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 of another possible prepaid destination for the iPhone (hint: it's a subsidiary of Sprint), and Samsung announced a combined sales total of 50 million Galaxy S and Galaxy S II smartphones. 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 May 28th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of May 28th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of May 28th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A week and change after it announced Viewdini, Verizon has it ensconced in the Google Play store. If you're on Android 2.2 or greater and have a 4G LTE plan, you can install the app at no charge, and start your search by typing in the name of a movie, actor or genre you want to see. The app will scurry off and check net-based providers like Hulu, mSpot and Netflix, along with cozy new chum Comcast's Xfinity, and bring back relevent titles along with their price and availability. Further pawing will reveal critic reviews and ratings, filmographies, related picks and other info -- just keep one eye on that data limit.

[Thanks, Artem]

Viewdini hits Play to help find video, if you're on Verizon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Verizon has just finished trotting out the last of its known 2012 Jetpack hotspots through the arrival of the ZTE-made model we saw back at CES in January. Now carrying a bit more Verizon red on the surface and a bit less Chinese in the name, the Jetpack 890L can share its 4G LTE sugar with as many as 10 WiFi devices at once. There's no removable battery like its Novatel-made Jetpack cousin, but you do get Global Ready (read: HSPA) roaming abroad. We're most liking the price. At $20 on a contract after a $50 mail-in rebate, the 890L will be the most frugal way to board the LTE hotspot train once it reaches stores on May 24th.

Continue reading Verizon's ZTE-built Jetpack 890L 4G hotspot ships May 24th, promises globetrotting for $20

Verizon's ZTE-built Jetpack 890L 4G hotspot ships May 24th, promises globetrotting for $20 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Verizon is clearly looking to make itself the front door for Internet video this year. Bolstering its tie-ins with Color and Redbox, it's now kicking off Viewdini, a carrier-specific Android app that will help you find video across multiple services: along with Internet-only providers like Hulu Plus, mSpot and Netflix, it will sift through the online component of Comcast's Xfinity brand, taking a little bit more advantage of that cross-sales deal coming out of the proposed spectrum handover. Even Verizon's own FiOS video will be late to its own party, coming "soon." Viewdini will only be available for 4G LTE-equipped Android phones and tablets later this month, with "other operating systems" and services due in the future -- given the currently very short list of non-Android 4G devices, we have a few ideas as to where the app might go next. Either way, get ready to collide with bandwidth caps faster than usual if you love what Verizon plans to offer.

[Image credit: AllThingsD]

Continue reading Verizon's Viewdini for Android hunts streaming video on Comcast Xfinity, Hulu and Netflix, strains our 4G

Verizon's Viewdini for Android hunts streaming video on Comcast Xfinity, Hulu and Netflix, strains our 4G originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

There's one major drawback that jet-setters and globetrotters utilizing one of Verizon's current LTE handsets must deal with: the lack of a GSM radio frequency. It's true, while CDMA and LTE have carved out a place for themselves here in the States, when the rubber literally meets the road (or tarmac), it's a GSM world we're living in. With that in mind, it appears as though Verizon is planning to make several of its current smartphones a bit more cosmopolitan by enabling the "global" capabilities already embedded within. Blog Droid-Life is reporting that new in-store collateral for the DROID 4, RAZR and Rezound contains the tagline, "Coming Soon: Use in an additional 185 countries." The new proficiency should be made available via a software update pushed out by Big Red, although some of you may have already taken matters into your own hands. No word on what the precise definition of "soon" is, but we've reached out to Verizon for comment and will update this post with any relevant information provided.

Update: Verizon officials reached out to us and confirmed that the rumors are indeed true: the HTC Rezound, Motorola Droid RAZR / RAZR Maxx and Droid 4 will all be updated "this summer." The carrier told us:

Customers will see a notification on their device when the software update is available for their device. After the software update, customers will be able to take their smartphone overseas and use voice service in more than 220 countries and receive data in more than 205 countries.

