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T-Mobile offers an explanation for its twelve-hour outage on Monday
T-Mobile's president of technology explains the outage that took out voice and text service for twelve hours on Monday.
Apple gets its WiLan patent payout reduced to $85.2 million
Apple won't have to pay WiLan as much as expected for alleged patent violations. A retrial jury has reduced the damages from WiLan's lawsuit from the original $145.1 million (determined in 2018) down to slightly over $85.2 million. That's still no small sum, but it could be considered a small victory. The judge in the original case had effectively ordered a retrial after agreeing with Apple that WiLan had used a flawed method to calculate the size of the damages -- WiLan had to either agree to a new trial or risk walking away with 'just' $10 million.
There's something called 'Enhanced HD Voice' and EE supports it
Most weirdos people that actually use their smartphones to make calls will be aware of the eerily crisp connections of HD Voice. All major carriers in the UK support the standard at this point, which is technically known as Voice over LTE (VoLTE), since 4G frequencies are responsible for the improved call clarity. But apparently, there's something better. It's called Enhanced HD Voice, and EE is today boasting it's the first network in the UK to support it.
O2 becomes the last major carrier to enable WiFi and 4G calling
It took a while, but O2 has become the last of the four major UK carriers to launch WiFi and 4G calling on its network. The company confirmed today that iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus owners can now make calls in "notspots" when a wireless connection is available, with other phones coming online "very soon."
Google tests LTE phone calls on Project Fi
As nice as Google's Project Fi service is for the data-hungry crowd, it's not so hot for voice -- switching to Fi frequently means giving up pristine-sounding LTE voice calls with some of your friends. You might not have to make that sacrifice for much longer, thankfully. Google tells subscribers that it's testing voice over LTE with a "subset" of its customer base. This is likely only going to function when you're on T-Mobile's network (it's the only one of Fi's three partners with VoLTE as of this writing). However, you'll definitely know when it kicks in between the improved quality, faster mid-call data speeds and a quicker connection time.
Three finally rolls out app-free Wi-Fi calling in the UK
For years, Three has offered WiFi-enabled calls through an app called inTouch. While serviceable, the experience pales in comparison to the app-free versions offered by Vodafone and EE. After all, who wants an extra icon taking up your home screen or app drawer? Thankfully, Three now has a competitive service. If you're using a compatible device (LG G5, Samsung S6 and S6 edge, iPhone 5c, 5s, 6, 6s, SE and 7), you no longer need the app to call someone over the internet. That means you can talk when you're trapped in a pesky "notspot," or even on the London Underground. Three says more devices will be added over time -- Samsung's (soon to be replaced) S7 and S7 edge will be compatible next month, for instance.
AT&T service prevents scam calls from reaching your phone
Yes, you can block phone numbers used for robocalls and tech support scams, but that usually means having to take at least one call (or running the right software) before you realize something's fishy. And AT&T, at least, is trying to do better. In response to the FCC's request for tougher action, the carrier has introduced a free Call Protect service for HD Voice (voice over LTE) users that aims to block fraudulent and spam calls, in many cases before they even reach your phone. An automatic fraud blocking feature will stop scams at the network level, while you'll also get warnings about suspected spam calls if you're in an HD Voice coverage area.
EE's 4G coverage now bests all UK 3G networks
EE's 4G coverage now exceeds that of any 3G network in the UK, the carrier has announced, after it switched on 800MHz spectrum capacity at 700 cell sites across the country. This filled in 5,000 square kilometers of 4G 'not spots' and improved indoor coverage in half a million homes overnight, according to the provider (the low-frequency signals penetrate trees, walls and such better, you see). EE hopes to add 800MHz capacity to a further 3,000 sites before the end of next year, too.
Parents can call their kids directly on this smartwatch in Japan
You only need to look at these mamorino watches once to know they're for kids. What might surprise you, though, is that they come with a pretty nice feature, especially for parents of children who tend to lose their phones: VoLTE. Yes, parents can call (or text) their children directly on this watch, which sounds fun to be honest. Which kid doesn't like pretending to be a spy or a high-tech, gadget-loving superhero that takes calls on his/her wrist?
