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T-Mobile reprimanded for false advertising by industry watchdog (update: T-Mobile responds)
Apparently AT&T isn't the only one thinking that T-Mobile's Uncarrier advertising campaign might be a touch too aggressive. The National Advertising Division, which is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, has put out a statement scolding the magenta carrier for "flawed" advertising claims against its GSM rival. It takes particular issue with the assertion that T-Mobile offers 50 percent more bandwidth than AT&T because it only compares HSPA networks and doesn't take into account the latter's ever-increasing LTE grid. The NAD goes on to conclude that there's "insufficient evidence that AT&T's combined network, including LTE is more (sic) likely to be slowed by congestion than T-Mobile's," suggesting that T-Mobile halt all pronouncements otherwise. If it wishes to continue those claims, the NAD says it should outline the conditions where they would occur, such as the situations, locations or type of phones required to have an advantage. Further, the NAD recommends that claims such as "most advanced technology" and "faster 4G service" should be discontinued or modified as well as the use of its 4G / 4G LTE coverage maps. It also said that T-Mobile's call quality claim was overly broad. T-Mobile has responded to NAD, stating that it believes it's already communicating its message well, but will take the suggestions into consideration. John Legere, T-Mobile's outspoken CEO, has already taken to Twitter in defense of the company's bold marketing approach. We've reached out to T-Mobile for a statement and will update this post when we get it. Update: T-Mobile's Chief Marketing Officer, Mike Seivert has seen the NAD's recommendations for T-mo to make some minor modifications to its claims, and while they'll be taken under advisement, his company won't be changing its tune: NAD's findings are a validation of our marketing approach. In fact, today's NAD findings won't result in any substantial changes to our marketing claims. We will continue to spread the word about our coast to coast 4G coverage, superfast 4G network, and superior call clarity, along with our message of simple, no annual service contract plans, unlimited data and the best upgrade program, JUMP!
MetroPCS adds Lumia 521 and Optimus F3, covers 19 new cities
If you've been holding out for a new $40/month smartphone, you're in luck. We're not even three months separated from T-Mobile's MetroPCS acquisition and the value carrier is already reaping benefits from Ms. Magenta. The Bring-Your-Own-Phone carrier is getting its first Windows 8 Phone handset, the HSPA+ Nokia Lumia 521, and the Jelly Bean-running LG Optimus F3. Both phones feature 5MP cameras, July 26th street dates for select markets and attractive pricing -- the 521 is $99, while the F3 is $149. The news doesn't stop rolling there, either. Not only is the wireless provider's device lineup expanding, but its coverage area is too. Metro's availability is growing to 19 additional cities (listed after the break), including Washington, DC; Cleveland, Ohio and Fresno, California. Sadly, the embedded press releases don't mention the most important aspect of all: whether you can get the F3 in a Grimace-worthy hue.
The Weekly Roundup for 07.08.2013
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Sony Xperia Z for T-Mobile: what's different?
What can you say about a phone that's half a year old, already been reviewed and poised to launch virtually unchanged on T-Mobile's LTE network? Not much, it turns out. But in the event you've been eyeing the Xperia Z as a suitable smartphone replacement, we're here to help guide that purchase decision. Forget specs for a moment -- the most important thing you need to know about this Xperia Z is that it'll be available on T-Mobile July 17th for $99 with a two-year payment plan and it comes in purple (online-only). Otherwise, you're stuck with the default black option, which is still mighty fine to hold and look at, but color is always a welcome differentiator. Variety, people. Spice! %Gallery-193420%
White Nexus 4 now available in US Google Play Store and T-Mobile (video)
It's just a new hue for a seven-month-old phone, but there are still a few Nexus 4 enthusiasts who are ecstatic that a white version has finally been released. It officially launched two days ago in Hong Kong, but it's now hitting the US Google Play Store (with a free white bumper), as well as T-Mobile's website "for a limited time." If the $299 / $349 Play Store price is above your budget, the UnCarrier's financing plan will be your best option: it's offering the alabaster Android device for $20 down with 24 monthly payments of $17 (bringing the full retail cost to $428). If your country's Play Store isn't selling the new color yet, be patient -- its rollout over the rest of North America, Asia and Europe will continue over the next few weeks. Update: hit the break for our unboxing video, in case you missed it earlier this week.
