MobileBurn.com

Carrier billing in Google Play Store for books, movies, music now available to Sprint users

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:31:05 -0400

Earlier this month, Google enabled carrier billing in the Google Play Store for purchased content such as books, music, and movies for T-Mobile and AT&T customers. As of today, Sprint customers can enjoy the same privilege, as the default option for Google Play purchases is now set to bill directly to a user's Sprint bill. That leaves Verizon Wireless as the only major carrier in the U.S. to not support the new Google Play Store carrier billing features.
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HTC claims One X multitasking is working as intended

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:08:29 -0400

Recently, owners of the HTC One X have taken to various forums to complain about how memory management and multitasking works on the device. Users have reported that the One X is overly aggressive in closing apps that run in the background compared to other devices that run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. HTC has issued a statement saying that everything is running as intended.
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Verizon to push customers off of grandfathered unlimited data plans

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:42:20 -0400

Are you on Verizon Wirelesss and still hanging on to that unlimited data plan that you have been grandfathered into? You had better enjoy it while it lasts, as Verizon's CFO, Fran Shammo, indicated that the carrier plans to kill off the grandfathered data plans and get those customers still using them to its new data-share plans arriving this summer.
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Samsung is number one smartphone maker, mobile phone maker in the world says Gartner

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:53:32 -0400

A new report on the mobile phone market for Q1 2012 from Gartner agrees with earlier reports: Samsung is the number one mobile phone and smartphone maker in the world, edging out Nokia and Apple for the titles. Additionally, Samsung was by far the dominant Android device maker, with 40 percent of Android shipments to its credit.
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Customs hold up to delay launch of HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:26:24 -0400

HTC has confirmed that the U.S. Customs review of the EVO 4G LTE smartphone will indeed delay the launch of the device on Sprint, which was due to happen this Friday, May 18. It is not clear how long the review will take, or when the device arrive on store shelves. Sprint has removed the original launch date from the promo page on its website for the EVO 4G LTE. Customs officials are holding up shipments of the EVO 4G LTE and the One X into the U.S. while they investigate whether or not the smartphones infringe upon Apple's patents.
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China Mobile still talking about getting the Apple iPhone, just as it did in 2010, 2011

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:59:39 -0400

China Mobile, the world's largest carrier says that it is negotiating with Apple to carry the iPhone, which it has not yet been able to do. It's a story we've heard before - in fact, back in 2010, the same claims were made, and then again in 2011.
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Flipboard adds audio feeds, playback to latest version

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:33:30 -0400

A new version of the Flipboard app for iOS devices is now available that adds the ability to listen to audio feeds from SoundHound, NPR, and Public Radio International from within the app. The audio streams will play in the background while users read the articles curated in their Flipboard accounts, and there is a new Audio category in the Content Guide to help discover new things to listen to. The updated Flipboard app also features a fully localized version for the Japanese market, the ability to save articles to Readability, and more related sections for social networks. Flipboard 1.9 is free and available for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch in the iTunes App Store now.
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LG details Optimus UI 3.0 for Android 4.0 ICS smartphones

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:12:31 -0400

LG has released more details about the Optimus UI 3.0 for its Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphones that we first laid eyes on back at Mobile World Congress in February of this year. The new interface is an evolution of LG's earlier UI, and is supposed to make using a smartphone more convenient than ever.
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Evernote for Android version 4.0 brings complete redesign, improved navigation

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:53:04 -0400

Evernote has announced the release of version 4.0 of its app for Android smartphones and tablets. The new version brings a complete redesign to the app, as well as some usability improvements.
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HTC Amaze 4G to get Android 4.0 ICS update on May 21

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:27:29 -0400

Earlier this week, support documents from T-Mobile's website revealed that the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the HTC Amaze 4G would be available in the "coming weeks," but did not provide a specific date. Now, T-Mobile has confirmed that the update should be available to users starting May 21. The update offers Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich and HTC's Sense 3.6 interface. Additionally, T-Mobile confirmed that the same update for the HTC Sensation 4G will be available to customers starting today. Those that use tethering services without subscribing to a T-Mobile plan for them might want to hold off on the update, however.
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WSJ: Apple to use 4-inch display in next-generation iPhone

