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Verizon Edge early upgrade program officially unveiled, will begin August 25th
Quickly following AT&T's footsteps, Verizon Wireless is throwing its hat into the early upgrade ring with a few unique twists and turns of its own. The program, known as Edge, will offer you the ability to pay the full retail price of your phone on a month-to-month basis, with the cost spread out over 24 months (as opposed to AT&T Next's 20 month). However, you'll also be able to upgrade your phone via trade-in after the first six months, provided you have paid off at least half of your phone's total price. Unfortunately, also like Next, you won't see any change in how much the standard wireless plans cost, so while you're saving the upfront cost and switching phones more often, you're also paying a lot more per month for the privilege. We've got Verizon's blog post past the break if you're looking for more details.
US Cellular to reintroduce contracts for existing customer upgrades
Snagging a subsidized phone after completing a two-year contract with US Cellular has meant not having to ink another 24-month commitment, but it looks like that's about to change. We've gotten wind from an internal source that the firm will return to its old ways, requiring existing Belief Plan customers angling for discounted hardware to hitch their wagon to the carrier for an additional two trips around the sun. These changes aren't slated to take effect until July 27th, so we recommend pulling the trigger on that upgrade you've been eyeing before then. Update: We've just received a statement from US Cellular confirming the changes. Head past the break to read it in full. [Thanks, Anonymous]
AT&T introduces AT&T Next, yearly upgrade option for smartphone or tablet owners
Following in the footsteps of T-Mobile, AT&T announced today that it is adding an upgrade option for customers who want a new smartphone or tablet each year. The yearly upgrade plan is called AT&T Next and allows customers to buy a device with monthly installments. After 12 payments, customers can trade in the device and upgrade to a new one with a new installment plan. Customers can also cancel at any time and pay off the balance that is owed on a device. AT&T Next is available for any smartphone or tablet in AT&T's lineup, including the iPhone and iPad. Monthly pricing for these iOS devices were not announced, but AT&T did say the installment payments range from $15 to $50. AT&T Next will be available to new customers and upgrade-eligible customers starting July 26. It requires a credit check. You can read more about the new upgrade plan on AT&T's website. Show full PR text AT&T Customers Can Get a New Smartphone or Tablet Every Year With No Down Payment With "AT&T Next" No Down Payment, No Upgrade or Activation Fees, and All On The Nation’s Fastest 4G LTE Network AT&T 4G LTE Now Covers More than 225 Million People Today, AT&T* introduces what's next in wireless. Beginning nationwide on July 26, consumers can get a new AT&T smartphone or tablet every year with no down payment, no activation fee, no upgrade fee and no financing fees.** With AT&T Next, customers purchase a smartphone or tablet with no down payment and agree to pay monthly installments for the device. After 12 payments, they can trade it in and upgrade to a brand new device - again with no down payment - or they can keep using their device and have no more payments after 20 months. AT&T Next is available for new AT&T customers or existing customers who are upgrade eligible. "With AT&T Next, customers can get the newest smartphone or tablet every year with no down payment. That's hard to beat, and it's an incredible value for customers who want the latest and greatest every year," said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility. AT&T's 4G LTE network now covers more than 225 million people nationwide and 328 markets. AT&T's 4G LTE deployment is expected to cover 300 million people by year-end 2014, with nearly 90 percent of the build completed by the end of this year. The great performance of AT&T's network continues to be validated by independent third-party testing. AT&T 4G LTE service was recognized as having faster average download and upload speeds than any of our competitors in PCWorld/TechHive's most recent 20-market speed tests - the second consecutive year that AT&T has ranked first overall. PCWorld/TechHive also ranked AT&T's as the fastest combination of 3G and 4G services in the 20 cities it tested.*** And AT&T was named America's fastest 4G LTE network in PC Magazine's 2013 Fastest Mobile Networks 30-market study - and also swept the top rankings in all six U.S. regions from coast to coast: Northeast, Southeast, North-Central, South-Central, Northwest and Southwest.**** AT&T Next is available for any current smartphone or tablet in AT&T's industry-leading selection of devices. The interest-free monthly device installments range from $15 to $50, depending on the device selected. For example, a customer purchasing a Samsung Galaxy® S 4 would have no down payment and pay $32 per month, in addition to the monthly wireless service plan they choose, with the option to trade in their device and upgrade after 12 payments or to keep using the device and pay off the installment plan in full after 20 months. There's no penalty for paying off the installment plan early. AT&T offers a broad choice of device purchasing options. In addition to AT&T Next, customers continue to have their choice of all current options, including getting a discounted device with a two-year service commitment; paying full retail price for a device with no-commitment; getting a partial discount for an early upgrade after six months with a two-year service commitment; or bringing their own compatible device. More information is available at www.att.com/next or at any AT&T retail store.
