CTIA 2011
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AT&T's Ralph de la Vega: LTE phones to be leaner, retain charge longer
Could this turn out to be a wireless case of the tortoise and the hare? According to Ralph de la Vega, that answer is a resounding yes. In his keynote address at CTIA, the AT&T Mobility CEO announced plans to bring a line of thinner, less power-intensive smartphones to its recently launched, true 4G network. How's that possible? Utilizing a technology described as "circuit switch fallback," phones running on the operator's network will make use of a single radio to ride along the LTE waves, and default to a "circuit switch-based 3G" signal when out of range. If these claims pan out, it'd give the slow-to-market, second place operator a leg up on industry rivals Verizon and Sprint, which incorporate separately powered 3G / 4G radios in their next-gen handsets. We'll know whether or not to call de la Vega's bluff later this year when the first batch of LTE phones are destined for consumer release. Until then, it's just executive grandstanding at its best. Handsets or it didn't happen, Ralph.
Samsung Stratosphere for Verizon hands-on at CTIA E&A 2011 (video)
The selection of devices to show off in the Samsung booth at this year's CTIA Enterprise & Applications is a bit meager when compared to previous shows, but we hunted down a pearl: the Samsung Stratosphere. The newest addition to Verizon's LTE lineup is also by far the most unique of the bunch, simply due to its physical QWERTY slide-out keyboard. In fact, you're apt to find a hefty number of similarities between the Stratosphere and last year's Epic 4G, as both devices come with 4-inch Super AMOLED displays, 1GHz Hummingbird single-core CPUs and 5MP rear cameras, though the former brandishes a nicer 1.3MP front-facing cam and comes with Android 2.3.4 installed. Verizon's little beauty is priced smugly between the Pantech Breakout and LG Revolution at a cool $150 with a two-year commitment, and will be available on October 13th. Check out our full hands-on gallery and video below. %Gallery-136311%
Samsung and Google postpone Ice Cream Sandwich and Galaxy Nexus
Color us a disappointed shade of blue, but it appears that Samsung and Google have decided not to launch the Galaxy Nexus (or Nexus Prime, or whatever it's called) and Ice Cream Sandwich at their October 11th Unpacked event. The two companies sent out a joint announcement reading: Samsung and Google decide to postpone the new product announcement at CTIA Fall. We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced.The press event on the 11th was expected to be not only the debut for the successor to the Nexus S, but our first good look at the next version of Android. For whatever reason the companies have decided to delay that launch. But, if Eric Schmidt is true to his word, we shouldn't have to wait too much longer... he did promise us that it would launch by November. We'll let you know as soon as we get a new date to expect "something big."Update: A Samsung spokesperson issued a follow up statement to CNET, confirming speculation that the reveal was postponed out of respect, following the passing of Steve Jobs. "We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs's passing," the spokesperson explained.
Samsung teases next week's 'Unpacked,' offers a momentary glance at a mysterious device
See that image above? It's Samsung's way of being sly. The company put out a teaser video for its "Google Episode" of Unpacked occurring on October 11th (we'll be there live, by the way), stating that "something BIG is coming." And if you're not looking close enough, you may completely miss the brief glimpse it gave us of a device with a curved screen. The vid doesn't go so far as to loudly exclaim that this mystery device is the Nexus Prime, of course, but c'mon -- we're picking up what Sammy's putting down. Check out the video below to do some sleuthing of your own. Update: Samsung amended the end of the video to add the words "Ahead of the curve." Discuss. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung announces latest Unpacked event, set to kick-off at CTIA
Remember those Samsung Unpacked events from earlier this month and way back in February? Well Sammy is apparently readying something else for the upcoming CTIA, and we've tentatively circled October 11th in our diaries. There's nothing concrete yet on precisely what the Korean manufacturer will be offering up to the masses, though we've seen previous events cover smartphones, cameras and even tablets all in one fell swoop. Might the next Google phone -- heavily rumored to be a Samsung baby-- be "primed" for launch? [Thanks Oguz]
CTIA 2011 wrap-up: EVO 3D, G2x, skinny new Galaxy Tabs, and more
