Verizon Looking to Sell Yahoo and AOL
Verizon is exploring the sale of its media businesses, including Yahoo and AOL, according to the Wall Street Journal. Verizon bought AOL in 2015 and Yahoo in 2017.
T-Mobile Intros LTE Tracking Tag
T-Mobile has announced a new tracking tag device that operates on its 4G LTE network. Like a Tile or Apple's new AirTags, the SyncUP Tracker is designed to help you track and find any item that is easily lost or stolen. While Tile and AirTags rely on specific types of devices being within Bluetooth range, the SyncUP Tracker works anywhere within T-Mobile's LTE coverage. The $60 device is rated IP67 for dust and water, and its 900 mAh battery lasts "up to 7 days depending on usage". Like competing devices, its location can be seen on a map and users can command the device to play a sound. The companion app also supports geo-fencing, so you can be notified as soon as it leaves an area you specify. Uniquely, it also has a light sensor so you can be notified if it's removed from a dark area (such as a locker or backpack). T-Mobile's SyncUP Tracker goes on sale May 7th for $60, plus $5/month for data service (with AutoPay). Verizon offers a similar device called the Verizon Smart locator for $100, plus $3/month after a complimentary first year of service.
US Mobile Intros New Affordable Shared Plans
US Mobile today introduced a new category of plans that makes family plans more affordable than ever. The new Pooled Plan lets multiple lines share a set, customizable amount of data, as a cheaper alternative to unlimited plans (which US Mobile continues to offer.) Monthly pricing for Pooled Plans is $9/line, plus $2 per GB of shared 4G/5G data. For example, four lines sharing 8 GB of data would run $13/line/month. Customers can specify any amount of data to share, down to the GB. A new dashboard helps customers analyze current and past data usage in order to right-size their plan. Prices include taxes, but not a Regulatory Cost Recovery charge of $0.48 per line. The plans are available on the company's "Super LTE" network, which appears to be Verizon's 4G+5G network.
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ZTE's New Phone for Visible Offers Wireless Charging for Under $200
ZTE today launched the Blade 11 Prime, the company's latest affordable Android phone for Visible. It includes wireless charging, a highly unusual feature for a phone that sells for just $192. The phone has a 4,000 mAh battery and also supports reverse (wired) charging. It has a 6.5-inch HD display, MediaTek Helio P22 processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. The main camera clocks in at 16 megapixel, plus an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera, depth camera, and 8-megapixel front camera. Other features include Android version 11 at launch, a textured back that resists fingerprints, side-mounted fingerprint reader, memory card slot, headset jack, and USB-C. The Blade 11 Prime is available starting today from both Visible and Yahoo Mobile.
iOS 14.5 Update Available Now
Apple has released iOS 14.5, a relatively large update that brings several notable new features to the company's operating system for iPhones. The update brings a new mask-friendly version of Face ID for users with an Apple Watch. Most controversial in industry circles is App Tracking Transparency, which requires apps to get the user's permission before tracking their data across apps or websites owned by other companies for advertising. Many users are expected to opt out of the tracking, which companies like Facebook consider a threat to their business model. The update also includes new Siri voices, new emoji, a revamped Podcasts app, support for AirTags, and more. iPhone users can download and install the free update starting today by going to Settings, then General, then Software Update.
Google Fi Adds a Cheaper Unlimited Plan
Google's MVNO Google Fi has added a new, cheaper Unlimited plan option. The old Unlimited plan is unchanged except it's now called Unlimited Plus. The new Simply Unlimited plan is $10/month cheaper but drops international calling, international data roaming, full-speed mobile hotspot, and 100 GB of cloud storage. Simply Unlimited is $60/month for a single line, $45/line for two lines, or $30/line for three or more lines.
Samsung's New Upcycling Program Gives New Life to Old Phones
Samsung today launched a beta version of Galaxy Upcycling at Home, software that enables people to put old Galaxy phones to use as smart-home devices. Samsung's Upcycling program is an environmental one. "By offering consumers a way to upcycle their products with new features and alternative purposes, Samsung is helping to extend the lifecycle of its products while diverting its users from contributing to global e-waste." Two modes are available at launch: a Light Sensor and a smart Sound Sensor. The Light Sensor uses the phone's ambient light sensor to automatically turn on lights when the ambient light level goes below an adjustable threshold. The Sound Sensor is more sophisticated, using machine learning to detect specific sounds such as a baby crying, dog barking, cat meowing, or a knock. When selected sounds are detected, the user receives an alert on their primary phone, and can optionally listen to a recording of the sound. These features are available starting today through SmartThings Labs, a feature within Samsung's SmartThings app.
