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Exclusive: Motorola Droid RAZR M 4G LTE gets hands-on treatment (video)
There's no stopping the torrential downpour of information coming out about the Motorola Droid RAZR M 4G LTE (codenamed Scorpion Mini), but we finally have some real pictures showing off the device that, this time last week, was nothing more than a mere rumor. Our source had the opportunity to play with the RAZR M for a solid amount of time, and told us that the Snapdragon S4 processor is "fantastic" and the lithium polymer battery resulted in a full day of heavy usage. We've got a few more images of the unannounced device below (it appears the top back panel experienced a run-in with a hard surface before the images were taken), and we also have a video showing off the boot-up process and settings menu after the break. %Gallery-163887% [Thanks, Anonymous!]
Verizon Turbine 7.0 in the works, likely to be ZTE V66 tablet
What you see above isn't a whole lot to go off of in terms of details, but it's still a bit significant for tablet fans regardless. The image, which displays a page hiding deep within Verizon's internal system, offers the first confirmation of the ZTE V66 tablet's destiny: it shall ride onto Big Red's LTE network as the Verizon Turbine 7.0. We guess the latter name is the catchier of the two. Few other details are known at this point -- hence, the incredibly bare product page -- but the tablet was originally rumored to sport a 7-inch (1,280 x 800) display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a 4,000mAh battery. We'd venture to guess that an OS jump to ICS or Jelly Bean should be in the works as well, unless Verizon wants its brand new slate to be dead in the water before it even launches. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Motorola RAZR M 4G LTE pics and specs revealed: 4.3-inch qHD display, ICS, 1.5GHz dual-core
We've been hearing about the Motorola XT907 -- an LTE device bound for Verizon -- for quite some time now, but we just got our hands on a full set of specs and even a few pics to go along with it. Let's get started: the Droid RAZR M 4G LTE, as Big Red is planning to call it, will sport a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) Super AMOLED Advanced display -- this will likely be the same ColorBoost panel we recently saw on Sprint's Photon Q -- as well as a dual-core Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB RAM, 8MP rear camera capable of taking 1080p video, a 3MP (yes, three) front-facing shooter, full GSM / UMTS / HSPA+ global roaming and 8GB internal storage with microSD support. Additionally, the RAZR M will offer NFC, Android 4.0 with a virtual row of navigation keys (much like the Atrix HD and Photon Q) and will weigh 4.44 ounces. Gorilla Glass 2 protects the display from scratches, while the back offers the same kind of Kevlar seen on the Droid RAZR and RAZR Maxx. At 8.38mm deep, its thickness appears to be right in between the two aforementioned phones. So that takes care of the mystery behind this particular smartphone, and it's quite likely we'll be getting some quality hands-on time with it alongside the RAZR HD at Moto's September 5th event. Check out the goods in the gallery below. Note: Several commenters have observed that a watermark is blurred out on the image above (as well as one of the gallery shots). These marks reveal personal employee information and have been blurred to protect the identity of the tipster. Several of our gallery shots, however, do not feature these marks. %Gallery-163478% [Thanks, Anonymous]
Motorola XT907 gets approved by the FCC with Verizon LTE on board
It's just another day in the life of the FCC, but it's a big deal to anyone looking forward to yet another Droid RAZR in Verizon's future. The XT907, a rumored midrange handset, just got pushed through the federal approval process today with Big Red's LTE bands, NFC and the standard CDMA / EVDO radios to boot. We'll keep digging to see what else we can find about the device, but at least the FCC has blessed us with yet another fun mystery to solve.
MetroPCS lights up Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, starts selling LG Connect 4G
MetroPCS may not be grand in scale, but it's certainly not lacking for ambition. Just over a year after announcing its eventual transition to Voice over LTE, the carrier has officially launched its VoLTE services. Moreover, it's announcing the first sale of a VoLTE-capable handset at one of the company's Dallas / Fort Worth store locations. The Android-powered LG Connect 4G is the outfit's first (and only, for now) VoLTE-capable phone, but the operator's promising more rollouts and phone options "in the coming weeks." For the consumer, those in range of LTE signals should notice clearer calls, and it's become something of a trend to see carriers (Verizon and Sprint, for instance) moving in this direction as 2G / 3G networks start to show their age. So, DFW residents -- anyone been able to try it out? Let us know in comments below.
