We know many of our fellow Americans have been waiting to hear about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus‘ availability. Though Verizon is getting first dibs in the US, many of you are still waiting, hoping that other carriers will be releasing it later on. Many of you have probably contemplated the idea of dumping [...]]]>

We know many of our fellow Americans have been waiting to hear about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus‘ availability. Though Verizon is getting first dibs in the US, many of you are still waiting, hoping that other carriers will be releasing it later on. Many of you have probably contemplated the idea of dumping the deals with the carrier, and purchasing the world’s first Ice Cream Sandwich device unlocked and off-contract (GSM unlocked world version).

This is now possible, and Americans can get their Samsung Galaxy Nexus at full price, from a third party online retailer called Expansys. The bad news is that it will not be cheap. Expansys is selling this bad boy for $749.99 – ouch!

If you happen to have some extra money and can’t wait for carriers to make up their mind, though, this device can be now be shipped straight to your doorstep (Engadget has received confirmation of this). It comes GSM unlocked, with HSPA+ radios, and is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile 3G frequencies. Simply head to Expansys and make your order, if interested!

What do you guys say? Getting this device now, or would you rather get a lower price later on?

In the midst of the battle for 4G territory, we are currently seeing some interesting phenomena. Sprint is focusing on their upcoming 4G LTE network, Verizon is spreading its blazing fast speeds all over the country, AT&T is also focusing on 4G LTE and T-Mobile is still getting their HSPA+ 21 [...]]]>

In the midst of the battle for 4G territory, we are currently seeing some interesting phenomena. Sprint is focusing on their upcoming 4G LTE network, Verizon is spreading its blazing fast speeds all over the country, AT&T is also focusing on 4G LTE and T-Mobile is still getting their HSPA+ 21 and HSPA+ 42 to everyone out there.

Everyone seems to have different priorities, as well as different plans for the future. But who is really winning the race? The idea that HSPA+ networks are not really 4G, but enhanced 3G, is still out there. Out of the “real” 4G networks, Sprint is definitely not working on WiMAX, since they are investing in its LTE network (coming next year), and AT&T has just launched its LTE speeds on a few markets.

This would mean that Verizon might be winning the 4G race. Big Red will be expanding its 4G LTE network to 14 new markets tomorrow, Nov. 17, as well as expanding 4 current ones. This would place Verizon at 179 markets, covering over 186 million users. ^[1]

Verizon’s new 4G LTE markets

• Little Rock, Ark.
• Savannah, Ga.
• Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa
• Lexington, Ky.
• Starkville, Miss.
• Kansas City and Springfield/Branson, Mo.
• Lincoln, Neb.
• Orange County, N.Y.
• Greater Providence, R.I.
• Rapid City, S.D.
• Roanoke, Va.
• Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis.

Verizon’s expanded 4G LTE markets

• Louisville, Ky.
• Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
• Pittsburgh, Pa.

Talking about who’s fake and who’s real can become redundant, though. What matters mostly is that those speeds are much faster than good ol’ 3G. And while AT&T HSPA+ started strong and now covers over 200 million users, little T-Mobile is catching up to them — even while on the verge of bankruptcy. T-Mobile has just expanded its HSPA+ 21 network to 11 new markets and its HSPA+ 42 network to 9.

HSPA+ 42 now covers 163 markets reaching almost 180 million Americans, while HSPA+ 21 covers 208 markets reaching over 200 million users. This means that T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network now reaches as many (if not more) users as AT&T’s, with 200 million users covered. Not bad for a company that is about to be acquired, and by AT&T. ^[2]

T-Mobile’s new HSPA+ 21 markets

• Corvallis, Ore.
• Decatur and Peoria, Ill.
• Evansville, Ind.
• Holland and Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Santa Barbara, Calif
• State College, Pa.
• Yuba City, Calif.

T-Mobile’s new HSPA+ 42 markets

• Bend, Medford and Corvallis, Ore.
• Benton Harbor, Mich.
• Bloomington, Champaign–Urbana and Springfield, Ill.
• Columbus, Ga.
• Hagerstown, Md.
• Montgomery, Ala
• Yuba City, Calif.

