AT&T plans to launch Voice-Over-LTE (VoLTE) service this year

by James Gray on
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As AT&T brings more LTE coverage to more markets, they plan to roll out support for voice-over-LTE, or VoLTE, to select markets by the end of the year. VoLTE will use AT&T’s LTE towers to convert conversations into data packets over an IP network, allowing for not just higher quality calls but also video calling and enhanced messaging services.

AT&T currently has LTE coverage in 212 markets and expects to cover 90% of the country by the end of the year. Calls over the standard UMTS network will still be available when VoLTE is not, or if a device does not support it. It should be noted that these calls will use data, and probably not a small amount. For customers on shared data plans, this could potentially force you into a higher data bracket.

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FCC filing mentions Motorola XT1058, could be the XFON for AT&T

by Aditya Thawardas on
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We’ve been seeing X Phone rumors everywhere recently, including leaked pictures of a potential device last week. Today we have some concrete information to share. A new FCC filing mentions the Motorola XT1058 with specs including Bluetooth 4.0, NFC capabilities, 802.11ac WiFi, and LTE bands compatible with AT&T. The picture in the filing, posted above, looks awfully similar to last week’s leaked photos of the XFON for AT&T. After releasing their latest DROID RAZRs for Verizon, this filing suggests that Motorola could be releasing their first AT&T phone since last year’s Atrix HD.

If the model number XT1058 looks familiar, it’s because last week we showed you information suggesting an XT1055. Two model numbers so similar further supports Motorola advisor Guy Kawasaki’s comments regarding personalization of phone hardware. Considering an FCC filing, the X Phone could be unveiled in the near future. Stay tuned to Talk Android as we learn more.

source: FCC
via: Phone Scoop

Samsung ‘Serrano’ coming to AT&T as SGH-1257, most likely Galaxy S 4 Mini

by Harrison Kaminsky on
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The name “Project J” was thrown around quite a bit with Samsung’s devices, and is now known to be the original codename of the Galaxy S 4. However, there were multiple variants of the Project J, such as the J Mini and J Activ. The J Activ seems to be a waterproof version of the S 4, known as the Galaxy S 4 Activ, which should be announced by the end of the month. The next logical assumption would be that the J Mini would be code for the Galaxy S 4 Mini, but the name “Serrano”  has been tied to the Mini as well. The Serrano is coming to AT&T with the model number of SGH-1257, so it’s safe to assume this will be the Galaxy S 4 Mini. The Galaxy S 4 Activ will probably also land on AT&T, but no word yet.

Either way, these Project J variants are not expected to surpass the original Galaxy S 4 in any way— they are simply mid-range alternatives, with some slightly different features. We’ll keep you guys posted on these phone announcements expected later this month.

Source: @evleaks

 

 

AT&T offers the HTC First smartphone for under a buck

by Roy Alugbue on
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Fancy the newly-released HTC First smartphone with that unique Facebook Home launcher, but didn’t want to pay the $100 asking price from AT&T? Well you’re in luck as AT&T has announced a special promotion where it is offering the landmark device for a whopping 99¢ for those of you who choose to sign your lives’ away to Ma Bell for the next two years. Yes you read that right— the device is not even going to cost customers a buck for new or existing customers who sign up for the device on-contract! Even more astounding is AT&T also chose to reduce the outright price of the device from $450 to a not-too-shabby $350. So all of a sudden, the 1.5GHz Snapdragon dual-core processor, sexy 720p display and a nearly-stock build of Android 4.1.2 under Facebook Home looks even more attractive than ever before.

If you’re looking for a device for $350, then the First smartphone may very well be a solid alternative to say, the Nexus 4 smartphone for many customers– especially if they are interested in a unique Facebook experience. Hit the source link to grab more details.

 

source: AT&T

 

AT&T to release the 32GB Samsung Galaxy S 4 smartphone Friday, May 10th

by Roy Alugbue on
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Those of you AT&T customers out there who have been itching for the 32GB variation of the Samsung Galaxy S 4 smartphone are officially in luck— the wireless carrier has officially announced it will release the 32GB version this Friday, May 10th. The device won’t cost potential customers too much money as well as the device will run customers $250 on-contract— a modest $50 increase from the standard 16GB version. Considering there have been reports of the 16GB Galaxy S 4 only having roughly half of the on-board storage space available due to the preloading of massive bloatware, the Galaxy S 4 may not be such a bad option for customers— especially those who don’t want to fiddle with the use of microSD cards.

