The survey found that 69% of AT&T customers surveyed were “Very Satisfied” with their customer service experience. This is an improvement from the 65% ratio the year before. AT&T also dethroned the Now Network, which dropped 12 points to 59%. Tying with AT&T a year ago at 65%, T-Mobile has dropped 17 points to a miserable 48%, while Verizon remains unchanged at 60%.

Apparently, AT&T was able to improve customer service without its proposed T-Mobile acquisition, despite its arguments otherwise. However, T-Mobile’s customer service ratings appear to have collapsed along with the failed merger. Perhaps after some regrouping, T-Mobile will be able to recover this year. It was recently revealed that T-Mobile is offering additional support for unlocked iPhone customers on its network.

“HTC can confirm that we’re working with Sprint to provide maintenance releases that will remove Carrier IQ and provide security enhancements and bug fixes beginning in January” the company said in a statement to The Verge today. No specific devices were cited, but the EVO 3D is believed to be one of the handsets affected by Carrier IQ tech.

Although initial outrage centered on the idea that Carrier IQ was sending private message details and other personally-identifiable information back to network operators, it eventually became clear that the truth was somewhat more complicated. Carrier IQ actually offers various tiers of monitoring, tracking not user-activity but how the handset works with the network.

Unfortunately by that point the system had been highlighted by at least one angry US senator, and a class-action lawsuit put together targeting Apple, Samsung and HTC.

The Galaxy Nexus will offer a pure Google experience, boasting the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Details on the specs haven’t been released, but it should be fairly similar to the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon.

The LG Viper is being touted as an eco-friendly device with a case made entirely from recycled plastic and a charger that’s more energy efficient. It features a 4-inch WVGA NOVA display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, VGA front-facing camera, NFC, and runs Android 2.3.

The two smartphones and the one mobile hotspot are among 15 new 4G LTE devices planned for launch on the Now Network this year, which will include more handsets as well as tablets and data cards. The 4G LTE smartphones can take advantage of the carrier’s Everything plans, including Everything Data Plan with Any Mobile, Anytime that offers unlimited data, texting, and calling to and from any mobile device in the US.

One of the big issues for LightSquared is that without FCC approval, its critical 15-year plan with Sprint for sharing 4G spectrum and equipment is void. Sprint has offered LightSquared a bone with an extension to the deadline for approvals. Sprint has granted LightSquared another 30 days to land the FCC nod.

The original deadline was December 31. The deal with Sprint is critical to LightSquared since it will save LightSquared $13 billion through the end of the decade. LightSquared has a bunch of deals in place already to sell service to retailers like Best buy and Leap Wireless. Not getting approvals for its tech would kill the company before it starts.

[via WSJ]

However, while AT&T’s GSM network has long been lambasted for its shonky iPhone performance, a common source of complaints across the lifespan of the first four Apple handsets, Metrico found that the carrier had much improved. Voice quality, with a 2.8-percent call failure rate, was only slightly behind that seen on Verizon’s version, at 2.1-percent (Sprint lagged in third place, with 3.7-percent) they report, while AT&T’s lead in data speeds was considerably more impressive.

The average AT&T page load on the iPhone 4S took 1.29s, less than half the 2.60s Verizon page load. Sprint fell behind considerably, at 6.44s. Metrico’s testing used 21,000 page downloads both in lab situations and in five unnamed test cities, along with in excess of 8,000 upload/download tests. The voice call testing used 6,000 recorded samples.

Cuttingly, Metrico described Verizon’s iPhone 4S as “well below average” in its call failure performance when compared to Android and other handsets on the same network, suggesting there’s a potential compromise involved if you sate your iOS desires with a CDMA device.

[via ComputerWorld]

However the carrier has now put a stop to that, with a leaked internal memo to staff suggesting that “all iPhone 4S devices will have the SIM locked” and that the “locking occurs during the activation process and is invisible to the customer.” Those wanting to use their handset abroad, on GSM networks, will be directed “to Sprint Worldwide for authentication” though it’s unclear if there will be a fee levied or other hoops to jump through.

Instead, Sprint would prefer subscribers take advantage of their own roaming plans “on a pay-as-you-go basis” for voice and data access. “This SIM lock update will not impact any current iPhone 4S customers (activated prior to 11/11/11)” the memo concludes, so if you got in early then it seems that you’re safe.

Although Apple began sales of an unlocked iPhone 4S today, the handset can only be used on GSM networks not CDMA ones. Still, it’s generally a far cheaper way to use your phone abroad, putting in a local network SIM rather than relying on roaming fees. The flip-side, of course, is the higher initial purchase price to escape the two-year agreement: Apple’s unlocked iPhone 4S starts at $649 for the 16GB model.