As of now, Verizon’s 4G LTE has a great advantage, offering the fastest speeds in more markets. AT&T’s 4G LTE network is not looking too shabby either. It is still not available in many places, though — only in 9 markets. The real question is, will Sprint and/or AT&T be able to catch up in the 4G LTE race next year? We will have to see, but it seems rather hard.

Either way, there are the new markets, so enjoy your speeds if you are lucky enough to be in one of the added cities. Just out of curiosity, though. What would you guys prefer? Are you a fan of 4G LTE’s speeds? Do you Prefer HSPA+ and the longer battery life attached to it? Who’s network will you be choosing next year?

With all the excitement about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Android 4.0, we’d like to remind you that other manufacturers are still working hard to roll out their latest handsets as well. Sprint and HTC announced this morning that the HTC EVO Design 4G will hit store shelves on October 23 for just $99.99 (after [...]]]>

With all the excitement about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Android 4.0, we’d like to remind you that other manufacturers are still working hard to roll out their latest handsets as well. Sprint and HTC announced this morning that the HTC EVO Design 4G will hit store shelves on October 23 for just $99.99 (after $50 mail-in rebate) with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade. While the EVO Design 4G may sound like just another WiMax enabled phone, it’s the first EVO device to feature global roaming capabilities with its CDMA dual-band EVDO, WiMAX, HSPA/UMTS and GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity options.

The EVO Design 4G’s 1.2 GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 5MP and 1.3MP rear and front-facing cameras and Android 2.3 with HTC Sense may not be considered cutting edge these days, but you’ll be hard pressed to find any other phone with those specs for less than $200 on any carrier. The HTC EVO Design 4G won’t be giving the HTC EVO 3D a run for its money, but we suspect the price of the phone will make it a very attractive addition to Sprint’s current Android lineup.

Gallery

HTC EVO Design 4G spec highlights

• Qualcomm MSM8655, 1.2 GHz + SQN 1210
• Android Gingerbread w/HTC Sense 3.0
• 768MB RAM, 8 GB card included
• 4.8” x 2.4” x .47” (LxWxT)
• 5.2 ounces (with battery)
• 4.0” (diagonal) WVGA (960×540)
• 1520mAh LiIo
• Capacitive touch screen with multi-touch capability
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Digital compass, G-Sensor, Proximity sensor, Ambient Light sensor
• CDMA dual-band EVDO + WiMAX +
• HSPA/UMTS and GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• Bluetooth 3.0
• WiFi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
• 5.0 megapixel camera with auto focus support
• 1.3 megapixels front camera for Qik HD video chatting

The HTC EVO Design 4G isn’t the next Nexus device, of course, and probably won’t be getting Android 4.0 until late in Q1 of 2012. That being said, HTC has put together a pretty decent device that will sell for nearly $200 less than certain handsets on Verizon and T-Mobile’s networks. Is it really all about specs? Or do any of you still think a phone is worthy of your affection simply based on price?

The monumental Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich announcement has finally arrived. We’re quite impressed with the new features, but there is one part left out of the equation. There was no mention of a WiMAX version – only LTE and HSPA+.

Sprint does not have either LTE or [...]]]>

The monumental Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich announcement has finally arrived. We’re quite impressed with the new features, but there is one part left out of the equation. There was no mention of a WiMAX version – only LTE and HSPA+.

Sprint does not have either LTE or HSPA+ networks, but they do plan to roll out a 4G LTE network in mid-2012 for select markets with nationwide coverage to be fulfilled by the end of 2013.

What does this mean to Sprint customers? It could mean a few things, but they all have a sad ending. Below are some possiblities:

• Sprint will not be offering the Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• Sprint could get a WiMAX version, but it will take more time
• Sprint will not be getting the Samsung Galaxy Nexus until its LTE network is launched
• Sprint might get the Samsung Galaxy Nexus soon, but without 4G until its LTE network is launched
• Samsung/Google just forgot to mention it, and the WiMAX version is coming

We would prefer to see the last option come true. While it would be Sprint customers’ best hope, it seems highly unlikely. Any other scenario results in a substantial amount of very unhappy Sprint subscribers. I’m curious how many would be willing to switch carriers.

