Verizon Discretely Offers 5 Additional Shared Data Plans for Heavy Users

Verizon Wireless recently got rid of the traditional individual data plan offerings in lieu of their new “Family Share” data plans. The Concept is simple, pick your device and the amount of data you and your family will consume. The plans come with unlimited minutes, text messages and allow the user to have up to ten devices to share the data. The new plans originally consisted of only six data tiers to choose from, ranging from a base of $50 a month for 1GB to $100 for 10GB. Heavy users will most definitely end up paying more, while the light user will save money. What about those who use more than 10GB? Verizon has an answer for them too.

On Tuesday, Verizon Wireless confirmed with ComputerWorld they have five additional unpublicized tiers available for their heaviest users, unpublicized until today that is. If you are on a Share Everything plan you can now choose from one of the five additional data tiers: 12GB for $110 a month, 14GB for $120 a month, 16GB for $130 a month, 18GB for $140 a month and 20GB for $150 a month. In terms of devices it’s the same as adding to the lower six tiers; $10 per tablet, $20 per Jetpack/USB dongle/notebook, $30 per basic phone and $40 per smartphone. So, if you and your spouse will consume 20GB in one month, figure $40 per smartphone and $150 for the data, you will get unlimited talk, text, and 20GB of data for $230 for two lines.

AT&T already announced their very similar program called Mobile Share. Their plan will be consistent with those of Verizon Wireless ranging from $40 per month for 1GB to $200 per month for 20GB and $10-$45 per device added. The biggest difference is AT&T will continue to offer their traditional data plans, which Verizon has done away with.

Say what you will about these plans, for the lighter user, they present a good value. I personally favor T-Mobile’s offerings (unlimited with no overages) as compared to going over my data and paying dearly for it. So what about you guys? Anyone going to take advantage of the new additions?

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Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE Rumored to Launch on Sprint on August 19th

Rumor has it that Sprint is planning on launching the Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE next Sunday on the 19th of August. Motorola officially announced the phone about two weeks ago claiming a Sprint launch in the “upcoming weeks.” If you’re not familiar with this device, here’s a quick rundown on its specs:

• 4.3-inch ColorBoost display (assuming qHD – 960 x 540)
• 1.5 GHz dual-core processor (assuming the Snapdragon S4)
• 1GB of RAM
• 8MP rear camera with 1080p video capture
• Front-facing HD camera
• micro HDMI with mirroring
• Sprint ID, offering an innovative way to personalize an Android smartphone with apps, widgets, ringtones and more all, in a single download
• NFC
• LTE

Minus the resolution of the device, everything else is top tier when it comes to specs. With physical QWERTY-sliders still popular to many people, I’m sure this device will be welcomed. Does this impending device appeal to any of you guys?

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Carphone Warehouse Expects to Ship the Sony Xperia Miro This Month, Pre-orders Already Started

Sony recently announced the new Xperia Miro, a 3.5-inch entry level device with a 5MP camera and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This is a great device for people not wanting to spend a lot of money and just want a decent phone. Well, up until now we were given no indications as to when the Sony Xperia Miro would be release.

Carphone Warehouse has updated their product sign-up page to show potential buyers they can expect a ship date of August 2012. The phone was announced back in mid-June and looks to be just about ready for prime time! Are you getting one? Hit the source link below to pre-order yours!



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Sprint Reaffirms Pledge To Launch HD Voice In Limited Capacity By The End Of The Year, Will Ramp Up By 2013

You remember how we mentioned how Sprint would be bringing its HD Voice service to select handsets later this year? Well Sprint has reassessed its strategy and believes it needs to upgrade a “critical mass” of its markets with the necessary network improvements to support HD Voice. That means Sprint will likely make a major push of the service to early 2013, in addition to the limited rollout later this year. Sprint also mentions its HD Voice’s availability will gradually increase over 2013 and 2014 and that it expects a significant portion of its network and devices will support HD Voice by the end of 2014. That means the HTC EVO 4G LTE will have more than a few friends to party with.

No additional news for now, but we’ll be sure to keep you all posted as we hear anything else from the Now Network.

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Grab Jelly Bean for your 4G LTE Galaxy Nexus

When is a Nexus not a Nexus? When you buy it from Verizon, evidently. It’s long been a gripe of Verizon Nexus owners that their pride and joy often receives the latest and greatest Android update months after the GSM variant. The good news is that whilst Verizon might be standing in the way of progress, the developer community has got your back (as ever!).

Shortly after landing on the AOSP servers, Android build JRO03L has been worked into a custom ROM prime for flashing to your Verizon Galaxy Nexus or Google Nexus 7. Early reports suggest that the build is seamless, offering the pure Jelly Bean experience just as Google intended. If  spending an evening rooting and flashing floats your boat, you can click the link below to get going.