Dan Seifert — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:10:51 -0400

According to The Wall Street Journal and its infamous "people familiar with the matter," Apple has ordered larger smartphone displays from Asian component suppliers that will be used in the next iPhone. Reportedly, the larger screens measure 4 inches diagonally, which is bigger than the 3.5-inch screen that the iPhone has had since 2007.
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HTC One X, EVO 4G LTE held up by U.S. Customs over patent infringement claim

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:23:10 -0400

HTC confirmed this evening that shipments of the One X and EVO 4G LTE smartphones to the U.S. are being held up by customs officials on the grounds that they may potentially violate a patent owned by Apple. These two smartphones are the first devices to see a delay coming to the U.S. due to the ruling of the International Trade Commission in favor of Apple late last year.
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Google to offer Nexus devices from multiple manufacturers says WSJ

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:31:27 -0400

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google plans to start offering early access to the latest version of Android to more than one device manufacturer at a time. This is a shift from Google's existing strategy, where it has worked with one manufacturer at a time on a halo Nexus device, and then given other manufacturers access to the newest version of Android at a later date.
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Eco-friendly LG Optimus Elite now available from Virgin Mobile

Michelle Ruhfass — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:47:21 -0400

Virgin Mobile is now offering the LG Optimus Elite to its customers. The Android smartphone comes with a $150 price tag and features a 3.5-inch display.
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Facebook acquires staff of mobile photo sharing company Lightbox

Michelle Ruhfass — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:18:38 -0400

One the eve of its IPO, Facebook has announced that it has acquired the staff that runs Lightbox, a small mobile photo sharing company based in London. The purchase details were not disclosed but according to Lightbox's blog, "The deal isn't an acquisition, though it is no longer accepting new users. Existing users of the service, which is designed around Google Inc.'s (GOOG) Android mobile software, will have access until June 15." Facebook recently acquired Instagram, another mobile photo sharing service.
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Kyocera debuts tissue conduction technology in two phones for Japan

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:02:40 -0400

We got a chance to take a look at Kyocera's new tissue conduction technology last week at CTIA 2012, and now the manufacturer has announced the first devices that will be using the unique audio tech. Announced for Japan, the Kyocera Urbano Progresso and the Kyocera K012 Simple Mobile Phone both feature the company's Smart Sonic Receiver technology in place of a traditional earpiece speaker.
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Firefox Beta for Android gets new native design, Adobe Flash support

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:27:39 -0400

Mozilla has updated its Firefox Beta browser for Android devices with the new native user interface that it previewed late last year. The latest version also improves performance and addresses bugs and even throws in support for Adobe Flash Player to boot. Firefox Beta for Android is free and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store now, so long as you have an Android 2.2 Froyo or higher device.
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HTC Sensation 4G for T-Mobile loses free hotspot sharing with Android 4 update

Michael Oryl — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:54:29 -0400

The upcoming Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for T-Mobile's HTC Sensation 4G smartphone will come with one extra, and unwanted, feature. Hotspot sharing of the phone's data connection is no longer free.
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Isis Mobile Wallet to work at Foot Locker, Macy's, others at launch

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:12:46 -0400

Isis, the mobile payment joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless, has announced a host of national retail partners that will accept its Mobile Wallet app as a form of payment. Additionally, the company revealed a list of local partners in Austin, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah that will accept the mobile payment system when it launches.
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T-Mobile CEO announces more layoffs, restructuring

Michael Oryl — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:40:07 -0400

Though T-Mobile USA CEO Philipp Humm had already announced in March plans for 1,000 T-Mobile employee layoffs, it seems that even more are on the way in the near future.
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Verizon to add LTE to 140 new markets by end of year, will hit 400 total

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:46:16 -0400

Verizon Wireless has announced that it plans to launch 4G LTE service in 140 more markets by the end of this year. The carrier has set a goal of having 400 markets in 49 states covered with the next generation wireless service before the year is out. This Thursday Verizon will turn on LTE service in 28 new markets and expand it in 11 existing markets. The total number of active LTE markets will then be 258.
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HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint review - awesome, but where's the LTE?

