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Vodafone Smart touts beauty over brains, despite its name (video)
If the HTC Sensation is beyond your grasp, Vodafone is introducing the Smart to its prepaid lineup, which is a relatively dense Android handset from Huawei that's geared toward first-time users. While the 528MHz Qualcomm processor and 2.8-inch QVGA display aren't exactly awe-inspiring, the mobile giant is looking to differentiate its newcomer by adding swappable covers to the mix. The Smart will debut in black and white varieties, but Vodafone will follow with an array of color-coordinated options -- along with a website to design your own custom styles. If dressing your phone to the changing seasons is the best news you've heard all day, the European rollout will begin by early summer for around €90. Jump the break for some intelligent PR, along with a video of the model in action.
Virgin Mobile announces new Broadband2Go plan, doles out 500MB for $20
Having an exclusive plan all to yourself deserves bragging rights -- just ask Virgin Mobile's ZTE Peel. When introduced last month, the Peel came with a brand-new monthly option that offered 500MB of data for $20, earning the envy of its broadband brethren. Starting today, Virgin Mobile is changing course to offer this plan on the network's other Broadband2Go devices, the Ovation MC 760 USB and MiFi 2200. What's a bit puzzling here is that this new plan will be simultaneously offered next to Walmart's deal -- which doubles the capacity to 1GB for the same monthly fee. Confused? Us too. Anyway, if you're still interested, look for the new plan to go live at 10 AM ET.
T-Mobile baking fresh prepaid plans May 22, adds more 4G data for flavor
Consumers are flocking to prepaid about as fast as children to an ice cream truck, and T-Mobile is welcoming them with open arms. Pushing out a competitive and timely response to Verizon's Unleashed plans is vital -- especially given T-Mobile's paltry first-quarter results -- and the company will be ready to match wits with the country's number-one carrier on May 22. The official site is already saying as much, proclaiming to its prepaid customers that their monthly packages will become even tastier at that time. What it's missing, though, is a name, and TmoNews has uncovered evidence suggesting 'T-Mobile Monthly 4G' will be the re-branded title. So what will these new enhancements bring to customers? Monthly rates will stay exactly the same as before, with additional 4G data supplying an extra oomph to the offerings. The top-of-the-line plan goes for $70 and will offer unlimited minutes, text, and web (a jump up from the 2GB currently in use); the $50 choice is identical in minutes and text, but will only allow 100MB before data gets throttled. This idea of cutting down internet use is a definite upgrade to the current plan, since at present time it gives out the same 100MB but cuts data use completely off as soon as that point is reached. We're also noticing that international and BlackBerry services are available a la carte for an extra $10, as well as a noteworthy day pass that bestows 24 hours of unlimited 4G data for $1.49. Color us impressed; all of the latest revamps to T-Mobile's prepaid options are a refreshing contrast to its competitors mandating more and more restrictions to their monthly data plans.
HP launches DataPass to sell prepaid 3G data plans, service piggybacks on Sprint's network
It looks like HP is getting into the prepaid data game. The company just announced DataPass, a solution that lets you purchase 3G service from your laptop. The service is HP-branded, and that isn't just marketing hype -- the company bought wholesale spectrum data from Sprint and is setting its own prices, effectively turning the PC maker into an MVNO. The no-contract plans start at $5 for a modest 75MB, which HP says is enough for about five hours of use, and stretch up to $30 for 1GB. Look for it as an option across the company's lineup of business notebooks with the Qualcomm Gobi un2400 radio module.
Clearwire ditches Rover pre-paid WiMAX service
It's been less than a year since it went live, but Clearwire has now officially dropped its Rover pre-paid WiMAX service, saying that it was simply a way to "test some new pay-as-you-go pricing options and was offered on a limited retail basis in a couple markets." As you may recall, the brand offered just two products -- the Rover Puck WiFi hotspot and a USB stick -- and it gave customers the ability to purchase 4G WiMAX service on a daily, weekly or monthly basis starting at just $5 a day. As a Clearwire spokesperson explains to FierceWireless, however, the company is not giving up on pre-paid options altogether, and says that it's own new no-contract plans "should meet the needs of most of the Rover customer base."