Motorola teases mystery LTE phone, announces Friday reveal (update: no new device)
Taking to its Facebook page, Motorola has rewarded its loyal Likers with a tease: an LTE phone will be revealed on Friday, and the company will offer up a new clue about it every day leading up to the announcement. Our guess? We'd say we're ripe for a Droid RAZR HD debut on Verizon right about now. Regardless, it seems that Moto's pretty eager for this mysterious device -- we just hope it's worth the anticipation. Update: It turns out that Motorola is not actually revealing a new device on Friday. Rather, it appears the company's simply playing a game of "guess the smartphone" (the phone is already available in the US, apparently) and the answer will be unveiled on Friday.
Verizon's HopeLine app for Android provides resources and support for victims of domestic violence
Verizon's HopeLine program has recycled old phones since 2001 by giving them (along with 3,000 minutes of service) to victims of domestic abuse so that they can talk to emergency and support services when needed. Now, Verizon has released a HopeLine app for Android that not only provides direct access to support services and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, but also allows users to engage others involved in domestic violence awareness by sharing their photos and videos. The app also provides information about making monetary and phone donations to HopeLine. Want to help with HopeLine? There's more info in the PR below, and you can grab the app at the source.
Motorola Droid RAZR HD makes another cameo, shows its global creds
Welcome to yet another episode in the Droid RAZR HD's ongoing leak to market. The global variant of Motorola's flagship handset -- which is expected to supersede the Atrix HD and inevitably land on Verizon real-soon-now -- just made an appearance on xda-developers. What's new? It appears this phone is being tested on Vodafone and supposedly features an eight-megapixel camera (down from the rumored 13 MP). As a refresher, the Droid RAZR HD is slated to run Ice Cream Sandwich on a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and boast a 720p HD display (likely 4.5-inches across). There's still no official word from Motorola, but we'll keep you posted as we find out more. In the meantime, take a look at the gallery below.%Gallery-161608%
Verizon to stop blocking tethering apps, settles with FCC for $1.25 million
In May of last year, our free ride came to an end. US carriers started blocking third party tethering apps in the Android Market. Not long after, the built in feature was turned off on most phones. Our fortune may be reversing, however. The FCC has ruled that Verizon violated the rules governing the C Block of LTE spectrum by preventing consumers from using any application of their choice. The end result: Big Red will have to open up its airwaves and allow customers to circumvent its $20 a month tethering plan using apps from the Play store -- so long as you're on a "usage-based pricing plan." Though it's not explicitly stated, we assume that means those of you lucky enough to be grandfathered in to the unlimited data plans are left out. In addition to unblocking apps such as PdaNet and Barnacle, Verizon must pay a $1.25 million settlement to put an end to the investigation. For a few more details of the plan put in place to ensure compliance with the ruling, check out the PR after the break.
Pantech Marauder QWERTY slider gets official for Verizon, runs $50 after rebate
We just saw some evidence a few days ago a new QWERTY slider from Pantech would soon be hitting Verizon, and it turns out that was indeed the case. The carrier has now officially announced the Pantech Marauder, an LTE-equipped device that will set you back just $50 after a $50 mail-in rebate (on a two-year contract) when it becomes available on August 2nd. Not surprisingly, that won't exactly buy you the highest-end phone around -- you'll get a 3.8-inch WVGA screen, a 5-megapixel camera, an unspecified 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, mobile hotspot functionality, and Android 4.0. Somewhat notably, the phone also offers you a choice of Standard and Starter modes, the former of which is apparently stock Android (or something close to it) while the latter provides a simplified UI aimed at new smartphone users. Assuming they aren't scared off by a name like "Marauder," that is.
Google Wallet hack hits Verizon Galaxy S III
Verizon may not want you to have Google Wallet on your phone, but that won't stop intrepid rooters and hackers from shoehorning the app into Big Red's handsets. Mike Beauchamp and Dustin Evans took some time away from their recent Kansas City trip (to check out Google Fiber, of course) to get the Mountain View mobile payment solution up and running on a Galaxy S III. Is it more difficult than rooting your device and installing the app? Just a bit. Beauchamp's video doesn't offer much in the way of instruction, but it does show it being used to buy breakfast at Mickey D's. Thankfully, it looks like some folks over at the XDA forums have documented the solution, just check out the more coverage link.