This definitely does seem like an odd move, especially since Sprint and Google have been very close friends lately. The most feasible guess would be that the device will not be arriving on Sprint until the LTE network is up and running. This would mean the Galaxy Nexus will reach “America’s first 4G network” very late, just like its predecessor the Nexus S did.

For now, our only option is to wait and see what happens. We sure hope Sprint customers get some love, though. I’m sorry to break it down like this, but the near future is not looking that bright.

Do you think one of the mentioned results will prove to be true? Can you think of other things that might be happening? Would you switch carriers if the Galaxy Nexus doesn’t come to Sprint? Would you rather wait and see if it does eventually, or if a better device comes around? Speculating is always fun, and we’d love to know what our readers think.

The press in Hong Kong were greeted upon entering the AsiaD event with the official press release for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Plenty more to come tonight, but all the rumors and speculation regarding the Nexus itself can finally stop.

Here’s your next Nexus device:

LG and T-Mobile have partnered to launch the LG DoublePlay, an entry-level 4G QWERTY smartphone. What really makes the aptly-named DoublePlay stand out is the dual screen display. Instead of the fold-out screen featured in the Kyocera Echo, the LG DoublePlay has a 3.5-inch main display and a 2-inch secondary display placed smack dab [...]]]>

LG and T-Mobile have partnered to launch the LG DoublePlay, an entry-level 4G QWERTY smartphone. What really makes the aptly-named DoublePlay stand out is the dual screen display. Instead of the fold-out screen featured in the Kyocera Echo, the LG DoublePlay has a 3.5-inch main display and a 2-inch secondary display placed smack dab in the middle of the slide-out keyboard.

The dual touchscreens allow DoublePlay owners to use the secondary screen in tandem with the first screen (to make it a bit bigger), or as a standalone screen for text messaging, updating your facebook status, checking your calendar, etc. while doing something else on your main screen.

You’ll also find the following features on the DoublePlay:

• 1 GHz single-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
• 5 megapixel camera with LED flash
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread with LG’s overlay
• GroupText and CloudText, which allow you to send and receive texts across platforms, including via phone, PC or tablet
• 4G HSPA+ connectivity (though probably not up to 42mbps, likely 21 or 14)

No word on pricing or release date was given for the LG DoublePlay. We expect the device to be available on T-Mobile within a month. Since the DoublePlay is an entry-level device, we expect the price will fall somewhere around the $100 mark.  We’ll be sure to let you know once we hear more from LG/T-Mobile.

Personally, I don’t exactly see the need for a secondary touchscreen in a smartphone, and don’t think I would ever use the secondary 2-inch screen featured on the LG DoublePlay. What do you guys think? Will you be opting for the LG DoublePlay when it launches on T-Mobile? Or do you prefer the more feature-rich superphones coming up?

Looking for the post where we rip into Apple and the oh-so-magical iPhone 4S? You’ve found it. All the voice functions and competitive pricing aside, the iPhone 4S hardware is Lame. (Yes, with a capital “L”). Just how lame you ask? Compared to what Android is offering–and has been offering since the beginning [...]]]>

Looking for the post where we rip into Apple and the oh-so-magical iPhone 4S? You’ve found it. All the voice functions and competitive pricing aside, the iPhone 4S hardware is Lame. (Yes, with a capital “L”). Just how lame you ask? Compared to what Android is offering–and has been offering since the beginning of the year–it barely manages to keep up.

Let’s recap the main focal points of the iFail 4S announced today. Apple’s A5 1GHz dual-core processor, 8 megapixel camera with 1080p video capture, 14.4 HSPA+, up to 64 GB storage and a Retina display. As you can see, pretty boring for a phone announced at the end of 2011. So just what does Android already have to combat the iPhone 4S? And what about phones that will be out in the near future?

