AT&T
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
AT&T Brings PTT to iPhone for Its Business Customers
AT&T today announced a new application that delivers push-to-talk walkie-talkie functionality to the Apple iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. According to AT&T, the application supports large contact lists and talk groups, allows businesses to combine PTT services with enterprise mobile applications, and provides businesses with supervisory override so they can communicate with all PTT-enabled devices at the same time. AT&T claims that calls can be setup in less than one second. In addition to the new iPhone app, AT&T announced that its Enhanced Push-to-Talk service can now be used over Wi-Fi networks as well as its cellular network. This is the first time that PTT has been available on the iPhone from a U.S. carrier.
AT&T Mimics Verizon, Pushes Upgrades to 24 Months
AT&T today announced a change to its device upgrade policy, extending the amount of time between when customers are eligible for discounted devices. As it stands today, customers become eligible for discounted pricing after fulfilling 20 months of their 24-month contract. Beginning today, any new customer signing a new contract will have to wait 24 months instead of 20 to receive discounted device pricing. AT&T says the policy change "aligns" its contract and discount terms. The change applies to existing customers whose agreements expires in March 2014 or later. According to AT&T, customers can pay full price for a new device at any time, as well as use any unlocked GSM device they might own. AT&T also said that customers can trade in old devices for cash or credit when purchasing new equipment. Verizon Wireless made a similar change to its upgrade policy earlier this year.
AT&T Sells Off Portion of America Movil Stake
AT&T has netted about $564 million in proceeds from selling 7.5% of the stake it has in America Movil, which operates in Mexico. AT&T sold the shares between May 7 and June 4, according to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T traditionally maintains a 9% stake in America Movil, and has two employees on the board. The company said it does not plan to sell its entire stake in America Movil. Earlier this year, AT&T said it would explore asset sales across its business units.
AT&T's LTE Network Reaches 22 New Markets
AT&T today significantly expanded the footprint of its LTE 4G network by adding 22 new markets and increasing coverage in 10 others. The new markets that now have access to LTE 4G include Batesville, Blytheville, and Forrest City, Ark.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Clewiston, Fla.; Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Rexburg, Id.; Columbus, Fort Wayne, and Seymour, Ind.; Muskegon, Mich.; Vineland, N.J.; Farmington, N.M.; Wooster, Ohio; Miami, Okla.; Williamsport, Pa.; Texarkana, Texas; Heber, Utah; and Olympia and Spokane, Wash. The markets that now have expanded coverage include Huntsville and Montgomery, Ala.; Jonesboro, Ark.; Gainesville, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Harrisburg and York, Pa.; Florence, S.C.; Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas; and Richmond Va. According to AT&T, LTE is now available in 261 markets and covers more than 200 million POPs.
BlackBerry Q10 Hits AT&T June 5 for $199
AT&T today announced that customers interested in the BlackBerry Q10 will be able to preorder the smartphone beginning June 5. It will cost $199.99 with a new contract. AT&T didn't say when it will ship, nor when it will reach retail stores.
Google to Sell HTC One with Stock Android
Google's Sundar Pichai, head of the company's Android efforts, today announced that the company will sell a Sense-free version of the HTC One through the Google Play Store. Similar to the stock Android version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 announced earlier this month, the HTC One will be sold unlocked with support for both AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. It will cost $599 and will be available by the end of June. Pichai was speaking at the D11 conference.
Moto X To Be Made in USA, Focus on Sensors
Motorola's CEO Dennis Woodside today personally announced a handful of details about the company's next flagship phone. The phone - to be called the Moto X - will focus on responding to context using sensors, automatically entering pocket, hand-held, car, and camera modes. It will also be assembled in the USA, in a Texas factory previously used to make Nokia phones. The FCC has recently approved high-end, unannounced Motorola phones for Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint, all of which may be carrier variants of the same Moto X phone. Woodside was speaking at the D11 conference.
AT&T Gives GoPhone Customers Access to Faster Data
AT&T today confirmed that its GoPhone customers can now access its HSPA+ and LTE 4G data networks. The change means that owners of devices such as the iPhone 5 or other LTE-capable equipment will be able to browse the web at faster speeds. "Starting today, new AT&T GoPhone customers have the option of connecting to our nation's largest 4G network if they purchase a 4G or 4G LTE device at full retail price or bring their own 4G or 4G LTE device," said AT&T. GoPhone customers who already have HSPA+ or LTE-capable equipment will receive an over-the-air update that enables HSPA+/LTE network access on June 12. GoPhone customers have to be on the $25, $50, or $65 monthly plan in order to access the faster data speeds.
