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70 'Sprint Nextel' stories May 2011 - October 2015

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Moto G 3rd Gen hits Virgin for $149.99 (and HTC Desire 626 or Huawei Union) on low cost plans

Seth Weintraub Oct 19 2015 - 10:11 am PT

The Moto G has always been a great deal but it hasn’t been paired with the best budget carriers to date. In what might be a big holiday seller for mid-tier users, Sprint subsidy Virgin today began offering 3 new Android smartphones including the Moto G 3rd gen. for $150, the HTC Desire 626s for $130 and Huawei Union at $80.

The standout here is the Moto G which I absolutely loved (with a few caveats) which retails at $180. The 5-inch phone is pretty close to flagship level last year with a few missing bits. The 5 inch screen is perfect sized but the lack of NFC payment options might be a turn off. It shares the camera of the Nexus 6 and it is IPX7 waterproof to 3 feet for 30 minutes. Hopefully Virgin won’t mess with the almost stock Android and provide timely updates (fingers crossed)

That $30 you save you can pay your 1st month of usage on the 3 gig 4G of data plan (see plans below). While Sprint’s network may not be the strongest in all areas, I’ve found it to be improving rapidly lately.

The Moto G will almost certainly be the first Android 6.0 device on Virgin and at $150 down and $30/month a great gift idea for the kids/parents/grandparents out there. Alternatively, if you want to use an Android device like an iPod touch (without a carrier) this is the first $30 discount we’ve seen.
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Android 5.1 open source kernel files for AT&T and Sprint HTC One M9 now available to developers

Ben Lovejoy Aug 4 2015 - 5:04 am PT

A few weeks after Sprint and AT&T pushed over the air updates, upgrading the HTC One M9 to Android 5.1, HTC has made the open source kernel files available to developers. The files will be of particular help to those creating custom ROMs.

The files can be downloaded from HTC’s Developer Center.

Via Android Police

Sprint LG G3 getting Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA update ‘now’

Ben Lovejoy Feb 16 2015 - 7:08 am PT

Speaking of LG, if you own an LG G3 on the Sprint network, look out for an over-the-air update to Android 5.0 Lollipop–the company has announced that the update is being pushed “now.” This follows the same update for the Samsung Galaxy S5 earlier this month.

Lollipop of course gets you the latest Material Design look, together with customizable lockscreen notifications, support for Android TV, location-based switching of comms networks and more. Your photos and videos will also be automatically backed-up to Google, and you should see improved battery-life thanks to more efficient power usage.

If you’ve been eyeing up the G3 but don’t yet have one, Sprint recently added the model to its smartphone leasing program, with the phone available for $15/month with no-upfront payment.

T-Mobile teases a new uncarrier deal livestreaming tomorrow as it claims 50% faster LTE in NY

Ben Lovejoy Dec 15 2014 - 6:23 am PT

T-Mobile has announced that it will be unveiling its latest contract-free deal in a livestreamed ‘fireside chat’ tomorrow, Un-carrier 8.0.

Un-carrier 8.0 is ready to roll, and you’re invited to join us for the unveiling of one of our biggest and boldest moves yet! This one is so big we had to keep it a surprise.

Join John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile, as he unveils the news during a live fireside chat with David Pogue of Yahoo! News. David will be taking questions for John from Twitter through @JohnLegere and @Pogue and the #Uncarrier8 hashtag.

The company hasn’t hinted at any of the details, but we’ll of course let you know …
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Reminder: Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge is available in the US from today, from $399.99

Ben Lovejoy Nov 14 2014 - 6:30 am PT

If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on Samsung’s quirky variant on the Note 4, the Note Edge is available today from AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular – as well as through the Samsung experience stores within Best Buy stores. Best Buy pricing starts at $399.99 on a new 2-year contract with AT&T, up to $1,599 for an unlocked model without contract.

While we found the device interesting during our hands-on test, the consensus view seems to be that the novelty of the wrap-around screen probably doesn’t justify the extra $100 over the standard Note 4, which our own Dom Esposito described as “the best phablet on the block.”

The Note Edge is also due to roll out in at least 22 other countries, though probably not until sometime next month.