Unfortunately, it appears that AT&T is the only carrier that will offer the 32GB version for now, but hopefully we will see other U.S. carriers with the variant sooner than later.

source: AT&T Twitter

Hands on with the AT&T Optimus G Pro smartphone

by Roy Alugbue on
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Earlier today, AT&T and LG announced the Optimus G Pro smartphone, the next great flagship device to battle for true supremacy. So it’s only fitting that LG showcases its newest toy at its Share The Genius event here in New York City, where it is giving an opportunity for a handful of folks to test drive the newest device before it arrives in stores next week. With an incredibly thin profile, stunning 5.5-inch HD display, Snapdragon quad-core processor clocked at a whopping 1.7GHz and a customized version of Android 4.1.2— the Optimus G Pro certainly looks the part of a topnotch device. But alas, as we all know— it’s not about how the device looks— it’s all about how the device operates and feels during real-time usage. So hit the break to check out or hands-on and get a feel of the Optimus G Pro in action.

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AT&T and LG make the Optimus G Pro official, pre-orders start May 3

by Robert Nazarian on
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We already knew that tonight’s LG party was all about the Optimus G Pro for AT&T so they decided to just go ahead and make it official. The Optimus G Pro will finally land in the U.S. with AT&T on May 10. It will be priced at $199 and pre-orders start this Friday, May 3. This is the same phone that has already been available internationally and features a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS display, a 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600, 2 GB of RAM, 32GB of internal memory, microSD slot for expanded memory, 13MP rear camera, 2.1MP front facing camera, 3,140mAh battery, and IR blaster. Let’s not forget the Value Pack update as well.

One thing I will say is kudos to AT&T as they now offer the three best phones on the market, the Galaxy S 4, the HTC One, and now the Optimus G Pro. On the other hand, Verizon Wireless will only offer the Galaxy S 4, and that won’t be out until the end of May. Full presser and video after the break.

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T-Mobile loses market share while Verizon and AT&T continue to dominate

by Robert Nazarian on
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Kantar released their U.S. smartphone market share numbers for the 1st quarter 2013, and other than Android’s continued domination, there was some interesting news regarding carriers. It’s no surprise that the majority of smartphones are either on Verizon or AT&T. Verizon’s share is at 37.2%, while AT&T was at 27.9%. That’s a combined total of 65.1%. Sprint came in third at 12.3%, but the biggest news is T-Mobile’s decline of 3.2% down to 9.5%. In fact, T-Mobile was the only carrier to show a decline.

T-Mobile recently launched their UnCarrier plans that probably won’t change things for them since it doesn’t deliver what they are promising. The prices themselves are fine for those that bring their own phone, but the promise of buying phones off contract is simply not true. All they did was spread out the payments of the full retail price which you are obligated to pay, and is just another form of the traditional subsidized contracts that Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint offer.

source: Kantar

Samsung Galaxy S 4 now available at AT&T and Sprint

by Spencer McClendon on
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Sprint and AT&T customers can now get their hands on the “Next Big Thing”, i.e. the Samsung Galaxy S 4. Sprint Customers can pick one up for $249.99 with an eligible upgrade, and if you are a new customer willing to bring your number to Sprint, then you too can grab it for $149.99. If you just want to pony up $599.99 you can own the phone outright without a two year contract. The website does say in-store availability is limited, so I would take that as a hint to buy online for a better chance at getting one.

Current AT&T customers and prospective customers can pick up the phone for $199 with a two year contract, or $639.99 off contract. Both offer the Samsung Galaxy S 4 in Black Mist and White Frost. For those of you thinking about grabbing the Samsung Galaxy S 4, we have guides to help you get setup.

Sources: AT&T /  Sprint

Samsung Galaxy S 4 to be in AT&T stores on April 27

by Robert Nazarian on
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Are you wondering when you can finally put your hands on the Samsung Galaxy S 4? Well AT&T made it official via Twitter that it will be in stores starting this Saturday, April 27. It appears they will only offer the 16GB version for now, and the 32GB version will arrive at a later date. Word is that if you pre-ordered it, you could get it as soon as tomorrow.

source: @ATT