AT&T Adds 61-Cent Admin Fee to All Customers
AT&T has added a new administration fee to the monthly bills of all its customers. The fee amounts to 61 cents, which, when multiplied across AT&T's entire customer base, amounts to about $500 million in extra revenue per year for the company. An AT&T spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal that the fee is less than that charged by its competitors. It went into effect May 1.
Samsung Buys 10% Stake in Pantech for $48 Million
Samsung today confirmed that it has made a $48 million investment in competitor Pantech, which gives it 10% ownership of the company. "The investment is aimed at solidifying our relationship with Pantech, a key component customer of Samsung," said the company in a statement. "Samsung will have no involvement in Pantech’s business management in any way or form." The two competitors already collaborate on semiconductor and display technologies. Pantech sells a mix of feature phones and smartphones in the U.S. through AT&T.
Verizon Selling Customer Location Data
Verizon Wireless has begun selling more specific data generated by its customers to third-party companies, reports the Wall Street Journal. The data being offered includes details such as locations, travels, demographics, and web-browsing habits. The data is anonymized, so it can't be identified to individual customers, and is packaged in groups of customers rather than by person. The data, which is compiled by a company called Precision Media Insights, is sold to organizations such as the government, malls, billboard owners, and stadiums, which can then gain a better understanding about the people who frequent their businesses, what they're doing, and the general area in which they live. Verizon warned customers in 2011 that it might use their data in this manner. The Journal reports that subscribers can opt out via Verizon's web site. Information about government and corporate clients is not shared, and Verizon says that it complies with applicable laws regarding customer privacy. The Journal says that AT&T is looking to sell similar customer location data, but has not yet chosen to do so.
Hands On with the Nokia Lumia 620 for Aio
We spent some time with the new Lumia 620 for Aio, AT&T's new prepaid experiment. This cute little phone has a unique design. Here's what we thought of it.
from Nokia
Powermat and PowerKiss Unite and Back PMA Standard
Powermat today announced that it has merged with PowerKiss. Powermat, based in the U.S., makes and markets wireless charging accessories. It backs the standard supported by the Power Matters Alliance. Before today, PowerKiss, which is based in Finland, backed a competing standard. Now that the two companies are one, they are together throwing their weight behind the PMA wireless charging standard. The PMA is mounting a challenge to competing standards Qi and the Alliance for Wireless Power. Earlier this year, the PMA won support from AT&T, BlackBerry, Google, HTC, Huawei, Kyocera, LG, Samsung, Starbucks, and ZTE. Further, AT&T mandated that its handset partners incorporate the PMA wireless charging standard into their devices by 2014. Verizon Wireless supports the Qi standard. The consumer electronics industry has yet to settle on a single standard.
CAT to Sell Its B15 Smartphone Directly to US Consumers
CAT today announced the availability of the B15, a rugged Android smartphone. The device, which debuted earlier this year, runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and has a 4-inch WVGA display that works with wet fingers. It also includes a 5-megapixel camera, a MediaTek dual-core 1GHz processor, GPS, Wi-Fi, and support for microSD cards. The device is fully ruggedized and can withstand up to 30 minutes in three feet of water as well as multiple drops to concrete from six feet. CAT says it is "impervious" to dust and dirt. The B15 is being built and distributed for CAT by Bullitt Mobile. It costs $349 and can be used on the networks run by AT&T and T-Mobile USA.
AT&T Clarifies Position On Video Chats Over Cellular
AT&T today provided a new statement regarding the use of pre-installed apps and third-party apps to conduct video chats. The statement serves to update its position after it was discovered last week that the new Google Hangouts application cannot conduct two-way video chats over AT&T's cellular network. "For video chat apps that come pre-loaded on devices," explained AT&T, "we currently give all OS and device makers the ability for those apps to work over cellular for our customers who are on Mobile Share or Tiered plans. Apple, Samsung and Blackberry have chosen to enable this for their pre-loaded video chat apps." This includes FaceTime, ChatOn, and BlackBerry Messenger. Google Hangouts, which replaces Google Talk, technically qualifies as a pre-loaded app and Google has not sought to enable Hangouts over cellular with AT&T. "Throughout the second half of this year," continued AT&T, "we plan to enable pre-loaded video chat apps over cellular for all our customers, regardless of data plan or device; that work is expected to be complete by yearend." Customers are still able to download third-party apps such as Skype, Viber, Kik, and others, to conduct video chats over cellular.