AT&T completes its first LTE calls with another carrier
You can already get high-quality LTE phone calls on multiple US carriers, but they're not all that practical when they only work between customers from the same carrier. They're on the cusp of hitting the mainstream, though: AT&T has quietly revealed that, as promised, it recently completed the first Voice over LTE calls between its customers and another network in "select areas." It's a bit late to the game (T-Mobile started cross-carrier testing a while back), but this will be a big deal when it eventually rolls out nationwide -- you'd be much more likely to get LTE quality when you call a friend.
Huawei's next chipset may give competitors a run for their money
Huawei is now Europe's second largest Android brand, according to Kantar, but there's just no time for celebration. Not too long after launching the Huawei Mate S and the Nexus 6P, the Chinese telecom giant is already teasing the launch of the Mate 8 on November 26. Little is known about this new smartphone so far, but it'll likely be using Huawei's upcoming Kirin 950 chipset announced today, which joins the Apple A9 chip to be one of the first to use TSMC's 16nm FinFET Plus process for improved efficiency. Like its predecessor, the Kirin 950 has an octa-core processor but with much improved performance: 4 x Cortex-A72 and 4 x Cortex-A53 instead of the old mid-range offering of just eight Cortex-A53 cores. It also uses ARM's flagship Mali-T880 GPU so gaming should be blast on the phone.
Three's Voice over LTE launch means better signal in more places
There's more than one way to wipe out a not-spot, and to compliment Three's inTouch app for WiFi calling, the carrier has today become the first in the UK to add Voice over LTE (VoLTE) support to its mobile network. Simply put, VoLTE -- or "4G Super Voice," as Three's branding team would prefer you call it -- uses your 4G connection to handle calls (when appropriate), instead of older 2G and 3G networks. That part isn't particularly important, however, but it means customers will be able to call, text and check Instagram in places they haven't been able to before. In addition to its existing 1,800MHz slice of 4G spectrum, Three's been building out an 800MHz network to support VoLTE services. These lower frequency airwaves probe further into underserved rural areas, and deeper into buildings, lavishing mobile coverage on previous dead zones.
LG's first Windows phone in ages is a budget model for Verizon
LG hasn't really done much to support Windows Phone as of late (despite promises to the contrary), but it's making amends for that today. Verizon has announced the previously leaked LG Lancet, a Windows Phone 8.1 device (LG's first, in fact) for the budget crowd. The hardware won't blow you away between the 4.5-inch display, 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 8-megapixel rear camera, 0.3-megapixel front camera and 8GB of expandable storage. However, it does have a few aces up its sleeve.
Three's launching Voice over LTE support this autumn
Three's hellbent on continually improving network reliability and coverage, and as part of that, the carrier has today announced it's gearing up to add Voice over LTE (VoLTE) support to its network this autumn. The provider is currently on track to switch its VoLTE service on in September, facilitated by tagging additional 800MHz spectrum onto its existing 1800MHz network. This new slice of bandwidth is expected to significantly improve coverage in problem areas, particularly inside buildings, where 800MHz airwaves can penetrate more easily than other frequencies. Three expects roughly 1 million of its 8.5 million customers to be reaping the benefits of VoLTE by the end of the year, taking calls in places 2G and 3G signals can't reach. The only catch is you're going to need a VoLTE-compatible handset, such as the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6. Any relatively new handset should do, though.
Vodafone to launch WiFi calling in the UK this summer
We've all experienced ropey reception at one time or another. Those frustrating moments when you really need to make a call, but the line just won't connect, or you're left trying to decipher broken, distorted responses from the other person. Now, following EE, Three and O2, Vodafone has announced plans to offer WiFi-enabled calls in the UK. Three and O2 have already launched their respective services, but to use them you need to have a dedicated app installed on your smartphone. EE is trialling a service that doesn't rely on any extra software, and today Vodafone says it'll be using a similar approach. So in theory, it'll work quietly in the background with minimal input. Provided you're connected to a WiFi network, calls will switch over automatically when you're out of network coverage.
