Latest Gear Live Videos
Verizon launching 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on July 28
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Broadband, Handhelds, Wireless / WiFi,
If you've been hoping for a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, but need to get that blazing fast 4G LTE as part of the package, then July 28 is your day. Verizon Wireless has been spreading 4G LTE across the nation, and we know that it's definitely quick, and now you can get Samsung's latest tablet with an LTE antenna built right in. There'll be two models available in white and gray, and the pricing is a bit ridiculous (even with two-year contract.) We're looking at $529.99 for the 16 GB model, and $629.99 for the 32 GB alternative. Data plans start at $30 per month for 2 GB of service. It's a pretty penny, but that's what you get for not being able to kick that early adopter habit, ya know?
Advertisement
Verizon LTE smartphones won’t roam on AT&T LTE, and vice versa
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Wireless / WiFi,
Thinking of unlocking a Verizon Wireless LTE phone for use on AT&T's network, or vice versa? Think again. Verizon Wireless confirmed today that its LTE phones will not "be compatible on other LTE networks in the U.S." because "the phones will be on different frequencies," according to Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney.
The new 4G LTE system used by Verizon, MetroPCS, and soon AT&T runs on SIM cards much like the ones for GSM networks, and GSM phone owners are used to being able to switch phones from network to network, as long as they're unlocked.
But Verizon may be designing its phones to only run on Verizon's very specific wireless frequency, locking out all other possible carriers. Verizon and AT&T both run their LTE networks in the 700-MHz band. But Verizon's network is mostly in 746-787MHz, while AT&T's will be primarily in 704-746MHz. Some Verizon and AT&T spectrum overlaps in an area called the "lower B block," but not much. Verizon could build its phones to exclude AT&T's frequencies, and vice versa.
Click to continue reading Verizon LTE smartphones won’t roam on AT&T LTE, and vice versa
Verizon now owns 33% of the US iPhone 4 market
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News,
Since its February debut, the Verizon version of the iPhone 4 has captured about 32 percent of the U.S. market, according to a Thursday report.
Analyzing U.S. iPhone 4 traffic, mobile app analytics firm Localytics found that summer has been kind to Verizon and the iPhone. The carrier's iPhone 4 share remained roughly the same throughout the spring, but saw growth in May and June.
The Verizon iPhone 4 launched on February 10 and in its first week, it captured 20 percent of the market, Localytics said. That increased to 22.4 percent in March, 24.9 percent in April, 25.9 percent in May, 28.7 percent in June, and 32.3 percent in July, the firm said in a blog post. Verizon does not offer earlier versions of the iPhone.
Click to continue reading Verizon now owns 33% of the US iPhone 4 market
HTC Trophy Windows Phone unboxing gallery
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Features, Galleries, Handhelds,
Verizon Wireless customers who've been waiting for a Windows Phone 7 device to show up on their network, you can now take solace that the HTC Trophy has arrived. The Trophy is the first Windows Phone 7 device to be released on Verizon, and it sports a 3.8-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen. It's also got a 5 megapixel camera that records in 720p HD with autofocus and an LED flash, and 16 GB of internal memory. We've got one in and are tearing into it, and before we hit you with our HTC Trophy review, we thought we'd give you an HTC Trophy unboxing gallery to tide you over.
Gallery:
Verizon Wireless unlimited data plans go away on July 7
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News,
Longtime Verizon smartphone users took comfort in the $30 monthly charge for unlimited data. All of that is set to end on July 7 with the introduction of tiered data packages.
In a statement obtained by droid-life.com, Verizon has overhauled its pricing scheme with three new data tiers - 2GB, 5GB, and 10GB - with monthly rates of $30, $50, and $80 respectively. These prices apply to both 3G and 4G phone owners.
There is a separate tiered pricing scheme for those who want tethering. These packages tack on an extra 2GB and $20 to each basic data package. The options are 4GB, 7GB, and 12GB with monthly rates of $50, $70, and $100 respectively.