AT&T Next to offer yearly upgrades as part of new monthly installment plan
Could it be that T-Mobile's efforts aren't going unnoticed in the wireless community after all? Less than a week after John Legere unveiled Jump -- and just hours after we heard rumors about Verizon's forthcoming upgrade program -- AT&T has taken the wraps off of AT&T Next, an upgrade program that begins on July 26th. Next takes some elements of Jump and the UnCarrier's monthly installment model and adds its own spice to it. So here's how it works: instead of paying for a subsidized phone or tablet and agreeing to a two-year contract, the retail price of the device gets split up into twenty separate monthly payments that get added to your standard bill (so yes, it's still technically a financial commitment -- just done in a different manner). You can pay off the phone faster, if you prefer, or just stick out the 20-month period. As an example, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 will cost you $32 a month on top of your standard wireless plan. While that doesn't sound like a bedazzling option, AT&T is hoping to sweeten the deal by letting Next customers trade in their current handset or slab after the first year of use and swap it out for a fresh model. This won't cost you anything up front, but it resets your monthly payment plan back to month zero. We asked AT&T if these plans will come with any other hidden restrictions or if certain features will be shunned in favor of the traditional contract, and we were assured that they would remain the same across the board; we even confirmed that grandfathered unlimited data plans are still allowed on Next. As for other matters of fine print, all tablets and phones (including the iPhone) are available through the program, and you won't have to worry about upgrade or activation fees, though the standard credit check applies. Small business customers won't be able to take advantage of Next at the time of launch, but AT&T tells us that it's coming and we'll have it by the end of the year. It also appears likely that this isn't meant to be an eventual replacement to the existing two-year contract option. Your move, Verizon.
Verizon leak shows VZ Edge upgrade program: trade your phone in once you've paid off half of it
T-Mobile's been grabbing a lot of headlines lately with its consumer-friendly handset deals and upgrade programs, but it appears that Big Red has similar ideas. The folks at Droid Life have acquired a Verizon document detailing a new VZ Edge program that'll allow folks to trade in their phones once they've paid off 50 percent of the purchase price. To join the program, Verizon will merely require a monthly fee of unknown amount, and in return, folks can get their upgrades early fee free and sans contract. When will customers get the option to do so? According to the doc, launch is scheduled for Q3, August 25th, to be exact. So, if Verizon can stick to its schedule, its customers are just under six weeks away from being free from the tyranny of the new every two upgrade cycle.
LG Optimus G Pro Value Pack now rolling out to AT&T subscribers (video)
American LG Optimus G Pro owners no longer have to look on with envy as their Korean friends take advantage of the Value Pack: the update is now available to AT&T subscribers over the air. As in other countries, the upgrade brings Smart Video to pause playback when looking away, a Dual Camera mode for photo shoots and Pause & Resume Recording for Vine-like video cuts. LG has also upgraded the Quick Remote for better Smart TV control, added emoticons to its messaging apps and opened up customization of the home button's LED alerts. The Value Pack isn't the same as getting a G2, but it will help the G Pro keep up with the Joneses.
Sony starts upgrading Xperia Z to Android 4.2.2
We dinged Sony for shipping the Xperia Z with an old version of Android, but the company is catching up today by posting an upgrade to Android 4.2.2. Most owners receiving the update are carrying unbranded HSPA+ and LTE models at this stage, although there are reports of at least a few carrier-specific phone variants getting the refresh. As with the Xperia ZL update, most of the user-facing changes are minor. The biggest addition is support for lock screen widgets; there's also slight (if noticeable) tweaks to the interface look and feel. If those revisions are still meaningful enough for you, we'd suggest a quick upgrade check through the usual desktop and OTA channels.
Pebble Android App update brings Google Hangouts notifications
With all the work that Google's put into Hangouts lately, it'd be a shame to miss out when you're pinged to join one, no? If you happen to be sporting a Pebble smartwatch that scenario will be less likely, as version 1.8.2 of its Android app has arrived with notifications for the chat service. Though Pebble supports Google Talk notifications (along with call alerts, text messages, calendar reminders and email previews), Mountain View recently said that Hangouts is the future of Google Voice, making it a prime candidate for alerts. Apart from the extra wrist nag, the update also brings improved stability and developer enhancements. To grab it, check the source below or head to Google Play on your Android device.
