract. Customers may bring their own smartphone if they wish, or purchase a GoPhone smartphone. AT&T also announced that it has added the Samsung Galaxy Express to its lineup of GoPhone devices. The Express is an Android smartphone that includes LTE 4G and costs $249. AT&T updated its feature phone plans, which start at $35 per month for 500 minutes, unlimited messaging and unlimited data. The new plans go into effect June 21.
Microsoft Brings Office to the iPhone, But Not for Free
Microsoft today released Office Mobile for Office 365 subscribers. The software allows iPhone owners to create Microsoft Office Word and Excel documents, as well as open and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, but it requires a subscription to Microsoft's Office 365 service. Office Mobile allows iPhone owners to open Office documents embedded in emails, and syncs documents changes back to SkyDrive or SharePoint automatically. It also supports collaboration tools, such as adding and viewing comments, and sharing documents with others via email or SharePoint. The application supports more than two dozen languages. Office Mobile for Office 365 is optimized for the iPhone 5, but also works with older iPhones, the iPod Touch, and the iPad. It requires iOS 6.1 and up.
Google+ to Sync Notifications Across Devices
Google today announced an improvement to its Google+ social network that will see notifications synced across a user's various devices and platforms. Notifications that are marked read or dismissed on one device will automatically be marked read on all devices. In addition to the notification syncing, Google is updating notifications' appearance, providing a new bell icon to alert users to notifications, as well as a new notifications tray that shows read/unread items separately. According to Google, the updated notifications are going to be rolled out gradually. Android devices will be the first able to access the new notifications thanks to a new Google+ application that is available to day. The new Android Google+ app also adds the ability to delete photos from the Photos view, as well as adding easy ways to check the number of +1s, comments, and reshares. These same changes will next reach the web version of Google+, and eventually iOS devices.
AT&T Pitching Broader Wi-Fi Roaming Agreements
AT&T would like to strike more Wi-Fi roaming agreements with its international peers. Bill Hague, AT&T's executive vice president of international affairs, said that such agreements would benefit not only consumers, but the network operators, too. "Roaming agreements will increase revenue for everyone, and far more than anyone could do individually," said Hague while speaking at the Wi-Fi Globall Congress this week. "In much the same way as GSMA standardization secured its international success, so we need to do the same with Wi-Fi." Specifically, AT&T is looking at the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and its Passpoint program, which will allow cell phone users roam from cell network to Wi-Fi hotspots seamlessly, even in other countries. Passpoint and the Next Generation Hotspot (Hotspot 2.0) programs require that devices be certifed by the WBA, since a big piece of the puzzle is authentication of the user between the various networks. The standards are still in progress and the industry has yet to settle on one. Apple's recently-announced iOS 7 includes support for Hotspot 2.0, as does the Samsung Galaxy S4. The initiative is expected to go live for consumers early next year.
AT&T to Sell Galaxy S4 Active June 21 for $199
AT&T today announced that it will soon offer the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active smartphone. The device will be available for preorder beginning June 14 and is expected to reach stores on June 21. It will cost $199.99 with a new two-year contract and will be sold in Dive Blue and Urban Gray. The GS4 Active, which was recently revealed by Samsung, is water resistant and dust proof, and has a 5-inch screen protected by Gorilla Glass. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active offers most of the same features found on the standard Galaxy S4.
Broadcom Intros Quad-Core HSPA+ Processor
Broadcom today announced a new processor/baseband combination chip called the BCM23550, which is meant for entry-level and high-end Android 4.2 Jelly Bean smartphones. The BCM23550 includes four 1.2GHz ARM Cortex A7 cores with ARM's Neon technology. The processor has what Broadcom calls VideoCore technology for more fluid graphics and 3D gaming. It can support dual 720p HD displays, including an external Miracast panel. It works with image sensors up to 12 megapixels and 1080p HD record and playback. As far as radios go, the BCM23550 offers an HSPA+ baseband capable of 21Mbps downloads and 5.8Mbps uploads. It also includes support for HD voice, and packages together GPS, GLONASS, NFC, 5G Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and indoor positioning. Last, the BCM23550 is power efficient and supports devices with dual SIM cards. The BCM23550 is currently sampling with production expected in the third quarter of 2013.