[via Mac Rumors]

Apparently, the massive investment that Sprint made in the iPhone has left it in a bad spot financially. Reuters reports that Sprint has said it needs $7 billion in new financing over the next “few years” to shore up operations after the heavy iPhone 4S investment and for network upgrade plans. That big network upgrade would be the updating of its 4G networks to LTE rather than WiMax.

Reuters also reports that Sprint has promised to pay Apple $15.5 billion over the next four years for the iPhone. I have to wonder if the carrier might go broke while selling the iPhone and gaining customers. It doesn’t plan for the money made from the iPhone to exceed its costs of getting the device until 2015. As of now the Sprint market cap is $7 billion.

[via Reuters]

AT&T has been touting that its iPhone 4S will be the fastest because the device supports the carrier’s HSPA+ enhanced 3G network, whereas on Verizon or Sprint, you’d be getting just standard 3G speeds. But in the below video, you’ll see that Verizon and AT&T are neck to neck with Sprint generally behind.

However, the SpeedTest.net comparison shows AT&T way ahead with a download speed of 0.65Mbps, Verizon with 0.26Mbps, and Sprint with 0.16Mbps. The tester claims that the results were similar no matter how he arranged the positions of the devices.

Although the comparison isn’t exactly scientific, it does give you an idea of what you might expect. But speeds will also depend on which part of the country you’re located along with other factors. Sprint looks clearly to be the slowest, but they are hoping to offset that with unlimited data plans. And if you’re still debating on whether to upgrade, then make sure to check out our full iPhone 4S review and our iOS 5 review.

[via iDownloadBlog]

The websites of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint are now all posting a wait time for new iPhone 4S stock with AT&T saying it’s out 3 to 4 weeks while Verizon estimates new stock arrival by month-end. On Sprint, the larger capacity models are still available, but the 16GB entry-level model is sold out. If you were hoping to get an early iPhone 4S, you can still try your chances at other retailers, such as Target, which is said to still be taking pre-orders.

Apple is said to be upping its iPhone 4S order with supplier Pegatron from 10 million units to 15 million and it could sell more than 25 million this quarter. Pre-orders began on October 7 and the device will officially hit stores starting tomorrow. With online pre-orders being sold out, lines may get quite long with Apple fans hoping to pick up the device tomorrow in-store instead.

If you’re still deciding whether to go for the iPhone 4S, make sure to check out our full review on the next-gen Apple smartphone as well as our review of iOS 5.

[via VentureBeat]

To be doubly clear here, what owning a World Phone means in this case is that you’re supposed to be able to trade out the SIM card in your device to work with whatever carrier you like when you’re traveling abroad, for the iPhone 4S this means that, as Apple says, “whether you’re a GSM or CDMA customer, you can roam GSM networks in 200 countries around the world.” Sounds pretty convenient, yes? It certainly is if you’ve picked up the Verizon Wireless version of the iPhone 4S, at least. We’ve got confirmation of what the rules are exactly from Verizon Public Relations Spokesperson Brenda Raney, who notes:

“It is our standard unlock policy for all Global Phones. You have to have been a customer for 60 days and in good standing (meaning your bill is current) and the phone you want to unlock must be on our network at the time of the request. You call Verizon Wireless before you leave the country and we unlock the SIM. We will honor one unlock every 10 months.” — Brenda Raney, Verizon Wireless Public Relations

Sound easy enough to you?

Then there’s Sprint, jumping in on the iPhone market here for the first time, perhaps taking too big a risk in doing so, having the iPhone 4S not available for international unlocking at all. Ask your local Sprint representative and they’ll tell you the same: roaming internationally on Sprint will only be available with a specific plan chosen from Sprint’s own collection, and no unlocking will be offered at any time in the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile Apple will be releasing unlocked versions of the iPhone 4S ranging in price from $649.00 to $849.00 depending on the GB storage you’d like inside. These devices only have access to GSM networks, on the other hand, so they will not work with CDMA carriers like Sprint or Verizon Wireless inside the states.

Does any of this sway your decision on if or from whom you’ll buy?

Also don’t forget to check out our gigantic reviews of both the iPhone 4S and iOS 5, and don’t you dare feed the trolls!

However, there’ll also be multi-mode CDMA/WiMAX/LTE mobile hotspots on offer, giving mobile data users an option to get online with WiMAX initially and then transition to LTE later, rather than see their modem instantly outdated after Sprint’s agreement with Clearwire expires at the end of next year. Manufacturers HTC and Motorola have already confirmed that they will be providing phones for the new LTE network, though given they’re two of the bigger names that we already associate with LTE devices that comes as little surprise.

Meanwhile Sprint’s Android phones will come with the option to download a new push-to-talk (PTT) app. The carrier hopes to shift people away from iDEN so that it can use the frequency band for further LTE deployment, as well as looking to a deal with LightSquared for coverage in 2015.