Adobe releases latest Creative Cloud apps, surveys disgruntled customers about pricing
Love it or hate it, Adobe's Creative Cloud subscription-based software is now the only way to get your favorite apps like Photoshop, Premiere Pro and the like. The company has just released the latest versions of most of those programs, now dubbed CC, which can be installed alongside the current apps for those afraid to change mid-project. Meanwhile, Adobe's trying to tempt previous suite or apps owners to transition to the new system for up to 60 percent off for CS6 owners during a 12-month period, or 40 percent off for those on CS3 to CS5.5. According to Photo Rumors, Adobe is also considering a new pricing structure in response to a massive online backlash against the subscription model from existing clients, who feel it's too expensive. The company sent out a survey asking some of them what they thought about paying $10 per month for three years for Photoshop, or $30 for the entire suite, while being able to keep a permanent CS6 copy of either at the end. Considering the level of vehemence we saw earlier, we'll have to wait and see if that'll fly. Meanwhile, check the PR after the break to see what's new in all the apps.
Chrome OS updated with new panel window and launcher options, other minor improvements
It's fairly minor as far as operating system upgrades go, but Chrome OS users can expect to receive a new update in the stable release channel sometime in the next few days (if they haven't already). It brings with it some added panel windows for things like chat, along with a new positioning mode for the launcher, autocomplete in Drive search, a new three-finger gesture to move between tabs, and expanded support for wireless mice and touchpads, among other minor fixes and additions (including some promised memory management improvements). You can find the full rundown at the source link below.
Sony Action Cam update adds 1080p recording at 60fps, underwater mode
Recording footage with Sony's Action Cam at 1080p garnered video with just 30fps, but a new update for the rugged shooter has bumped that up to 60fps. Thanks to the freshly available upgrade, the camera has also been bestowed with a water mode packing white balance adjustment for shooting when submerged, and a Beep Off option to tweak volume levels for its on / record and settings buttons. Come June, Hirai and Co. will release revamped software that allows users to upload videos via Play Memories without having to disconnect the device, and sell a raft of new attachments for the cam ranging from a dog harness to a surfboard mount. Trek past the jump for the accessory lowdown in the press release, or hit the second source link for the upgrade.
BlackBerry 10.1 official with HDR camera mode, expansions to Hub and notifications
Never mind that a few developers spoiled the surprise last week: BlackBerry 10.1, BB10's first major OS update, is official today. The release arrives chiefly to support the BlackBerry Q10's hardware keyboard and smaller OLED screen, but it brings a swath of extra improvements that should please Z10 owners in equal measure. An HDR camera mode, which should fill out highlights and shadows in some photos, is just the start. The Hub now supports contact suggestions, PIN-to-PIN messaging and email with attached messages; notifications are more refined as well, with per-account message notifications joining options to define sound volumes and vibrations for each contact. Dive deeper and you'll also notice more granular text selection, better calendar viewing on the Z10 and the ability to copy phone numbers into (or from) the dialer. Do be patient if you're not bent on picking up a Q10, however -- the Z10 doesn't get its update until sometime in the weeks following the release of its keyboarded cousin.
OUYA firmware update lets gamers change their payment info
OUYA vowed a steady stream of updates to its inaugural console on the road to a June retail launch, and it just released one of the more important examples. Among other fixes, the inconspicuously titled 1.0.193 firmware upgrade lets customers change their credit card info after they've created an account -- rather vital to anyone who has to swap cards in the wake of identity theft, or who just wants to gift an account to a friend. While few owners beyond the earliest adopters will fully appreciate the change, it's good to know that there shouldn't be a payment panic when OUYA units arrive in force.
Legendary Meta Gem restrictions for upgraded items
The Legendary meta gems, added in patch 5.2, as the reward from the latest part of Wrathion's quest chain are getting quite the reputation. Amongst others, top EU guild Method asserted that these items were key to their World First Ra-den kill, as the buff they provide to gear, particularly the proc, is so substantial. But there's some confusion around regarding their usage. A cursory glance at the tooltip indicates that they can be socketed in any item with an ilvl of more than 504. A poster on the EU forums has asked today for explanation on why his ilvl 496 helm, which he had upgraded to ilvl 504, is still considered too low-level for the gem. Blizzard Community Manager Draztal responds as follows: Draztal Quote: Is it intended that you aren't able to socket upgraded gear prior to 5.2 with the legendary Meta? I have a 496 helm upgraded to 504 but it still denies that it is high enough to be socketed. Some dev feedback be appreciated. Yes, it is intended that you can't put the legendary meta gem on an upgraded 496 helm, but the developers are currently discussing how upgraded items may behave down the road. No promises or any specifics we can share at this time, though. source What's your take on this? I suspect that it's potentially born of an issue with the way upgrades are designed. It seems odd that, while the item has the required ilvl, an error is still generated. Perhaps it's an effort on the developers' part to ensure the Legendary meta can only be equipped in gear obtained from Throne of Thunder normal mode, or last tier's heroic gear. Ghostcrawler tweeted the following, which seems slightly contradictory to Draztal's post, but does clarify Blizzard's intent: @xxvanitasxx1 The intent was always for Throne of Thunder helms. Apologies that we did not communicate that intent well. - Greg Street (@Ghostcrawler) April 17, 2013 Given that we've had reports of the gem working in last tier's Heroic items, it seems a little odd that upgraded gear should be excluded. Nonetheless, forewarned is forearmed, so we thought we should inform you!