First up for dissection: processors. Apple has put a dual-core processor inside the iPhone 4S. Big deal. Android phones have been rocking dual-core processors for a long time now. The Samsung Galaxy S II utilizes a 1.2 GHz dual-core Exynos in most of its configurations. The T-Mobile version of the GSII comes with a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3. And that’s normal for Android phones. In fact, if your Android device doesn’t have a dual-core processor, then you’re behind the times. Google is set to announce the next Nexus in about a week, and you can bet that device will have a dual-core at the least. Oh, and don’t forget the quad-core NVIDIA processors coming to market soon.

Apple placed a lot of emphasis on the camera of the 4S. It’s an advanced 8 megapixel sensor that features 1080p video capture. Apparently, Apple has been studying HTC’s latest devices. HTC has been working hard to improve the camera phone lately. The myTouch 4G Slide really turned it up a notch, and the Amaze 4G will take it to the next level. SmartShot, BurstShot, SweepShot panorama, ClearShot HDR, PerfectPics, 1080p video capture, a dedicated camera key and a dedicated camcorder key? The Amaze should give even the upcoming Nexus a run for its money. It’s rumored to launch with an incredible camera that will blow you away. And if you want megapixels, Samsung is working to release a 16 megapixel smartphone camera. It should be on display come MWC.

Want to hear a joke? HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps. Want to hear an even funnier joke? CDMA/EVDO Rev A. Not everyone has access to 4, or even “faux,” G Internet. And that’s not such a big deal. But any and every major Android device released in the last year has at least had the necessary radios on board to go as fast as the network in your area will let you. If you want to stick with HSPA+, T-Mobile is about to release a couple 42 Mbps HSPA+ devices. Sprint has WiMax devices galore. Verizon and AT&T? They use LTE, a seriously fast 4G technology. So fast, it makes Sprint’s 3G look like dial-up. In fact, that’s roughly how fast Sprint’s iPhone will go. Seriously.

Let’s say you want a ton of storage, but you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for it. Android devices offer expandable storage. You can choose how much internal storage you want and pop in a microSD card for more. You can also take that card with you and keep using it time and time again. With the iPhone, what you buy is what you get. And if you want 64 GB of storage, then it’s going to cost you $400 on contract.

The display on the iPhone 4S is a true testament to just how far Android devices have come. When the Retina display was first announced, everyone was amazed at how crisp and clear images were. But that was a year ago. Now, display technology has far surpassed the Retina display. SLCD qHD displays are fantastic, and Super AMOLED Plus is absolutely incredible. When put next to an iPhone 4S, you can tell Samsung really knows how to make a display. If you think Super AMOLED Plus looks good, just wait until you see an HD Super AMOLED display. Samsung’s latest crop of displays have been called jaw-droppingly gorgeous. And guess what? The next Nexus will indeed be utilizing a 1280 x 720 HD Super AMOLED display. With a pixel density of 320ppi, what more could you ask for in a display?

Did we miss anything? Is there anything else Android devices can boast that the iPhones can’t? How about NFC, removable batteries, hard keyboards, different display sizes, Flash, an open Market and the greatest community around. Yeah, all that and a little more.

T-Mobile and Walmart have announced a new option for those who don’t like to sign the hefty 2 year agreements that come with a new line of phone service. Though this is certainly not the first partnership between T-Mobile and Walmart, the latest offering brings what 60% of Walmart Mobile customers want in a [...]]]>

T-Mobile and Walmart have announced a new option for those who don’t like to sign the hefty 2 year agreements that come with a new line of phone service. Though this is certainly not the first partnership between T-Mobile and Walmart, the latest offering brings what 60% of Walmart Mobile customers want in a non-contract plan: 4G data speeds.

The plan will cost users $30 per month, and the details are as follows:

• 100 talking minutes, with a $0.10 per minute charge above 100
• Unlimited texting
• 5GB of 4G data speeds, with T-Mobile’s customary throttling after 5GB is hit.