The penalty for exceeding the data cap is $10 per 1 GB. It used to be $1.99 per Mbyte. Times have changed.
Click to continue reading Verizon Wireless unlimited data plans go away on July 7
Google Nexus 4G: 720p display, 4G LTE, Android 4.0, 1080p recording
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds, Rumors,
Whenever there's a major release of Android, Google likes to partner with a manufacturer on the release of a reference device for the platform, and it looks like the Nexus 4G may be that device for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich when it ships later this year. We aren't totally sure that Nexus 4G will be the name of the device, but it will be the fourth-generation Nexus phone that Google fills to the brim with all sorts of goodness. What can we expect from this one? Well, how about a 720p display for starters, with a dual-core 1.2 GHz or 1.5 GHz Snapdragon processor? 4G LTE support point to this one being a Verizon Wireless device (althought it may also launch as the first AT&T 4G LTE device,) and things are rounded out by 1 GB RAM, 1080p video recording, 5 megapixel rear camera, 1 megapixel front camera, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich goodness, all in an ultra-thin package.
Yeah, we know how good this sounds. Just remember, it's a rumor for now, and if it comes to fruition, don't expect to see it until around the September timeframe, right in line with the iPhone 5.
Read More 
| BGR
Six reasons why Apple is selling unlocked iPhones in the US
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Editorial, Handhelds,
Yesterday we told you that Apple started selling unlocked iPhone 4s here in the U.S. We do have to admit that the move leaves us scratching our heads a bit. The iPhone 4 is a year-old device at this point. That leaves the question: why?
The GSM iPhone 4 only works well on AT&T. Sure, you can run it on 2G EDGE with T-Mobile, but that's a lousy user experience, and Apple is all about providing smooth user experiences. I just can't accept that T-Mobile users want the iPhone so desperately that they're willing to give up 3G for it, although I may be wrong about that, too.
Boy Genius Report's Jon Geller is right when he says that Apple sells unlocked iPhones in 85 other countries. But those countries all have more than one GSM iPhone-compatible 3G carrier. Canada has three. Dave Zatz points out this morning that for Americans, the "unlocked" iPhone will cost $450 more over two years than the locked model, because AT&T doesn't give any discounts for bringing your own phone. That's "an extra $450 mostly for the privilege of feeling more liberated and fancy free," he concludes.
Click to continue reading Six reasons why Apple is selling unlocked iPhones in the US
Deal of the Day: Droid Incredible 2 for $1.99 - 99% discount!
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Hot Deals,
Our Deal of the Day today with focuses on an unbeatable 99% discount on the Droid Incredible 2. Seriously, this things retails for $199, and you can get it for $1.99 with two-year contract. It's got a 4-inch WVGA 800x480 touchscreen display, and ships with Android 2.2. It's got an 8 megapixel camera, front camera, and a 1 GHz SnapDragon processor. Shipping is even free:
HTC Droid Incredible 2 for $1.99
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals, or you can Like TechPromos on Facebook.
Deal of the Day: 82% off Motorola Droid X2 smartphone
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Hot Deals,
Our Deal of the Day today with focuses on an 82% discount on the Motorola Droid X2. Seriously, this is a newly-released dual-core Android device selling at just $89.99 with shipping included. How could we not post this?:
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals, or you can Like TechPromos on Facebook.
Walmart slashes price of iPhone 4 by $50
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Hot Deals,
Just about 90 minutes before the WWDC 2011 keynote is to begin, a Walmart rep just dropped me an email letting me know that they've dropped the price of the iPhone 4 by $50. Starting today through June 30, you can grab an iPhone 4 for $147. This applies to both the AT&T and Verizon models, in both black and white. Of course, this pricing requires a two-year contract. Very interesting, as we aren't expecting any iPhone 5 hardware news this morning at WWDC--does Walmart know something we don't?
Read More | Walmart iPhone 4
