TracFone
Huawei's First Windows Phone Hits Walmart this Month
Huawei today announced that the W1, its first Windows Phone 8 smartphone, will be available at Walmart stores in the U.S. beginning later this month. The W1 is known as the Ascend W1 in other markets. It features a 4-inch LCD screen with 800 x 480 pixels, a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, a 5-megapixel camera with 720p video capture, 1.7GB of internal storage, and support for microSD cards up to 32GB. Huawei did not say which carrier will provide service for the W1, but Walmart sells TracFone devices, and the W1 is compatible with TracFone's network. Pricing was not provided, nor was the exact release date.
Samsung Shows Off S275G Flip for TracFone
Samsung recently revealed details about the S275G, a simple flip phone for TracFone. The S275 has two displays; the main display measures 1.75 inches and has 128 x 180 pixels, while the external display measures 1 inch and has 96 x 96 pixels. The S275G also includes a 1.3-megapixel camera with video capture and a dedicated camera button, basic music/video players, a WAP browser, and Bluetooth. TracFone has yet to add the Samsung S275G to its online store, so pricing and availability are not yet known.
TracFone Scores the LG Optimus Zip
LG and TracFone today revealed the Optimus Zip, a new sideways slider that includes Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a full QWERTY keyboard. The Optimus Zip (also branded as the LG Enlighten / Optimus Slider) offers a 3.2-inch touch display with 320 x 480 pixels. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera with video capture, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0+EDR, and CDMA-EVDO 3G. The Optimus Zip is powered by an 800MHz processor, and supports microSD cards up to 32GB. TracFone has not yet announced pricing or availability for the Optimus Zip.
Simple Mobile Now Part of Tracfone
Tracfone Wireless, Inc. today announced that it has completed its previously-announced acquisition of Simple Mobile. Simple Mobile provides no-contract, SIM-only service on T-Mobile's GSM/HSPA+ network. Tracfone already offers SIM-only options under its Straight Talk and Net10 brands. Tracfone is a subsidiary of America Movil S.A.B. de C.V.
Samsung S125G Is a Simple Bar Phone for TracFone
Samsung today revealed the S125G, an entry-level bar-style phone for prepaid provider TracFone. The S125G has a 1.52-inch display and focuses on simple voice features. It includes a speakerphone and a large numeric dialpad. Pricing and availability of the S125G have not been disclosed.
TracFone Scores the Samsung S425G Slider
Samsung today revealed the S425G for TracFone, a sideways slider that includes a full QWERTY keyboard in addition to a standard numerical keypad. The S425G offers a 2.4-inch display with 240 x 320 pixels and runs a Java-based operating system. Facebook, Twitter, and instant messaging applications are installed for keeping in touch. Other features of the S425G include a 2-megapixel camera with video capture, Bluetooth, speakerphone, music and video players, and support for microSD cards up to 32GB. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
TracFone Snaps Up Simple Mobile
Prepaid MVNO TracFone today announced an agreement to acquire SIM-only prepaid MVNO Simple Mobile. Simple Mobile operates a SIM-card-only service where customers bring their own GSM phones. Simple uses T-Mobile USA's network. TracFone is also an MVNO, using a mix of other national carrier's networks. TracFone is owned by America Movil, which has operations across the Americas. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter. The purchase price and other terms were not disclosed.
Samsung SCH-R375 Headed to TracFone
Samsung recently published information about the SCH-R375c, a mono-block QWERTY phone that is intended for TracFone's network. According to Samsung, the r375 is based on a Java operating system and includes a full keyboard for messaging, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and stereo Bluetooth. TracFone has yet to list this device, and pricing has not been disclosed.
Samsung Outs T404 Messaging Phone
Samsung recently published information about the T404, a sideways slider feature phone that has a full QWERTY keyboard for messaging. The T404 features a 2.2-inch display with 240 x 320 pixels, a 2-megapixel camera with video capture, 40MB of internal storage, and support for microSD cards up to 16GB. Other features include Bluetooth, speakerphone, messaging software, and vibrate alerts. The T404 is sold by TracFone for $59.99.
Straight Talk Lands LG Optimus Q
Straight Talk recently added the LG Optimus Q to its lineup, the pre-paid carrier's second Android smartphone. The Optimus Q will cost $179.99 and require a $45 monthly plan. Straight Talk is operated by TracFone, and its Android devies run on Sprint's network.
Samsung T245G for TracFone Makes Appearance
Samsung today published details about a new flip phone for TracFone. The T245G is an entry-level clamshall that has a basic feature set. It includes dual displays, a camera, and messaging functions. The T245G is not yet listed for sale on TracFone's web site.
Straight Talk Android Phones to Run on Sprint's Network
Sprint has confirmed that the Android devices sold by TracFone through its Straight Talk service will run on the Sprint network, rather than the networks of AT&T, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless. TracFone already has wholesale relationships with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, but Sprint appears to have scored an exclusive with respect to Android-based smartphones. The first such device is the recently announced Samsung Precedent, which sells for $149.99. TracFone's Straight Talk brand is sold through Wal-Mart stores, though it is owned by America Movil.
Samsung T528 Makes Appearance on Samsung Web Site
Samsung has published details about a phone called the SGH-T528g. This bar-style touch phone has a 3-inch display and runs Samsung's TouchWiz 2.0 user interface. According to both Samsung and documents recently spotted on the Federal Communications Commission web site, it supports 850/1900MHz GSM/EDGE/WCDMA, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The T528 also sports a 2 megapixel camera with video capture and a full array of messaging and web-based applications. The device is sold by Tracfone.