Verizon Unleashed open for business, $50 unlimited prepaid plans are go
The final frontier of wireless competition turns out to be...prepaid? It appears that way, now that Verizon has officially launched its Unleashed prepaid service plans to give smaller rivals Boost and MetroPCS a run for their money. Our screenshots of the pricing plans were spot-on; a new Unleashed site confirms rumors that the nation's largest carrier is offering all-you-can-eat talk, text and data for exactly $50 per month as well as the same daily options from the earlier leaks. The unlimited plan happily sweetens the deal even more by including international texts to Canada and Mexico. There's only one thing preventing this plan from attaining pure bliss: the unlimited data is geared toward WAP-based feature phones, so it won't provide the full browsing experience normally found on a smartphone. If this alone isn't enough to entice you, the handsets are affordably priced, ranging from $40 for the LG Accolade up to $100 for the LG Cosmos.
More Verizon Unleashed phones popping up, pricing confirmed
This morning's 'Unleashed' tipster has let loose a few more branded phone snapshots from his local Best Buy, further confirming Verizon's new contract free $50 unlimited talk, text, and mobile web plan. These new shots show off the same price structure we saw leaked earlier this month, as well as two more handsets: an LG Accolade, and a Pantech Caper -- both priced at $79.99. This seems a bit steep for the Accolade, a run of the mill flip phone, as this morning's tip priced the more capable LG Cosmos featurephone at a mere $39.99. Take your grain of salt, and check out the gallery below. [Thanks, Anonymous] %Gallery-122115%
First Verizon Unleashed phone gets pictured, priced at Best Buy
When a screenshot of Verizon's new 'Unleashed' pricing plan surfaced, we held our breath to see if this contract-free $50 unlimited talk and text plan was in fact too good to be true. As it turns out, more evidence has been unearthed that lends credence to the rumor. A tipster snapped the above photo of the LG Cosmos donning Unleashed attire at a local Best Buy, and went out of their way to note that the phone was priced at $39.99. We like what we're seeing here; for a full messaging phone without commitment, this is definitely an aggressive price. No additional pricing details were leaked, but we're sure savvy international texters will notice that the packaging specifically promises the option of unlimited messaging to Mexico and Canada. If the 'Unleashed' phones are already making their way into Best Buy, this could very well mean an impending launch is coming sooner than we expected. We'll continue keeping you up-to-date as we hear more. [Thanks, Anonymous]
ZTE Peel 3200 joins Virgin Mobile's broadband bargain bin
If you own an iPod Touch, you know that finding a wifi hotspot in the outside world is more precious than gold. How much would it be worth to have such a treasure with you all of the time? Virgin Mobile thinks it's worth $100, the cost of the quietly-launched ZTE Peel 3200. If the name sounds familiar, that's because Sprint has been offering the 3G mobile-hotspot-in-a-case since November. The only difference between the two -- aside from the logos -- is the number that follows the dollar sign. Compared to Sprint's $80 offering, Virgin's model tragically demands a larger share of your wallet than its twin brother, and only offers one prepaid plan of 500 MB per month for $20. That's not too shabby if you're a casual user looking for a bargain, but it certainly isn't ideal for those of us data guzzlers who voraciously download every Engadget podcast. And we almost forgot the important part: the Peel will only fit on second and third-gen iPod Touch models, so take a quick glance at your device to make sure it's compatible before you click that "buy now" button. [Thanks, Eli]
US Cellular introduces Android to its prepaid realm, offers LG's Optimus U and Apex sans-contract
US Cellular's love of all things green and robotic is spreading to its prepaid lineup, with LG's Optimus U and Apex marking Android's entry to the carrier's paygo segment. At $199, the Optimus is a respected entry-level Froyo touchscreen phone, and is our pick of the two. LG's Apex sells for $249, though its full QWERTY keyboard comes at a sacrifice -- the slider is saddled with Eclair. Data plans are required for both devices, though we think you'll smile at their very competitive rates. Full PR after the break.
LG Thrive debuts as AT&T's first Android GoPhone, also available as the Phoenix for the committal-type
Those leery of long-term contracts may now join Android's ranks on AT&T, who keeping with their promise, began shipping the Thrive, its first smartphone in the prepaid column. As we'd reported earlier, this restyled Optimus One can be yours for $179.99, no strings attached. Those scraping pennies together can join the (relatively limited) data consumption at 10MB per month for $5... though we feel 100MB for $15, or 500MB at $25, are comparatively better deals. On a related note, the same phone -- this time known as the Phoenix -- is available in slate blue attire with AT&T's customary two-year commitment for $49.99. Though both phones ship with Froyo, we're hopeful to see a Gingerbread update in due time -- depending on Ma Bell's whim, of course.
