The Wall Street Journal Wednesday reported that Apple’s next iPhone will have a larger display, mirroring dozens of reports over the last few months. The Journal says that the panel orders have been replaced from LG, Sharp and Japan Display, and while the exact size is unknown, the source says it will be “at least” 4-inches. This report was independently confirmed mid-week also by Reuters.
The Wall Street Journal this week stated that Google is preparing to launch multiple Nexus handsets from various OEMs starting later this year. The source says that up to five different device makers will build the developer-type devices, and sell them in the US, Europe and Asia.
Source: Wall Street Journal via Android Central
AT&T Wednesday said that the previously announced Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD would be cancelled. The device is being replaced by the Samsung Galaxy S III which is expected to hit the carrier later this summer.
Source: The Verge
Sprint Wednesday announced the Sierra Wireless 4G LTE “TriFi” Hotspot. The device support CDMA, WiMAX and LTE, and will provide mobile internet access for up to eight devices. The TriFi goes on sale May 18th for $100 with two year agreement. Plans start at $35 per month for 3GB of data, and go to $80 per month for 12GB.
Press Release:
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BUSINESS WIRE), May 09, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today announced the May 18 availability of the first-ever device to combine 4G connections over LTE and WiMAX networks, Sierra Wireless™ 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot for the Sprint network. Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot provides the best combination of speed and coverage to Sprint customers as the upcoming 4G LTE network expands and allows families, small businesses and traveling co-workers to easily share high-speed connections.
Beginning May 18, customers will be able to purchase a Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot for $99.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement. Customers can purchase the device and sign up for 3G/4G plans at select Sprint retail stores, www.sprint.com, 1-800-SPRINT1 and through business sales.
Sprint data plans for the device start at $34.99 for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data while on the Sprint network. Customers also can choose the $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined 3G/4G data or $79.99 for 12GB of 3G/4G data, which deliver 20 percent more data for the same price as AT&T and Verizon’s similar plans.
With this versatile device, customers can extend their Sprint 3G/4G experience beyond their laptops to up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as cameras, music players, personal media players and portable game consoles. In addition, its microSD™ slot allows teams to share files and presentations with network storage, and it can be used as a digital media server. It is simple to set up and connect with no software required.
“Sprint and Sierra Wireless are once again giving customers the flexibility to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G WiMAX market along with our upcoming 4G LTE markets or Sprint’s reliable 3G network when outside a 4G area,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot combines simplicity with compact portability and security to make it ideal for both personal and business use in a variety of situations.”
Powered by a 3600mAh battery, Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot offers up to eight hours of use and up to eight weeks on standby, helping to ensure it is always ready when needed, even for power users who work away from their desks all day. Similar to Sierra Wireless’ Overdrive Pro™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, this device offers a highly informative display screen that provides all the information needed for daily use, including the hotspot name and access code, battery life, number of devices connected, and whether the current connection to the network is 3G or 4G.
“We are excited to be part of Sprint’s 4G LTE network deployment and launch,” said Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. “The Tri-Fi Hotspot ensures Sprint customers can reliably make use of the best network connection available to them in a given location and continue to enjoy the freedom of mobile broadband virtually anywhere they go.”
With Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot:
Sierra Wireless and Sprint have enjoyed a long collaboration in leading-edge technology deployments, including in the launch of the Sprint 4G WiMAX network. To assist in Sprint’s LTE network deployment, Sierra Wireless developed the world’s first LTE Band 25 devices for use in network testing and then provided these devices to Sprint and its network infrastructure partners to facilitate the network deployment.
The Sprint 4G LTE network is expected in mid-year 2012 in limited markets. For more information on Sprint 4G LTE, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.
Source:Sprint via Phonescoop
Sprint Tuesday announced the EVO 4G LTE would be available to consumers starting on May 18th. The price will be $200 with new 2-year agreement.
Press Release:
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), May 09, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S), the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network1, and HTC, a global designer of smartphones, announce the Friday, May 18, availability of the next evolution of the award-winning HTC EVO™ family, HTC EVO™ 4G LTE.
It will cost $199.99 with a new line of service or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement (excludes taxes). Pre-order began May 7 at www.sprint.com/evo4glte.
“HTC EVO 4G LTE sets the benchmark for Android devices this year with its incredible 4.7-inch screen, advanced camera features and future HD voice capabilities when combined with the speed of Sprint’s upcoming 4G LTE network,” said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Its cutting-edge technology pairs perfectly with Sprint’s unlimited data plans to let our customers enjoy their wireless experience without worrying about overage charges or throttling.”
HTC EVO 4G LTE is built on Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, integrated with HTC Sense™ 4. It focuses on exceptional improvements in camera technology, audio and voice quality on both the network and device.
HTC ImageSense™ brings improvements to every part of the amazing camera experience featuring a superfast autofocus to enable continuous shooting, the ability to capture still images while taking video, and increasing the quality of photos taken in adverse conditions such as low light, no light or with bright backlighting.