Editor's Letter: Welcome to May
In each issue of Distro, editor-in-chief Tim Stevens publishes a wrap-up of the week in news. A bit of a lull this week ahead of what is shaping up to be an insane May -- and perhaps an even crazier June. We have events stacked three-deep at times, with industry ones like Google I/O, BlackBerry World, CTIA and SID Display Week looming along with private ones like Microsoft's next-generation Xbox unveiling. Next month? WWDC and the Electronic Entertainment Expo, just to name a few. Giddyup. This week, we got what should be the final dredges of first-quarter earnings, with Facebook reporting $1.46 billion in revenue. That's a 38 percent increase over this quarter last year and a healthy $312 million in profit. Daily active users are also up, from 526 million to 665 million and, perhaps most importantly, Facebook managed to increase the performance of its mobile ads. That will be the key to its long-term success.
The Daily Roundup for 05.01.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
PSA: Pick up your T-Mobile iPhone 5 today
It's really happening. Starting today, you'll be able to pick up an iPhone 5 with that Magenta hue. T-Mobile's offering the device both in retail and online, starting at $100 plus 24 monthly installments of 20 bucks. You can pick from either of the two monochrome extremes and if you're looking to spend a little less, you can also choose an iPhone 4S or 4 instead. Remember; you won't get the same subsidized pricing from Apple directly, so scroll through the options at the Uncarrier source and ensure that you're ready for that Coachella stream this weekend.
The Daily Roundup for 04.05.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
T-Mobile preorders for iPhone 5 kick off today
Ready to think pink? Scrappy fourth-place US cell carrier T-Mobile is eager to serve; the company's pre-order run for the iPhone 5 has launched today. Phones will ship to customers on April 12. Last week, Engadget confirmed that the T-Mobile model of the iPhone 5 -- which will be available unlocked from Apple -- carries the same A1428 model number as the current AT&T / GSM domestic model. There is a critical tweak, however, for the new carrier: the iPhone 5 now will support the 1700 MHz HSPA+/AWS uplink band, which will enable higher performance on T-Mobile's UMTS Band IV network. Older GSM iPhone 5 units cannot get this fix via software; it's a chip change. While this means that iPhone 5 and 4S handsets unlocked and moved from AT&T to T-Mobile can never get the highest performance on the UMTS bands, there's hope; the iPhone 5 LTE support for AWS will work just fine on T-Mobile. Now there's just the little question of building out that LTE network (see below). In contrast to the other three US cellphone carriers, T-Mobile has moved to overhaul the most-despised feature of a phone plan: the contract. New subscribers have the option of buying the iPhone outright (starting at US$579 for a 16 GB model) or a $99 / $199 / $299 immediate charge, just like the other carriers, followed by a payment plan of $20 a month for 24 months. At the end of that payback window, however, that $20 comes right off the top of your bill -- the phone is yours, so you don't have to keep paying for it. (Try asking for that deal with Verizon.) Of course, if you do decide to leave T-Mobile with the iPhone before the two-year window is up, you still owe the remaining balance of the purchase cost -- but you don't pay a separate early termination fee (ETF). Regarding 4G and LTE, T-Mobile's US network uses UMTS / HSPA+ "3.5 G" to achieve download speeds ranging up towards the 10 Mbit/sec threshold -- real-world performance may vary. That doesn't really compete with the observed or best-possible LTE performance on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint (yes, there are spots in NYC where you can get 40+ Mbit/sec download speeds). If you're in the mood for crazy-fast LTE wireless on T-Mobile, you have to wait. T-Mobile's LTE buildout is covering only seven cities so far, with more coming this summer and fall. Interestingly, the specs page for the iPhone 5 on T-Mobile's site only mentions GSM and UMTS (in the I and IV bands), with no discussion of LTE. That isn't a reflection of the actual hardware capabilities, but more likely a marketing consideration -- poor form to push LTE capability as a feature only available to a few customers. If you're considering a T-Mobile phone, check your coverage before you buy and let us know about your shopping experience! Theoretically, you can buy a T-Mobile iPhone 5 and use it with LTE on almost any carrier in the world, which should make globetrotters very happy. Updated to clarify that the phone purchase plans do carry an initial charge. [hat tip TechCrunch & Engadget]