Android 4.4.4 rolling out for Xperia Z-series devices and Sprint model of Galaxy Note 3

Ben Lovejoy Sep 9 2014 - 6:51 am PT

Sony has confirmed in a tweet that it is rolling out the Android 4.4.4 update its older Z-series devices.

[tweet https://twitter.com/SonyMobileNews/status/509297533328584704]

Sony says there are “many improvements” in the upgrade, with better battery performance in background applications and improved email stability & performance singled out for particular note. The company recently unveiled the newest incarnations in the line, the Z3 and Z3 Compact.

SamMobile also notes that Galaxy Note 3 owners on the Sprint network should also receive a 4.4.4 update today.

The Android 4.4.4 update will bring international Wi-Fi calling, version 2.0 of KNOX, and the Kids Mode feature that debuted on the Galaxy S5, along with bug fixes and security patches from Google.

Samsung of course recently launched the Quad HD Galaxy Note 4.

Sprint reaches 4G LTE roaming agreement w/ 15 regional & rural carriers

Zac Hall Sep 5 2014 - 8:25 am PT

U.S. national carrier Sprint announced today that it has signed 15 additional agreements with rural and regional carriers to cover 4G LTE roaming on its network. Rural and regional carriers participating with Sprint in the new agreements including New York and Pennsylvania’s Blue Wireless, Kentucky’s Bluegrass Wireless, Alabama’s Pine Belt Wireless, Idaho’s Syringa Wireless, and more including members and partners of the Rural independent Network Alliance.

With the 15 additional regional and rural partners announced today, Sprint says it not has 27 regional carrier partners across the United States. The announcement comes just one month after Sprint abandoned plans to acquire wireless carrier competitor T-Mobile and appointed a new CEO to lead the company. You can view a full list of Sprint’s newly announced additional 4G LTE roaming partners below and Sprint’s list of supported LTE locations here.

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Sharp Aquos Crystal shows what we can expect from next-gen near-bezel-less phones

Ben Lovejoy Aug 18 2014 - 7:49 am PT

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh5l0xsIqnA]

A mid-range phone powered by a Snapdragon 400 processor isn’t going to excite many people, but the Sharp Aquos Crystal coming later this year to Sprint does have one very appealing feature: a near-invisible bezel …
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T-Mobile’s VoLTE service rolls out nationwide following Seattle launch

Ben Lovejoy Jul 31 2014 - 5:22 am PT

T-Mobile announced during its earnings report that it has now completed its US roll-out of its Voice over LTE service after its launch in Seattle back in May and expansion to 16 markets last month.

With more than 8 million VoLTE-capable devices on the T-Mobile network, our customers have made over 52 million crystal-clear VoLTE calls to date.

VoLTE offers faster call setup and better audio quality during calls through HD Voice, as well as the ability to switch seamlessly between voice and video calls. It’s supported by a limited number of handsets at present, with the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Light and LG’s G Flex among them, but is likely to become a standard feature over time. Verizon has also announced that it will be launching its own VoLTE service nationwide later in the year.

T-Mobile also noted that JD Power just ranked T-Mobile the highest in customer service among the top four major U.S. wireless providers, AT&T taking second place, Verizon third and Sprint Nextel fourth.

LG Flex pre-orders start January 24th for AT&T customers, hitting 20 European countries next month

Zac Hall Jan 20 2014 - 11:14 am PT

Image to scale

We’ve previously reported AT&T picking up the LG Flex, a massive phone with a curved display and tough reviews, and today the carrier officially announced plans for pre-order sales.

Starting Friday, January 24th, AT&T customers will be able to pre-order the LG Flex with its 6″ curved display for $299 with a two-year contract.

“We’re proud to offer the LG G Flex, our first smartphone with a curved screen, in the U.S. and add the device to the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T. “We offer smartphones and devices to fit every lifestyle. There’s nothing quite like the LG G Flex to enhance viewing video and images. The unique design is great when using your thumbs to type a message and at the same time, delivers a great experience for video enthusiasts. Combined with AT&T’s premium network, the nation’s most reliable wireless service, you have an unbeatable combination of features and value.”

AT&T also says customers can purchase the device using its EDGE program: “Customers also have the option of paying $26.74 per month with AT&T Next 18 or $34.75 per month with AT&T Next 12.” The hardware is quite different from other handset offerings with a power/volume toggle on the backside just under the camera in addition to the ability to “tap” the display on and off.