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:59:38 -0400

The HTC EVO 4G LTE is the latest smartphone to carry Sprint's EVO nameplate. Does it live up to its storied heritage, or does the fact that Sprint has yet to launch its 4G LTE network really hold it back?
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O2 launches DC-HSPA service in select UK markets

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:14:21 -0400

O2 has announced that it has begun rolling out its {DC-HSPA} service in the UK, which promises theoretical 42Mbps download speeds in the few markets where it is being offered. The DC-HSPA service provides up to twice the bandwidth offered by O2's current HSPA+ network, and will be available in major UK cities, though the carrier did not specify exactly which cities are set to receive the service first. Owners of the new Apple iPad and the Nokia Lumia 900 will be among the first able to take advantage of the faster network speeds.
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Nokia outs 110 dual-SIM phone with web browsing capabilities

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:48:24 -0400

Nokia has taken the wraps off of the new 110 mobile phone for emerging markets. The 110 is a dual-SIM candybar device that features the Nokia Browser for fast and efficient web browsing. Slightly modified versions of the 110 will be sold as the 111, 112, and 113.
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Samsung fills out Android 4.0 ICS upgrade list with T-Mobile devices

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:20:13 -0400

Late last month, Samsung released a list of smartphones and tablets in the U.S. that it plans to upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While the company laid out plans for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless devices, it did not name any for T-Mobile, stating that it was still working with the carrier to determine the upgrade paths. Now the list has been updated to include T-Mobile's version of the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy S Blaze 4G, as well as the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Unfortunately, we still don't know exactly when these updates will arrive, but at least owners can rest easy knowing their upgrades are coming at some point.
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Voyager Mobile MVNO delays launch due to hackers

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:03:25 -0400

Voyager Mobile, a new MVNO that uses Sprint's 3G CDMA and 4G WiMAX networks, was due to launch today, but it doesn't seem like that will happen thanks to some aggressive hackers. The company released a statement this morning claiming that its main website has undergone a "malicious" attack that has caused it to postpone today's planned launch.
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HTC Desire C brings Android 4.0 ICS, Beats Audio on the cheap

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:36:17 -0400

HTC has announced the Desire C, a new entry-level smartphone that offers Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Beats Audio enhancements.
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LG Optimus 4X HD quad-core smartphone hits Europe next month

Dan Seifert — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:17:40 -0400

The LG Optimus 4X HD, LG's first quad-core smartphone that was announced at MWC 2012 earlier this year, will be headed to European stores next month. The Optimus 4X HD is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and has a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with LG's custom user interface. LG says that since its launch at Mobile World Congress, the Optimus 4X HD has been upgraded with new SiO+ battery technology and the Quick Memo and Media Plex apps. Following its European launch, the Optimus 4X HD will arrive in Asia, CIS, and South and Central America over the coming months.
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Appeals court allows Apple to seek injunction against Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet

Michael Oryl — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:21:44 -0400

A U.S. appeals court ruled today that iPad maker Apple could pursue a ban on sales of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android tablets, overturning a lower court's ruling.
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Facebook upgrades news feed for mobile devices

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:55:42 -0400

Facebook announced a minor refresh of the news feed in its iOS and Android apps and on its m.facebook.com website today. The latest Facebook update will display shared photos 3 times larger than before, and all posts will now fill the screen from edge to edge. Facebook says that the updated design is gradually rolling out to users now.
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Verizon updates LG Spectrum to Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:19:03 -0400

Verizon Wireless has released an update for the LG Spectrum that bumps the smartphone's software up to Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread and fixes a number of bugs along the way. Most of the bugs fixed were in the email and browser apps, and Verizon has also used the update to force owners into newer versions of its NFL, VZ Navigator, Verizon Video, and V CAST apps. The update is rolling out now, and owners should get a notification on their handsets when it is ready to be downloaded and installed.
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LightSquared files for bankruptcy protection