HTC EVO 4G LTE is Sprint’s first device with HTC’s Authentic Sound experience integrating Beats Audio™. The technology enables customers to hear music the way the artist intended with unique audio tuning that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs. Beats Audio is enabled across the entire phone experience, including playing music stored on the device, streaming from a favorite service, watching a movie or YouTube™ video, or playing the latest hot game.
HTC EVO 4G LTE boasts brilliant features, including a vibrant 4.7-inch HD display, future HD voice capabilities2, 2000mAh embedded battery and 8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.3-megapixel front-facing cameras. It is powered by the Snapdragon™ S4 processor by Qualcomm, delivering best-in-class performance and a power efficient platform for exceptionally long battery life. HTC EVO 4G LTE brings back the fan-favorite kickstand built into the smartphone’s refined, slim design.
“With the HTC EVO 4G LTE, we’re launching a true successor the original EVO, bringing a focus on innovation, design and industry-leading consumer experiences,” said Martin Fichter, vice president, product management, HTC America. “The millions of current and new EVO fans will appreciate our amazing camera that’s superfast, easy-to-use and takes video and photos at the same time as well as our enhanced audio experience that you need to hear to believe.”
Respected device critics are buzzing with excitement for HTC EVO 4G LTE. Here are a few of the praises that poured in when it was announced earlier this month:
“The HTC EVO 4G LTE is a good looking phone and will make fans of Sprint’s EVO line very, very happy. It packs every spec anyone could possibly ask for: dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 8-megapixel camera, 4.7-inch HD display, and the latest Android 4.0 operating system, enhanced by Sense 4.0. Oh, let’s not forget the kickstand!” – Eric Zeman, Phonescoop
“The original superphone has been reborn.” – Mark Spoonauer, Laptop Magazine
“As for first impressions, I was shocked when I finally got to hold an EVO 4G LTE. In the presentation videos the phone looked thick and bulky. In person, it’s anything but. It is thin, deceptively lightweight and absolutely beautiful.” – Gary Krakow, TheStreet.com
“Yesterday Sprint and HTC made a joint announcement, unveiling the brand new EVO 4G LTE. It’s an impressive device. Thin, light, fast, powerful, the whole package.” – Steve Kovach, Business Insider
HTC EVO 4G LTE customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones – a savings of $40 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month savings versus Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web (excludes taxes and surcharges).
HTC EVO 4G LTE is one of the first devices available with Sprint Professional Grade, a new designation for select smartphones that deliver enhanced security, device management and Exchange Active Sync capabilities to business users. Click here to learn more about Sprint Professional Grade designation.
As part of the HTC EVO 4G LTE launch, Sprint will be giving customers a chance to share their LOVE on Facebook. To learn how you could enter for the chance to win UNLIMITED LOVE, make sure to visit Sprint’s Facebook page on May 18 for details.
Sprint recently announced Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service in mid-year. The anticipated launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Sprint customers in these areas will soon enjoy ultra-fast data speeds and improved 3G voice quality. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.
Source: Android Central
RIM Wednesday announced the Curve 9320, the latest consumer focussed BlackBerry. Features include:
No word from RIM on the price, release date or carrier availability.
Press Release:
Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced a stylish new smartphone for socially-connected customers. The new BlackBerry® Curve™ 9320 smartphone features all the core BlackBerry messaging and social-centric features that keep people connected, and it offers global 3G connectivity backed by long battery life to allow users to make the most of their day.
“The new BlackBerry Curve 9320 is designed to make it incredibly easy for users to stay socially-connected,” said Carlo Chiarello, EVP, Smartphone Business at Research In Motion. “The new BlackBerry Curve 9320 will be especially popular with customers upgrading to a smartphone for the first time and existing Curve customers looking for a step up in speed and functionality.”
The BlackBerry Curve 9320 has everything a customer needs to stay in touch with the people and things that matter most to them. It features a dedicated BBM™ key, bringing the power of RIM’s popular mobile social network up in an instant, as well as the best keyboard in its class for quick and easy typing. It includes a built-in FM radio, allowing users to tune into their favorite local stations, and listening to the FM radio does not require a data plan or use data services. Designed to allow both 3G connectivity and long battery life, customers can get up to 7 hours of talk time or up to 30 hours of FM radio listening or music playback with headphones.
Customers can easily interact with their social network in real time, using preloaded apps for Facebook® and Twitter®. The new Social Feeds 2.0 app is also preloaded, allowing users to post updates to multiple social networks simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps all in one consolidated view. The integrated camera includes a flash and supports video recording, and pictures can be tagged with their location thanks to the smartphone’s built-in GPS.
The BlackBerry Curve 9320 comes with the new BlackBerry® 7.1 OS, which supports features such as Mobile Hotspot and Wi-Fi® calling where available.* Parental Controls is a brand new, on-device feature that provides parents and guardians with simple options to help protect children by restricting access to specific functions, features and applications.
Pricing and availability of the BlackBerry Curve 9320 will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s distribution partners. For more information please visit: http://worldwide.blackberry.com/blackberrycurve/9220-9320
* Please check with your carrier for availability.
Source: The Verge
Sprint pre-paid carriers Boost and Virgin Mobile announced Tuesday new 4G plans and devices. Both will run on the WiMax network operated by Clearwire, available in 71 markets, and fallback on the 3G CDMA when necessary.