The Daily Roundup for 03.26.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
T-Mobile handsets will remain network-locked, can be freed when the device is yours
At T-Mobile's UnCarrier event, there's been a lot of talk about how you, the customer, are no longer tied in. No contracts, no obligations, no restrictions, right? Turns out that new iPhone you've just paid $100 upfront for isn't so liberal, as the carrier has said any handsets you pick up will be locked to the T-Mobile network. There is a welcome caveat though: as long as you've paid the cost of the phone off, the Magenta mob will unlock it for you. That means if you're unhappy with whatever new plan you're on, you can take the phone elsewhere with a flat, one-time payment, or installments of your choice -- whether that's continuing on a monthly basis, or larger sums at an accelerated rate. Of course, if you just want out, you can always trade it back for a "fair" amount. Update: We spoke with Apple regarding specifics of the new hardware and the unlocking details, which can be found here.
Nokia Lumia 521 for T-Mobile given FCC approval
RM-917. It may not sound like much on the outside, but the model number and above picture correspond with the Nokia Lumia 521, T-Mobile's version of the lower-end Lumia 520 announced at MWC last month. We still don't have any details on when it'll show up on retail shelves, but it's at least made its way through one of the final barriers to entry: the FCC approval process. As you might expect, the docs are low on details, but the frequencies support 850 / AWS / 1900 HSPA+ / UMTS as well as quadband GSM / EDGE. To refresh your memory, the 520 will sport a 4-inch WVGA LCD panel, 512MB RAM, a 5MP camera, microSD storage and quite a few other respectable goodies. Head to the source if you're a sucker for numbers and acronyms.
T-Mobile's LTE ambitions get real: network expansion, the BlackBerry Z10 and an OTA update for the Galaxy Note II
AT&T's failed acquisition was the best thing to ever happen to T-Mobile. As a consequence of the failed merger, the fourth place wireless carrier received AWS spectrum in over 100 markets, a cash payout in the billions and an extensive roaming agreement with Ma Bell. All of which pushed the last place carrier into a stronger competitive standing. Now, as it nears the completion of a merger of its own devising with MetroPCS, the operator's gearing up to make good on its LTE promise. Starting today, an over-the-air update will begin rolling out to existing Galaxy Note II handsets that enables the previously dormant LTE radio. Which, if you've been keeping close tabs on Magenta's LTE plans, falls right on schedule with its previously announced 2013 deployment timeline.
T-Mobile HTC 8X gets Windows Phone 8 update packing text messaging and WiFi tweaks
T-Mobile and Microsoft have unleashed a new Windows Phone 8 update (version 8.0.10211.204, if you must know) to polish the OS for HTC 8X devices. Now, incoming calls can be replied to with pre-written texts and data usage can be kept to a minimum by preventing Internet Explorer from downloading images automatically. Text messaging has been spruced up as well, allowing multiple recipients to be added at the same time when sending a message, automatically saving unsent texts as drafts and letting users edit received messages before forwarding them. Redmond's OS will now learn from a user's WiFi connection history and prioritize which networks it connects to. If you've experienced some rebooting issues with your handset, it's likely that the unspecified grab bag of "other improvements" includes a few welcome bug fixes to smooth things over. There's no word on when the update will grace the 8X's brethren on other carriers, but if your smartphone happens to call the magenta network home, mosey on over to the "Phone Update" settings section to check for the fresh release.