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Motorola And Verizon Send Out Questionaires To Select Verizon FIOS Customers, Tries To Gauge Feedback Of New Toy On The Way

It’s no secret that Verizon has major intentions to bring its FIOS service to Android devices. We first had a glimpse of this notion when Verizon announced its FIOS app for smartphones and tablets. Then we saw the always Verizon-friendly brand Motorola try to sneak out an Android TV tablet for TV rooms. Now there is actual proof indicating a WiFi-only tablet is on the way for Verizon FIOS subscribers. Apparently FIOS subscribers were sent a survey recently which sought some opinions and feedback of a new device which “may be available in the future”.  This device will feature Android 2.3 (sighs)– while allowing users to run a full assortment of apps and of course the ability to stream certain channels. All in all, all signs point to the Corvair finally becoming a reality.

Of course Motorola and Verizon are still trying to see how people feel about the device and whether it’s necessary or not. My guess is that many (if not all) subscribers wouldn’t mind having a new toy to play with. Let’s hope we see this thing sooner than later.

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Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G Now Available from MetroPCS

If you’ve been asking for a Samsung Droid Charge, but for whatever reason don’t like Verizon, today is your day. MetroPCS has announced the renamed but otherwise unchanged Droid Charge as the Galaxy S Lightray 4G, and it’s available now. The phone features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED screen, an 8 MP camera, a 1ghz processor, and a free 16GB MicroSD card thrown in as well.

If you’re a MetroPCS user (or are about to be) the phone can be picked up for $459 right now. The phone also features Dyle mobile TV, which use separate  airwaves for broadcast and isn’t the same as just streaming, according to MetroPCS. Hit the source for more info.

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AT&T pushing Android 4.0.4 OTA to HTC One X; rooted users accept with caution

Reports are coming in that AT&T has started pushing out an OTA update for the HTC One X today. The update, build number 2.20 that bumps Android to 4.0.4, has only gone out to a few users and it is unclear when it may roll out to the rest. Neither AT&T nor HTC have issued a change log that details what is included in the update. Users are reporting that it includes security fixes that block some root exploits, a setting to remove the menu button “bar” for some apps, and the ability to long press the multi-tasking button for a pop-up menu.
Users who have rooted their One X or who are thinking about doing so may not want to jump on this update just yet. The fixes for the root exploits have the consequence of also closing methods used to gain root access. Since AT&T and HTC do not offer bootloader unlocking on this version of the One X, the update will effectively block root access until the hackers figure out a new way to do so.
If you get the update, please post and let us know of any other changes that are included.

Source: Android Central

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You can now pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S III from Ting

Ting, a MVNO (Mobile Vitural Network Operator) running on Sprint’s network, is now offering the Samsung Galaxy S III for pre-order. You will have a choice of either Marble White or Pebble Blue and as this is prepaid, (no discounted handsets) the device will cost $529 (16GB) or $579 (32GB).
One drawback: you have to wait 3-6 weeks for your shiny new phone to ship. The good news is, for those who live in a Sprint LTE market, you’ll be able to browse the web at stunning LTE speeds! We have yet to confirm the official specs; Ting says their version will have only 1GB of RAM Vs. 2GB on other variants. Either this is a method to cut costs, or there was an error–hopefully the latter.
The Samsung Galaxy S III has been available for quite some time and is selling at record numbers, leading to Samsung destroying their shipment record in quarter two of this year. Widespread ability, and specs that leave nothing to desire are likely the main cause of its popularity. I know if I wasn’t packing a Galaxy Nexus, I would definitely pick one up! Are you on the Ting network? Let us know if you plan on picking up this powerful beast! Hit the break for the full press release.

Ting Offers Samsung Galaxy SIII on Sprint’s 4G LTE Network

TORONTO, August 2, 2012 – Tucows Inc. (NYSE AMEX:TCX, TSX:TC), a global provider of domain names and other Internet services, today announced that its mobile phone service, Ting, has made the Samsung Galaxy SIII available for pre-order on its website at ting.com.
Devices will ship in three to six weeks. The 16GB Samsung Galaxy SIII is at $529, the 32GB at $579. These will be the first Ting devices to use Sprint’s 4G LTE network. Both the 16GB and 32GB are available in Pebble Blue and Marble White.
“It’s a killer device,” said Scott Allan, Director of Ting. “We have a lot of potential customers who have been waiting for this. They won’t have to wait much longer.”
To thank customers for waiting the three to six weeks, Ting will pick two of the first two hundred pre-orders and waive the cost of the device entirely.
Samsung Galaxy SIII shoppers are strongly encouraged to go to the savings calculator at ting.com/calculator to determine how quickly their monthly savings on service will cover the upfront cost of the device.
After that, pre-orders can be placed at ting.com/devices.
About Tucows
Tucows is a global Internet services company. OpenSRS (http://opensrs.com) manages over 11 million domain names and millions of email boxes through a reseller network of over 12,000 web hosts and ISPs. Hover (http://hover.com) is the easiest way for individuals and small businesses to manage their domain names and email addresses. Ting (http://ting.com) is a mobile phone service provider dedicated to bringing clarity and control to U.S. mobile phone users. YummyNames (http://yummynames.com) owns premium domain names that generate revenue through advertising or resale. More information can be found on Tucows’ corporate website (http://tucows.com).

