iPhone 5 finally comes to T-Mobile on April 12, will support HSPA+ on AWS bands and HD Voice

Source: Daily Mobile - March 26th, 2013 

Today at a special media event in New York, T-Mobile has announced that starting April 12 it will carry the iPhone 5.

John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile USA said:

"This is an important day for people who love their iPhone but can't stand the pain other carriers put them through to own one. We feel their pain. I've felt the pain. So we're rewriting the rules of wireless to provide a radically simple, affordable iPhone 5 experience - on an extremely powerful network."

T-Mobile iPhone 5 in addition to ready-made LTE will also support HSPA+ on AWS bands (1,700MHz and 2,100MHz) and HD Voice calling. It will go on pre-order starting April 5 and will cost $99.99 down, plus monthly payments of $20 for 24 months. The iPhone 4S will be available for $69.99 down, plus monthly payments of $20 for 24 months while the iPhone 4 will cost $14.99 down and  $15 monthly payments for 24 months.

T-Mobile users, are you getting an iPhone 5?

T-Mobile LTE network launched in 7 markets, Galaxy S4 coming on May 1st

Source: Daily Mobile - March 26th, 2013 

Starting today, T-Mobile's LTE network is live in seven markets.

T-Mobile customers in Las Vegas, NV; Phoenix, AZ; San Jose, CA; Houston, TX; Washington DC; Kansas City, MO and Baltimore, MD can enjoy LTE speeds. Fourth largest US carrier expects its 4G LTE network to reach 100 million Americans by mid-2013 and 200 million by the end of the year.

Along with the iPhone 5, T-Mobile has announced that it will carry the BlackBerry Z10 (available starting today), HTC One, all priced at $99.99 plus monthly payments of $20 for 24 months and the Samsung Galaxy S4 (price has not been announced but we can expect same price) which is expected to launch "around May 1st".

Which one would you get, the iPhone 5, BlackBerry Z10, HTC One or the Galaxy S4?

Sprint to Carry Two Windows Phone Devices the HTC Tiara and Samsung Ativ S

Source: Daily Mobile - March 26th, 2013 

We reported a little while back that Sprint after months of fence sitting was finally going to get on board with all the other major US carriers and start to offer Windows Phone 8 devices this summer. They stated they would stock two of them but didn't announce what those two devices would be. Now the Verge has found out that those devices will be the Samsung Ativ S and the yet unannounced HTC "Tiara" handset.

While the specs are widely known on the Samsung Ativ S we only have rumored specs for the HTC Tiara. This device is expected to have a 1.2Ghz Dual Core processor, 4.3 inch display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory and a 8mp camera on the back. If the rumored specs are true this would be a solid mid-range Windows Phone 8 device.

While this may keep some WinFans happy with Sprint I think Sprint really missed the mark here by not bringing in a Nokia device of some sort. Nokia is the first to have a lot of apps for Windows Phone and a variant of the Nokia Lumia 720 I believe would have not just kept existing customers with Sprint but perhaps drawn new ones in as well.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One - Video Comparison

Source: Daily Mobile - March 27th, 2013 

The Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One are without a doubt the best upcoming Android smartphones. Check comparison video after the break.

Both handsets are expected to launch more or less at same time. Which one would you choose?

Subway Surfers Coming "Soon" to Windows Phone Devices

Source: Daily Mobile - March 23rd, 2013 

The above photo was post on Facebook by Kiloo the maker of Subway Surfers with a one word message attached to it.

Soon....!!

Sadly there was no more information at all in this tease by Kiloo but it is great news for Windows Phone users that the big name apps are slowly coming their way. This picture raises a few question though.

First when is soon? My thought would be in the next couple of weeks at the most. In a fast paced world of mobile devices soon better be days or weeks and not months. Second this teaser has the Subway Surfers being shown on a Nokia Lumia 920... Does this mean that this game will be another Nokia exclusive? Lastly price... it's a free game on every other platform will Microsoft make me pony up .99 cents for it like other popular free games on other platforms?

Time will answer all these questions but one things for sure anytime a big name app makes it's way to the Windows Phone platform it's good news for all involved.

Sprint to Sell Windows Phone Devices "by summer"

Source: Daily Mobile - March 24th, 2013 

Sprint was the last of the major US carriers to hold out on having Windows Phone devices in their line up. They were on the "wait and see" plan when it came to the operating system. Now they have announced:

Sprint plans to offer a pair of Windows Phone 8 smartphones by summer 2013. These initial devices will offer a robust operating system and lots of innovative features, all enhanced by Sprint's Truly Unlimited^SM Data plans, all while on the Sprint network.