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With T-Mobile? AT&T will give you $450 to switch … kind of

Ben Lovejoy Jan 3 2014 - 7:47 am PT

: Photo: Fox

AT&T has announced incentives worth up to $450 for T-Mobile customers who switch to their service. The move is being made in response to T-Mobile’s Uncarrier offers, after AT&T recently said that it too expected to move toward separating device and service charges.

Proving the old adage that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, the deal of course comes with strings. First, $250 of that is the maximum you’ll receive in return for trading in your existing T-Mobile handset. To get the full $250, you’ll need a recent handset in good condition – in which case you’d almost certainly get more selling it privately …
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LG Flex coming to AT&T and T-Mobile soon

Seth Weintraub Jan 2 2014 - 8:18 pm PT

[tweet https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/418957387249119232]

The Ev-er reliable @evleaks’ latest leak? Some images of the LG Flex with some markings of the US GSM carriers. That’s right, if you are a T-Mobile or AT&T customer, you’ll soon have some ‘flexible’ options when it comes to Android phones. Sprint? Yeah there too. Verizon? Fashionable late as usual.
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WSJ: Sprint could purchase T-Mobile USA next year

Zac Hall Dec 13 2013 - 1:35 pm PT

(via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbtaylor/5725362250/in/photolist-9HVYJf-dUa6Vv-9p5wzz-dktAoT-8zr6jL-8niyxG-ahWGGU-ahWGHh-ahWGHm-ahWGH3-8oqttH-dnDryR-8nfrfD-9HFdUX-c83Cah-7JfazN-e2xr5t-bURuKH-e1kDuL-9MSHjY-adVi2Z-aptqJu-ccdK8C-bmKsbu-bURuWi-ccdKcf-ccdKi5-e1faCa-8SdCBv-8MmowQ-dMm3Uk-dMrBxA-fmgSPT-dFmKF4-dFmqQ4-cCuqoG-ccdKb9-e1eY4P-8jshhM-e1eYeV-9GDiuc-9GGb4A-9MSF1E-dLUyCK-8niyGq-8nixJY-8nfrBp-g2sFSy-g2t57H-9Tufzo-9Trpo6/">Flickr</a>)

Almost two years to date since AT&T pulled its bid for T-Mobile USA, rival carrier Sprint is reportedly preparing its own offer to purchase the fourth largest carrier in the US.

That’s according to a The Wall Street Journal report which claims Sprint is currently looking into regulatory concerns that could be voiced if the third largest US carrier acquired the company which runs the fourth largest US carrier.

Sprint hasn’t yet decided whether to move ahead with a bid. Going forward despite regulators’ concerns would be highly risky. Any pursuit of a bid by Sprint could be aimed at testing antitrust officials’ reaction to a deal, and a bad reaction could put an end to the effort.

While Justice Department denied AT&T’s bid for T-Mobile in 2011 after a year long effort, it’s certainly possible a Sprint/T-Mobile merger could prove otherwise considering rival carriers AT&T and Verizon’s position in the market.

As the WSJ report notes, Verizon leads with 95 million postpaid subscribers and AT&T has 72 million subscribers, but such an acquisition would keep Sprint in a distant third place with just 53 million postpaid customers.

Both Sprint and Verizon have proved capable of adding competition in an an industry with so few key players. Sprint has long boasted its unlimited data offer for customers while T-Mobile famously reinvented the 2-year upgrade model with options soon adopted by the competition.

Unlike the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile acquisition bid two years ago, Sprint and T-Mobile operate with different technologies. The former company relies on CDMA technologies while the latter company is built on GSM.

Huawei to finally exit US market after years of Cyberspying accusations

David Beren Dec 3 2013 - 10:35 am PT

After years of accusations of being proxy spies for Chinese military and intelligence agencies, Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei says his company is exiting the US market. In an interview provided to French journalists, the CEO of the worlds largest telecommunications equipment provider says his company will no longer fight to stay in the US market.

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LG G Flex makes cameo appearance at FCC with AT&T, T-Mobile bands as new video of interface appears

David Beren Nov 18 2013 - 5:18 am PT

With word already “leaking” that the LG G Flex is bound for the US and landing on Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile it comes as little surprise to see a FCC appearance. The G Flex made its cameo with the regulatory agency boasting AT&T and T-Mobile friendly LTE bands 4 (AWS) and 17.