Samsung Galaxy S III for Verizon Wireless review
More Info Galaxy S III (I9300) review Galaxy S III review shootout: AT&T vs. Sprint Galaxy S III for T-Mobile review Your girlfriend might be three times a lady, but the Samsung Galaxy S III is four times a smartphone -- at least when it comes to the US. Indeed, the manufacturer's latest flagship device has managed to hit the cellular equivalent of a grand slam stateside, as each of the four national carriers are adding it to their respective smartphone lineups. For the first time since the original Galaxy S series made its debut two years ago, customers won't have to bother switching carriers just for the privilege of using one of the best devices on the planet. But there was a rather significant asterisk associated with the original Galaxy S's reign on American soil: even though all four major networks offered it, none of the carrier-branded iterations used the same name or design as the original model that inspired them. Fast-forward two years to 2012, and it's a completely different ballgame -- the Galaxy S III on each mobile operator bears the same name and design. Hold an AT&T-branded model next to its T-Mobile counterpart, for instance, and you'll have a rather difficult time telling the two apart. Same with Sprint and Verizon; aside from the logos on the back and a couple other tiny differences, you're seeing the same exact phone across the board. Not only has Verizon been waiting in the dugout for its time to step up to the plate, but an untold number of customers undoubtedly have been, too. Given its brand recognition and top-of-the-line features, the Galaxy S III has a shot at becoming the all-star in Big Red's lineup. So how does Samsung's new darling hold up on the country's biggest network? Join us after the seventh inning stretch to find out.%Gallery-159908%
Verizon support blames Samsung for locked bootloader in Galaxy S III (updated)
Verizon cleared up its stance on locking the bootloaders in phones using its network earlier this year. In short: it encourages OEMs to do so, to keep its network humming along as Big Red feels it should. Well, it seems that VZW Support is telling a different story, as it's laid blame for the Galaxy S III's closed bootloader squarely at Samsung's feet, claiming that it's locked "per the Manufacturer." Now, that doesn't explicitly state that VZW had no part to play in denying users access, but it surely seems like this is a game of PR pass the buck to us. Of course, as we reported earlier, there's a workaround to be had by rooting the GSIII, which revealed a vulnerability allowing non-stock ROMs to be flashed to the device. But it's only a partial workaround, as the kernel's signed and implementing a full custom ROM experience is neither for the unskilled nor the faint of heart. We reached out to both Verizon and Samsung for comment on the matter, but have yet to hear back. While you wait for official word, feel free to check out the ongoing conversation at the source link below. [Thanks, @supercurio] Update: Seems that Verizon's still singing the same tune it was back in February, claiming that unauthorized software brought by open bootloaders could harm the overall network user experience: Verizon Wireless has established a standard of excellence in customer experience with our branded devices and customer service. There is an expectation that if a customer has a question, they can call Verizon Wireless for answers that help them maximize their enjoyment and use of their wireless phone. Depending on the device, an open bootloader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. It is always a delicate balance for any company to manage the technology choices we make for our branded devices and the requests of a few who may want a different device experience. We always review our technology choices to ensure that we provide the best solution for as many customers as possible.
Verizon website pushes Galaxy S III availability back two days, still shipping pre-orders
Looking forward to picking up a Galaxy S III from Verizon this Tuesday? You'd better reschedule. According to the carrier's website, Samsung's latest Galaxy smartphone won't be available until July 12th, contradicting the previously stated July 10th shelf date. Don't get frustrated just yet though, we're hearing reports from readers that their phone has already shipped, or in some cases already arrived, suggesting that pre-orders are sticking to Verizon's original schedule. Stuck waiting? Look on the bright side, you have two extra days to read up on circumventing that Verizon-exclusive locked bootloader, right? [Thanks, John]
Verizon Galaxy S III has locked bootloader (but it's been rooted anyway)
Based on Samsung's hacker-friendly track record, you'd generally expect one of it smartphones to come with an unlocked bootloader, making it easy to update or tweak with unofficial ROMs. That's not the case with Verizon's imminent version of the Galaxy S III, however. As the folk at XDA know only too well, this particular iteration of Sammy's flagship comes with a sealed bootloader, which makes it resistant (though not impervious) to hackery. Of course, Sammy has nothing to gain from snubbing the modding community in this way, so it stands to reason that VZW pushed the Korean manufacturer to supply them with a locked bootloader -- despite the fact that all other variants have been left open. We've reached out to Big Red for comment, but in the meantime a clever soul over at Rootzwiki claims they've already found a workaround for root access. (At this point, though, we'd better provide our usual disclaimer: be very careful before you poke around in there, because going up against a locked bootloader can be risky. The apparent safety of modern life is just a shallow skin atop an ocean of blood, guts and bricked devices.)