I will be very interested in seeing what two devices they pick to sell. My guess here is the Samsung ATIV S and HTC Windows Phone 8X. I don't really expect to see any Nokia Lumia devices on their line up this early. Nokia is very keen on making devices tailored for specific carriers stateside and my thought is they will be aiming all their CDMA devices at Verizon.

Windows Phone User Switchs to Android: A Month Long Experiment

Source: Daily Mobile - March 25th, 2013 

It has occurred to me that I have been using Windows Phone devices non-stop for almost a year and half now while most of the general readership out there has been using Android devices. Being a Nokia user most of my life I have looked at Android from a distance and thought "that is what Symbian could have been if Nokia played their cards right in developing it." Android is very "Symbian like" in the many surface features and this means perhaps I could be happy using it for a while. So I have decided to shelve my Nokia Lumia 822 for AN ENTIRE MONTH and use only an Android device.

First step was to get an Android device... While it is not a Samsung this, or an HTC that it is a suitable powered "off brand" 1.2Ghz Dual Core Phablet with a 6 inch screen, 8mp shooter, a whopping 3600mah battery, running Android 4.1.1.

Also I forgot to mention that it is an orange phone and it's super sexy.

I have already installed Nova Launcher and a RAM Booster to make sure what ever bloatware OS that comes pre installed doesn't affect my experience plus that RAM Booster will automatically free up RAM if I have less than 90Mb to spare. This should prevent any "Android lag" during the month of my experiment. Just as an aside if I decide to switch back to Windows Phone at the end of the month this device will stay as my personal tablet at home.

I have had this device since March 20th and have set up three home screens with apps, widgets and have reloaded my tray with what suits me best. During this month I am wide open to questions, app suggests you have for me or even tips on how to get more out of my device. Quickest way of getting them to me is sending me a tweet or leaving it in the comments section.

I plan to update my progress on this experiment once a week every Wednesday night so expect it on every Thursday starting this Thursday the  28th of March. However if there is demand for it I will update more frequently. Wish me luck!

T-Mobile confirms, BlackBerry Z10 to launch on March 22nd

A couple of weeks ago T-Mobile has announced the availability of the BlackBerry Z10 for its business customers, and now they confirmed the official release date of the device.

T-Mobile on their Help Twitter account has announced that the latest BlackBerry smartphone, the Z10, will be available starting next Tuesday, March 26^th. The company is holding a special media event on the same date and it looks like the BlackBerry Z10 will be one of the announcements.

Are you getting a BlackBerry Z10 on Tuesday?

Pandora app for Windows Phone 8 released

Source: Daily Mobile - March 21st, 2013 

The official Pandora app finally is available for Windows Phone 8 and brings some exclusive features to the platform.

Check the app in action after the break.

Pandora for Windows Phone will be ad-free until 2014 and brings the following features:

Exclusive to Pandora on Windows Phone:

• Enjoy ad-free streaming music for free through 2013, with no monthly streaming limit
• Pin your favorite stations to the Start screen for one-touch access
• See what song is currently playing on your Live Tile
• Launch Pandora in Kid’s Corner and explicit content is instantly filtered
• Access a recent stations page and easily see your current favorites

Other supported features:

• Log in using your existing account or create a new one
• Create up to 100 stations
• Manage stations: create, delete, and add variety to your stations
• Customize your shuffle settings
• Fine tune your stations by thumbing tracks up or down
• Go to the Store to buy songs and albums
• Filter explicit content
• Turn on higher-quality playback

You can download Pandora from the Windows Phone Store for free, or just scan the QR code bellow.

BlackBerry 10 reaches 100.000 apps, Amazon Kindle launched today

Source: Daily Mobile - March 21st, 2013 

Today, BlackBerry has announced that its new BlackBerry 10 platform has reached 100,000 applications in the BlackBerry World storefront.

Martyn Mallick, Vice President, Global Alliances at BlackBerry said:

"The response to the BlackBerry 10 platform and applications has been outstanding. Customers are thrilled with the applications already available, and the catalog just keeps growing, now with more than 100,000 apps. Top brands and application providers are joining us every day and are seeing the benefits of being early supporters of the new platform. We constantly hear from developers that the BlackBerry 10 tools are easy to build with and that we provide opportunities for app differentiation that they do not see on other platforms."