Kyocera Brings a Rugged Flip Phone to FirstNet
AT&T has launched the Kyocera DuraXE Epic, an update to the DuraXE rugged flip phone first introduced in early 2016. The most important addition is support for LTE band 14 and FirstNet, the LTE network operated by AT&T that gives priority to first responders. The DuraXE Epic includes a number of other features aimed at such markets, such as AT&T's Enhanced PTT with LMR network integration, and a headset jack with cam-lock that supports PTT controls. The DuraXE also has charging contacts for use with a charging dock or car kit, and enterprise Device Control. Compared to the original DuraXE, the Epic has a larger (1,770 mAh) removable battery, slightly better processor, and double the memory & storage. The new model also has a USB-C connector. Other features are similar to the original, including a very rugged, waterproof design with military ratings for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity, freeze-thaw and icing/freezing rain. Dual front-facing speakers offer 100dB of clear sound with the phone open or closed. It has programmable shortcut buttons on three sides, and a small outer display. The 5-megapixel auto-focus camera can record HD video; the phone also available without a camera for sensitive workplaces. The DuraXE Epic is available now from AT&T for $270.
Apple TV Can Now Use Your iPhone to Calibrate Your TV
Apple today announced that its Apple TV video streaming device can now leverage the sensors in an iPhone to calibrate video output for your specific television. "Apple TV uses the light sensor in iPhone to compare the color balance to the industry-standard specifications used by cinematographers worldwide." The tuning enables more accurate colors and improved contrast without adjusting television settings.
Apple Intros AirTag to Help Find Your Keys
Apple today announced AirTag, the company's widely-expected competitor to Tile. The small circular device comes with several keychain-style holder options, including an Hermes luxury option. AirTag uses Apple's global Find My network to find lost items, and UWB (available in the iPhone 12 series) to help users home in on an exact location. UWB allows the Find My app to show you the exact direction and distance to a nearby AirTag. The devices can be ordered with custom engraving, including emoji. A single AirTag runs $29, or you can get a four-pack for $99. They ship April 30th, with orders opening this Friday.
iPhone 12 Now Comes in Purple
Apple today announced a purple color option for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. It can be pre-ordered starting this Friday, with availability on April 30th. Purple joins the existing white, black, green, red, and blue color options. Color options for the iPhone 12 Pro models remain unchanged.
Cat Adds Antimicrobial Material to its S42 Smartphone
Bullitt Group, the maker of Cat-branded phones, today announced the Cat S42 H+, a new version of its S42 rugged Android phone with antimicrobial protection built into its body. All exterior components have been blended with an antimicrobial silver ion additive called Biomaster during the manufacturing process, to help fight bacteria. Biomaster is proven to inhibit bacteria cells from replicating by over 80% within 15 minutes and 99.9% within 24 hours. Bullitt claims this enhancement makes the S42 H+ "the first fully and permanently anti-bacterial phone." The S42 H+ is also waterproof, washable, and tested to withstand soap, bleach wipes, alcohol, and hand sanitizer. The S42 H+ otherwise has the same specs and features as the original S42. The Cat S42 H+ will be available in the US next month for $299. Biomaster is a made by Addmaster, a subsidiary of Polygiene.
Verizon Brings mmWave 5G to More Cities
Verizon on Thursday will launch its 5G "Ultra Wideband" service in four new cities: New Orleans, LA; Fresno, CA; Riverside, CA; and San Antonio, TX. This will bring the total number of US cities with the service to 71. Ultra Wideband is Verizon's branding for mmWave 5G, a flavor of 5G that offers very high speed but limited coverage. mmWave 5G service is typically only available in the densest parts of downtown urban areas, as well as stadiums, arenas, train stations, and airports. Verizon also affirmed its commitment to launch 5G in C-band spectrum in the first quarter of 2022. C-band enables 5G service with a better balance between data speed and coverage. Verizon says its C-band 5G network will cover "an additional 100 million mobility customers" at launch.
Urbanista Puts Solar Charging in its New ANC Headphones
The new Urbanista "Los Angeles" over-ear Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) have a novel way to extend battery life: solar cells built into the large headband. The company promises "virtually infinite playtime". One hour in sunlight adds three hours of usage, with slower charging on cloudy days or indoors. With enough light they can be charged by simply leaving them near a window. They can also be charged via USB-C. The headphones use a new solar cell material called Powerfoyle, from Swedish company Exeger. Urbanista has yet to open pre-orders but promises a price of £169 (around $200).