Verizon purportedly giving DROID 4, RAZR and Rezound 'global' designation via software update (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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, Verizon Wireless brought its LTE service to 28 new markets and expanded its reach in 11 additional areas. We also saw Straight Talk introduce the Samsung Galaxy Proclaim, and it appears that Rogers will soon offer the HTC One S. 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 May 14th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of May 14th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of May 14th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

As spring reaches full blossom, it's not just the flowers that are beginning to show -- so are the new slates heavy hitters teased back at CES. So, what does that mean? It means it's high-time that we cast a fresh glance over the tablet landscape, took in a deep breath of slate-infused air and exhaled a hearty Engadget tablet buyer's guide. We've been running the smartphone equivalent for a little while now, so we thought it only fair to give the now-mature tablet category one of its own. We're going to look at the main categories of fondleslabbery and carve out what we think are the finest offerings on the market right now. It doesn't matter if you're looking for something big, small, just good enough or so powerful that it could replace your laptop: we've collected our favorites and shepherded them safely into this one humble guide. Of course, if you want to cast your net a little wider, you can always check out our tablet review hub, but if you struggle with indecision, head on past the break to see what's hot right now in Tablet Land.

Continue reading Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition

Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Update: We just finished listening through the entire webcast (we're still waiting for the transcript) and found the quote that is going to make most customers shake their fists in anger:

"LTE is our anchor point for data share. So, as you come through an upgrade cycle and you upgrade in the future, you will have to go on to the data share plan. And moving away from, if you will, the unlimited world and moving everyone into a tiered structure data share plan."

Doesn't get much clearer than that, but we're still hoping Verizon will come back and say Shammo was speaking out of turn... fingers crossed.

Verizon CFO says grandfathered unlimited plans on the way out originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Just call this week's column the something borrowed edition. Rather than do a formal review -- the sort of cookie-cutter project that can be over and done with in a week, frankly -- we asked three staffers to not just test new products, but to live with them. For starters, our very own jet-setting Darren Murph used Verizon Wireless' new Jetpack MiFi 4620L to get work done on the go, while our new editor Jon Fingas traded in his Sony clock radio for an iHome dock that promised to play nice with his non-Apple device. Rounding things out, Sharif took a $4,000 3D projector for a weeks-long spin because, well, why not?

Continue reading IRL: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 4620, iHome iC50 and Epson's EH-TW9000 3D projector

IRL: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 4620, iHome iC50 and Epson's EH-TW9000 3D projector originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 May 2012 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

...just in time for photos of Snooki's kid to be whisked around the world at 4G speeds.

(P.S. - Northern Vermont, Long Island, Cape Cod, Delaware beach communities and the gorgeous Outer Banks of North Carolina are going live soon as well, sans drama.)

[Photo credit: Craig Barritt, Getty Images]

Continue reading Jersey Shore getting Verizon LTE on May 17th...

Jersey Shore getting Verizon LTE on May 17th... originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This handset didn't surprise anyone when it was officially announced at CTIA Wireless 2012, but we're still happy to spend time with the HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE for Verizon Wireless regardless. After catching enough glimpses of the smartphone over the past few months, we already had a good idea of what to expect: Big Red's latest LTE device will have Ice Cream Sandwich dressed in Sense 4, a 4-inch Super LCD qHD panel, a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 (Krait), 1,700mAh user-removable battery, microSD support and an 8MP BSI camera with a 28mm f/2.2 lens.

If you're familiar with either the OG HTC Droid Incredible or its sequel, you'll instantly recognize the trusty hump on the back of the third iteration -- Verizon and HTC haven't strayed too far from the design formula here. Aside from the Sense 4 firmware hiding inside the phone, the Incredible 4G LTE has little in common with its cousins, the One X and One S. Frankly, we're still left pondering if the carrier will come out with a version of its own, since we've seen the other three national powers get a high-profile device from the Taiwanese manufacturer.

We had a very similar feeling when holding the new Incredible, one easily related to how we felt with its predecessors. It's quite light, and it actually feels thinner than it really is. All in all, the phone is very comfortable to hold, and from our few minutes of using it, it seemed to be rather smooth. Naturally, as we expected, Verizon reps warned us that it's running on preliminary firmware at the moment, so we don't take a lot of stock in its performance, good or bad. All in all, it's exactly how we thought it would be -- a refreshed version of the Incredible 2, with a much better processor and a few other notable bumps in specs. Head below to check out a few images of Verizon's newest darling.

Update: Our hands-on video is now live after the break.