More than 30,000 new applications were added over the past seven weeks and starting today Amazon Kindle, OpenTable and The Wall Street Journal apps are available to BlackBerry 10 customers. In the coming weeks CNN, The Daily Show Headlines, eBay, eMusic, Maxim, MLB at Bat, MTV News, Pageonce, PGA, Rdio, Skype, Soundhound and Viber will be available for download or purchase.

It's good to see that developers are interested in BlackBerry 10 platform.

Huawei Ascend G700 Coming 5 inch Quad Core for only $320?

Source: Daily Mobile - March 21st, 2013

It seems that Huawei continues to push the limits of what we can expect from them every time a new phone is announced. First it was the 6.1 inch Ascend Mate than the Ascend D2 and now the Ascend D2's cheaper younger brother the Ascend G700 has leaked. This leak was broke open by @evleaks and has some pretty impressive rumored specs. Plus there is an actual hands on picture of this new device.

Rumored Specs for the Ascend G700 are as follows:

• Android 4.2, a quad-core
• 5.0 inch display
• 2 Gb of RAM

There was no price given with these leak but since the G series is Huawei's budget-minded series and "never go over ¥2,000 or about $320 unsubsidized." If the price point is true it looks like the big boys in the Android market will have real competition from Huawei very shortly.

New BlackBerry PlayBook to be Launched This Year

Source: Daily Mobile - March 19th, 2013 

BlackBerry is looking to make a comeback in the mobile device area but it seems that is not the only area they are looking to start anew in. Even though BlackBerry's CEO said Tablets are a "very difficult business" and he alluded to the fact that they wouldn't be diving back into those waters again it seems that they will be. Director of product management at BlackBerry Mike Al Mefleh has stated that:

"We have a very clear road map... We are developing an all new NoteSmartly app for the Playbook, that will be released in time for the launch of the new BlackBerry PlayBook."

He stated this at BlackBerry User's Forum in Dubai last weekend. Not only did he confirm that a new tablet will coming out this year but also that six new BlackBerry 10 devices will be coming out this year. While it's not clear if the Z10 and Q10 are included in that list or not it's good to know there is at least four new BlackBerry devices coming.

"This year" was the only time table set for these new devices however I have to assume a couple will come out this summer and the rest in the 4th Qtr for the holiday season.

Verizon Galaxy Nexus finally gets an Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

Verizon has announced that starting today its Samsung Galaxy Nexus will get an Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

The update was officially released by Google in November and brings a new camera features such as Photosphere, that allows you to take 360 degree panoramic pictures and new camera tools to add filters and borders to your photos. It also brings new lock screen widgets and a new Gesture Keyboard.

Verizon noted that the update will roll out in stages. Did you get the update yet?

Rumor: Samsung Showing of The Galaxy Note III to AT&T Already

Source: Daily Mobile - March 20th, 2013 

There is a new rumor that the Samsung Galaxy Note III is far enough along in the production phase that they can show a shell of it to AT&T. According to the Korea Times Samsung will be showcasing a shell of the prototype Galaxy Note III to AT&T executives, including chief marketing officer of American carrier. This is going to take place later this week during a meeting in Seoul. On the table to be discussed? Launch and marketing strategy for the new Samsung device.

Also learned is that this device should launch in the 3rd Qtr of this year and that it will be sporting the smaller 5.9 inch display instead of the rumored 6.3 inch display. It is stated however that Samsung will be releasing a 6.3 inch device that will have non flagship specs. If this is true will people buy?the larger device and forgo the high specs for the lager screen? Which one would you buy?

Source: Daily Mobile - March 20th, 2013 

It looks like Sprint is going to add new ZTE Android smartphone to its portfolio.

According to the newest leak, the company is testing new ZTE Android smartphone called the Quantum.

The Quantum (model number N8910) will feature a 5-inch 720p display, a dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor clocked at 1.5GHz with Adreno 225 GPU, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage , 13-megapixel back camera, 0.9-megapixel front-facer, NFC, LTE and will run Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Do you like the look of the upcoming ZTE Quantum? 

Samsung Galaxy S4 price for Italy leaked, will cost whooping €700

Source: Daily Mobile - March 17th, 2013 

Samsung has announced its Galaxy S4 but did not reveal the price of its new flagship handset.

Italian blog Android Caotic got their hands on a leaked document from a close source to Samsung which shows that this highly anticipated gadget will cost €699 ($914). The source ha also confirmed that the device will hit the stores in Italy in the first two weeks of May.

The blog speculates (compared to the prices of previous Samsung releases, the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note) that the Galaxy S4 in the rest of the Europe will be priced at €599.