from AT&T
AT&T Blocking Video Chats in Google Hangouts
AT&T customers who install the new Google Hangouts application on their Android devices cannot use one of the main features: video chats. When they attempt to start a video chat, a message appears prompting them to connect to a Wi-Fi network; the feature won't work on AT&T's cellular network. When reached for comment, AT&T explained that AT&T customers are free to download any third-party video chat app they wish and they'll work fine. Apps that come preloaded, however, must be enabled by the developer for use over AT&T's cellular network. AT&T did not address Google Hangouts directly, but it implied that 1. Google Hangouts qualifies as a "preloaded" app because it replaces the Google Talk app on Android handsets, and 2. Google did not follow the proper protocols required by AT&T in order for the app to function over its cellular network. Google Hangouts for iOS, which qualifies as a third-party download on the iPhone, functions properly over AT&T's cellular network. Google Hangouts for Android works fine on the cellular networks of other carriers. Google has not yet offered a clarification on the matter.
Google To Sell Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S 4
Google today announced that it will start directly selling a special version of Samsung's Galaxy S 4 flagship phone that is unlocked and ships with stock Android 4.2, essentially expanding the Nexus family of "pure Google" devices. The device sports LTE compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. It is bootloader-unlocked and will receive Android updates before most other phones, like Nexus devices. It ships June 26th for $649.
Big Four Carriers to Target Teens with 'It Can Wait' Campaign
AT&T today announced a significant expansion of its It Can Wait program, which aims to educate consumers about the dangers of texting while driving. AT&T's competitors Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless all agreed to join the campaign, as did more than 200 other organizations. The campaign will make a concerted effort to raise awareness of the issue between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which AT&T says are the 100 deadliest days of the year for young drivers. The message will be spread via TV, radio, digital and social media and will feature stories of real-life survivors of text-message-related accidents. "Texting while driving is a deadly habit that makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash," said AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson. "Awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased, but people are still doing it. With this expanded effort, we hope to change behavior. Together, we can help save lives." Using handheld devices when behind the wheel is illegal in many states. The campaign kicks off May 20 and continues through September 19.
FCC Outs Mystery Motorola Handset for AT&T
Documents on the Federal Communications Commission web site provide a peek at an unannounced handset from Motorola. The XT 1058 was certified with AT&T's unique LTE bands, in addition to 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC -- all hallmarks of a high-end smartphone. Motorola has not released a handset for AT&T since last year's Atrix HD. The most recent batch of high-end smartphones made by Motorola were all sold by Verizon Wireless under the Droid brand. The FCC documents provide a rough sketch of the XT 1058, but no other specific details beyond the wireless certifications.
Aio Wireless Kicks Off Today with Nokia Lumia 620
Aio Wireless, a subsidiary of AT&T, today launched its new, no-contract wireless service in the U.S. The wireless network is first available in Houston, Orlando, and Tampa, and will gradually expand across AT&T's footprint around the U.S. over the course of the next year. Aio offers unlimited talk, text, and data plans that range from $35 to $70 per month to feature phones, smartphones, and tablets. Data speeds will max out at 4Mbps over AT&T's HSPA+ 4G network. In addition to the handsets it sells, Aio will also provide service to people who bring in their own, unlocked devices. One of the first devices offered by Aio is the Nokia Lumia 620 (pictured). The Lumia 620 is a Windows Phone 8 smartphone that has a 3.8-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video record, and Nokia-exclusive applications. It costs $179.99 and does not require that customers sign a contract. Aio offers a handful of other smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy Express for $249.99, the Samsung Galaxy Amp for $99.99, the ZTE Prelude for $49.99, and the Apple iPhone 4/4S for prices ranging between $349.99 for refurbished models to $499.99 for new models. Feature phones offered by Aio include the Samsung Denim for $29.99 and the ZTE Atair for $49.99. Aio hopes to compete with other prepaid brands, such as Sprint's Virgin Mobile and T-Mobile's Ultra Mobile.