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:45:59 -0400

As expected, LightSquared has filed for bankruptcy protection. LightSquared has faced numerous financial issues since it was denied the ability to launch a terrestrial 4G LTE network on the satellite spectrum it controls, and has already defaulted on its creditors twice. LightSquared had signed a deal with Sprint to provide wholesale LTE service to the carrier last year, but Sprint backed out when LightSquared was unable to mitigate concerns of GPS interference and was denied the ability to launch the network by the FCC.
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Official LinkedIn app arrives for Windows Phone

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:32:08 -0400

Windows Phone already features LinkedIn integration in its People Hub, but a new official app from the social network lets users do even more with their Windows Phone smartphones. Version 1.0 of LinkedIn for Windows Phone has hit the Marketplace, and offers access to LinkedIn groups, messages, and available jobs. The app sports a native Metro design, and comes with a Live Tile for notifications. You can grab the LinkedIn app for Windows Phone from the Windows Phone Marketplace for free now.
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HTC Sensation 4G Android 4.0 ICS update comes May 16, Amaze 4G a few weeks later

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:21:40 -0400

Support docs on T-Mobile's website have revealed that the promised Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Sensation 4G is due to arrive on May 16. The update offers Android 4.0.3 and the Sense 3.6 interface, and will be available to install over-the-air. Additionally, it has been revealed that the same update for the HTC Amaze 4G will arrive in the "coming weeks," though an exact date was not revealed.
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U.S. Government, wireless carriers launch weather emergency alerts this month

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:32:21 -0400

The U.S. Government and wireless carriers in the States are set to launch the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system this month. The WEA is a free service that uses text message alerts to inform cellular phone users of nearby weather emergencies.
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Samsung Galaxy S III gets priced for T-Mobile UK

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:45:27 -0400

T-Mobile UK has announced its pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S III, due to hit shelves on May 30. The Galaxy S III will set buyers back 49.99 GBP when they sign up for a 36 GBP per month Full Monty plan and sign a two-year contract. The Full Monty plan offers unlimited data, text messaging, and calls to other T-Mobile phones, along with 2000 minutes to any network or landline per month. The Galaxy S III was announced by Samsung earlier this month and features a 4.8-inch, 720p Super AMOLED display, a quad-core 1.5GHz Exynos 4 Quad processor, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Read the full story here.

LightSquared expected to file for bankruptcy protection today

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:55:37 -0400

LightSquared, the company that failed to get its terrestrial LTE network approved by the government, is expected to file for bankruptcy protection today, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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New Jersey town bans texting while walking. UPDATE: Not so fast...

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:29:05 -0400

A town in New Jersey has passed a new law that makes it illegal to compose or read text messages on a mobile device while walking on public sidewalks. Ft. Lee, New Jersey police will issue citations and $85 fines to anyone that violates the new law.
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Apple capitulates, drops 4G moniker from new iPad in a number of countries

Dan Seifert — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:15:11 -0400

The controversy over Apple's use of "4G capabilities" in ads for the new iPad in countries without compatible LTE networks may be coming to an end, as it was discovered this weekend that the company has changed the name of the cellular version of device from "iPad Wi-Fi + 4G" to "iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular" in many of the countries where the iPad is sold.
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NVIDIA Tegra 3 won't get integrated LTE support until 2013

Dan Seifert — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:29:20 -0400

NVIDIA's latest mobile processor, the Tegra 3, is found in the international version of the HTC One X smartphone and a number of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich tablets. Unfortunately, none of those devices have support for LTE networks, and it doesn't look like there will be Tegra 3-powered devices with LTE for a bit longer than we initially expected.
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Video: Google Galaxy Nexus for Sprint video review

Dan Seifert — Sat, 12 May 2012 09:30:43 -0400

The Google Galaxy Nexus for Sprint is virtually the same phone that has been available from Verizon Wireless since December of last year. It features a 4.65-inch 720p Super AMOLED display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and a 5 megapixel camera. It also features support for 4G LTE networks, though Sprint's network is not yet available, so Sprint customers have to rely on 3G data speeds. Running a stock version of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Galaxy Nexus is devoid of any carrier or manufacturer customizations. Sprint's version officially supports Google Wallet out of the box, unlike Verizon's model. Sprint is also offering new Galaxy Nexus owners an extra $40 Google Wallet credit when they register their Google Wallet account. The Google Galaxy Nexus is available from Sprint now for $199.99.
Watch the video here.

