While many of us are looking forward to the broader roll out of mobile 5G, T-Mobile is turning our attention back to its 600 MHz LTE. T-Mobile's 600 MHz network got its first hotspot today, dubbed the Coolpad Surf. As silly as the name may sound, this could actually be a useful tool for those in rural areas who rely on T-Mobile's 600 MHz LTE for a more consistent mobile data connection.
Republic Wireless has introduced a new data-only SIM card that gives customers a new way to use their phone away from WiFi. The data-only SIM is being offered in two varieties: 30 days and 90 days, both with unlimited data. The new plans are offered without contracts, but there are some important limitations surrounding speeds and roaming.
There is no stopping the 5G revolution, especially since everyone seems to be on board. From network operators to smartphone manufacturers to silicon makers, everyone seems to be hellbent on pushing the fifth generation cellular technology to businesses and consumers. With all the marketing and hype, there’s bound to be some confusion and questions. What is 5G, what is it for, and will really make our lives better? Here are some answers to those questions and more.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 leaked this morning with a set of details on its release day readiness in the form of 5G data, 6 cameras, and more. This isn't the first leak of the Samsung Galaxy S10 in its multiple iterations, and it most certainly won't be the last. What makes today's leak different is the source, the track record, and the fact that certain details are being made more of a big deal than they've been in the past - particularly when it comes to 5G data connectivity.
T-Mobile has launched a new $50/month unlimited prepaid plan. The new offering is through T-Mobile Prepaid, not Metro by T-Mobile, and it'll only be available for a limited time. The plan gives customers unlimited data on T-Mobile's 4G LTE network, as well as unlimited talk and text, but there are a few big restrictions.
The latest in kid-oriented smartwatch hardware comes from Verizon, and it's called GizmoWatch. This is the latest in a line of similar products sold exclusively by Verizon, all in the Verizon GizmoKids product line. This watch will replace the most recent smartwatch made by Verizon, the GizmoGadget. This device holds the distinction of being "the first 4G LTE kid's watch in the United States powered by Qualcomm."
We live in a smartphone-centric world so it’s not surprising that there is a sort of counter-culture rallying against it, from advocating analog/physical notebooks to pushing for simpler mobile phones. The latter often means going old school but also wasting the power of the Internet, not to mention the money you pay for data plans. Swiss company Punkt, which almost sounds like “punked”, has a compromise. The Punkt MP02 is a simple 4G phone that lets you still use the Internet, except that you’ll need a separate computer or device to do so.
Huawei has launched an LTE-connected smart speaker and router, the Huawei AI Cube, complete with Alexa built-in, but the weirdest thing about it is the shape. Making its debut at IFA 2018 today, the Alexa speaker may be called a cube, but in fact it's a stubby cylinder. Huawei does say the design may change before launch, but what shouldn't are the capabilities.
One of the most promising features of recent PCs running on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors is Microsoft's "Always Connected" Windows experience. That is, as long as a data connection is available. That's about to become much easier, and cheaper, thanks to a new Sprint promotion that offers free unlimited 4G LTE through the rest of 2018.
A Hong Kong-based based company is seeking funding for Reolink Go, a wireless outdoor security camera that has built-in 4G LTE connectivity. The camera is designed for use in places without WiFi access or a power outlet, such as remote locations on a farm, rural homes, and similar. The camera uses a combination of cloud storage and solar charging to bypass traditional limitations.
Spotify may be preparing to launch an in-car music system, with dedicated hardware that could allow for standalone streaming direct to the dashboard. The company announced earlier today that it was planning an event in New York City on April 24, though has been tight-lipped as to what its announcement might be.
Ford recently pledged that all its new vehicles would have 4G LTE baked in by 2019, and now it's offering existing drivers a way to get their cars connected. The FordPass SmartLink consists of a plug-in LTE dongle and Ford's companion smartphone app, and together they can bring 2010-17 vehicles up to speed with the cutting-edge in in-car tech.