T-Mobile blesses contract-averse with Rocket 4G modem and better data plans
If you're waiting impatiently for the ability hook your laptop in to T-Mobile's blazingly fast 42Mbps HSPA+ network, you are going to have hold tight just a little bit longer. But here's some good news to tide you over: the 21Mbps capable Rocket 4G USB stick is here, and available starting April 17th with new prepaid data plans for those who prefer not to chain themselves to a two-year contract. The $30, 30-day plan will jump from 300MB to 1GB, and the $50 plan will be bumped from 1GB to 3GB. It's not as flashy as the 4G Mobile Hotspot nor as fast as the 42Mbps Rocket 3.0, but it's priced at a reasonable $59.99 -- and controlling the destiny of your mobile broadband soul must be worth something.
Froyo-based LG Thrive becomes AT&T's first prepaid smartphone, ships April 17th alongside Phoenix
A G2x they ain't, but AT&T's newest duo from LG should certainly satisfy the cravings of less-demanding Android loyalists. Along with every other carrier in the world, Ma Bell has decided to pick up a couple of Optimus One variants, with the LG Thrive being christened as the operator's first prepaid (GoPhone) smartphone. Aside from a tweak in hue, the postpaid Phoenix is the exact same handset, with both offering a totally familiar 600MHz processor, 3.2-inch (480 x 320) touchpanel, Android 2.2, a 3.2 megapixel camera and unlimited WiFi usage on the entire national AT&T WiFi Hot Spot network. Those opting for a contract-free affair can select the Thrive for $179.99, while the dark blue Phoenix will run $49.99 and demand two years of your cellular soul. In related news, AT&T is introducing a new prepaid data package with the LG Thrive, offering 500 MB of data for $25, with the fully skinny detailed just after the break.
Sprint's Common Cents brand falls into the sofa cushions, replaced by Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk
It was some... curious timing. On May 6th of last year Sprint's new boy toy Virgin Mobile announced the Beyond Talk prepaid plan. Then, just a week later, Sprint launched its own, separate prepaid plan, Common Cents. Beyond Talk started at $25 a month for 300 minutes while Common Cents was $.07 per minute, all contact free. The latter of those two is now dying away, never catching on despite what must be said is a rather catchy name. Its users are being lumped into the Virgin payLo scheme, while Beyond Talk will take over the kiosks and marketing avenues currently occupied by Common Cents. There, with its rag-tag group of featurephones and data plans, it will continue the fight against the evil TracFone empire.
Leaked Verizon Unleashed pricing sheets detail $50 unlimited talk / text plans
Just in case you're still dissatisfied after taking a peek at one leaked Verizon screenshot today, well... here's numero dos. The folks at Droid-Life managed to get their paws on a couple of monochrome sheets that look more like VZW promotional material than anything else, and if Sprint's Simply Everything plan thought it had the whole market locked down, it might just have another thing coming. Best we can tell, the impending (?) 'Unleashed' pricing options will allow customers to choose a contract-free $50 / month unlimited calling and texting plan, with "Mobile Web" access thrown in as well for featurephones. 'Course, you'd have to pony up extra for legitimate data on a legitimate smartphone, but it's hardly a bad place to start -- particularly for those who are growing increasingly tired of locking themselves into two-year agreements. Hard to say if the carrier is planning to actually implement any of this, but why waste the intern's time mocking it up, right? [Thanks, Mio]
Samsung Galaxy Prevail launches on Boost Mobile for $179 (update: hands-on!)