AT&T's clearer LTE calls are now available in 13 more states
While AT&T's introduction of Voice over LTE in May was good news, you couldn't exactly call it a massive launch when just four states got those clearer phone calls. The situation is much better as 2014 draws to a close, though. The carrier has switched on VoLTE (aka HD Voice) in both the District of Columbia as well as certain areas in 13 other states, ranging from Washington to Texas. The company isn't saying just which cities are getting the improved service, but it's a big step forward for a fledgling technology -- if you subscribe to AT&T, you're now that much more likely to have a pristine-sounding conversation. Now if only American providers could get their LTE calls crossing networks. [Image credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew]
AT&T and Verizon want your LTE calls to cross networks
As nice as it is that the big US carriers are starting to roll out high-quality calls over LTE, there's a big catch: those calls don't cross networks, so you're frequently stuck with regular voice service. Happily, that's going to change soon. AT&T and Verizon have revealed plans to make voice over LTE work between their systems in 2015. If all goes well, you'll get pristine-sounding conversations when you reach a Verizon customer from your AT&T phone (and vice versa).
AT&T, Verizon agree to VoLTE interoperability in 2015
One of the big features touted for the future of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus is support for Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Phone calls made over VoLTE are expected to not only have superior call quality, but some future capabilities like video phone calls and rich messaging depend on the technology. There's only one problem -- in the few markets where VoLTE is enabled at this time, users are only able to make phone calls to other individuals on the same carrier's network. Today, AT&T and Verizon pledged to allow interoperability of their VoLTE networks, making it possible for users to make VoLTE calls between the two networks. Verizon's CTO, Tony Melone, said that the company will seek similar arrangements with other carriers as they begin VoLTE deployments. AT&T has started VoLTE deployments in selected markets, while Verizon's Advanced Calling 1.0 rolled out nationwide in the US in September. Verizon users need to add the services to their account through the carrier's website, while VoLTE is immediately available to AT&T customers in supported markets. It's simple to enable VoLTE on an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus - just fire up Settings, then select Cellular > Enable LTE > Voice & Data. The interoperability between the AT&T and Verizon networks is expected to begin sometime in 2015, although the carriers did not say exactly when.
Verizon has activated voice over LTE support for the iPhone 6
When Verizon launched its "Advanced Calling 1.0" feature earlier this month (read: voice over LTE), it only worked with two phones: The Samsung Galaxy S5 and the LG G2. Now the company can add the iPhone to that list, well, at least the iPhone 6. Verizon customers who upgraded to Cupertino's latest handset are reporting that VoLTE is working on both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. A user on the MacRumors forum said he had to activate the feature in his phone's cellular menu first, but afterwards was able to make calls freely. It's also notable that he called a landline -- previously, the feature was only said to work between compatible Verizon phones. Is it working for you? Fire up your new handset (if you're into that brand), and let us know in the comments.
Will you be able to use the new VoLTE service on your new iPhone 6?
VoLTE is coming to Apple iPhones for the first time with the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus -- maybe not right away, but the service will roll out as time passes. VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE, and it brings together voice and data together in the same spectrum. For Verizon subscribers it means that voice and data connections can finally work at the same time on an iPhone. It also increases the quality of voice service, providing something the marketing people call "HD Voice". For VoLTE to work between two mobile phones, both phones must be on the service. If one phones loses the VoLTE signal, the call automatically switches to the default older network. VoLTE sounds great, but the rollout of these services is not going to happen instantly. Here's a thumbnail description of where each U.S. carrier currently stands: AT&T is putting VoLTE into the field, but so far it is only available in a few places -- parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. Verizon is way ahead here, with VoLTE service quickly coming everywhere Verizon that has LTE capability. T-Mobile also plans a nationwide rollout, and they say they are working with Apple on getting everything up and running. Sprint has been publicly quiet about its plans, but persistent leaks say it will offer VoLTE sometime next year. There's no benefit to VoLTE for current (pre-6) iPhones except one: as more phones switch to the VoLTE technology, the older networks will get less crowded, theoretically giving you fewer dropped calls.