Gallery: HTC Incredible 4G LTE hands-on

Continue reading HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE for Verizon hands-on at CTIA 2012 (update: video)

HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE for Verizon hands-on at CTIA 2012 (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Well, this isn't a surprise. Verizon has now gone official with its mouthful of a smart phone, and it does exactly what it says in its name: that is, LTE connectivity. Alongside it, you'll find Sense 4, Android 4.0 and a 4-inch Super LCD qHD screen. Rounding off those digits is a dual-core Snapdragon S4 that's clocked at 1.2GHz, matching its just below its sibling, the 1.5GHz One S. Power-wise, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE packs a 1,700mAh battery, which should provide ample power to shoot away with the rear-facing 8-megapixel shooter. Storage for all those photos, meanwhile, can be increased by up to 32GB through microSD, although we haven't been given specifics on built-in storage yet. Verizon's press release is right after the break, while you can expect the phone itself to appear in stores over the next few weeks.

Update: The One S runs on a dual-core 1.5GHz processor. Apologies for the confusion.

Continue reading Verizon officially announces HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE

Verizon officially announces HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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 saw the first rollout of Verizon LTE from one of its rural partners, and both the Optimus L7 and Xperia U were spotted for Fido. 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 30th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 30th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 30th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Verizon's HomeFusion LTE to the home now available nationwide

Verizon's HomeFusion LTE to the home now available nationwide originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

And just like that Verizon has revamped its prepaid pricing structure. Starting tomorrow, May 1st, the carrier will be offering unlimited talk and text packaged with 1GB of data for $80 a month. The new offering will be available first with the Samsung Illusion, a disappointingly 3G handset, though, one that wont demand a two year commitment to Big Red. Verizon is also adding the Jetpack MiFi 4510L LTE mobile hotspot to its contract-free offerings for $130. Prepaid plans for the 4G wireless hotspot start at $15 for 250 MB a week, but quickly climb to $60 and $90 for 3GB and 10GB, respectively. For more info check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup

Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Well, wouldn't you know it, but T-Mobile -- the only nationwide AWS service provider in the US -- objects to Verizon's purchase of additional AWS spectrum. The company's CEO, Philipp Humm, recently took his concerns to the chief of the FCC's wireless bureau, Rick Kaplan, where he argued that Verizon's proposal to shed Blocks A and B of the 700MHz spectrum simply wouldn't be fair shake. According to Humm, Verizon is merely looking to offload its less desirable assets (as Blocks A and B are more prone to interference). While T-Mobile's leader presents a valid point in that Verizon has merely squatted on its current AWS licenses, we can't help but think that Humm would relish in the opportunity for T-Mobile to bid on these licenses. Further, if Verizon were effectively prevented from establishing a nationwide AWS network, it'd certainly reduce competition in the auction house, and therefore bring cheaper licenses to T-Mobile's doorstep. Given that everything in question here is not corporate property, but rather a public resource, what do you think is the best way forward?

[Tower photo via Shutterstock]

T-Mobile CEO argues to FCC against Verizon's AWS license acquisition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We'll take a dedicated microsite over ole Mr. Blurrycam any day of the week. HTC's latest Verizon LTE handset is now an Incredible step closer to being official. The HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE has popped up on Big Red's Droid Does site, complete with specs and a $300 on-contract price tag. The ICS smartphone will be powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor with a gig of RAM, and packs a 4-inch super LCD qHD display, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with a VGA shooter up front, an LTE hotspot mode with support for up to 10 devices and Beats Audio on board for "studio-quality sound." The Buy Now link brings you to the Droid RAZR Maxx's product page, so it's not quite clear when you'll be able to pick up an Incredible. You can take a closer look right now, however, at the elaborate dedicated Verizon page at our source link below.

HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE pops up on Verizon for $300, links to Droid RAZR Maxx originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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, Verizon announced that its LTE service now covers two-thirds of the US population, and T-Mobile dropped its 'nice girl' image in attempt to position its HSPA+ network as a viable competitor to LTE. 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 16th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 16th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 16th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

On a call discussing Verizon's Q1 earnings report, CFO Francis Shammo has once again touched on the company's promised shared data plans, targeting their launch in mid-summer. He also noted that he expected this to drive growth in the wireless business, because the plan is apparently designed to allow customers to easily add "other devices" to it. You can do your best to tease more meaning out of his statement from the full transcript at Seeking Alpha, we'll be carefully considering how many data hogs are allowed at our share house for the summer.