Clearwire Committee to Endorse Dish's Offer
The special committee formed by Clearwire tasked with evaluating Dish Network's tender offer is set to recommend that Clearwire accept Dish's offer, reports the Wall Street Journal. The committee believes Clearwire's full board should shun Sprint's offer of $3.40 per share in favor of Dish's offer of $4.40 per share, according to the sources "familiar with the matter." Until now, Clearwire's board has endorsed Sprint's offer for the company. Despite the committee's recommendation, Sprint still owns more than half of Clearwire. The committee is also recommending that Clearwire postpone a shareholder vote scheduled for Thursday, June 13 until later in the month. Sprint, however, believes Dish's offer is unactionable and illegal according to Delaware law. Neither Clearwire nor Sprint has commented on the matter. Dish and Sprint have been going back and forth over control for Clearwire since January.
AT&T Teases Waterproof Phone
AT&T today posted a teaser video on its YouTube channel that suggests it will soon release a waterproof smartphone. The video depicts a device, which resembles the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, being dunked in water and accepting calls while submerged. The video says that more details will become available June 13.
Viva Movil Opens First Store in Brooklyn
Viva Movil today announced that its first retail store opened on June 11. Viva Movil is a premium retailer of Verizon Wireless goods and services. The launch store is located at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, near the Barclay's Center arena. Viva Movil is a partnership between Brightstar Solutions, for distribution, and Moorehead Communications, a Verizon Wireless retailer. The company was founded by Jennifer Lopez, who serves as its chief marketing officer. Viva Movil looks to cater to the Latino community. Stores will launch in other markets, such as Los Angeles and Miami, throughout the year.
MetroPCS Accepting Unlocked GSM Phones in Some Markets
MetroPCS today launched a new bring-your-own-device offering in several cities, with plans to expand the service later. MetroPCS is now allowing people with GSM-based Android smartphones and select versions of the Apple iPhone to bring their unlocked device into MetroPCS stores and sign up for MetroPCS service. Though the customers will be billed by MetroPCS, their device will actually run on T-Mobile's GSM-based network and not MetroPCS's CDMA-based network. The offering is first available in Boston, Dallas, Hartford, and Las Vegas. MetroPCS didn't say when the program might be expanded. T-Mobile USA acquired MetroPCS earlier this year and said it planned to transition new and existing MetroPCS customers from Metro's CDMA network to its own GSM network.
Nokia Ships Last Batch of Symbian Phones
Nokia has manufactured and shipped the very last series of smartphones running its Symbian smartphone platform, reports the Financial Times. Nokia has been transitioning away from Symbian since 2011 in favor of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform. The company has not introduced any new Symbian-based models in some time, and the devices that recently shipped are expected to be sold before the end of summer, marking the end for Nokia's once-vaunted smartphone platform. "It took 22 months to get a Symbian phone out of the door," explained Nokia to FT. "With Windows Phone, it is less than a year. We spend less time having to tinker with deep-lying code and more time on crafting elements of the experience that make a big difference, such as around photography, maps, music and apps in general." Nokia is now the world's leading supplier of Windows Phone devices, owning approximately 80% of the Windows Phone market. It's overall share of the smartphone market, however, trails market leaders Samsung, Apple, and others.
Samsung Intros Galaxy S4 Zoom with 16MP Camera
Samsung today announced the Galaxy S4 Zoom, a smartphone that looks more like a point-and-shoot camera than a handset. The Zoom features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and boasts 10x optical zoom, Xenon flash, and optical image stabilization. The Zoom has new camera software that replaces traditional digital controls called the Zoom Ring, which Samsung says can be used to launch certain camera functions such as sharing a picture while on a phone call. Beyond the camera, the Zoom runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and has a 4.3-inch qHD display, dual-core 1.5GHz processor, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, Bluetooth, and support for various different LTE bands. The Zoom includes 8GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards up to 64GB. It is powered by a 2,330mAh battery. Pricing and availability were not announced.
More articles in the Archive ›
What do you want to hear about? We're already working on a number of articles for the coming months, but we want to write about the things you're most interested in. So sound off: tell us what you want to know more about!