Xfinity Mobile Adds Discounts for Family Plans
Xfinity Mobile, the Comcast MVNO for Xfinity home internet customers, today introduced discounts for accounts with multiple lines. The discounts are greater for more lines, similar to what many other US carriers offer. While a single line of unlimited data remains $45/month, two lines are now $40 each, while four lines are just $30/line. Three lines are $33.33/line, to make the monthly total an even $100. Other aspects of Xfinity's mobile plan are unchanged. Xfinity Mobile runs on Verizon's 4G / 5G network.
Sony's New Flagships Feature Dual Zoom and 120 Hz Displays
Sony today announced its 2021 phone lineup for consumers: the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. The two phones are both high-end models with similar specs and features, with the 5 III being the smaller of the two. Both phones have OLED displays with 120 Hz refresh and three 12-megapixel rear cameras. While the standard and wide-angle cameras are similar to last year's models, the new periscope-style telephoto camera has its own optical zoom feature, offering both 2.9x and 4.4x zoom. The main and telephoto cameras include OIS (optical image stabilization). The phones are powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 888 chip and offer excellent support for the (sub-6) 5G and 4G networks of T-Mobile and Verizon. Other specs include 4,500 mAh battery with 30W USB-PD fast charging, Android 11, NFC, memory card slot, headset jack, and IP68 water resistance. The stereo speakers are the first in a phone to support 360 Reality Audio. The Xperia 5 III has a 6.1-inch display with FHD+ resolution, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage. The larger Xperia 1 III has a 6.5-inch display with 4K resolution, 12 GB RAM, and 256 GB storage. The 1 III also adds a ToF camera, wireless charging, Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, and speakers that are 40% louder than last year's model. The Xperia 1 III design consists of frosted glass and "blasted" metal, available in black or purple. The 5 III has a mirror finish and will be available in black or green. Both phones will be ship in the US "this summer". Pricing is to be announced.
TCL Grows 20 Series with Two New Models for US
TCL today announced several new TCL-branded phones in its 20 series, including two models that will come to the US: the TCL 20 Pro 5G and the TCL 20S. The US launches will include major carrier partners. TCL has joined the Android Enterprise Recommended program, and all of its new 20-series phones are so verified. The TCL 20 Pro 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chip and comes with 6 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. The 4,500 mAh battery can be topped up with 18W wired charging or 15W wireless charging, a first in a TCL phone. The phone is similar to the well-received TCL 10 Pro, but with an upgraded Sony IMX582 main camera. That 48 megapixel camera has optical image stabilization (OIS), another first for TCL. The curved 6.67-inch AMOLED display has full-HD+ resolution and HDR10. The rear has a matching curved glass cover with no camera bump. The camera system also includes a 16 megapixel wide camera, 5 megapixel macro camera, and 32 megapixel front camera. The phone is capable of recording 4K video with both front and rear cameras, as well as video HDR. The phone has excellent support for all 4G and sub-6 5G networks in the US. Other features include Android 11, 3.5mm headset jack, memory card slot, NFC, Super Bluetooth, and in-display fingerprint reader. The TCL 20S is the US version of the new TCL 20L+. The 20S has a 5,000 mAh battery, 6.67-inch full-HD+ display, and a 64 megapixel main camera. Other cameras include an 8 megapixel wide camera, 2 megapixel macro camera, and 16 megapixel front camera. The display features circular polarization, making it compatible with polarized sunglasses. While the 20L+ will have a Snapdragon 662 processor, the 20S will have a different (but similar) processor, to be announced, one of the few differences between the two models. The 20S also has 6 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, Super Bluetooth, NFC, headset jack, and memory card slot. The fingerprint reader is located on the side, and the phone also has a dedicated Google Assistant button. Both phones will arrive in the US in "early summer", but pricing and other launch specifics are to be announced.
TCL's Newest Concept Phone is a Rollable and a Foldable
TCL's latest concept phone to use flexible-display technology is called the "Fold 'n Roll". Like the company's earlier double-hinge concept, the design attempts to create a device the size of a standard smartphone that transforms into a full-size tablet. The Fold 'n Roll replaces the second hinge with rollable technology to produce a device that's thinner when closed. The Fold 'n Roll is just a concept, but TCL is currently planning to launch a commercial device using flexible display technology by the end of 2021.