Verizon shared data plans are due in mid-summer, target users with multiple devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A promised upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich this is not, but who are we to scoff at fresh software that improves battery life? Per Droid-Life that's exactly what Motorola has in store for the Droid 4 with its first official update -- née 6.13.219. Hitting the airwaves in the coming week, there's more than just longevity tweaks, with a new MotoCast widget, improved WiFi connectivity and fixes pertaining to "sluggishness and blank screen lockups." Time will tell if that'll tide you over until Motorola unleashes Google's latest, but until then, placate yourself by reading more at the source link below.

Droid 4 gets first official update, better battery life and sluggishness fixes in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We've just stumbled across a subtle hint from the FCC that suggests the Pantech Breakout will need to watch its back from now on -- it seems there's a successor in the pipeline. The Korean manufacturer just passed a new LTE handset through the regulatory agency with support for Verizon's particular flavor of 4G. Known so far only as the Starq (or Star Q), the phone will offer 802.11b/g/n, and while it lacks 5GHz WiFi, we're pleased to see that it'll support the new, low-power Bluetooth 4.0. Only time will reveal the true nature of this handset, but for the moment, we're given reason to hope that Verizon will soon receive a powerful, entry-level smartphone that's closer in specification to the Pantech Burst on AT&T -- and because it never hurts to dream, perhaps this time we'll see a better camera.

Pantech FCC filing hints at LTE Breakout successor for Verizon Wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 9th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 9th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Verizon HTC Incredible 4G gets press render, sheepishly grins for Mr. Blurrycam

Verizon HTC Incredible 4G gets press render, sheepishly grins for Mr. Blurrycam originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Hi guys, I'm moving to NYC next month and wanted to know if I should stick with Sprint or switch carriers. I'm aware Sprint's cheaper to AT&T and Verizon and I like unlimited plans. Thing is, coverage is spotty where I am right now, 3G is a joke (no 4G, either). Will this get better when I'm in the city or should I start shopping around for a new carrier? Thank you, Engadget!"

Ask Engadget: best NYC wireless carrier? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 2nd, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 2nd, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of March 26th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of March 26th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Verizon's CEO has a plan for wireless pay-TV, if the government will allow it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Verizon confirms Jetpack MiFi 4620L will be available April 12th for $50 on-contract originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading LG Lucid becomes official on Verizon, can be yours March 29th for $80

LG Lucid becomes official on Verizon, can be yours March 29th for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition)

Verizon Galaxy Tab 7.7 with LTE hands-on

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus review

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE overview

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (Verizon Wireless LTE)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (Verizon Wireless LTE) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of March 12th, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of March 12th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

View Poll

The new iPad: are you buying one? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: iPad (2012) review

Continue reading iPad review (2012)

iPad review (2012) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Verizon lights up its 200th LTE candle, plans to double 4G coverage by year-end

Verizon lights up its 200th LTE candle, plans to double 4G coverage by year-end originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We've now seen what the new iPad's packaging will entail come Friday, but it doesn't change the fact that elbowing your way to the front of those Apple Store queues isn't for everyone. Fortunately, both Verizon and AT&T are more than willing to sell you their 4G-connected iterations -- alongside a new data plan, we're sure. For the 16GB entry-level model, you're looking at around $630 on Verizon and $530 for AT&T. Before making your choice of carrier, however, we reckon you'll want to read up on those pesky data rates at the pair of source links below.

PSA: Verizon and AT&T ready to take your money for new iPads on March 16 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

FCC to Verizon Wireless: You need more spectrum? Prove it by March 22nd. originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

HTC Droid Incredible 4G parties down with FCC, ready for Verizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Aside from the Optimus Vu, last week's MWC didn't reveal all that many LTE-capable handsets from LG. Fortunately, the Life's Good crowd still have plans for Verizon -- and this is one of them. According to Pocketnow, this is the LG Lucid and it wants to nestle itself squarely in the middle ground of Verizon's smartphone catalogue. Alongside those 4G chops, the phone purportedly wields a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 800×480 resolution NOVA display and an 8-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video capture. It also appears to run an LG-laced version of Gingerbread -- presumably something the company will attempt to elbow aside with vague promises of ICS when it all goes official.

Verizon-bound LG Lucid reveals itself in leaked press shots originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPad 4G plans and pricing revealed (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Apple's March 7th event roundup: the new iPad, Apple TV refresh and everything else

Apple's March 7th event roundup: the new iPad, Apple TV refresh and everything else originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.