salt lake city
Latest
Verizon 5G goes live in parts of Miami and five other cities
If it wasn't already clear that Verizon (Engadget's parent company) is in a rush to meet its 5G coverage goals, it is now. The carrier has switched on 5G in parts of six cities, including Miami, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Grand Rapids, Greensboro and Spokane. As with earlier deployments, though, you shouldn't expect far-reaching access. Miami's access, for example, is limited to parts of downtown along Biscayne Boulevard as well as landmarks like American Airlines Arena, Hard Rock Stadium and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Samsung's Galaxy S10 5G is available for pre-order at Verizon
Verizon (Engadget's parent company) has opened pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. You'll need access to 5G connections to get the most out of the device of course, so the provider has also named 20 more cities in which it will turn on its mobile 5G network this year.
San Antonio is getting Google Fiber
Nearly six months after the city cleared a steeplechase-worth of legal hurdles, Google has finally announced that it will be installing its ultrafast fiber-optic network in San Antonio, Texas. Google cites San Antonio's 1.4 million residents and thriving tech scene -- including the country's first all-digital library, the Bexar BiblioTech -- as reasons for the selection. The fact that San Antonio was recently chosen for the President Tech Hire and Connect Home initiatives didn't hurt, either. The company will spend the next few months coordinating with city leaders on how best to lay the 4,000 miles of necessary fiber-optic cable. There's no word yet on when the 1,000 Mbps service will actually begin.
Joystiq Weekly: Vib-ribbon launches, Driveclub Review, RE: Revelations 2 preview and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. "Better eight years late than never," PlayStation Network users probably said during this week's return of Vib-ribbon. Sure, we're not exactly in drought season, but what's stopping you from impulsively bailing on 2014's release calendar to revisit a 1999 cult classic? Beyond money and life's responsibilities, anyway. If Vib-ribbon is fair game for a 2014 appearance, can we go ahead and get our hopes for comparably-unlikely surprises? Sure, StarCraft: Ghost's indefinitely-on-hold status is probably irreversible at this point, but if Blizzard felt like continuing development in secret for years and launching it without warning, we wouldn't be upset. Valve, you're more than welcome to do the same with fresh installments in the Half Life or Left 4 Dead series. There was more to this week than feeble wishes though, including resolution news for Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Assassin's Creed: Unity, reviews for Driveclub and Neverending Nightmares, and previews for AC: Unity and Resident Evil: Revelations 2. All those and more are tidied up for you after the break!
Aereo's internet TV service in Denver and Salt Lake City shuts down today
Aereo's streams in Denver and Salt Lake City hung on for a while after the US District Court of Utah granted its opponents a preliminary injunction on February 20th, but today they're shutting off. Yesterday a panel of federal court judges denied Aereo's request to stay the injunction while it appeals, claiming "Aereo has not made a strong showing that it is likely to succeed on the merits of its appeal. Nor has Aereo demonstrated that the other factors weigh in its favor." As a result, the antenna-to-streaming company has informed affected customers service will go dark today at 10am. For now, it's looking forward to the upcoming Supreme Court case to affirm its belief that the service is legal, and issuing a refund for this month's service for anyone living in those two markets. Aereo's hearing is set to take place April 22nd -- check out CEO Chet Kanojia's message to customers after the break. [Thanks, Marc]
Isis' NFC payments go live in Austin and Salt Lake City: 3 carriers, 9 phones, 1 long way to go (video)
To say that the launch of Isis has felt drawn out would be a mild understatement. The alliance first signaled its intentions two years ago, detailed its first markets one year ago and faced a last-minute delay. All the ducks are finally in a row, however, and residents of both Austin as well as Salt Lake City can tap to pay (or score discounts) at the "hundreds" of locations that accept NFC-based purchases through American Express, Capital One, Chase and Isis' own cash card. Launch day brings app- and SIM-enabled access for nine devices spread rather unevenly across AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon: only the Droid Incredible 4G LTE is confirmed working for Verizon subscribers, while the rest are divided more equally between multiple Samsung Galaxies and HTC devices like the Amaze 4G and One X. Over 20 phones should be Isis-aware before the end of the year. It's a potentially strong start to one of the few truly cross-network mobile payment systems in the US, but we see a long road ahead before Isis gives Google Wallet some jitters -- there's legions of banks, cities and stores needed before Isis is widespread, and we're not counting on that ever-elusive universal hardware support.