We just got home from this little massive US mobile industry event you may have heard about called CTIA Wireless. It took place in Orlando this year (instead of Las Vegas as usual) and we can definitely say that Sprint was the star of the show with its HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO View 4G, and Google Voice integration. Samsung also delivered some goodies with the Galaxy Tab 8.9, a redesigned Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Google Nexus S 4G for Sprint, and the Android-powered Sidekick 4G for T-Mobile. LG re-badged the Optimus 2x as the G2x on T-Mobile, and the Optimus 3D as the Thrill on AT&T. The HTC HD7 made a comeback as the Super LCD-equipped HD7S on AT&T, and Nokia gave us the Astound, nee C7, for T-Mobile. Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg -- so if you missed the action this past week, we've got you covered with all the nitty gritty in the links below. Major news / product releases: AT&T agrees to buy T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom for $39 billion Google Nexus S 4G with WiMAX announced for Sprint: coming this spring for $200 Sprint, Google Voice getting tight integration, will let you use your number without porting it AT&T launches HTC HD7S with WP7 and LG's 3D-enabled Thrill 4G Android phone Sprint's BlackBerry 4G PlayBook portal goes live, still on track for a summer release LG's T-Mobile G2x announced, available 'later this spring' (update: preloaded with Tegra Zone) T-Mobile's LG G-Slate priced at $529.99 with a two-year contract HTC EVO 3D officially announced for Sprint Sprint makes EVO View 4G tablet official: 1.5GHz, WiMAX, 7-inch screen, and a stylus to boot LG gets official with WCP-700 Wireless Charging Pad, fails to provide pricing Samsung's CTIA press conference posted online, skinny new Galaxy Tabs shown off (video) Hands-on / previews: Nokia Astound for T-Mobile coming April 6th for $80 (hands-on with video) Sony Ericsson Xperia Play for Verizon hands-on (video) T-Mobile Sidekick 4G by Samsung priced at $99.99 with a two-year contract, we go hands-on Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and new Galaxy Tab 10.1 hands-on: thinner than the iPad 2, dual-core power, TouchWiz 4.0 T-Mobile G2x from LG hands-on (video) HTC EVO 3D vs. EVO 4G... fight! HTC EVO 3D first hands-on! (video) Sprint's HTC EVO View 4G hands-on (video) HTC HD7S hands-on AT&T's LG Thrill 4G hands-on (video) T-Mobile G-Slate bundled apps tour (video) Cricket teases CDMA-only Samsung Indulge, Huawei Ascend 2 at CTIA (hands-on) T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot hands-on Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video) ZTE's Style S and LTE tablet coming to the US during the second half of the year Kyocera pictures a world of deeply understanding phones Google Nexus S 4G for Sprint hands-on (video) Google Voice for Sprint hands-on (video) Samsung's original Galaxy Tab 10.1 renamed the Tab 10.1V, thicker Galaxy Tab 8.9 no more than a trade show dummy Everything else: LG's T-Mobile G2x spied at CTIA Cobra Tag Bluetooth key tagging system to ship in July, iRadar and PhoneLynx coming to Android Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 specs and Honeycomb UI tweaks leak out before its official launch EVO 3D specs confirmed: 1080p 2D video, 720p 3D, dual cameras, 1.2GHz dual-core CPU HTC EVO 3D and EVO View 4G tablet spotted -- on Sprint's website, where else? Live from CTIA's day one keynote with FCC chairman Julius Genachowski Live from Samsung's CTIA event! Live from Sprint's CTIA event! Verizon says 4G LTE network will cover 'at least' 147 US cities by the end of 2011 HTC's WiFi-only Flyer launching exclusively with Best Buy 'this spring' Kyocera launches developer program for dual-screen Echo smartphone Best Buy signs up for LightSquared's wholesale LTE service Femto Forum publishes API specification for femtocell apps, places focus on 'awareness information' Blio e-reading software still alive, will come preloaded on T-Mobile Android devices Samsung's original Galaxy Tab 10.1 renamed the Tab 10.1V, thicker Galaxy Tab 8.9 no more than a trade show dummy And if that's still not enough, be sure to listen to our CTIA 2011 podcast and take a look at our CTIA 2011 page right here.
Samsung's CTIA press conference posted online, skinny new Galaxy Tabs shown off (video)
We were there, talking you through the entire thing in our liveblog, but if you want a more personal taste of what Samsung's CTIA Wireless 2011 keynote was like, the company's thoughtfully put it up on YouTube for general consumption. It features the introduction of the audacious new Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 models, both ever so slightly thinner than Apple's iPad 2, with the latter also claiming the title of being "the thinnest and lightest large-screen tablet in the industry." You can see it above, right alongside the Galaxy S II, which is in itself one of the skinniest smartphones you can hope to buy. Make your way past the break for the full presentation.