Samsung Galaxy S III hits Verizon shelves on July 10
In regards to the Samsung Galaxy S III, Verizon Wireless has been very vague about its "coming weeks" launch window, but it's become much more specific now: July 10, to be exact. The flagship device will be hitting both online and brick-and-mortar stores on that day, though only the 16GB model is going to be in retail stores at first (the 32GB will be available online, but won't get to stores until -- you guessed it -- the "coming weeks"). The phone will come in both white and blue -- the same color selection we've seen on Sprint and T-Mobile. As for pricing, the 16GB version will cost you $200, while the 32GB will be $250. The press release is just below, if you want to check it out.
HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE may hit Verizon on July 5th
The bad news: if you've been hoping to grab a Droid Incredible 4G LTE so you can show it off to your friends at your local July 4th extravaganza, you're out of luck. The good news: you might be able to cheer up from your post-holiday depression the very next day. According to internal employee docs captured by Droid-Life, we should expect Verizon's first Sense 4 device to arrive at stores on July 5th for $200 with a two-year contract. As always, pricing and availability are never set in stone; after all, internal employee docs gave us false hope that the Motorola Droid 4 would show up several weeks before it actually launched, but that was likely a result of Verizon pulling the launch at the last minute. Provided Big Red doesn't change its mind (or other snafus throw a wrench into the process), we won't be disappointed this time around.
Droid RAZR and RAZR Maxx Android 4.0 update incoming: roll-out starts June 22 (update: confirmed)
Looking likely to sneak through in time for Motorola's Q2 deadline, Verizon has published support documents covering an Ice Cream Sandwich update for both the Droid RAZR and Droid RAZR Maxx. This preamble is typically followed by an update just days later and features the same build number that leaked out earlier this week. The refresh adds a four-way lockscreen shortcut, refreshed notifications, global roaming, a smart actions app update and plenty more Android 4.0 holo design riffs. Hit up the source for the documents and a handful of video tours. Update: VZW just confirmed the start of the roll-out on its news page. [Thanks Anonymous]
Verizon 4G LTE service arrives in 46 new cities, expands coverage in 22 others
Unlike many of our friends in Europe, loads more Verizon Wireless customers are about to get turbocharged in time for their new Galaxy S III smartphones to arrive. Big Red is deploying its latest 4G LTE network tech in 46 new cities and expanding coverage in 22 others -- and it's all going down tomorrow. That'll bring VZW's total up to 304 cities across the land of the free two full weeks ahead of the July 4th holiday, giving many people one more reason to celebrate a Hump Day without work. And really, couldn't the world use more reasons to celebrate? Full PR after the break.
Samsung Galaxy S III to go global on Verizon... at some point
If ever there were a way to distinguish jetset types from stateside-bound citizens, it'd be by the flavor of their wireless network. While GSM and its easily swappable SIMs have long been the world standard, CDMA networks like Verizon have had to offer special global-ready handsets to accommodate the flighty. It wasn't until Big Red's latest crop of LTE devices (see: Droid 4 and LG Spectrum), that the carrier's begun the process of enabling previously inaccessible world roaming capabilities. Now, joining that very shortlist is none other than Samsung's newest flagship, the Galaxy S III. As the operator confirmed to the folks over at PhoneScoop, the feature won't be accessible in time for the phone's launch, but will, instead, come in the form of an OTA at an unspecified date. As if you needed any more reason to run out and pre-order this svelte beauty come tomorrow, the operator's just sweetened the pot.