Isis makes October 22nd mobile payment launch official, vows 20 capable phones by year's end
While we could easily see this coming, it's still good to hear the news more directly: Isis has confirmed that its delayed mobile wallet system will arrive on October 22nd. The company's marketing lead Jaymee Johnson tells us that the NFC-based commerce should start in the previously mentioned Austin and Salt Lake City areas. We haven't been given a formal device list, but "as many as" 20 smartphones should be compatible by the end of the year. We can think of at least four. More details will follow on the day in question, although we already know that the cash-averse will need an Isis app, a special SIM card and compatible SmartTap terminals at stores. That's a lot of conditions that have to be satisfied just to lighten the strain on our pockets -- all the same, we'll take it when the alternatives are moving slowly.
Isis Mobile Wallet app for Android surfaces in Google Play, you probably can't run it
Unofficial rumblings have pointed to Isis Mobile Wallet's trial getting close. If you've remained skeptical all the same, we're pretty sure that seeing Isis' Android app in Google Play will change your mind. The currently T-Mobile-only software confirms that pilot program members will tie their American Express, Capital One or Chase card (as well as a unique card) to Isis for paying through NFC at stores with a SmartTap terminal. We're also promised streamlined loyalty cards and coupons. Before anyone rushes to try the app at the local shop, remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle on top of the special SIM card, one of three NFC-equipped phones and that small matter of living in Austin or Salt Lake City when the service goes live. Having the official app at least lets those who qualify get a head start on what could soon be the only major alternative to Google Wallet in the US.
Isis mobile payment system primed for September launch, supported devices revealed
You've known it was coming, but Isis has been so quiet on the mobile payments front in the past few months that you might've forgotten the score. Now, the joint venture backed by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon has announced that it'll debut its system in Austin and Salt Lake City next month. At least part of the delay is attributed to its shift in strategy, when Isis shelved its plans to process payments through the carriers themselves and instead work with MasterCard and Visa. Isis representatives have declined to elaborate on future expansion plans. Coinciding with the recent update that enabled Isis support for T-Mobile's Galaxy S II, MasterCard has come clean with a list of devices that'll receive similar treatment. Specifically, those in the US can expect the Droid Incredible 4G LTE, One X, Amaze 4G, Galaxy S III to gain Isis support. Naturally, the possibility remains open for other devices as well, and if you'd like to see the complete list of candidates, make sure to check out the PDF below.
Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we learned that ZTE intends to release a phablet of its own, and Samsung unseated Nokia as the world's largest supplier of mobile phones. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of April 23rd, 2012.
Chase, Capital One and Barclaycard join as launch partners for Isis mobile payment service
The Isis mobile payment service backed by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon may have been a bit overshadowed by Google Wallet in recent months, but it's still on track for a "mid-2012" trial launch in Austin, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah, and it's now gotten a boost from a trio of new financial partners. Chase, Capital One and Barclaycard confirmed today that they'll each support the NFC-based service and let folks load their credit, debit and prepaid cards into their Isis Mobile Wallet, joining existing partners Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Unfortunately, any specific launch details beyond that still remain a bit on the light side, with Isis only promising that a national rollout will follow sometime after the initial trial launch.
Verizon rolling out LTE coverage in 21 additional markets on June 16th, wins 4G blackjack
This could be just the news your lonely little Thunderbolt has been waiting for. Verizon today announced the addition of 21 new markets to its LTE coverage, starting June 16th. The list includes some biggish spots, like Boise, ID, Milwaukee / Madison, WI, Salt Lake City, UT, and Hartford, CT -- Northern California will be getting a major coverage boost, as well, with the existing Bay Area coverage being expanded to Marin and Solano counties. The network launched with 38 markets back in December and those, plus these new additions and a handful announced earlier this month, are bringing the company ever closer to its proposed 175 markets by the end of the year. That's a whole lot of green stars.
Isis NFC payment system gets its first market in Salt Lake City, Utah, launches in 2012
Like 3D on high-end HDTVs, NFC-based payment systems seem set to invade our mobile lives whether we like them or not. Isis, a collaborative venture between AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and a bunch of banking big timers, has today announced the first market for its rollout of a contactless payment scheme, and it's none other than Salt Lake City, Utah. That'll surely raise eyebrows in locales that may consider themselves more tech-savvy, but we reckon starting off with a city of a smaller scale might be good for getting this "mobile wallet" system off the ground. And then there's the added benefit of Isis snagging a deal to enable compatibility with the entire Utah Transit Authority footprint. If all plans are executed properly, that should mean that by summer 2012 the good people of SLC will be able to NFC their way around town with just their smartphone in hand, while also swiping it through checkouts like some form of highly advanced techno-humans.