The news will come as some frustration to long-time LTE deployment watchers, with the introduction of yet another band used for the 4G technology. Currently AT&T, Verizon, MetroPCS and LightSquared all use different frequencies for their LTE networks, and Sprint will introduce a fifth. In addition to 1900MHz, Sprint will use 800MHz by shifting iDEN users off the frequency by mid-2013 and, eventually, 1600MHz in partnership with LightSquared come 2015.

Meanwhile, Sprint plans to launch a “WiFi offloading technology” sometime this quarter, though details of the system are yet to be revealed. However, it’s presumably a way to shift data use off the mobile network and onto WiFi, likely a preventative measure ahead of the arrival of the iPhone 4S

The news confirms reports late last month regarding Sprint’s LTE ambitions, though it’s unclear whether the carrier does, as those leaks suggested, already have test networks installed and operational. It will need to settle the thorny matter of FCC approval before it can use LightSquared’s system, however.

The prices Sprint has quoted, when you include the $10 per month surcharge for smartphones that the carrier adds on to every smartphone after the initial price, will make the lowest tier start at $79.99. There’s also an unlimited voice and data plan that’ll run at $99.99 a month (or $109.99 with the $10 surcharge, of course.) These prices and the “unlimited” nature of the plans are some of the factors that Sprint is hoping will allow them to stand apart from the new set of iPhone carriers, themselves, Verizon, and AT&T.

Verizon and AT&T will not, as far as we know at this point, be offering any sort of unlimited data plan for the iPhone. All three carriers will offer the iPhone 4S, while Sprint and Verizon will have the iPhone 4 exclusively and AT&T will be the only carrier to continue working with the iPhone 3GS – the only iPhone that a user can get completely for free with a 2 year contract.

Its still unknown if Sprint will launch pre-orders for any model at the same time as the other two carriers and the Apple store. For more information on pricing for all of the iPhone models currently on the docket, head to our posts on-contract and off-contract.

[via Phonescoop]

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S yesterday, it was disappointingly without LTE or WiMAX support. Instead, Apple increased the device data speed to support the “faux-G” 14.4Mbps data speeds of AT&T’s HSDPA network, which currently offers other “faux-G” devices such as the HTC Inspire 4G and the LG Thrill 4G. Although not LTE or WiMAX speeds, this is still an improvement over the 7.2Mbps downlink data speed of the 3G iPhone 4.

Hence, when it comes to the iPhone 4S on the other two carriers, the device will be limited to only their 3G networks, which may hit at most 2.5Mbps downlink data speeds. However, they each have their own advantages as well, with big red being touted as the nation’s most reliable network for voice calls and big yellow offering unlimited data plans for the iPhone 4S.

Your choice then boils down to your preference for data speed, voice call reliability, or unlimited data. For more details on the iPhone 4S itself, make sure to check out our hands-on. The device will be available on October 14, with pre-orders starting October 7.

[via VentureBeat]

We were live-blogging the entire event at live.slashgear.com just like many others and you can see all that coverage by clicking our iPhone portal. Today Apple has announced the new iPhone 4S with its new dual-core processor and more, and set the older sibling down to the low low price of free. Who didn’t see that coming?

Pictured above and below are a few official pictures of the new iPhone 4S, a world phone with dual CDMA / GSM and more, as well as the first official presentation video. Powered by that dual-core and voice-controlled by Siri Apple is calling this the “Best iPhone yet!”, and “picking up where amazing left off”.

For all the pricing and information you can head here. You can snatch up this “S” upgrade of the iPhone in both black and white come October 14th in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB configurations for $199, $299 and $399. Check out the pictures below thanks to Apple.

Oh that’s not low enough for you? Saw that price coming a mile away? How about this? The iPhone 4 is now just $99 on a 2-year contract, while the iPhone 3GS – yes, they still sell those, is completely FREE on a 2-year contract. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, I was – in a way, totally correct, when I wrote the article titled Why the iPhone 4S will be free. The iPhone 4S isn’t free, but my reasoning is sound, believe you me.

As for the rest of the lineup – there’s only one iPhone 4 now, the 8GB version (same size as the iPhone 3GS) and the iPhone 4S comes in 16GB, 32, and 64, priced at $199, $299, and $399 respectively. Preorders for the iPhone 4S start on the 7th of October, and shipping starts on the 14th of October. The release will take place over 70 countries on over 100 carriers across the world – this, Apple says, making it the fastest rollout ever.

Gonna buy one? Check out our big iPhone 4S post for all the details!

Several sources including the Wall Street Journal and BGR are saying that not only will Sprint be dropping cash enough to purchase 30.5 million iPhones, they’ll be getting an iPhone 5 exclusive. This device, the iPhone 5, mind you, not the iPhone 4S, will be running on the carrier’s 4G WiMAX network and will be exclusive to Sprint until AT&T and Verizon get ahold of it as an LTE device some time in the first quarter of 2012.