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Head of Samsung Mobile leaves company, NYT reports

Zac Hall Oct 3 2013 - 11:01 am PT

(via <a href="Wired.com" target="_blank">Wired.com</a>)

Samsung’s chief product officer for its mobile devision, Kevin Packingham, has parted ways with the company, The New York Times reports.

Packingham, a former Sprint Nextel vendor, was responsible for leading the company’s mobile team during the notably successful launches of the Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S 4 Android phones on all the major US carriers. Packingham cited Samsung’s aggressive advertising campaign for the Galaxy smartphones as a key to making their respective launches successful for both Samsung and the carrier stores.

Samsung Mobile confirmed the departure to NYT:

“Kevin Packingham has departed Samsung Mobile,” said Ashley Wimberly, a Samsung Mobile spokeswoman, in a statement. “We thank Kevin for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Details surrounding Packingham’s departure are vague at this point, and a successor to the two-year Samsung Mobile chief has yet to be announced.
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Republic Wireless launching Moto X for $299 off contract in November

Jordan Kahn Sep 19 2013 - 1:16 pm PT

Normally available for around $600 unsubsidized, Republic Wireless announced today that it will soon begin offering the Moto for just $299. That’s the carrier’s no contract price and just $100 more than most carriers are charging for the device on the usual two-year contract:

The Moto X will retail at $299 (plus taxes and surcharges) from the Republic Wireless store. That’s right – we took the hot, new Moto X, added Republic’s great Hybrid service and priced it at $299 with no contract required. That’s a price that’s, like, impossible to match anywhere in the industry. How did we do it? The phone is $299 because we are footing the bill. Period. This is NOT a $299 phone. Take a quick look around the web and look at “no contract” pricing for the Moto X.

The device will be available on two of the carrier unlimited plans that start at just $5 a month, but customers will have the following plans to choose from:
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LG G2 now available for $199 on AT&T & Verizon, $99 down on T-Mobile

Jordan Kahn Sep 12 2013 - 7:32 am PT

After being unveiled back in August and shown off again during IFA in Berlin last week, LG’s new flagship LG G2 smartphone is officially launching today on most major US carriers (except for Sprint). The 5.2-inch device is now available to order from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, while Sprint customers will have to wait until October 11 to begin preordering the device. For the most part all carriers are getting the same device– a Snapdragon 800 processor, 13 megapixel camera, 2GB of RAM, microSD slot, 3000mAh battery, and 5.2-inch full-HD display– but there are slight differences between the AT&T and T-Mobile versions and the Verizon model. Specifically, Verizon’s version will come with built-in wireless charging, which means the profile is a little thicker. It’s also changed the look and feel of the buttons located on the back of the device.

Pricing also varies depending on the carrier: AT&T and Verizon are offering the LG G2 for $199 on the usual two year agreement, while T-Mobile has the device for a $99 down payment through its monthly instalment plans. Purchasing the LG G2 off contract will run you $575 from AT&T, $600 from Verizon, and about $605 from T-Mobile.

Sprint offering $150 off Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus, and Galaxy Victory Nov. 22 to Nov. 25

Jordan Kahn Nov 20 2012 - 1:58 pm PT

Sprint is offering up to $150 in savings starting Thanksgiving Day that will allow you to get either the Galaxy S II for $49 on contract, as well as the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy Victory 4G for free. The offer will continue on Black Friday and through Nov. 25. Details below:

Beat the Black Friday crowds! On Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day, customers can visitwww.sprint.com/holiday or call 1-800-Sprint1 to purchase Samsung Galaxy S^® III (16GB) for only $49.99 – a $150 savings1 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement².Customers who shop online or call on Thursday can also purchase Galaxy Nexus by Samsung or Samsung Galaxy Victory™ 4G LTE for FREE².
‘Unlimited Edition’ savings continue on Black Friday! Customers can still get their hands on Samsung Galaxy S III (16GB) for $49.99 as well as Galaxy Nexus by Samsung or Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE for FREE2 after $50 mail-in-rebate (via reward card)³. Customers can take advantage of Black Friday deals by visiting select Sprint retail stores, online or by calling 1-800-Sprint1.
The holiday cheer continues through Sunday, Nov. 25, in Sprint retail stores across the country and online, with Galaxy Nexus and Samsung Galaxy Victory available for FREE² after $50 mail-in rebate (via reward card) ³ when purchasing in Sprint retail stores.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Nov. 16, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE:S), a Truly Unlimited^SMdata carrier for smartphones, is brightening up the holiday season by giving the gift of Unlimited and offering big savings on some of its hottest Android™ devices. Sprint’s holiday promotions are sure to put an ease on this year’s tight holiday budgets with significant price drops on the popular Samsung Galaxy family of devices.

Beat the Black Friday crowds! On Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day, customers can visitwww.sprint.com/holiday or call 1-800-Sprint1 to purchase Samsung Galaxy S^® III (16GB) for only $49.99 – a $150 savings¹ with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement².Customers who shop online or call on Thursday can also purchase Galaxy Nexus by Samsung or Samsung Galaxy Victory™ 4G LTE for FREE².
‘Unlimited Edition’ savings continue on Black Friday! Customers can still get their hands on Samsung Galaxy S III (16GB) for $49.99 as well as Galaxy Nexus by Samsung or Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE for FREE² after $50 mail-in-rebate (via reward card)³. Customers can take advantage of Black Friday deals by visiting select Sprint retail stores, online or by calling 1-800-Sprint1.
The holiday cheer continues through Sunday, Nov. 25, in Sprint retail stores across the country and online, with Galaxy Nexus and Samsung Galaxy Victory available for FREE² after $50 mail-in rebate (via reward card)³ when purchasing in Sprint retail stores.

All Sprint smartphones require activation on one of the Sprint Everything Data plans starting at just $79.99 per month (surcharges and taxes excluded) with Truly Unlimited data, text and calling to any mobile. No throttling, no metering and no overages, all while on the Sprint network. With Sprint’s Everything Data and other plans that include Truly Unlimited data, Sprint is continuing its history of data leadership by making it easy for its customers to use data in all the ways that are useful to them, such as news, email, music, and GPS navigation, without worrying about data overages on their monthly bill.

Just in time for the holidays, Sprint smartphone customers⁴ can add a 3G/4G tablet to their account with a specially discounted rate plan that includes 1GB of 3G/4G on-network data for only $15 per month or as little as $10 per month for 100MB of data on the Sprint network (surcharges and taxes excluded). For customers who only want a 3G/4G LTE-enabled tablet, Sprint offers a monthly plan for $14.99 with 300MB of 3G/4G LTE on-network data. Sprint’s $14.99 rate plan offers customers 20 percent more data than AT&T for the same price⁵. For a limited time, Sprint is waiving the activation fee on all 3G/4G LTE tablets.

Samsung Galaxy Tab^® 2 10.1 is the latest Samsung tablet to join Sprint’s 4G LTE lineup and brings to life the data capabilities of the Sprint 4G LTE Network⁶ on a large beautiful display, making it the ideal device to watch a video, listen to music, check email or surf the Web. Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is currently available for $549.99².

¹The regular price of Samsung Galaxy S III (16GB) is $199.99 with a two-year service agreement.

²Device pricing excludes taxes and surcharges customers must purchase with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement.

³The American Express Prepaid Reward Card (“Card”) provided in connection with this Rebate offer is a prepaid Card that is usable at U.S. merchants that accept American Express Card. Some limitations apply. The Card is not redeemable for cash (except where required by law) and does not provide ATM access. Use of Card constitutes acknowledgement that it is given as a reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by the holder to American Express in exchange for this Card. USE OF CARD IS SUBJECT TO THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, A $3.00 MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESED AGAINST CARD BALANCE, STARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE, UNLESS FUNDS ARE EARLIER DEPLETED. For BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder Agreement, visit americanexpress.com/sprint or call 1-866-608-3756. Card issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation.

⁴Qualifying smartphone plans include: Simply Everything, Simply Everything Share, Everything Business, Everything Data, Everything Data Share, Business Advantage Messaging & Data, Business Share Plus with Pro Pack Plus.

⁵20 percent more data claim applies to Sprint plan priced at $14.99. Plans also include off-network data allowance of 25MB, 100MB or 300MB depending on selection. For National Offers: Additional on-network data usage is $0.05/MB and additional off-network usage above allowance is $0.25/MB.