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Sprint Galaxy Nexus update removes local search function

As reported earlier today, Sprint began rolling out an update for the Galaxy Nexus phone. Likely requiring a few days to reach all devices, the update modifies the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), adds support for Sprint TV, and adjusts LTE settings to default to “on.” The update does a little more than that though – it removes local search capability.
For those jumping into the saga at this point, the local search capability refers to the ability to search contacts or files on the phone using the same search box one would use to do a search of the web. This capability has become the focus of a legal battle involving Apple, who obtained a preliminary injunction blocking sales of the Galaxy Nexus.  The solution for carriers and the manufacturer, Samsung, has been to disable local search until the litigation is resolved.
Followers of the lawsuit are probably not surprised by this move by Sprint. They may be surprised that Sprint did not disclose this part of the update.

Source: Android Central

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Motorola PHOTON Q to hit shelves with unlockable bootloader

Motorola appears to have awakened to user requests for more control over their smartphones in the form of an unlockable bootloader. On their blog today, Motorola announced that they have worked with their partners to respond to market demand for unlockable bootloaders. The fruits of these efforts will first appear with the Motorola PHOTON Q 4G LTE coming to the Sprint network which will have an unlockable bootloader. The final comment on the blog post indicates Motorola will “be looking to offer this option on other devices as well” moving forward. So it seems we can expect to see this capability of new phones in the future. However, a tweet from Motorola Mobility indicates they will not try to apply this retroactively to devices already on the market.
Like ASUS and HTC, the expectation is that phones will be delivered in a locked state, but a tool will be made available for users wanting to unlock their bootloader. Use of the tool will likely void their device’s warranty. Watch for further details as users get their hands on the PHOTON Q.

Source: Inside Motorola blog

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Sprint Galaxy Nexus Gets Software Update Rolling Out Starting Today, And No… The Update Doesn’t Include Jelly Bean

The Sprint Galaxy Nexus smartphone is looking to get just a little bit better with an incoming software version L700.FG01 update that’s set to roll out starting today. Before you ask—- no the update doesn’t include Android 4.1 just yet, but does include the ability to modify the device’s received signal strength indicator (RSSI), add support for Sprint TV and Wi-Fi and LTE settings will now default to being turned on.
While the update will roll out starting today, it may take several additional days before it reaches all Sprint Galaxy Nexus owners, so sit tight and relax if you don’t see it right away.

Source: TechnoBuffalo

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New Odin-less root method for Verizon’s Galaxy S III

Over at the XDA Developers’ forum, member Noxious Ninja has come up with a new method to root a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III.  This new method was based on a desire to get around some issues users were having after using a previously developed root method. He also hoped to be able to produce something that didn’t require flashing ROMs. In the end, Noxious Ninja was able to modify a root method for an Asus TF300T to work on the Galaxy S III. Going a step further, he has even created a tool for users that don’t want to follow the manual steps. Users are warned that the tool is considered beta. The usual disclaimers about rooting devices apply, so proceed at your own risk if you are interested in giving it a try. Just follow the source link for the files and instructions. Let us know how it goes if you attempt this root.

Source: XDA Developers

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Verizon’s LG VS930 Renders Leaked: It’s The LG Spectrum 2

The sources over at TechnoBuffalo have leaked renders of the LG VS930, which we already saw pass through the FCC. The source also confirms that this is in fact the LG Spectrum 2, destined for Verizon. So what are the specs we know of?
4.7-inch “True HD IPS” display (1280 x 720)
1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 SoC
1GB of RAM
8MP rear camera
16GB of built-in storage
Global radio support (GSM/UMTS/CDMA/LTE)
NFC (with programmable tags)
Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich
9.2mm thick
Yes, this is a global phone with support for not only Verizon’s CDMA and 4G LTE, but also for GSM and UMTS. That’s a versatile little sucker.
No news for when this will launch. Any jetsetters waiting for this one?