The iPhone 5 is now said to be the following device: a Sprint exclusive handset with a faster CPU than in previous models, 4-inch display similar to LG’s NOVA display with higher resolution, 1GB of RAM, iPhone 5 exclusive software and API’s (including the Virtual Personal Assistant we spoke about earlier today,) larger chassis with thinner profile and larger battery, 32GB storage, and dedicated Assistant button, “possibly integrated with the new home button, “think gestures or a two-stage button like a camera shutter key).” And a marginally possible 4G HSPA+ release as well.

The iPhone 4S would therefor be something like this: multiband 3G connectivity via Qualcomm: international GSM/UMTS/HSPA, North American bands, and North American CDMA – connections to everyone, basically. A metal or rather high-quality plastic on the back, NFC for digital wallets, and an A5 chip that’s similar, though not the same, as what’s found currently in the iPad 2. Finally, an updated camera with some higher rating on both sides, the back being an 8 megapixel 1080p almost certainly.

WSJ’s source has Sprint Chief Executive Dan Hesse speaking with their board as recently as August on how this deal would have Sprint losing money, again, until 2014, and that the carrier would have to agree to purchase at least 30.5 million iPhones over the next four years, this whether or not people would end up buying them in the end. On top of this, Sprint, according to these same sources, would have to subsidize each phone to something like $500, this quite possibly leading to more time before the group would break even.

What do you think? Could it be? Also note the numbers – will this many iPhones over the next several years mean that Apple is aiming for a less expensive model overall?

Will every person on Earth own an iPhone?

On the other hand, I really can’t believe it. Apple isn’t going to give another exclusive out to a carrier when they’ve already played that game with AT&T, and from what we’ve heard thus far, Apple isn’t aiming to restrict its sales in such a way, instead aiming straight for the moon with a lower cost iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 on several carriers all at once. Even my theory that the iPhone 4S will be released for free seems less outlandish, if you ask me.

You can get the real deal info straight from the Lion’s mouth tomorrow! Join us tomorrow here in the main news feed or head over to our Let’s Talk iPhone Livecast for the LIVE version of all the info, this starting at 10AM PT, October 4th, 2011. Be there!

The carrier is now making good on that promise and apparently, LTE hardware is already installed in some areas ready for the networks to go live. Sprint is also field-testing that network gear already. A source told CNET that Sprint is hoping to launch the LTE service by late Q1 2012 or early Q2. The official 4G announcement from Sprint is expected next week at a Sprint event.

The move to WiMax and LTE will allow Sprint to make deals with more suppliers for hardware. The company is using FD-LTE hardware, which is the same as Verizon and LightSquared. This is all part of Sprint’s Network Vision plan to place 3G and 4G hardware together to boost voice data and push to talk services. Sprint will be using the D-block spectrum it acquired from the Nextel purchase. The carrier will also use the spectrum it has tied to 2G iDEN on Nextel when that network is finally closed down. Sprint has said in the past that it would continue to serve existing WiMax customers.

[via CNET]

Apparently, the carrier fears that graffiti will cause subscriber exodus and has confirmed that it will be keeping the unlimited data on its smartphone plans. The real question to me is the same as it has always been, is unlimited data enough to keep customers on a network that is not as good as competitors offerings in some areas. There is a big reason why customers are leaving Sprint in droves and that is the lack of a significant stable of appealing devices on the network and the fact that in many areas the network leaves something to be desired.

Sprint bet the house on its WiMax network reaching critical mass ahead of LTE networks and that never happened. LTE is rolling out already and WiMax never made the wide availability that Sprint hoped for making its 4G potential shaky at best. The carrier has been rumored to be trying to buy Clearwire out so it can own the whole WiMax enchilada. This week I reported that Dish was considering purchasing Sprint or Clearwire and that deal would make some sense for Dish Network. It wants to bundle services to customers and the ability to offer voice and wireless broadband for subscribers would be a good thing.

[via CNet]

The move would make sense for Dish Network as the firm has long sought to bundle both wireless phone coverage and satellite broadband internet services for its customers. A purchase of either or both Sprint and Clearwire would help Dish to provide more service to more people. Bloomberg reports that Dish has been looking for a wireless partner to take advantage of the spectrum it landed in deals for DBSD North America Inc and Terrestar Networks earlier this year.

Dish has also reportedly filed for government permission to offer mobile high-speed web access to customers. The filing was last month reports Bloomberg. If the government approves the wireless request by Dish, it would be able to start building out its network. Sprint has long struggled and a sale to Dish may be just what investors need.

[via Bloomberg]

That means we won’t be able to put Google Wallet to the test until the weekend. And even then, the mobile payment app will only be available for one handset model—the Nexus S 4G on the nation’s third largest carrier and Google’s launch partner when the service was first announced back in May. This makes for a very limited pool of initial testers.