T-Mobile improves '4G' coverage and signal strength in Chicago, SoCal and more
While many T-Mobile customers may be champing at the bit to get their hands on LTE, some might be content just to see faster HSPA+ speeds at all. Which is why we applaud the carrier's latest effort at spreading its "4G" joy to five new metros, notably to large swaths of Chicago and Southern California -- Sacramento, Fresno and Reno make up the rest. The speed boost is just one upgrade; other enhancements include improved signal strength and better coverage inside buildings. Along with earlier expansion efforts, this ratchets up the number of "enhanced networks" to 23 and around 100 million people, according to a blog post from Neville Ray, T-Mobile's CTO. He also promotes the push of unlocked AT&T devices to the land of magenta, which could be a not-so-subtle hint at the future. Check the source to see if your neighborhood made the list of updated areas.
T-Mobile drops 200MB smartphone data plan, 2GB now the new standard
T-Mobile silently killed off its $10 per month 200MB data plans, a leaked document reveals. A company spokesperson verified the news with Fierce Wireless. This decision is most likely due to the growing demand for mobile data as smartphone applications continue to evolve. Grandfathered customers will not be affected by this new policy, but will need to pay full price for a device and sign up for a "Value" plan when upgrading in order to maintain their existing service plan. T-Mobile now requires its smartphone customers to have a minimum data plan of 2GB or higher, which starts at $20 per month. While this change may make sense for most smartphone users, existing customers who are light on data and heavy on savings might have a different perspective when it's time to buy a new phone. Check out an extreme closeup of T-Mobile's document after the break.
Samsung will update US Galaxy S III devices to Jelly Bean 'in the coming months'
The about screen on your US Samsung Galaxy S III may look a lot like the one above in the near future (albeit in English). Samsung has officially announced its intention to make an upgrade to Jelly Bean available to stateside versions of the company's flagship, though it left out one very important detail: the actual date. Instead, all we know at this point is that an upgrade to Android 4.1 will be offered OTA and via Kies sometime in the coming months. Why so vague? It's likely because Samsung is now at the mercy of each individual carrier to finish testing the new version of Android on the GS3 before unleashing it to the public. The refresh will deliver some TouchWiz-based enhancements like Blocking Mode, Easy Mode and a few new camera settings, as well as the usual suite of Jelly Bean improvements like Google Now and expandable notifications. Head below to check out the press release, which offers a more detailed list of what to expect.
T-Mobile to kick off Isis Mobile Wallet pilot program on October 22nd according to leaked photo
Mr. Blurrycam has struck again, and this time he brings us a launch date for T-Mobile's Isis Mobile Wallet pilot program by way of TmoNews. According to the image (which you can catch after the break), the Isis app will arrive on Google Play come October 22nd for folks in Salt Lake City, Utah and Austin, Texas to take for a test drive. Another image reveals that those who activate their mobile wallet could snag $10, and an additional $15 if they convert their Isis Cash card into a reloadable prepaid card. Call one of the two cities home and can't wait to put the NFC payment solution through its paces? You'll need an Isis SIM card and a Samsung Galaxy S III, S II or Relay 4G to partake in the festivities. For those outside the lucky cities, there's still no word on when Isis will fully launch.
T-Mobile's holiday roadmap leaked: LG Optimus L9, HTC Windows Phone 8X spotted
According to a leaked roadmap on TMoNews, the magenta carrier appears to have a few tantalizing offerings coming its way this holiday season. A curious BlackBerry handheld dubbed the Armstrong, a color refresh of the Samsung Galaxy S II, a possibly Android-flavored Huawei Summit and the LG Optimus L9 are all slated to launch just on or before Halloween. Going into the next month, we see the HTC Windows Phone 8X making the pre-Thanksgiving cut with a potential debut of November 14th. Notably absent are the Samsung Galaxy Note II and the Nokia Lumia 810, but that doesn't mean they won't be there when December rolls around. Of course, this info didn't come through official channels, so we wouldn't bank on any of the handsets as holiday gifts just yet. Still, its nice to know they're coming, and you can get the full details on these and other devices at the source.