Google Voice for Sprint hands-on (video)
Remember that Google Voice integration for Sprint we mentioned recently? Today at CTIA we got to see it in action, and it promises to take us one step closer to our robot overlords -- well, those of us who are Sprint customers, anyway. The most exciting feature is that the integration works with almost any Sprint number and device, and is not limited to just smartphones or the newly minted Nexus S 4G. Basically, you can pick your Sprint number or your Google Voice number to be your mobile number, and switch between them if necessary. Either way, this is the number that appears on other people's phones when you call them, and you still benefit from all the Google Voice perks. See it for yourself in our video after the break.
Google Nexus S 4G for Sprint hands-on (video)
We finally got our hands on the elusive Samsung Nexus S 4G for Sprint at CTIA here today and it's pretty much what you'd expect: a Nexus S with its GSM / HSPA radio swapped for a set of Sprint-compatible CDMA / EV-DO and WiMAX radios. While the Nexus S 4G lacks a SIM slot, it's actually 0.3mm thicker than the Nexus S -- that's the thickness of a business card, and is meaningless for all practical purposes. The phone also features a 4G signal indicator in the status bar, along with a 4G sub-menu in the wireless settings. Our demo unit was running Android 2.3.4 (!) -- a version we have not yet come across -- but we were told that neither the hardware nor the software are final at this point. So don't be surprised if the production model receives a few tweaks before launch. Perhaps a Sprint logo? Enjoy the gallery below, and hop past the break for our hands-on video. %Gallery-119694%
Blio e-reading software still alive, will come preloaded on T-Mobile Android devices
Remember Blio? Yes, our memories of this colorful ebook-reading software are starting to fade too, but now T-Mobile's about ready to yank it from the shadows of obscurity with a newly announced partnership. Content provider Baker & Taylor will be responsible for installing the Blio Android app on "select future products from T-Mobile USA" and populating it with compelling content. The Blio store has grown to now encompass a healthy three million titles, both free and paid, and should you have the Windows version of its software, you'll get the sweet automation of having it sync with your mobile device as well. To get your reading started nice and early, jump past the break for the full press release.
Femto Forum publishes API specification for femtocell apps, places focus on 'awareness information'
As if the world needed one more association to keep up with, CTIA Wireless 2011 is delivering just that. The Femto Forum, which has done an excellent job remaining undercover of late, has just published an "industry-wide agreed set of API specifications" that will enable "advanced mobile applications based on femtocell technology." Truth be told, the first apps based on the specifications have already been built, and their currently available to the femtocell community. The specifications are for network-based APIs, which will purportedly "allow operators to drive the development of femtocell-powered open access, enterprise and consumer applications," and it'll also provide awareness information in order to allow developers the opportunity to incorporate enhanced presence, context and location-sensitive features into new and existing apps. Granted, we'd care a lot more about those location-based apps if we could drag our 3G MicroCell to Panama to use it to make free calls whilst on vacation, but hey -- maybe that's the next logical step. Not that we're much for passing along hints or anything.
Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video)
We chatted with a fascinating French startup by the name of Wysips here at CTIA today that's showing off transparent photovoltaic film -- in other words, it generates power from light... and you can see right through it. It's the only such film in the world, apparently -- and though you can probably imagine a host of possible applications for something like that, turning the entire surface of a touchscreen smartphone into a self-sufficient, solar-powered beast is clearly high on the list. Read all about it after the break! %Gallery-119600%
Best Buy signs up for LightSquared's wholesale LTE service
First it was Cricket Wireless, and now another piece of LightSquared's puzzle has fallen into place -- it's just announced at CTIA that Best Buy has signed on as a wholesale customer for the yet-to-be-launched LTE network. Details on the agreement are still pretty light, as you might expect, but Best Buy will apparently use the network to bolster its Best Buy Connect wireless service, which currently relies on Sprint and Clearwire's 3G and 4G networks. Exactly when that will happen isn't clear, unfortunately, but LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja says the first trials are expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.