These lucky few will get to take advantage of the NFC chips inside their Nexus S 4G handsets to make some rapid purchases at the checkout line. Payments are linked to a Citi MasterCard or to Google’s PrePaid card, which can be funded by almost any credit card such as Visa, American Express, and Discover. Checkout then involves only a single tap of the Nexus S 4G on an NFC-equipped terminal.

There have been talks that Google could extend the Wallet service to other NFC-equipped phones through the use of NFC stickers, but that’s looking less likely now. Reports from earlier today suggest that issues having to do with security could bar NFC stickers as any option.

Starting off, TruConnect only provides 3G access, but will eventually provide access to 4G WiMAX as well. The service works for connecting both your laptop or your tablet to a 3G connection while you’re on the go and there are no contracts or activation fees.

If you’re a heavy mobile data user, however, the plan may not be to your advantage. At 3.9 cents per MB, the plan equates to $39 per month for 1GB of data usage on top of the $4.99 a month base charge. You can get a 2GB data plan for your iPad on AT&T for $25 a month or a 2GB Verizon data plan for $30 a month.

But if you only occasionally need to access internet while on the go from your laptop or tablet, the TruConnect service gives you that option without having to pay for data that you don’t use. You will have to pay for the devices themselves though, with the USB dongle priced at $70 and the MiFi mobile hotspot priced at $90.

[via Cult of Mac]

Google Wallet lets you pay for any of your purchases at participating locations by simply tapping your Nexus S 4G on a NFC-equipped terminal at the register. Payments work with your Citi MasterCard credit card or Google’s PrePaid card, which can be funded by any credit card, including those from Visa, American Express, and Discover.

The Google Wallet service was first announced back in May with initial launch partners being Citi, MasterCard, First Data, and the Now Network carrier. Visa, Discover, and American Express will also be joining the platform soon with support for their NFC specs to be added in future versions of Google Wallet.

For more details on Google Wallet, make sure to visit the official page here.

According to TUAW, a Nextel sales associate informed them that the carrier has already begun briefing employees on the imminent iPhone launch and that the carrier will be offering a 4G iPad as well. There were several conflicts in information regarding which generation of the iPhone would be landing on the carrier come October and it also wasn’t certain if the 4G iPad referred to a complete new version with WiMAX support or one that works with the carrier’s 4G WiMAX mobile hotspot product.

But today, 9to5Mac follows up on the story by suggesting that an iPad version for the Now Network has already completed testing and could be released alongside or soon after the iPhone launch, which is rumored for October 7. They further suggest that this iPad version will be completely separate from the Verizon CDMA model, which could mean support for the 4G WiMAX network. However, no sources were mentioned nor how they are certain of this information, so we’ll just have to take this with a large grain of salt.

The leaked memo informs the carrier’s employees to “educate” customers that the Hot Spot feature advertised on the packaging is not yet available, but will arrive with the first major software update in Q4. This means that at least the BlackBerry Torch 9850 will soon be getting the much requested feature.

It’s unclear at this point, whether the other BlackBerry 7 OS devices released recently, such as the BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 and the BlackBerry Torch 9810, will also be getting the mobile Hot Spot capability in the next update. The feature could be carrier-specific.

[via CrackBerry]

The much anticipated Samsung Galaxy S II made its US debut on August 30 and is expected to arrive on the nation’s third largest carrier on September 16. It will be the first of the three US version to launch. The other two will be from T-Mobile and AT&T, each with slight differences in hardware, mainly in the exterior look and screen size.

As the WiMAX-toting Epic 4G Touch, the device will feature a larger 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and a slightly more rounded chassis. Inside, all the powerful specs are about the same with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB onboard storage. It also has a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with auto-focus, LED flash, and 1080p HD video capture.

The device will have Samsung’s Touch Wiz UI running on top of Android 2.3 Gingerbread and can function as a 3G/4G mobile hotspot for up to eight devices. For more details, make sure to check out our hands-on and video.

[via Android Community]

The Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch will feature a larger screen of 4.52-inches instead of the original 4.3-inch size. It will have a Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with auto-focus, LED flash, and capable of 1080p HD video capture.

The handset will run Samsung’s TouchWiz UI on top of Android 2.3 Gingerbread and will come with several apps unique to the Now Network carrier. It can also function as a 3G/4G mobile hotspot for up to eight devices. Priced at $199.99 with a 2-year contract, the handset will be available soon for pre-orders via a $50 gift card purchase.

UPDATE: check out our hands-on post with the SGSIIE4GT aka Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch hands-on video and photo collection we’ve got right now!

A product slide showing the Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch turned up on Samsung’s Mobile Product site, essentially confirming the device ahead of schedule. We’ve already seen the device in leaked press shots, so it’s not a complete surprise anyhow. But what’s interesting is that the slides indicate that the handset will actually sport a 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, which is a bump up from the 4.3-inch screen of the original Galaxy S II.