Consumer Cellular Lands the LG 930 and Samsung Exhilarate
Consumer Cellular today announced the addition of two Android smartphones to its roster of devices, the LG 930 and the Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate. The LG 930 (sold by AT&T as the Nitro HD), features a 4.5-inch HD display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8-megapixel camera with HD video capture, front camera, DLNA wireless media streaming, and a memory card slot. The Galaxy Exhilarate includes a 4-inch screen, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with HD video capture, front camera, and a memory card slot. The LG 930 is being sold for $300 and the Galaxy Exhilarate is being sold for $150. Both are available, without contracts, from Consumer Cellular's web site beginning today.
AT&T to Sell 32GB Galaxy S 4 May 10 for $249
AT&T today announced that it will offer the 32GB variant of the Samsung Galaxy S 4 beginning May 10. The 32GB GS4 will cost $249.99 with a new two-year agreement.
AT&T's Galaxy Note to Receive Jelly Bean
AT&T today announced that it is offering Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean to the original Galaxy Note. Jelly Bean introduces Google Now, actionable notifications, and many under-the-hood improvements to the code. In addition to the standard Jelly Bean features, this update also makes tweaks to the Popup Note and Popup Video tools that are part of Samsung's Touchwiz software. Android 4.1.2 for the Samsung Galaxy Note must be downloaded and installed via Samsung's Kies desktop software.
AT&T to Sell LG Optimus G Pro for $199
AT&T today announced that it will offer the LG Optimus G Pro smartphone for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The display is one of the key features of the Optimus G Pro. It measures 5.5-inches, includes 1920 x 1080 pixels, and runs edge-to-edge using curved glass. The G Pro is powered by a 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, which is paired with 2GB of RAM. The main camera rates 13 megapixels and the user-facing camera rates 2.1 megapixels. The G Pro is powered by a removable 3,140mAh battery that supports wireless charging. It runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and comes with LG's user interace customizations, including Dual Recording and Virtual Reality Panorama features for the camera. Preorders for the Optimus G Pro begin May 3 and it will reach stores on May 10.
AT&T Offering $100 Credit for Device Trade-Ins
AT&T today announced a new program that will let customers receive $100 towards new gear when they trade in an old smartphone, mobile hotspot, or tablet. AT&T says the trade-ins should be no more than three years old and in good, working condition. The trade-ins may come from any manufacturer and any other carrier. Customers who visit AT&T retail stores will receive a $100 credit on the spot, which can be put toward a new smartphone, smartphone accessories, or new service. Customers who wish to trade in devices that are valued at more than $100 will be credited the extra amount. The AT&T trade-in promotion begins May 1 and runs for an unspecified length of time.
AT&T On Track to Cover 270M Pops with LTE This Year
AT&T today announced a modest expansion of its LTE 4G footprint to smaller markets around the country. The network is available in more than a dozen new markets for the first time, and has also expanded its reach in several existing markets. Between last week and this week, new markets include Cullman, Decatur, and Huntsville, Ala.; Mountain Home, Ark.; Lake City and Ocala, Fla.; Kokomo, Ind.; Shreveport-Bossier City, La.; Flint and Lansing, Mich.; Biloxi-Gulfport, Miss.; Springfield, Mo.; Henderson, N.C.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Athens, Corsicana, Huntsville, Lufkin-Nacogdoches, and Paris, Texas; Petersburg, Va.; Centralia, Wash.; and Morgantown, W.Va. Existing markets that now have greater LTE coverage include Phoenix and Tuscon, Ariz.; Little Rock, Ark.; Denver, Colo., Louisville, Ky.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Mount Vernon, Wash.; and a handful of others. According to AT&T, its LTE 4G network covers nearly 200 million POPs, and the company said it is on target to cover about 270 million POPs by the end of the year. By way of comparison, Verizon Wireless's LTE 4G network build-out is largely complete, Sprint's LTE 4G network is on target to reach 150 million POPs by summer, and T-Mobile's LTE 4G network will cover 100 million Americans by the middle of the year, and 200 million by the end of the year.
