Google's Nexus 7 (2013) LTE Receives Update To Enable Verizon 4G LTE

The Nexus 7 (2013) with LTE has received a 37MB update this afternoon that “enables full compatibility with Verizon’s 4G LTE network”. The screenshot also mention Android 4.4.2 is also in tow, as we recall Android 4.4.2 was released long ago for Google’s slate tablet. This brings the new build number to KVT49L.

Sprint Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE Set For August 19th Launch

Sprint subscribers can get their hands on a device that offers just that. After a few weeks of teasing, the Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE is slated to hit the Now Network on Sunday, August 19th, with a $200 price tag. Future Photon Q 4G LTE users can look forward to spec highlights that include a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Ice Cream Sandwich and an eight megapixel rear-facing camera. So, if the long name doesn’t deter you from getting your hands on this QWERTY rockin’ smartphone, interested parties can pre-order the Photon Q today at the link below. Continue reading for the full press release.

Calling All QWERTY Fans! Motorola PHOTON Q 4G LTE from Sprint Available Aug. 19 for $199.99; Pre-Order Begins Today.

Offering a device packed with features to provide the ideal work-life balance, Sprint, the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network1, today announced the Sunday, Aug. 19, availability of the first 4G LTE-enabled smartphone from Sprint with a full QWERTY keyboard and international roaming capabilities, Motorola PHOTON™ Q™ 4G LTE. Motorola PHOTON Q will cost $199.99 (excludes taxes) with a new line of service or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement.

Motorola PHOTON Q 4G LTE will be available for pre-order beginning today at www.sprint.com/photonq. Customers who pre-order Motorola PHOTON Q 4G LTE will begin receiving their smartphone as early as two days before the device goes on sale while supplies last.

“At Sprint, we recognize there is a large group of our customers that love the ease of a physical QWERTY keyboard,” said David Owens, vice president Product Development, Sprint. “By bringing a device like Motorola PHOTON Q into our portfolio, we are able to give these customers the option of a physical keyboard plus international roaming capabilities to stay connected while traveling abroad.”

Motorola PHOTON Q features a slide out PC-like QWERTY keyboard for double-thumb efficiency. Each laser-cut key is outlined in LED lights so users can see what they’re doing, even in the dark. It also has a dedicated number row for maximum typing efficiency and accuracy.

Combined with a large 4.3-inch ColorBoost™ display, Motorola PHOTON Q offers the largest screen currently available on a 4G LTE smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. Its 8-megapiexal rear-facing camera with 1080p capture and playback along with an HD front-facing camera produce a high-quality multimedia experience that provides the perfect blend of business and pleasure with blazing speed on the Sprint 4G LTE network2.

Additional key features on Motorola PHOTON Q include:

• 1.5GHz dual-core processor
• Android™ 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich
• ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint
• SMARTACTIONS™, the free Motorola app that helps extend battery life and intelligently automates routine, everyday tasks so that smartphones can do more for consumers
• Mirror mode when connected with HDMI cable (sold separately) to view images, files and movies on a larger screen, like your TV at home
• Sprint ID, offering an innovative way to personalize an Android-powered smartphone with apps, widgets, ringtones and more all, in a single download
• NFC support to share links, apps, YouTube™ clips and more with Android Beam™
• Sprint Professional Grade designation making it business ready with full corporate security, including remote wipe, pin lock and data encryption

Motorola PHOTON Q 4G LTE customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones a savings of $20 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB web (excludes taxes and surcharges).

Customers across the country are beginning to benefit from Network Vision an all-new network from Sprint, which offers enhanced 3G service with a stronger wireless signal, faster data speeds, expanded coverage and better in-building performance and 4G LTE, with faster data speeds for data applications.

AT&T Fires Up Three New LTE Markets

AT&T today announced that Akron and Canton, Ohio, and Lafayette, Ind., are now live with LTE coverage. These markets were announced as part of a general LTE network expansion earlier this month, but hadn't previously been given a launch date. AT&T customers in these three markets can now access and use the company's LTE 4G network with the appropriate devices.

Verizon Expanding LTE To Nine New Markets

Verizon Wireless announced that it is expanding its LTE 4G network footprint in nine markets across California and Nevada. Markets with increased LTE availability include Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, Monterey, Sacramento, Salinas, and the San Francisco Bay area in California, as well as Reno, Nev. According to Verizon, its LTE 4G network will expand in these markets in the coming weeks. Verizon is also launching LTE coverage in Salisbury, Md., beginning April 19.

LG Viper To Have Adjustable LTE Radio Controls

LG Viper's LTE radio will be on when the device launches April 22, even though Sprint's LTE network won't be available until later this year. Owners will be able to toggle the LTE radio on and off, however, to conserve battery life.

Fix For Lumia 900 Data Connectivity Issue Coming

Nokia has confirmed the problem. In a post on its Nokia Conversations blog, the company says that a memory management issue is causing a loss of data connectivity for some users and that it's already cooked up a fix for the bug. An update is expected to be pushed via the Zune software on or around April 16th. Affected Lumia 900 owners also have the option of exchanging their existing device for an updated handset. Nokia and AT&T aren't stopping there, though, as they'll also be giving a $100 AT&T bill credit to anyone that's already bought a Lumia 900 or will buy one through April 21st.