Still, there are variants for AT&T and T-Mobile that have yet to be leaked. We’ll be covering the Samsung event live in NYC, so make sure to check back by 6pm EST for the full official details on the US debut of the Samsung Galaxy S II.

UPDATE: check out our hands-on post with the SGSIIE4GT aka Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch hands-on video and photo collection we’ve got right now!

[via Android Community]

This particular Samsung Galaxy S II variant was originally rumored to be called the Samsung Within. That didn’t pan out, which is a good thing since the new name is more suited to this epic phone with possibly the slimmest and most lightweight chassis at 8.49mm thin and a powerful dual-core processor. For more details on the phone, you can check out our full review of the European release of the Galaxy S II.

Also, not panning out are rumors that the US Galaxy S II would debut on Verizon first. In fact, the latest reports say that the phone won’t be released on Verizon at all, but will launch on the other three major US carriers instead. This does give the Motorola Droid Bionic more chances at success now being the only dual-core LTE smartphone to launch on Verizon in the coming weeks.

[via PocketNow]

First, starting right around the time we heard Verizon’s then incoming CEO say he expected the iPhone 5 to be released in the fall, it became apparent that inside 2011 there’d be some sort of iPhone or another. At the moment I believe that when Lowell McAdam literally said “iPhone 5″, he actually simply meant whatever Apple plans on offering next with the iPhone name attached. Next we heard one of AT&T’s VPs say to groups of managers that they should “expect things to get really, really busy in the next 35-50 days, so prepare your teams accordingly.” This also places a large launch inside October compared to the August 19th reveal of the supposed warning. These along with essentially every other leak and tip have noted late September / early October specifically or have noted a timeframe inside 2011.

Next there’s the iPhone 5 timeframe. We’ve been hearing again and again that what’s called the “iPhone 4S” would be showing up inside or around September of 2011 while the iPhone 5 wouldn’t be showing up until 2012. There’s a nice infographic post out there from all the way back in April that, believe it or not, seems to have stayed pretty much true to what we still are finding very possible for the iPhone 5. This list includes a possible dual-SIM, larger screen size, metal backing instead of glass, and an 8MP camera.

Several of these rumored specs have overlapped with those of the iPhone 4S. There’s word out there that the iPhone 4S has already been seeded to app developers and that it would have the same or a similar A5 chip inside as the iPad 2. Another feature supposedly slated for the iPhone 5 that I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see on the iPhone 4S first is GSM/CDMA World Phone capabilities. As this 2011 release is what I believe Apple will be planning as an “inexpensive” iPhone whose specifications aren’t quite as top-grade as the current iPhone 4 made to have an even more massive appeal and, due to the price, possible affordability – or appearance of of affordability, I should say, since it’s doubtful carriers will be willing to lower their prices for data exclusively for the iPhone, no matter how big a deal it is that they get it on their network.

Just a few days ago, Best Buy offered the iPhone 3GS 8GB for free on contract. Is this a foreshadowing of the future model? Is there a way for Apple to offer the iPhone 4S for free? I don’t think this is out of the realm of reality for Apple – how on earth they’ll be able to work out logistics of making this situation unfold I do not know, but what would happen if Apple took on the same model that masses of app developers have already been living on for months and months now? What if Apple started giving away free hardware and living off the licensing fees and ads in apps like the developer community quite often does?

Is this Apple’s all new “Product?”

Is this too big a change? Or is an 8GB iPhone 4S with World Phone capabilities, a similar form factor to the iPhone 4, and a completely free price tag in the realm of reality?

This source decided to speak with the media on condition that he/she remain anonymous, and since this is third-party information we’ve got to double-warn you to beware of falsehoods. Beyond the idea that the next-generation device would be released on all four carriers, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile at once, this source noted that they expected the move to generate a whole big bag of cash for big pink:

We expect the addition of the iPhone, and the iPhone 5′s ability to run on our 3G network to make a significant financial difference for T-Mobile.

That’s their “3G” network, mind you, a slightly slower network than their “4G” network, both of these identifiers in quotes because, as everyone knows, the speed at which you’re going and the ability to go faster than the rest of the phones around you depends entirely on the carrier. While an iPhone is an iPhone, 4G isn’t always 4G, if you get my drift. Which network is fastest and which network is least reliable? That’s a question for another day. Perhaps the iPhone 5 users of the future will rile up some more talk about the subject when the time comes.

Yesterday we also got word that the iPhone 5 (or whatever the next model iPhone ends up being) will be a dual-mode GSM/CDMA world phone for connectivity all over the place. This, the other note that this next iPhone would be a 4G LTE-capable device, and the rumor that this next device would be a cheaper 8GB device should just about round out your every single different kinds of future iPhone model.