from AT&T
AT&T Slams DOJ, Calls Its FCC Guidelines Unlawful
AT&T today said that recommendations made earlier this month by the Department of Justice regarding future spectrum auctions are illegal and should be ignored by the Federal Communications Commission. The Justice Department suggested to the FCC that it set up rules to prevent the nation's largest holders of spectrum from amassing more in future auctions. Further, the Justice Department argued that the nation's smaller carriers be given a fair chance to purchase low-frequency spectrum to combat the massive 700MHz holdings owned by AT&T and Verizon Wireless. In a letter to the FCC, AT&T senior EVP and General Counsel Wayne Watts wrote, "It is surprising that the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice would even propose measures that are so nakedly designed to help specific companies. The Commission's mandate under the Communications Act is to promote the competitive process, not to pick winners and losers in that process. Rigging spectrum auctions to favor Sprint and T-Mobile would be unlawful." Watts lays out 10 pages worth of scathing arguments and discussion about what he calls uninformed musings by the Justice Department. Watts concludes by saying, "The record overwhelmingly supports spectrum aggregation policies that apply equally to all providers by employing a safe harbor spectrum screen that includes, and treats equally, all suitable available spectrum. A spectrum screen ... coupled with case-by-case review for transactions that exceed the screen, strikes the appropriate regulatory balance The Department's contrary view of an auction that is designed to favor particular competitors would be unlawful and completely unwarranted as a matter of public policy and should be rejected."
Cell Service Expands to 30 More NYC Subway Stations
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City today announced that wireless service from AT&T and T-Mobile USA is now available at a total of 36 subway stations sprinkled throughout Manhattan. The bulk of the stations are concentrated on the 123, ACE, NQR, L, and S lines around major transit hubs, such as Times Square, Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center, and Union Square. In addition to cellular wireless service, Boingo Wireless is also offering access to free, ad-based Wi-Fi in these same stations. The MTA said that it is in discussions with Sprint and Verizon Wireless to bring their services to the NYC subway system later this year. The MTA has been working on this project for years with partner Transit Wireless. This is the first major expansion since the service launched in 2011.
BlackBerry Q10 to Arrive Late May with $249 Price Tag
The BlackBerry Q10 will reach AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless stores by late May, according to various reports. Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal both report that the Q10's price tag will be $249, but none of the U.S. network operators have announced firm availability and pricing details. The Q10 will be the second BlackBerry 10 device to reach the market after the Z10. It differs from the Z10 in that it has a smaller screen and a QWERTY keyboard.
AT&T Customers Can Now Schedule Retail Appointments
AT&T today announced the availability of a new online tool that customers can use to schedule appointments ahead of traveling to AT&T retail stores. The appointments can be used to buy new devices, sign up for new lines of service, as well as to to get help with existing hardware, apps, or services. AT&T said the online reservation system takes only a few moments to complete, and AT&T representatives will see those customers right at their scheduled time. AT&T is pitching the reservation system as a way for customers to better manage their time when they need to make a trip to an AT&T store. The tool can also be used to book appointments at AT&T's Device Support Centers, which help customers troubleshoot devices and provide warranty services. The online reservation system is free to use.
HTC One Available from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile Today
The HTC One is available for sale at AT&T and Sprint stores beginning today. Both carriers are selling the silver 32GB model for $199.99 with a new contract. AT&T is also offering the 64GB model for $299.99, and HTC said that AT&T will offer the 32GB black model in the coming weeks. In addition to the carrier stores, the One can be purchased at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walmart, Target, Amazon.com, Costco, Sam's Club, HSN.com, and HTC.com. T-Mobile announced that the HTC One (silver, 32GB) is available online beginning today and will be in stores in select retail outlets starting April 24. T-Mobile is asking for a downpayment of $99.99 for the One, in addition to 24 monthly payments of $20.
from HTC / T-Mobile USA »
Qi Rival Gains Strength with Handset Maker Support
The Power Matters Alliance, a group pitching a wireless charging standard that competes with the Qi and the Alliance for Wireless Power standards, has recently won new support from handset makers and carriers. The group announced this week that HTC, Huawei, LG, and Samsung have all joined the PMA, which already includes members such as AT&T, BlackBerry, Google, Kyocera, PowerMat, Starbucks, and ZTE. Further, existing PMA member AT&T is asking its handset partners to integrate PMA-compatible wireless charging technology into their handsets by 2014. According to the PMA, there are already some 1,500 PMA-certified wireless charging stations at Starbucks coffee shops, airports, and other locations around the country. The Power Matters Alliance uses a wireless charging technology that is slightly different from those offered by Qi and A4WP. Each of the three standards allows devices to charge wirelessly when placed on a compatible charging pad. Verizon's handsets have incorporated Qi for years, which already has wide support from other carriers and handset makers. The electronics industry as a whole has yet to settle on one of the standards for all devices moving forward.