AT&T Lumia 900 Owners Reportedly Suffering From Data Issues

Nokia’s Lumia 900 is currently AT&T’s flagship “hero” device but new owners are already expressing concerns over the phone’s ability to maintain a data connection. Reportedly, the phone has had trouble staying connected to HSPA and LTE data networks, so users aren’t able to surf the web or download any data. AT&T is reportedly telling Lumia 900 owners to pull their SIM card, restart the phone or even perform a master reset — all things you don’t regularly expect to have to do with a new phone. The good news is that several users have reported that at least one of those steps helped solve the problem.

U.S. Cellular Launches Its First LTE Smartphone

Just a couple of weeks after U.S. Cellular launched its first 4G LTE tablet in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, today the carrier announced that its first 4G LTE smartphone is now available for purchase as well. The Samsung Galaxy S Aviator is up for sale on U.S. Cellular's website and is also in its stores and is priced at $199.99 with a two-year contract and $100 mail-in rebate, though U.S. Cellular says that customers in "select markets covered by its 4G LTE network" can snag an Aviator for $99.99 after $100 mail-in rebate for a limited time. The Aviator is an Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread device that includes a 4.3-inch WVGA SAMOLED+ touchscreen, an 8 megapixel rear-camera, front-facing webcam, and an HDMI port.

Sprint Announces The HTC EVO 4G LTE

The HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint’s variant of the HTC One X, was unveiled today at Sprint’s press event in New York city. Sprint’s CEO, Dan Hesse, took the stage during the press event, showing off what will be Sprint’s flagship smartphone for the summer.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE features a 4.7-inch 720p HD display, a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 8 megapixel rear camera with an f2.0 lens BSI sensor, dedicated imaging chip and HTC’s new Image Sense technology. Other specifications include a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, 1 GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, NFC, LTE and a 2000 mAh battery which will keep the EVO 4G LTE up and running for over 24 hours.

"One of the new unique features found of the HTC EVO 4G LTE is HD Voice. The feature uses voice over LTE in combination with noise cancelling technology on the handset to deliver extremely clear audio calls."

From a design standpoint, the HTC EVO 4G LTE features a uni-body annodized aluminum shell similar to other HTC devices. HTC has brought back the kickstand (painted red) which is featured prominently as a design feature on the back side of the handset. The placement of the kickstand would make most people think that they would be able to use in only in landscape mode, but HTC’s engineering magicians have created a dual-directional kickstand which works in landscape and portrait more – giving user the flexability allowed by the thicker kickstand featured on the HTC Thunderbolt.

Sprint Confirms That LTE Phones Can Enjoy Unlimited Data On Everything Plans

The formal unveiling of LG's Viper this morning may not have piqued your interest, but Sprint loyalists hellbent on maintaining access to an unlimited plan may want to take a second look. Initially pointed out by techhog the carrier's impending LTE data network will indeed be included on its existing Everything plans. In other words, the Viper -- as well as any other LTE smartphone, will be able to surf the LTE superhighway without limits. To date, the "unlimited" nature of Sprint's data remains a huge differentiator in a world full of hamstrung options, tiers and throttles, and it'll certainly be used to get the attention of heavy users in the months ago. We also reconfirmed that Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are on track to receive LTE in "midyear 2012," with "other markets following in the third and fourth quarters.

AT&T 4G LTE Coverage Rolling Out To New Markets On April 8th



Good news for AT&T customers in Indiana and Texas this morning, as the carrier has announced that it'll be bringing its 4G LTE coverage to select markets in those states on Sunday, April 8th. AT&T has revealed that customers in Bloomington and Muncie, Ind. and Bryan-College Station, Texas will be joining its LTE family this weekend.

Sprint Won't Be Releasing New WiMAX Devices

Sprint has changed its stance on WiMax devices and no longer plans to bring new WiMax gear to the market, said Bob Azzi, Sprint's senior vice president of networks. Earlier this year, Sprint said that it would offer both CDMA/WiMax and CDMA/LTE devices through 2012, and that it would stop selling WiMax devices by the end of the year. Azzi's comments reflect a change in the company's position. 


Azzi noted that the company will use the G-Block of its 1900MHz spectrum to launch LTE by the middle of the year. "We are wrapping up final field integration tests," Azzi said. "The technology works and delivers more benefits than we expected." Sprint will have 15 LTE devices available by the end of the year, including smartphones, tablets, and mobile hotspots. The company also plans to refarm portions of its 800MHz spectrum for use with LTE. It is currently transitioning its iDEN customers to its CDMA network, and will eventually use that freed-up spectrum for LTE. 