The new Walmart plan will be available at over 2,000 Wal-Mart stores nationwide, and will launch on October 16th. To couple with this service, Walmart will be launching their first 4G prepaid device (yet to be announced).

All in all, this plan seems pretty sweet for those of you who don’t talk on your phones much, and is a good option for those who don’t want to be locked into a contract for 2 years.

Any of you out there interested in Walmart’s new prepaid plan?  Excited that there is finally a prepaid plan that offers 4G speeds?

How many of you out there actually have a prepaid plan? Sound off in the comments.

In keeping with today’s trend of tablet related news, T-Mobile has used Twitter to announce that the carrier will indeed be carrying the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

No details on exactly which model will grace Magenta’s shelves have been released. It’s very possible that T-Mobile will release a 4G enabled Tab, but a WiFi-only device [...]]]>

In keeping with today’s trend of tablet related news, T-Mobile has used Twitter to announce that the carrier will indeed be carrying the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

No details on exactly which model will grace Magenta’s shelves have been released. It’s very possible that T-Mobile will release a 4G enabled Tab, but a WiFi-only device simply being sold in stores isn’t unheard of. We’ve been hearing rumors that the Tab will come to T-Mobile for quite some time now, but none of those rumors have pointed toward any specific model. Perhaps more interesting than which model Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be made available is the timing of the announcement.

Why T-Mobile would announce a $500 (at its cheapest) tablet is coming right after Amazon took control of the Internet with the announcement of their $200 Kindle Fire is anyone’s guess. Trying to cash in on the hype? Hoping to keep customers away from the Kindle Fire until their version of the Tab is released? Either way, it’s important to remember that the tablets will each offer an entirely different experience. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has long been hailed as one of the best Honeycomb tablets to date. It offers the entire Google tablet experience and adds some highly praised optimizations to boot.

What do you think? Good timing, bad timing, picking one up? Let us know in the comments below.

T-Mobile has long been one of the more consumer -friendly carriers. They place a huge emphasis on what consumers want. Not only in plan pricing and availability, but in their device portfolio as well. Today yet another T-Mobile device has been announced that aims to tackle one of the biggest consumers desires in a smartphone: [...]]]>

T-Mobile has long been one of the more consumer -friendly carriers. They place a huge emphasis on what consumers want. Not only in plan pricing and availability, but in their device portfolio as well. Today yet another T-Mobile device has been announced that aims to tackle one of the biggest consumers desires in a smartphone: a better camera.

Much like the T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide, the HTC Amaze will take the camera phone to the next level. Offering a highly advanced eight megapixel rear side camera, the Amaze boasts the network and software that will crank smartphone photography up a notch. The software advantages the Amaze offers can be broken down into five handy features.

• SmartShot – takes 5 photos and compiles the best parts to create one perfect shot.
• BurstShot – capture 5 consecutive shots with just one click, so you never miss the action.
• SweepShot panorama – take ultrawide shots then sweep in any direction.
• ClearShot HDR – see crystal clear detail even when shooting in mixed or direct light.
• Perfect Pics – analyzes & scores your photos then groups the best ones for easy sharing.

Those five software enhancements along with the advanced blacklit sensor, dedicated camera key, dedicated camcorder key (yes, a second camera key just for activating 1080p video capture) and zero shutter lag will make for a fresh out of the box experience that no other device can offer.

Of course the the camera isn’t the only stand-out feature the Amaze brings to market. The Amaze will be one of the first two smartphones on T-Mobile that will come with 42Mbps HSPA+. T-Mobile has said that right now peak speeds on the network sit at around 20Mbps down, with an average of 8Mbps.

Other specs on the Amaze include a dual-core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, 16 GB internal memory, 1 GB RAM, 42Mbps HSPA+ 4G, NFC, an FM radio, two megapixel front-facing camera, HDMI out, Android 2.3.4, HTC Sense and a 1730mAh battery.

As far as pricing and release go, look for the Amaze to hit shelves on October 12, with pre-orders starting October 10. The device will be $259.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan.