Apple hasn’t confirmed an LTE version of its iPhone, but Sprint has confirmed that if such a device launches, the carrier would keep its unlimited data plans. That may be a big differentiating factor when at least 3 of 4 U.S. carriers offer LTE iPhones. Read more »
Two hints from earlier this week tipped us off and now a picture of Samsung’s Galaxy Note with T-Mobile branding confirms the rumor. There’s no official word from T-Mobile, but it’s a safe bet T-Mobile customers will get their own version of Samsung’s 5.3-inch Android smartphone. Read more »
Taiwan-based handset maker HTC suggests that its highly profitable days in the U.S. smartphone market are in the past, mainly due to Apple’s iPhone. The HTC One series may help sales in the U.S. but like Apple, HTC is turning to China for future growth. Read more »
For developers, consumers and even carriers, Android seems irreparably broken. But Google’s not likely to “fix” Android anytime soon, because despite the fragmentation problem, the company is getting what it wants: massive amounts of user data. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, now available for $139, has one key update over prior models: With built in LED lighting, you can read your e-Ink content in the dark. Here’s a review roundup along with a lighting suggesting for Kindle Touch owners. Read more »
Facebook may not have a phone of its own (yet), but it continues to improve its mobile clients: On Tuesday, the company outlined updates coming soon for the Windows Phone version of Facebook. The refreshed software will add threaded messaging, tagging and other features. Read more »
Google’s first Android 4.0 phone, the Galaxy Nexus, is available for direct purchase online in the U.S. Google Play store for $399. With support for two GSM networks, solid hardware, a 720p display and updates direct from Google, this may be the Android deal of 2012. Read more »
Want a new iPhone, but not sure which U.S. carrier is best suited for your needs? Enter CarrierCompare, a free iPhone app that uses real network tests in your location combined with crowdsourced data to help you choose the carrier that’s right for you. Read more »
Enthusiast site T-Mo News has two bits of evidence suggesting that T-Mobile will have it’s own version of the 5.3-inch handset; currently an AT&T exclusive in the U.S. market. Aside from a similar product number, an alleged screenshot from a Galaxy Note shows a T-Mobile app. Read more »
By integrating the touch sensor and display on the next iPhone, Apple could shave half a millimeter of thickness from the handset. Reverting to a metal back would also reduce thickness. But it makes far more sense to use that space savings for a higher-capacity battery. Read more »
HTC is planning to develop its own application processors for smartphones and could partner with ST Ericsson. The company’s new HTC ImageChip works great in the new One handsets, but why reinvent the wheel for smartphone silicon; especially if these will go in low-end Android handsets? Read more »
The Asus Transformer Prime tablet now has a cheaper cousin called the Transformer Pad TF-300 and reviews are starting to trickle in. The Pad starts at $380 and has a $150 dock option. My look at the HTC One S smartphone shows a premium handset experience. Read more »
Matt and Kevin share more thoughts on the HTC One S: Could it replace their Galaxy Nexus? Matt did buy a MotoActv but is also thinking about backing the Pebble E-Paper watch; find out why. And both hosts share thoughts on the upcoming Galaxy S III. Read more »
Having got my first pair of progressive bifocals recently, I can’t help but want these smart glasses from PixelOptix. The lenses are embedded with liquid crystals which can create an “electronic reading zone” either automatically, thanks to an integrated accelerometer, or through manual activation. Read more »
The first commercially available Intel smartphone debuts in India this month with the launch of the Xolo X900. The Android 2.3 handset with high-resolution screen looks quite capable with a 10 frame per second burst mode. Has Intel licked the power challenge of mobile devices? Read more »
The T-Mobile HTC One S launches on April 25 with Android 4.0 and Sense. The phone is a supposed triple threat in the areas of design, audio and camera capabilities. I’ve been testing the HTC One S to see if it lives up to that billing. Read more »
AT&T’s first Android 4.0 smartphone arrives on May 6: The HTC One X will cost $199.99 with 2-year contract. The dual-core, 4.7-inch handset with Beats Audio supports AT&T’s new LTE network in 32 markets and falls back to HSPA+ where LTE coverage isn’t yet available. Read more »
Logitech introduced its newest iPad keyboard / cover combo on Wednesday and if you could imagine Apple designing such a product, this is what it would look like. The $99 accessory works with the iPad 2 and the new iPad, pairing a smart case with Bluetooth keyboard. Read more »
Depending on whom you believe, Microsoft will either offer Windows Phone 8 as an upgrade to all current Microsoft-powered handsets or it won’t provide the software to any of them. Windows 8 could be the issue here, but Microsoft needs to publicly state its intent. Read more »
Google’s Chrome browser for Android is still in beta, yet it keeps improving quickly; the latest update is now available. The browser, only supported on Android 4.0 smartphones and tablets, gains support for 31 additional languages and adds new features making a great browser even better. Read more »