BLU Products to use stock Android from now on, gives Vivo 4.3 new colors and Jelly Bean
BLU Products most often draws attention by launching a smorgasbord of new phones. Today, the company is more interested in rethinking the devices it already has. Starting with a just-launched Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Vivo 4.3, the company is moving to stock Android for every new device and firmware upgrade in the hopes of improving battery life and streamlining the interface -- a distinct break from the growing trend toward hyper-customized experiences. Whether or not vanilla Android is your bag, the Vivo 4.3 is also receiving a minor hardware update through new colors. Pink, yellow and white variants of the dual SIM phone are now shipping from Amazon and other retailers for $229 each. Although we'd most like to see a full-fledged sequel to the older phone, we can't object too much to a spring tune-up.
Motorola Droid Bionic starts receiving Jelly Bean update, the love it needs
There's no question that the Droid Bionic has had a rough life between long delays, a more popular cousin and slow updates. Both Motorola and Verizon may be making up for lost time, however -- starting today, they're pushing an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the erstwhile flagship. The core updates will be familiar to anyone with a late 2012 Motorola phone, including Google Now and rich notifications. There are a few Droid Bionic-specific tweaks, including better data connectivity as well as removals of the preloaded Sling and (no longer relevant) MOG apps. A software update can't erase any bitter memories, but it does show that the short-lived leader is getting long-term affection. [Thanks, Jared]
Verizon confirms 12-month Device Payment Plan for phones is launching April 21st
Look: we know many on Verizon aren't happy that the carrier has revealed plans to lengthen its upgrade intervals right as smartphone update season is hitting full stride. However, there may be a consolation prize. As of April 21st, "some devices" in its smartphone range, not just the existing tablets, will qualify for a Device Payment Plan that spreads out the full costs over the course of a year, letting those who crave the latest mobile hardware (presumably, you) upgrade without either having to sign a contract or pay everything up front. Sounds like a very UnCarrier thing to do, doesn't it? Not quite, unfortunately. The carrier tells us that these payments sit on top of existing service plans, not inside them -- the base service rate won't go down in year two. T-Mobile will remain the better bargain for anyone constantly replacing handsets, then, but those on Verizon will at least have a degree of freedom.
PebbleOS 1.10 supports third-party watch faces, sorts out iOS issues
Pebble has been on a rapid cadence with smartwatch updates to justify those crowdfunded dollars, and it's not letting up just because watch shipments are well underway. PebbleOS 1.10 has arrived with support for custom watch faces built using the matching (and newly available) SDK. The revamp will be especially helpful for iOS users -- we see several fixes for crashes, permissions and power in store. Everyone gets options to disable backlighting and vibrations in certain conditions, too. As such, there's every reason to fire up the Pebble app for an upgrade, even if it's just for some visual variety. [Thanks, Uday]
Nokia outs firmware for Lumia 620, 820 and 920 for better touch, camera action
Owners of Nokia's Lumia 620, 820 and 920 are getting some firmware joy as the Swedish Finnish firm just released a new update for the Windows Phone 8 handsets. It'll bring improved auto screen brightness / touch screen functionality, camera fixes, enhanced Bluetooth headset functionality and numerous performance and stability enhancements, according to Nokia. You can expect to see it rollout "over the coming weeks," but may able to force the issue by selecting "phone update" from the settings. Check the source for more. Update: Nokia's Scandinavian Nordic but it sure ain't Swedish. Thanks to all who pointed it out.
After hours at NAB: A closer look at Red's Dragon upgrade operation (video)
Red's clean room on the NAB show floor is typically no place for camera crews, but after adding a bit of protection, Red President Jarred Land gave us the green light to step inside the company's sacred space for a closer look at operation Dragon upgrade. (The $8,500+ sensor swap gives Epic cams the gift of 6K shooting.) The view from behind the glass wall separating spectators from technicians isn't significantly different, but we were able to get quite a bit more insight into how the process goes down, including stops at each of the workstations. The temporary assembly center that Red built at the Las Vegas Convention Center is a miniature version of the company's primary facility in Irvine, California -- while Dragon upgrades are underway in Las Vegas, a structure that's estimated to be 20 times the size of the one here in Nevada is processing the updates remotely, though admittedly with far less fanfare. Join us past the break for an exclusive look at the process, live from Red's booth at NAB.%Gallery-185072%