⁶Sprint’s 4G LTE Network is available in limited markets. For more information please visit sprint.com/4G LTE.

Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S, Victory and Galaxy Tab are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Nexus is a trademark of Google Inc. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks. 4G LTE when used in connection with Samsung devices refers to the fact that the devices can operate on Sprint’s 4G LTE network.

Sprint’s quad-core LG Optimus G now on pre-order for $199 with contract

Élyse Betters Nov 1 2012 - 8:30 am PT

AT&T’s LG Optimus G

Sprint just announced customers could pre-order the LG Optimus G starting today for $199.99 with a new two-year contract or eligible upgrade.

So, what’s so special about this particular LTE Android smartphone? Well, it has a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor. It also features a 4.7-inch True HD IPS Plus display, 2GB of RAM, 32GB built-in storage, NFC, and a 2,100mAh battery.

Unfortunately, this powerful handset boasts the aging Ice Cream Sandwich OS. There is also no mention in the announcement of an upcoming upgrade. Take a look at 9to5Google’s hands-on review of the AT&T version for a full spec refresher.

Oh, but we must note the LG Optimus G’s cheese shutter. Yeah—you heard that right. The smartphone’s camera is voice-activated by words like “cheese” and “smile”—eliminating the need for a shutter button. Um, interesting?

AT&T folks should keep an eye out for availability too, as the competing Sprint carrier previously said it would open the pre-order gate Nov. 2.

Sprint’s press announcement is below.

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Google Play Store carrier billing goes live for Verizon customers

Jordan Kahn Oct 31 2012 - 11:26 am PT

We knew that Google Play carrier billing would be available “in the coming weeks” for Verizon customers when Google confirmed on Twitter earlier this month. Today direct billing is officially rolling out to Verizon users with the new payment option now available form the Google Play store billing page pictured above (via AndroidPolice). Direct carrier billing is already available to most other Android users in the U.S. on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. No word yet on whether or not Verizon will employ the rumored $25 limit for direct billing.
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Samsung bringing NYC fans to exclusive Kanye West performance at this Wednesday’s Galaxy Note II event

Jordan Kahn Oct 22 2012 - 2:46 pm PT

Samsung is about to officially launch its new Galaxy Note II this week in the United States at a press event in New York City on Wednesday. We know T-Mobile and Sprint will launch the device this week, and AT&T and Verizon sometime in the near future, but today Samsung confirmed we would also get a performance from Kanye West following the presentation. Samsung’s Facebook page is offering its NYC fans a chance to attend the performance. It did not provide details on how to enter, but it said to stay tuned to its Facebook page for more details. We will be live at the event to bring you updates as they happen.

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Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy Note II lands on Oct. 25 for $299, LG Optimus on Nov. 11

Jordan Kahn Oct 16 2012 - 6:37 am PT

Sprint just made things official for its release of Samsung’s Galaxy Note II by announcing in a press release that the device will launch on Oct. 25. Available for $299 on the usual two-year contract or eligible upgrade, Sprint will get both Marble White and Titanium Gray colors. In case you forget, we had hands on time with the 5.5-inch device in August at its unveiling in Berlin. It also looks like Sprint is confirming a launch date for the previously announced LG Optimus G. AndroidPolice reported the carrier confirmed the device, which many believe LG’s upcoming Nexus is based on, will land on Sprint for $200 on a two-year contract starting Nov. 11. The report also noted that pre-orders for the Optimus G will go live on Nov. 1 Sprint confirmed (below):

[tweet http://twitter.com/sprint/status/258270332169908225]

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Report: Softbank in talks to buy Sprint for $19B

Jordan Kahn Oct 11 2012 - 6:18 am PT

According to a report from Nikkei (via Bloomberg), Japan’s Softbank, the third-largest mobile carrier in the country, is currently seeking to acquire two-thirds of U.S.-based Sprint Nextel Corp. The price is rumored at roughly $19 billion USD and would make AT&T the last fully U.S.-based carrier:

Softbank Corp. (9984), Japan’s third- largest mobile-phone company, is in talks to buy control ofSprint Nextel Corp. (S), according to two people familiar with the matter…The deal would give Softbank a base for entering the U.S. market with a compatible carrier that uses similar equipment made by Sweden’s Ericsson AB, the Nikkei reported.