Kyocera launches developer program for dual-screen Echo smartphone
Kyocera promised that an SDK for its dual-screen Echo smartphone would be coming soon when it announced it last month, and it's now delivered that and more. It's just kicked off a full-fledged Android Developer Program for the phone, which will give developers access to Kyocera's support team, additional promotion and co-marketing opportunities for their apps, and even loaner units, although it's not clear exactly who's eligible for the latter. Those interested in taking part can download the SDK and contact Kyocera for additional information at the link below.
T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot hands-on
We were wandering the show floor at CTIA like a pack of hungry wolves when we came across the T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot which we'd discovered a while back and which was officially announced yesterday. The ZTE-sourced device is T-Mobile's first ever mobile hotspot, and features an AWS-compatible HSPA+ radio capable of speeds up to 21Mbps. Sadly, the unit we handled was missing a SIM and we were politely asked not to insert our own, so we just snapped some pictures. Until we find out more about pricing and availability, feast your eyes on our gallery below.
Cricket teases CDMA-only Samsung Indulge, Huawei Ascend 2 at CTIA (hands-on)
Regional carrier Cricket surprised at CTIA today by showing off a couple new units that aren't out yet -- but they're in the pipeline for the second quarter, which the company points out is coming "very soon." First up is the Huawei Ascend 2, which -- you guessed it -- would be the follow-on to the original Ascend that the company launched last year. The display's still HVGA; WVGA obviously would've been nice, but Cricket is promising to launch it at the same sub-$150 price point as the first model and it's got a 5 megapixel camera around back (up from 3.2 before). Next up, the Indulge is pretty much the same midrange QWERTY Android slider that already launched on MetroPCS, albeit with one big difference: this one has no LTE compatibility (Cricket has no live LTE network, after all). As with the Ascend 2, we would've preferred a WVGA display -- this one's just HVGA -- and the four physical buttons up front seem a bit out of style, but Cricket's still in a position where any new Android hardware is a very good thing. Look for it to launch for under $350 -- off contract, of course. %Gallery-119546%
Cobra iRadar detection system for Android hands-on
We'd mentioned Cobra was porting the iRadar app to Android a while back and had a chance to actually have a peek at Showstoppers last night. Like its iPhone cousin, the iRadar system ships with a simple radar detector and an app for your set. Pricing is set at $129 for this kit and it is apparently shipping as of April 4th. So If you enjoy speeding and want a little help getting that done, the following video tour and gallery are for you.
HTC's WiFi-only Flyer launching exclusively with Best Buy 'this spring'
Now that it's received its big US debut courtesy of Sprint and under the name EVO View 4G, HTC's Flyer tablet is free to, um, fly under the radar with a WiFi version this spring, exclusively through Best Buy. Specs on the Flyer are somewhat atypical for the current crop of Android tablets, as it opts for Gingerbread instead of Honeycomb and a 1.5GHz Qualcomm chip intead of the popular Tegra 2 dual-core solution. That, and it's a 7-inch tablet with a capacitive stylus and an aluminum unibody shell. Notably, this WiFi-centric variant looks set to beat the WiMAX-capable EVO View (which Sprint expects in the summer) to market, so we'll be keeping a very curious eye on pricing as and when it is announced. For now, we have a retailer and a rapidly dwindling release window. Oh, and a press release, which you'll find just past the break, augmented with a neat little promo video. [Thanks, Michael]
T-Mobile G-Slate bundled apps tour (video)
The G-Slate from LG (aka Optimus Pad) was on display at T-Mobile's booth here at CTIA, so we spent a few minutes investigating the apps the carrier is bundling with the 8.9" Honeycomb tablet at launch, namely Need for Speed Shift, T-Mobile TV, and Zinio eReader. Interestingly, the same three apps are also pre-installed on T-Mobile's other dual-core LG device du jour, the tantalizing G2x. Check out the tour in our video after the break.
AT&T's LG Thrill 4G hands-on (video)
AT&T showed off a new 3D set today, the LG Thrill 4G -- also known as the LG Optimus 3D -- and as we've seen before, the 3D glasses-free display is quite fun. The final device design and Android 2.2 software were not final -- so this could all change by the time it launches in the next couple months -- but it will ship with 2.2 and not the Gingerbread we're seeing so much of lately. With Sprint's launch of the EVO 3D just a couple hours ago, we're thinking 3D in handsets may not be a passing trend. The video samples seen during the demo -- which, sadly, you'll not be able to enjoy in all their three-dimensional glory -- are a pretty convincing argument for just how impressive this tech has gotten in such a short time. Enjoy the goods. %Gallery-119531%
