Verizon released an update to their Verizon Messages app today to help make messaging easier for their customers. The new update introduces an integrated messaging service that lets users send and receive messages from their phone, tablet or the web using their wireless phone number. The new update also adds an auto reply function and Verizon will save messages in the cloud for up to 90 days. » Read the rest
Back in October, Deutsche Telekom struck a deal to merge T-Mobile USA with MetroPCS for $1.5 billion in cash and a 26% stake in the combined company. Now, the merger has been approved by regulators which gets it one step closer to final approval. On April 12, MetroPCS shareholders will vote to approve the merger. Moving forward, T-Mobile has an event scheduled on March 26 which is when they’re expected to talk about the new “UNcarrier plans” and possibly more details about the MetroPCS merger now that it received regulatory approval.
Source: MetroPCS – Investor Relations
Sometimes, a customer doesn’t want to go with one of the big name carriers like Sprint or Verizon. Smaller MNVOs are popular alternatives to the larger (usually contract-centric) carriers. Both options have their place with consumers, but in many situations, MNVOs don’t have a good enough device selection to sway as many costumers. Well, Sprint is looking to give them a hand with a new program that will allow MNVOs to modify certain Sprint handsets to resell to customers. » Read the rest
A recent memo suggests that T-Mobile may be planning to make unlimited talk and text a “de facto” part of their contracts. Under the new plans, data would be the only changeable factor. “Classic Plans” would be available through “third-party” stores only, and start at around $60 for 500MB of full-speed data with hotspot support built-in. Of course, subscribers will be given the choice to update their service in 2GB increments that cost anywhere from $10 – $20/month.
In addition to these options, subscribers will still have “real” unlimited data on the Classic Plan for around $90, with hotspot available as a customizable add-on. T-Mobile’s stores will be the only ones offering the “contract-free” value plans, starting at an affordable $50, as well as the $70 unlimited plan we saw in January.
Android Police has discovered that Sprint is testing a ZTE device called the Quantum (N8910). The Quantum can be categorized as a low to mid-Level smartphone with some fairly impressive specs. The Quantum will reportedly sport the following:
Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners have something to cheer about with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean rolling out starting today. The update brings new features such as Photosphere for 360 degree panorama photos, photo filters, borders, more photo customization, and Gesture Keyboard that allows you to slide your finger from letter to letter similar to Swype. Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners will also be able to add widgets directly to the lockscreen, making it easier to get a quick glance at information that matters most to you. Verizon says the Android 4.2.2 update will roll out in phases and didn’t include a time frame. Let us know in the comments below if you’ve received the update.
Source: Verizon Wireless News
Sure it’s taken some time for us to fully embrace AT&T’s Mobile Share Data Plans, but now that it’s fully implemented— AT&T is now looking to expand the option for business users. Beginning this Friday, March 22nd, AT&T is expanding the Mobile Share Data Plans to include 30GB for $300/monthly, 40GB for $400/monthly and 50GB for $500/monthly— all with unlimited talk and text as part of plan. Naturally AT&T is also offering a wider range of devices that can be attached to the data plans with the number going anywhere from 15 to 25 devices. And for those of you businesses out there that need data sharing for more than 25 devices will have AT&T’s Business Pooled Nation for Data options, which includes data options from 300 MB to 10 GB and monthly prices from $20 to $80 for eligible devices.
Expanded flexibility and options never sounded sweeter.
source: AT&T
Contrary to previous reports, it looks like there may be reason to believe the HTC One could actually still be heading to Verizon Wireless sometime in the future. HTC sent out a tweet (see below) over the weekend stating that the One wouldn’t be available on the Verizon network and to check out the Droid DNA instead. In a very interesting turn of events, the tweet has been removed.
As you can see by the dead link in the source below, which is where the snippet above came from, there may be hope yet.
Source: Twitter
Not too long ago, Droid 4 owners could take part in a small soak test for a possible Jelly Bean update. Well, about a week later, it looks like Verizon is ready to push out that Jelly Bean update to the masses starting tomorrow, March 19th. The update will begin rolling out in phases, but it’s definitely good news for Droid 4 owners.
The update will contain the regular Jelly Bean goodness, including Project Butter and Google Now, but it’ll also feature a handful of device specific fixes and improvements, such as improved data connection and removal of some preloaded apps. No complaints there. So keep an eye out for that notification tomorrow, and let us know in the comments if your device gets the update.
source: Verizon
Owner’s of a Samsung Galaxy Note II on the T-Mobile network may notice an update is available for their device. The update is probably one you will want to grab as it enables a connection to T-Mobile’s new 4G LTE service. T-Mobile indicates the service should be available in Las Vegas and Kansas City by the end of this month. At some point this summer the new service should be lit up in enough areas to reach 100 million people and by the end of the year it should reach 200 million people. For comparison, the Verizon 4G LTE network reaches 275 million people.
In some testing that was conducted using a Galaxy Note II, speeds were found to be in the 59 Mbps down, 25 Mbps up range. Granted, there were probably no other users accessing the signal. As fast as the 4G LTE connection is, T-Mobile customers will also benefit from HSPA+ 4G when they find themselves in an area with no 4G LTE coverage.
source: PhoneArena