Take this leak with a grain of salt, but isn't the €700 price tag a little bit high?

Verizon is not Getting the HTC One

Source: Daily Mobile - March 18th, 2013 

While HTC is looking to make a comeback with it's new flagship the HTC One it looks like they have hit yet another speed bump in that road. First word came that they are having a very hard time getting parts for the camera in the HTC One and that they have to cut production by as much a eighty percent because of it. Now it seems that are not launching this device on the United States largest carrier Verizon Wireless.

This was confirmed by this Tweet directly from HTC themselves:

I am unsure if this was a planned moved by HTC or if it was forced by the part shortage. Either way they need to get as many of these devices into consumers hands as possible and this is not the way to do it. I would have snubbed T-Mobile users before I gave Verizon the cold shoulder. Thoughts? Leave them in the comments.

Proof that Samsung Galaxy Note III Will Have a 6.3 Inch Screen

Source: Daily Mobile - March 18th, 2013 

With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 behind us there is one more BIG launch to look forward to this year from Samsung, that of course is the Samsung Galaxy Note III. While we know next to nothing about this device what we do know is that Samsung was planning to go bigger than the current Note II device... how much was the question.

Rumors had it being a 5.9 inch screen or a 6.3 inch screen. In my mind I had Samsung going with the 6.3 inch screen simply because they do not want to be outdone by Huawei's 6.1 inch Ascend Mate. Than this new Samsung Game Pad device shows up and it's maximum phone size is exactly 6.3 inches. I am guessing this is not a happy coincidence.

That's simply my thoughts on this.? I'd love to hear yours feel free to put them in comments.

Xperia XP and Xperia L announced by Sony, both equipped with 8MP Exmor RS camera

Source: Daily Mobile - March 18th, 2013 

Today Sony has added two new members to its Xperia family, the Xperia SP and Xperia L.

Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications said:

"Xperia SP and Xperia L are ideally suited for those seeking stylish class-leading smartphones that don't compromise on features. Both of our new models benefit from Sony's proven innovation and engineering expertise - whether you want to enjoy premium HD quality entertainment over 4G LTE on our mid-range Xperia SP or capture every moment in perfect detail with our more affordable Xperia L."

The Sony Xperia SP is a combination of Xperia S and Xperia P and features a 4.6-inch 720p Reality Display with Sony's Bravia Mobile Engine 2, it's powered by a dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon MSM8960 Pro processor, 1GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card, an 8-megapixel back camera with Exmor RS sensor, NFC, LTE and 2,370 mAh battery.

The Sony Xperia L features a 4.3-inch with resolution of 854x480, a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus clocked at 1GHz, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card, 8-megapixel main camera with Exmor RS sensor, HDR mode for both photos and videos, 1,700mAh battery, weighs 137g it's 9.7mm thick and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Both, Xperia SP and Xperia L will come in black, white and red and will be available worldwide from Q2 2013.

Samsung Galaxy SIV photo samples leaked

Earlier today we saw some high res photos and videos showing the new features of the upcoming Galaxy SIV (GT-I9502) and now first photos taken with its 13-megapixel camera hit the web. Check the photos after the break.

And here are some comparison photos against the iPhone 5 and the Xperia Z

What do you say about the Galaxy SIV camera?

Samsung Galaxy S4 launched

Source: Daily Mobile - March 14th, 2013 

OK guys the wait is over, Samsung officially announced its 2013 flagship Android smartphone, the Galaxy S4.

The Galaxy S4 features a 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with 441ppi protected with Gorilla Glass 3, depending on the market it will be powered by a Samsung Exynos 5 clocked at 1.6GHz or a 1.9GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (still no news will it be a Snapdragon 600 or 800), 2GB of RAM, 16/32/64GB of internal storage expandable up to 64GB via microSD card, 13-megapixel back camera, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, HSPA+42 Mbps, 4G LTE, WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, an IR blaster and MHL 2.0, 2,600 mAh removable battery its 7.9mm thick, weighs 130 grams and runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz Nature UX on top of it.

It will launch on 327 mobile operators in 155 countries starting the end of April.

Now when we have the official look and specs of the Galaxy S4 what are your thoughts?

Samsung Galaxy S4 hands-on videos

Source: Daily Mobile - March 14th, 2013 

Samsung just announced the Galaxy S4 at its Unpacked event in New York City. Check the first hands-on videos and new features after the break.

First impressions? Do you like Samsung's new creation? Will you be upgrading your phone to the new Galaxy S4?