Here’s a nifty Japan-only product that looks like a small wireless keyboard. But it pulls double duty: Hold the device up to your ear and it works as a wireless handset for VoIP, Skype or other audio chat applications on mobile devices. Read more »
Research In Motion is reportedly weighing options with financial advisors in an effort to stem the company’s continued fall from grace. RIM doesn’t plan to sell itself, but is considering a strategic investment and would lean towards licensing its BlackBerry software. But who might want it? Read more »
Samsung Galaxy S II handsets not tied to a carrier no longer have to wait for their Android 4.0 upgrade. Unlocked Galaxy S II phones can now download and install the software, known as Ice Cream Sandwich, which also includes a fresh version of Samsung’s TouchWiz. Read more »
Google can’t keep fighting against Apple and Microsoft with just Android, when both rivals have a mobile and a desktop system. ChromeOS could be that system for Google, but it’s not a hit yet. What might help? Motorola’s LapDock system to pair up Android and ChromeOS. Read more »
Sprint’s Galaxy Nexus with LTE arrives in stores and online April 22 for $199 with two-year contract. That’s $100 less than the Verizon version, but Sprint is sweetening the deal even further. Buyers who activate Google Wallet will see $50 in credits in their Wallet account. Read more »
Avid cyclists needing to communicate on a group ride might consider the Cardo BK-1. At $279, it’s not cheap, but the Bluetooth headset pairs with a radio module that attaches to a bike helmet. With it, riders have a light walkie-talkie to stay in touch. Read more »
Matt describes all the differences between the AT&T Galaxy Note and the international addition, while Kevin convinces Matt consider buying a MotoActv. Hands on with the HTC One S and X international editions and thoughts on Nokia’s response to the Lumia 900 connectivity issues. Read more »
Samsung isn’t ceding the 7-inch tablet market to the Kindle Fire and Nook Color: This week it launched the Galaxy Tab 2. Amazon added in-app purchases to its Appstore while I found out firsthand that the MotoActv health gadget is three great devices in one. Read more »
Ting, the innovative startup that resells Sprint’s cellular service in consumer-friendly plans, will soon be adding 4G LTE service to its lineup. If pricing is competitive on a per gigabyte basis, Ting’s shared plan component could bring a boost to Sprint’s new LTE network. Read more »
The U.S. government has ordered a prototype contact lens that will help the military see virtual information directly on a pair of glasses while still viewing their surroundings. The contacts could take the place of heads-up displays, smart glasses or other consumer augmented reality solutions. Read more »
Tired of running with a smartphone, I dropped $199 for a MotoActv last week. Yet, I’ve unexpectedly found myself wearing it every minute of the day since I bought it. Why? It’s essentially equal parts FitBit health tracker, iPod Nano and exercise tracking app. Read more »
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 2, a Wi-Fi tablet running Android 4.0 hits the market on April 22. With its $249.99 price tag, this is Samsung’s first real attempt at taking on Amazon’s successful Kindle Fire, but it may be reaching for a smaller potential target audience. Read more »
Placeme for iOS and Android may be both the scariest and amazingly futuristic app I’ve seen yet. The free software uses every sensor in your handset to track your activities, location and environment. Scary, yes, but it could power the smartphone personal assistant of the future. Read more »
A Kickstarter project to bring a new smartwatch to market blew through its $100,000 funding goal in its first day, and two hours later it crossed the $200,000 mark. What’s so unique about the Pebble E-Paper Watch? It works with both Android devices and the iPhone. Read more »
Can’t keep track of who’s suing who in “The Game of Smartphones”? This image will help. And two key Steve Jobs quotes explain not only why the smartphone battle is moving to the courts, but why it’s happening right now and why this will get worse. Read more »
Starting April 22, Verizon Wireless customers upgrading to a new phone will pay a $30 fee. The carrier suggests the fee is needed to continue providing helpful consumer service. To me, the fee is Verizon’s rising cost to do business being passed along to consumers. Read more »
Nokia still has a long road to return to prominence: the company sold 2 million Lumia handsets in the first quarter of 2012, but it is lowering guidance. Nokia says it faces “competitive industry dynamics” even though its new Windows Phone handsets are gaining momentum. Read more »
Eye-Fi’s new $79 Mobile X2 memory card for digital cameras can be used to get images from a point-and-shoot or DLSR to a iOS or Android device, making it easy to share pics on Instagram, Facebook, TwitPic or any number of other photo sharing sites. Read more »
Research In Motion clarified earlier statements about removing the ability to manually install Android applications on the BlackBerry PlayBook. The company previously said it was closing the loophole in the next PlayBook software update. Now it says the option will still be available for developers. Read more »