Boost Mobile is offering unlimited voice messages and data for $55 per month, and an Android Monthly Unlimited plan offers the $5 shrinkage plans for every 6-months of on-time payments. Along with the plan, Boost will offer the HTC Evo Design 4G on for $299. Specs include:
Virgin Mobile will offer plans starting at $35 per month starting May 31st, including unlimited data and messaging, and 300 minutes for voice calls. Virgin will offer the HTC EVO V 4G, on sale starting May 31st for $300. Specs include:
And while both MVNO’s will have unlimited, un-throttled access to 4G data, Virgin will slow users’ CDMA data speeds after they consume 2.5 GB of data in a month. Users will be able to make use of the Evo V’s tethering services for an extra $15 per month (CDMA data speeds will be slowed after 3.5 GB of data per month). Boost currently does not throttle or cap its CDMA data service, however, ”later this year” it will begin slowing users’ CDMA speeds after they consume 2.5 GB of data in a month.
Source: Phonescoop - Boost release - Virgin release - Fierce Wireless - Android Central
Three additional regional carriers made announcements this week of upcoming iPhone offerings. They include:
Each runs a CDMA network, and will offer the devices at $50 below the standard pricing model of Apple, meaning the iPhone 4S will be priced at $149/$249/$349 and the iPhone 4 will be available for $49.
Source: MacRumors
Kyocera Tuesday announced two new devices, the Hydro and the Rise. Both feature:
The Hydro is a water resistant phone that can stand water for up to 30 minutes of immersion or 3 minutes of continuous blasts. The Rise features a sideways slider with a qwerty keyboard. No pricing or availability were announced, nor were carrier partnerships or when this device may come to the US.
HTC Monday announced the One V will be coming to various networks in the US this summer. Announced back in February, the One V features a “chin”, similar to the original Android G1. The One V has a 1GHz single-core Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM and a WVGA (800×480) SuperLCD2 display running on Android 4.0. Look for the One V on MetroPCS, US Cellular and Virgin Mobile.
Press Release:
HTC One V to Arrive in the U.S. This Summer
HTC One V aims to impress with premium design, amazing camera and authentic sound
First U.S. preview to be held at International CTIA Wireless 2012
New Orleans – May 8, 2012 –HTC, a global designer of smartphones, today announced the global version of the HTC One™ V, part of its highly anticipated HTC One series of smartphones, will be displayed for the first time in the U.S. during the International CTIA Wireless 2012. The HTC One V is expected to be available through a variety of U.S. partners later this summer.
The HTC One series represents HTC’s most premium mobile experience with a new level of premium design, amazing camera and authentic sound experience. With the HTC One V, HTC integrates Android™ 4.0 (ICS) with HTC Sense™ 4, the new version of HTC’s branded user experience with HTC ImageSense™, a new suite of camera and imaging features that set HTC One apart from other phones. HTC Sense 4 also includes broad enhancements to audio quality and simplifies how people listen to music on their phone.
Amazing Camera
With HTC ImageSense, the HTC One V offers an amazing camera that delivers fast image capture, better image quality under adverse conditions, and an easy-to-use display with side-by-side photo and video capture buttons. The camera can be quickly activated from the home screen and the superfast autofocus enables continuous shooting to ensure you don’t miss those special moments.
The 5-megapixel camera with f/2.0 back illuminated sensor, means that more light is allowed into the sensor to capture quality photos in adverse conditions, such as low light, no light or bright backlighting. With HTC Video Pic™, the smartphone is also capable of capturing still photos while simultaneously recording HD video, and in addition, can capture still images during video playback.
HTC Sense 4 also integrates Dropbox, enabling customers to get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years – enough to keep more than 10,000 high-quality photos – and makes it easy to edit, save and share photos, videos, documents and other kinds of files. HTC One V also gives an easy way to share photos and videos with family and friends through Media Link HD* which wirelessly sends content from the smartphone to any TV with an HDMI input.
Authentic Sound
HTC One V also provides authentic sound with Beats Audio™ that allows listeners to experience music as the artist intended, creating rich, premium sound experiences whether listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a game. HTC Sync Manager software makes it easy to transfer songs, artists and playlists from a music library on a computer to the smartphone. The new HTC Car Stereo Clip* also allows customers to easily bring their mobile music to their car’s sound system.
Premium Design
Utilizing the classic, award-winning design of the HTC Legend, the HTC One V brings iconic design to a smartphone with broad appeal and a premium experience. The timeless, simple aluminum unibody architecture and slightly curved chin allow the HTC One V to fit smoothly in the palm of your hand. The 3.7-inch screen is a delight to the eyes, made out of reinforced glass and is scratch resistant. The HTC One V features a speedy Qualcomm™ Snapdragon S3 1 GHz processor, and is supported by a 1,500 mAh battery.
Availability
The HTC One V will be available in the United States from a variety of partners in the summer of 2012. More information on the HTC One series of smartphones can be found at http://www.htc.com/us/.
Source: Android Central
Mickey Papillon
Joey Koppes