Be there!

[via MacTrast]

The Wall Street Journal article has a bit of information that contradicts a story from earlier today in which Rueters reports a September launch for the next-gen iPhone. According to the Wall Street Journal’s sources, a mid-October launch will be “later than expected”. Either way it appears that several name-brand sources are reporting SOME sort of iPhone upgrade inside 2011, and sooner than later if we’re lucky.

That same Rueters report sends word that Asian suppliers to Apple are gearing up for a brand new version of the iPhone 4, one that this time will be slightly less expensive out of the gate because of its lowered 8GB internal storage. Could this be the Sprint version, or does it make more sense to you that this version would be released alongside the full-sized version like all other devices are marketed? We’ve also got word this morning that the iPhone 5 could be a dual-mode GSM/CDMA world phone – this on top of the 4G LTE iPhone 5 story should just about round out our collection of every single different possible configuration for the device under the sun. Release em all!

[via Wall Street Journal]

According to Bloomberg, three people familiar with the situation say that the carrier is still in
early talks and that there could be several scenarios. Sprint could raise funding among cable partners such as Comcast, Cablevision, and Cox, to jointly buyout Clearwire or simply invest further in the company. Clearwire has stated before that it needs an additional $600 million in order to build out its LTE network.

This deal with Sprint may be appealing for cable companies as it would allow them to compete more effectively against telephone rivals such as AT&T and Verizon, which both offer landline, wireless, internet and TV bundles. This deal is especially significant for Sprint as it is now struggling in third place and could be in big trouble should the AT&T and T-Mobile merger go through. Having a more popular LTE network over its WiMAX network will help it compete.

[via Bloomberg]

Samsung:
Samsung roadmap leak tips 720p I9250 Android ICS phone, more
Samsung insists leaked roadmap “not accurate”
Samsung Galaxy R gets Hands-On Treatment from NVIDIA
Samsung holding Galaxy S II event August 29: Launch ahoy!
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Sales Blocked in Europe by Apple
Samsung Officially Responds to Apple’s Euro Galaxy Tab 10.1 Sales Block
Apple’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 injunction leaks
Samsung Galaxy Tab ban appeal set for August 25 in Germany
Apple targets Motorola XOOM next in Euro tablet cull

Apple:
Intel: Apple threatened to dump us over our greedy chips
Apple Becomes World’s Largest Company Today
Should Apple’s Size Scare Us?
iPhone 5 Not September 7, Now October 7?

Microsoft & Nokia:
Windows Phone 7 Mango Coming September 1
Nokia To Shutter Symbian And Feature Phone Businesses In North America
Windows Phone Tango For Low-Priced Handsets?
Leaked video claims to show Nokia Windows Phones that aren’t Sea-Ray
World’s most illegible leaked photo shows Nokia Sea Ray for AT&T
No Nokia N9 for US as MeeGo plans stay minimal
Nokia confirms no N9 for UK either
No Nokia N9 for Germany, as MeeGo reach dwindles

Android:
Android Ice Cream Sandwich Screenshots Leaked?
Motorola Droid Bionic Caught on Camera Again
Motorola DROID Bionic Spotted at Verizon Store
Motorola CEO Hints At Plans For Patent Offensive Against Android Rivals
HTC Partners with Beats Audio and invests $300 Million
HTC Beats Deal Confirmed Exclusive Partnership on Smartphones [Video]

Carriers:
Sprint Cancels WiMAX BlackBerry PlayBook
RIM Responds To WiMAX PlayBook Snub, Will Focus On Verizon 4G LTE Instead
AT&T’s T-Mobile and Qualcomm deals get extra FCC attention [Updated]
AT&T Letter Damages Case For T-Mobile Acquisition
T-Mobile To Switch From Throttling To Overages For 200MB Data Plans

Tablets:
HP TouchPad’s $100 Discount Gets Permanent
Vizio Tablet Gets Price Cut To $299
Dell Streak 5 Android Tablet Officially Discontinued
Iconia Tab A100 Unboxing and hands-on [video]

This means that RIM is still hopeful about delivering a 4G LTE version of the BlackBerry PlayBook through either Verizon or AT&T. Both carriers are set to operate LTE networks in several markets by year-end with Verizon in 175 markets and AT&T in 15 markets. However, Verizon has snubbed the BlackBerry maker once before, when the carrier said that it was still undecided about the tablet.

The new 4G PlayBook is said to already be in testing with plans to get network certification this fall. This could mean that the LTE tablet won’t be available until winter. It is yet another setback for RIM, which had originally promised the 4G tablet for summer that then got delayed to fall. Below is the full statement from RIM:

RIM has decided to prioritize and focus its 4G development resources on LTE. We remain excited and committed to delivering innovative and powerful 4G tablets to the US market together with our carrier partners. Testing of BlackBerry 4G PlayBook models is already underway and we plan to enter labs for network certifications in the US and other international markets this fall.