Source: Technobuffalo

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ZTE N880E to relaunch with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in China

Today ZTE announced they will re-release the ZTE N880E. This is the first device in China (third in the world) to launch with pure 4.1 Jelly Bean, and just days after Jelly Bean was launched into the wild.
Back in May, the N880E launched with 2.3 Gingerbread and has already sold more then one million units. This could be why ZTE is relaunching, pure popularity…or it could be about marketing, but we can only speculate on the intentions of the relaunch. ZTE has said they have a very solid relationship with Google and will continue to release Jelly Bean devices. Based on their relationship, I’m very curious to see how ZTE got their hands on Google’s new PDK.
The specs of the N880E are not very impressive at all: 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, a 4 inch WVGA display, a 3.2MP camera, 4GB of internal storage, and a 1,650mAh battery. Like I said, nothing special, but I’m sure Chinese natives will be pumped to get their hands on some Jelly Beans goodness.

Source: ZTE

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Leaked Image Shows Verizon Galaxy Nexus Due to Receive another ICS Update

Looks like the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will receive an OTA update soon. Update “IMM76Q” is still Ice Cream Sandwhich but looks to bring a new baseband and software version. Any other news regarding this would be speculation, although, we think Verizon may be removing unified search results to avoid conflict with Apple.
In addition, you may have already seen the IMM76Q tag somewhere, that’s because its been rumored for about a month. One user reported getting a prompt to install the update, curious, others went to Verizon and Samsung and were told this is to address signal drop issues for subscribers in specific areas.
We know you want your Jelly Bean, that is unless you have already rooted  . If you haven’t, keep in mind, it makes sense for Verizon to push patches to tidy up a bit before a major software update. With that said, we’ll keep you posted the moment we learn more!

Source: Androidcentral

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Verizon Galaxy S III To Receive Update to VRLG1, Removes Unified Search and Updates Kernel

If you are a Verizon subscriber and own a Samsung Galaxy S III, you may be receiving an update soon. This is meant to update the kernel and to dumb down the search capabilities of the device. As we have already seen, Samsung has been pushing the same update to both the Sprint and AT&T Galaxy S III.
When we talk about “dumbing down search capabilities” this is what you should expect. Currently, when you search via the search bar, it returns results from the web, apps, contacts, etc. all in a unified manner. However, with the current Apple Vs. Samsung debacle, search results will be limited to the web with no localized results.
If you are having any issues with your S III and get a replacement, your new device will already have been updated to I535VRLG1. The same is expected for those who go out and purchase one today. However, for those of you who jumped on the sale during launch week, we haven’t heard any news of the OTA hitting, but will update you as soon as we know!

Source: TalkAndroid

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Photo Of Sprint’s Upcoming LG “Cayenne” LS860 QWERTY Slider Leaked

A couple of months ago we covered an upcoming QWERTY slider known as the LG Cayenne (LS860) that is heading to Sprint. Today, a new photo of that device obtained by evleaks has surfaced and shows us 3 physical capacitive buttons and running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The device will contain a dual-core MSM9860 Snapdragon S4 processor, which we all know by now is no slouch. The disappointing part is that the device will sport a WVGA resolution. The least they could have paired it with was qHD, especially since it already has such a powerful processor in the Snapdragon S4.
Either way, I’m sure this device will find its niche of users as physical QWERTY sliders aren’t quite dead yet and still sought after.  No news on pricing or availability, but you can be sure that we’ll fill you in as soon as we learn more.

Source: TalkAndroid

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LG Spectrum’s Ice Cream Sandwich Update Ready To Go, Awaiting Verizon’s Approval

A little less than two months ago we reported of an Ice Cream Sandwich build that leaked for the Verizon LG Spectrum. Now it seems as if the official ICS update is just around the corner. According to an LG rep over at LG’s support forum, ICS for the Spectrum is very close:
Keep an eye on our “Company Updates” which shows up on the home page
It’s getting very close…can’t wait to get the official word to post it! I think we’re just waiting on Verizon to set a FOTA schedule.
Needless to say, the wait shouldn’t be that much longer my friends. Any LG Spectrum owners still out there?

Source: TalkAndroid

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Sprint-Bound Samsung SPH-L300 LTE Passes Through FCC

The Sprint-bound Samsung SPH-L300 was first whispered about in May, and now it’s finally clearing the FCC. The specs we know about place this handset in the budget to mid-range, and frankly the specs are pretty good for folks looking for something decent that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

• 4G LTE
• WVGA display
• Dual-core Snapdragon S4 MSM8960
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB storage

Sure, it’s no Galaxy S III or HTC One X, but it’ll get things done. No word on when it will launch on Sprint, but it can’t be too far off now.

Source: TalkAndroid

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