Motorola DROID X2 gets software update from Verizon Wireless

Dan Seifert — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:58:03 -0400

The HTC ThunderBolt isn't the only smartphone from Verizon Wireless seeing a software update this week, as the Motorola DROID X2 is also getting a bug-related maintenance fix. The update that is pushing to DROID X2 smartphones now offers the 3D version of VZ Navigator, the Verizon Video app, security patches, support for purchased ringtones, support for the Wireless Alerting System, and other bug fixes. DROID X2 owners can check for the update in the Settings app, or wait for a notification to appear to download and install it.
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Turntable.fm app released for Android smartphones

Dan Seifert — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:34:17 -0400

Turntable.fm, a service that lets users "DJ" playlists of music in virtual rooms with other users and listeners, has released an app for the Android platform. Previously only available on iOS, the Turntable.fm mobile app lets users join rooms to listen to music and chat with other users on the service. Turntable.fm for Android is free and available in the Google Play Store now.
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HTC ThunderBolt maintenance software update now available

Dan Seifert — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:21:56 -0400

The oft-forgotten HTC ThunderBolt, the first 4G LTE smartphone for Verizon Wireless, has a new software update available from the carrier. The update does not include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, unfortunately, but it does address some bugs with data connectivity, device stability, mobile hotspot reliability, and receiving messages in the mail app. Important stuff to fix, even if Android 4.0 isn't along for the ride. Users should get a notification on their handsets when the update is ready to be downloaded and installed.
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Angry Birds creator buys Casey's Contraptions game

Michael Oryl — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:07:58 -0400

Angry Birds maker Rovio thinks it has its next big hit on its hands now that it has purchased the rights to a puzzle game known as Casey's Contraptions, which it will re-brand before launching later this year.
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Virgin Atlantic to offer in-flight cellphone service on trans-Atlantic flights

Dan Seifert — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:09:38 -0400

As if the list of nuisances and pains when flying commercial wasn't already long enough, you can now add people gabbing on their cellphones to it. Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will offer in-flight cellphone service on its trans-Atlantic flights this year.
Read the full story here.

TracFone to purchase Simple Mobile pre-paid carrier

Michael Oryl — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:47:37 -0400

Pre-paid wireless carrier TracFone has announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Simple Mobile, one of its competitors in the pre-paid space.
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Verizon expands 4G LTE coverage to more areas next week

Dan Seifert — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:20:44 -0400

This week Verizon Wireless announced plans to expand its 4G LTE footprint to even more markets in the coming weeks. Starting on May 17, Verizon customers will be able to access LTE service in Cape Cod; Northern Vermont; parts of Long Island; parts of the Jersey Shore; Lancaster and York, Pa.; the beaches of Delaware; Virginia Beach; Ocean City, Md.; and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The carrier also announced that it plans to bring 4G LTE to Paris, Texas in the coming weeks.
Read the full story here.

ASUS upgrades the Eee Pad Slider to Android 4.0 ICS

Dan Seifert — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:53:03 -0400

ASUS has announced through its official Twitter account that the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade for the Eee Pad Slider tablet is now available in the U.S. The update offers Android 4.0.3 and is available to owners as an over-the-air download or from the ASUS website as a direct download. ASUS says that it will offer the update in the UK "shortly."
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Nokia to bring 808 PureView smartphone to the U.S. in unlocked guise

Dan Seifert — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:29:16 -0400

Nokia has already launched the 808 PureView Symbian smartphone in a number of markets across the world, but it has held it from the U.S. until now. Speaking to PCMag, Nokia's head of North America Chris Weber says that the company plans to offer the 41 megapixel smartphone in the U.S. as an unlocked option that will be compatible with AT&T's 3G network. Weber says that the phone will come to the U.S. in the next few months, though a price has not yet been revealed.
Read the full story here.