[via Business Insider]

Sprint promised RIM in January that it would sell a WiMAX version of the PlayBook this summer on its fourth-generation network, while this week the group notes that those plans have been stopped because since January the market has become too crowded. Paget Alves of Sprint’s business markets group noted the following on why the tablet just won’t succeed:

“It’s an interesting concept, it just hasn’t caught on with business customers as much as they would like. There are so many tablets in the market, it creates confusion for the average customer.”

RIM launched the playbook back in April to some slightly stale reviews and a general “meh” temperature of response from the public. RIM reported that it shipped around 500,000 of the Wi-Fi only versions of the tablet in the first quarter of 2012 total. Motorola, on the other hand, sold 440,000 XOOM Android tablets during essentially the same period while Apple reported its sales of the industry leading iPad at 9.3 million shipments.

Sprint continues to sell the Wi-Fi version of the PlayBook for $499.99 and Sprint notes that the decision not to carry a WiMAX version of the tablet “has no impact on our relationship with RIM.” What do you think, ladies and gentlemen? No carriers for the PlayBook – still a worthy investment? Do you have a PlayBook? Do you love it?

[via WSJ]

It is inside August the HTC has said today that they’ll be unlocking the global version of the HTC Sensation, followed soon after by the HTC Sensation on T-Mobile here in the USA and the HTC EVO 3D last. Because, as HTC is saying, “unlocking the bootloader provides extensive control over the device and modifications may cause operation, security and experience issues,” new devices will continue to be shipped with their bootloaders locked, a user-initiated unlocking necessary to make the process happen – this available via a web-based tool.

This Web tool, as HTC is calling it, will launch sometime inside August 2011. This tool will require that users register an account with a value email address in addition to accepting legal disclaimers which will state that unlocking devices MAY void all or parts of said owners warrantee. You’ll have to plug your device into your computer with the Android SDK tool loaded in order to retrieve what they’re calling a “device identifier token” which you’ll then have to enter into the Web took to trade it in for a unique unlock key via email. Lastly you’ll have to apply the key to your device and the unlock sequence will initiate.

This message will self-destruct in 10 seconds.

LTE 4G technology has been gaining huge momentum with plenty of marketing from Verizon, which has been rapidly building out its 4G LTE network with the goal of 175 markets by year-end. AT&T’s 4G LTE network also begun rolling out, although starting just this summer, with a lesser goal of 15 markets by year-end.

Clearwire has been testing LTE since last year, but today the announcement confirms the transition. During trials, the company has been able to achieve cleanroom speeds as high as 120Mbps. Its LTE network will be ready for LTE Advanced, which is the logical next step. It will operate at the 2.5GHz spectrum that it already uses for WiMAX, which will also give it more flexibility in deployment. In contrast, AT&T and Verizon use the 700MHz spectrum.

The rollout will target high-demand areas first, however, an exact timeline hasn’t been given. Plus, since Clearwire is a wholesale network provider, it will also depend on whether the yellow carrier is willing to pay, since T-Mobile may merge with AT&T before the end of the year.

[via Clearwire]

The Samsung produced Nexus S is the flagship Google-branded Android phone that runs the latest OS update and sports NFC-chips. Being NFC-enabled, it is also the first phone to work with the company’s recently launched mobile payment system called Google Wallet. The system lets you make payments such as buying groceries or picking up a cup of coffee at participating retailers by simply tapping your phone on an NFC terminal.

The Nexus S is currently available on three of the four major wireless carriers, except for Verizon. The free offer for the handset is only valid with the signing of a new two-year service agreement and the free phone and contract signup can be made through Best Buy, which is the only seller of Nexus S phones for T-Mobile and AT&T.

The offer ends today, so act fast. You can find the link here, or you can find it for yourself on Google Search front-page.

The firm contacted carrier retail stores from across the country and revealed that of the two carriers that had the iPhone, it was their top selling device for all previous months. Verizon did not get the iPhone 4 until February this year and the survey shows that the Motorola Droid X was its top performer back in January.

At AT&T the iPhone 4 came in first followed by the iPhone 3GS, probably due to the enticing $50 price tag. In third was the Samsung Infuse 4G. Over at Verizon, the rankings came out with iPhone 4, Samsung Droid Charge 4G, and then the HTC Thunderbolt 4G.

The HTC EVO 3D 4G beat out the EVO 4G followed by the Samsung Epic 4G over at the NowNetwork. T-Mobile had the HTC Sensation, Samsung Vibrant 4G, and the HTC myTouch 4G. Canaccord also noted that both iOS and Android showed growth in June while BlackBerry sales dropped on all four carriers. Motorola’s sales were also slow.

[via BGR]