Electronic Arts opens new studio in Salt Lake City, Utah
EA has opened a new "state-of-the-art" facility in Salt Lake City, Utah to house its appropriately named EA Salt Lake team. The team has been working on casual titles under the EA Play label for franchises like Monopoly, Littlest Pet Show and NERF. Though EA had maintained a facility in Bountiful, Utah since 2006, "the entire staff" has been moved to the Salt Lake location. The new 20,000 square foot building currently houses 100 employees -- and appear to be hiring. In attendance for the opening was Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, who was lieutenant governor during the time Governor Jon Huntsman vetoed a Jack Thompson-authored game bill in the state. It would appear that Utah's hospitable stance toward the industry is paying off for its economy. %Gallery-98003%
Gaming and Electronics Expo in Salt Lake City this weekend
We're right in the middle of convention season, but even if you're not planning to hit up San Diego, Seattle or Tokyo this year, there's always Salt Lake City. That's where the Gaming and Electronics Expo (GEEX) is being held this coming weekend. With a 27-hour LAN party, tournaments and exhibits all weekend long, and over 15,000 attendees expected, it sounds like Sandy, Utah (just south of SLC) will be rocking it. If you're going to be around, tickets are still available, and for $18 with a $5 discount online, they're one of the cheapest show passes you can still find for sale this summer. The exhibitor list isn't quite as big as PAX, and the speakers aren't quite as star-studded as Comic-Con, but if you live in Utah, you should probably take what you can get and enjoy yourself anyway, right?
AT&T redirecting 911 calls from Salt Lake City to Seattle, working on a fix (update: fix is in)
Ready for a surreal way to start your day? Salt Lake City's KSL News has a report out this morning detailing the baffling experience of AT&T subscribers trying to access emergency services in the city. Instead of being routed through to their local dispatcher, the urgent calls somehow found their way to Seattle's 911 response center. Brought to the news team's attention by one Tony Sams, this issue was originally thought to originate in his iPhone's GPS system, as he was being identified as being located in the Seattle area, but then his local police also tried dialing their own number only to find themselves chatting it up with their Emerald City colleagues. Until they figure this out, we'd recommend using your landlines -- if you still have one of those antiques -- or just yelling at passersby for help. Hit the source for the full video report and the 10-digit direct number for Salt Lake City general dispatch. Update: AT&T has been very nippy in getting this routing problem sorted out, and proper service has been restored. The company is now investigating the cause of this problemo. [Thanks, Ryan]
Comcast taking Science / Disney / ABC Family HD to Salt Lake City
Alright Comcast, we've given you quite a few passes, but we're officially no longer pleased with hearing that these three channels (and these three alone) are showing up in various regions around the US. According to a tipster parked in Salt Lake City, the carrier is gearing up to launch Disney HD, Science HD and ABC Family HD in Utah's capital, though it seems to have no plans to add 'em alongside any other remotely interesting (or uninteresting, for that matter) high-def stations. Reportedly, the "new" trio will go live on or around July 1st, but chances are high that some other Comcast spot(s) in America will already be enjoying these very networks before then.[Thanks, Patrick]
Salt Lake City's KJZZ-14 to air Utah Jazz games in HD
We know, it's not like you Utah residents really want to see a Game 6, but at least it gives you another shot at catching your Jazz in high-def, right? Salt Lake City's own KJZZ-14 has announced its intentions to serve up all 2008 Utah Jazz playoff games in gorgeous HD, and while there's no mention of what it plans to do next season, we'd say chances are pretty good that it'll keep the newfound tradition alive in 2009 and beyond. Those within reach can catch the games via OTA, but others will be asked to turn to channel 657 on Comcast Digital Cable in order to follow along. That is, of course, if you're staying away from the Energy Solutions Arena this Friday night.[Image courtesy of USUAggies]
Salt Lake City's 2NEWS makes the switch to HD
Just weeks after Comcast users in the greater Salt Lake City, Utah area were gifted with five new HD channels, residents of SLC now have one more reason to flip on the evening news. This past Saturday, the city's 2NEWS (KUTV, a local CBS affiliate) made the leap to high-definition, as its 5:30PM newscast was shown for the first time in HD. Additionally, HD cameras were used to capture clips from the Salt Lake City Marathon, and an all new HD-ready control room is being used to make the magic happen. Another news channels gets with the times -- can't complain with that.
Salt Lake City, Utah gets five new HD channels on Comcast
Check it, Comcast subscribers in Salt Lake City: you've got five new high-def channels to keep you company. As of now, users in the region can tune into AMC HD, HGTV HD, CNN HD, Food Network HD and SciFi HD (no ESPNews HD, sadly). According to a tipster, SciFi HD is the only one still showing a black screen, but given that he's using a CableCARD, it may not be the case for everyone. Flip on the tele and let us know, will ya?[Thanks, Patrick]Update: SciFi HD is live!