Right on cue, Boost Mobile launched its first CDMA Android device today, the Samsung Galaxy Prevail. As we previously reported, this low-end smartphone features a 3.2-inch touchscreen, a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth and GPS. The Prevail runs Android 2.2 (Froyo), and comes preloaded with a slew of apps you may or may not have any interest in, including SCVNGR, Poynt, Twidroyd, Facebook, Hookt, ThinkFree Office, and YouTube. It's expected to be available in "late April" for $180 with a 2GB microSD card, which equates to a song when you consider how much a typical smartphone runs you off-contract. There's no word yet on details such as WiFi support, screen resolution and CPU type or speed, but we've got a hands-on of the unit coming right up. Until then, you'll find the press release after the break. Update: We were able to catch a bit of hands-on time with the Prevail down in NYC tonight, and it's safe to say that it feels lightweight in the hand, especially compared to the original Motorola Droid, which we happened to be carrying. It's reminiscent of another featherweight phone of yore: the HTC Droid Eris. Even after just a few minutes of poking around, we noticed a pinch of lag in the touchscreen operation. There were times when it responded smoothly to swipes and taps, and other times the screen stuttered as we tried to flick through webpages. Even the pre-loaded Swype keyboard felt more cumbersome to use than it has on other phones, registering nothing as we drew imaginary lines between the letters. Then again, this is a low-end smartphone that comes with dirt-cheap data and a no-strings-attached attitude. Update 2: While there's strangely no mention of it in the press release, we've confirmed that the Prevail supports WiFi. [Thanks, Stephen] Dana Wollman contributed to this report. %Gallery-120497%
Galaxy Prevail leaked along with other Boost and Virgin Mobile updates
A few hours ago -- mere days before a joint Samsung and Boost Mobile event scheduled April 5th in New York City -- we received a 19-page document from Sprint's Prepaid Group outlining the updates and devices coming to Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile this month. The piece de resistance in this document is the Galaxy Prevail, a Samsung phone that's been rumored for a couple weeks now. Details are scarce, but spec-wise it looks like a low-end Android smartphone with a 3.2-inch touchscreen and a 2 megapixel camera. As such, it's similar to the Galaxy Gio, but with a CDMA radio and a downgraded shooter. The Galaxy Prevail will be Boost Mobile's first CDMA Android smartphone and will be priced at $180. Boost Mobile will also begin volume sales of the Samsung Factor, a simple clamshell phone costing $50, and will offer new international flat-rate packages starting April 11th. The document also highlights a couple of devices for Virgin Mobile that are already available from parent company Sprint: the Samsung Restore, a QWERTY slider that will sell for $80, and the ZTE Peel 3200, an iPod touch case with built-in 3G hotspot that will retail for $100. We don't have any details on availability other than "April", but you can take a look at the leaked document in our gallery below. %Gallery-120277% [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Prepaid iPhone in the works? Tim Cook's comments paraphrased and interpreted
Apple's Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook, recently spoke with Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi about Apple's possible plans to introduce cheaper or prepaid iPhones. While Sacconaghi didn't give any exact quotes, he paraphrased a few of Cook's thoughts. "Tim stopped short of explicitly stating that Apple would pursue a lower price iPhone," Sacconaghi said, but Cook said Apple is "working hard to 'figure out' the prepaid market." According to Sacconaghi, Cook and Apple want to dispel the impression that Apple's products are "just for the rich." Cook also called China "a classic prepaid market," which certainly indicates Apple is interested in pursuing that market. The use of prepaid SIM cards for iPhones isn't new in some parts of the world -- such deals are common in a number of countries in Europe -- but you do pay handsomely for the iPhone if you choose this route. Perhaps rumors about smaller iPhones aren't correct, and instead Apple will find a way to make a same-sized model with cheaper parts. Or perhaps earlier models will be sold on the prepaid market instead of, as in the past, with regular contracts. [via Engadget]
Apple's Tim Cook hints at cheaper iPhone, prepaid possibilities to come?
Apple COO Tim Cook got all buddy-buddy with Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi this week, talking about Apple's business strategy -- nothing out of the ordinary there -- but this morning, that analyst decided to publicly paraphrase an intriguing part of the interview. Guess what? It sounds like a cheaper iPhone may indeed be in the cards: While Tim stopped short of explicitly stating that Apple would pursue a lower price iPhone, he did state that Apple was working hard to "figure out" the prepaid market and that Apple didn't want its products to be "just for the rich," but "for everyone"; he also stated that Apple "understood price is big factor in the prepaid market" and that the company was "not ceding any market." Cook noted that Apple executives – including himself – had spent "huge energy" in China, noting that it is "a classic prepaid market." He further noted that the handset distribution model was poorly constructed and that Apple would look to "innovate" and do "clever" things in addressing that market.As you can see, there aren't any statements of fact here, just some general strategy ideas, but if Apple indeed plans to put an iPhone in every pot, it would be helpful if it didn't have to rely on the carrier subsidy model.
Nokia 1616 coming to T-Mobile USA prepaid?
Now, we know what you're thinking: "this FCC filing is probably just for the preexisting Nokia 1616 that's already launched on T-Mobile UK." Actually, what you're really thinking is "I couldn't possibly care less what this is." Be that as it may, we have reason to believe that Espoo's ultra low-end candybar -- announced late last year -- is on its way to T-Mobile USA this time featuring a 2G-only radio and... well, little else. The cheapest prepaid phone presently in Big Magenta's lineup is $30, so if they could bring this in at, say, $15 or $20, they'd set a new bar. Considering the specs (or lack thereof), that price point seems totally doable.