Considering that Sprint is planning to roll out LTE service by mid-2012 and will be releasing around 15 LTE-capable devices by the end of the year, it makes sense that the carrier would decide to cease launching new WiMAX products. Sprint has yet to say when it'll be releasing its new LTE devices like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper, saying only that availability information will be revealed closer to launch, but a recent rumor claimed that the Galaxy Nexus could be here as soon as the middle of April. How many of you are considering checking out one of Sprint's LTE devices once they finally hit?

AT&T HTC Titan II Landing April 8th For $199.99



AT&T just confirmed that the HTC Titan II will be available in stores and online beginning on April 8th for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The Titan II offers an incredible 16-megapixel camera, a 4.7-inch Super LCD display, a single core 1.5GHz processor, a 1.3-megapixel front facing camera and support for AT&T’s 4G LTE network. One of the first LTE Windows Phone devices, to start, meaning that you will be enjoying blazing fast internet speeds while on the go.

U.S. Cellular's First LTE Device Isn't a Phone

U.S. Cellular announced the availability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. It is the first device to be sold by U.S. Cellular that can access its LTE 4G network. The LTE network is active in just a handful of markets so far, including Madison and Milwaukee, Wisc.; Wichita Falls and Lawton, Okla.; Portland, Houlton, Augusta, and Bangor, Me.; Greenville and Elizabeth City, N.C.; and Des Moines, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, Iowa. According to U.S. Cellular, it will light up LTE in cities in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia by the second half of 2012. Despite being nearly a year old, USCC's Tab 10.1 will sell for a staggering $499.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, though customers residing in one of its LTE markets will be able to grab it for a Benjamin less. Oh, and did we mention that a two-year agreement (with data plan) is still required?

Sprint Officially Kills LightSquared 4G LTE Deal, Pays Back $65M

Sprint announced on Friday that it has officially canceled its plans to partner with LightSquared as it begins to roll-out its 4G LTE network. Sprint has been patient with LightSquared while the company has battled the FCC for approval to activate its network — pushing back LightSquared’s deadlines several times. Unfortunately, however, the FCC has ruled that LightSquared’s technology doesn’t play well with GPS networks. To LightSquared’s defense, the company has argued that its network was unfairly tested at levels much higher than it would actually operate. Sprint partnered with LightSquared last year in hopes of sharing the costs to deploy LTE 4G mobile broadband networks. Sprint's contract with LightSquared was contingent upon LightSquared gaining FCC approval to operate its network in the L-band satellite spectrum. The FCC revoked LightSquared's provisional waiver and decided that the GPS-related interference risks are too great. Sprint will now forge ahead with long-time 4G partner Clearwire in creating its LTE network. Sprint has agreed to return $65 million in prepayments to LightSquared.

Motorola Announce The Droid RAZR MAXX

Verizon and Motorola have now taken the covers off some new additions to their DROID lineup and while all of them come to us from Motorola -- they kind of aren't really all that new. 

Starting with the Motorola RAZR, it now comes in purple -- for those of you keeping track at home that means you can now get one in black, white and purple. Next in line is the Droid RAZR Maxx, which according to the press release past the break, is just a Motorola RAZR that happens to last longer then well, a Motorola RAZR:

DROID RAZR MAXX is designed for customers who spend their days and nights multi-tasking. This smartphone is a marathon runner with enough endurance to let customers talk on the phone for more than 21 hours straight on a single charge. It's the longest-lasting smartphone on the block, and at just 8.99 mm, the device is still impossibly thin. The DROID RAZR MAXX comes equipped with 32 GB of total memory and will be $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Verizon's Droid 4 Finally Official

Verizon's Droid 4 is finally here and its running Android 2.3.5 with an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade coming later. As with most phones these days, it strikes a slim profile for a QWERTY slider -- it's only half an inch thick -- but Moto managed to squeeze a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of memory underneath its 4-inch qHD display. Naturally, it runs on Verizon's LTE network, and has an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p video. Unfortunately, pricing remains a mystery even though the handset is scheduled to hit store shelves in the coming weeks.

AT&T Unveils The HTC Titan II: Windows Phone, 16MP Camera, 4G LTE

AT&T invited Steve Ballmer onto the stage to talk about AT&T and its upcoming lineup of LTE Windows Phone handsets. These phones will be the first LTE handsets to land in the US and include the high-end HTC Titan II. Other  phones include the Nokia Ace and the rumored Samsung Mendel.

The Titan II is the next version of the Titan, one of the first handsets to launch with Windows Phone Mango. The Titan II will have a 4.7-inch WVGA display, 1.5 GHZ Snapdragon processor, 4G LTE support, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 16-megapixel, wide-angle front-facing camera with 720P HD recording.

Galaxy Nexus To Be Sprint’s First 4G LTE Phone

Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus is one of the hottest Android phones on the market right now and according to a recent report, the smartphone will soon launch on Sprint’s network. An advertisement spotted by Engadget on CNET that likely ran a bit ahead of schedule revealed the device, suggesting that an announcement could be coming at or even just ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show next week. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the first smartphone to feature Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and it also sports a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display and 4G LTE support — Sprint’s advertisement for the phone points out that the device will be the carrier’s first LTE phone. Sprint announced earlier on Thursday that Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio will be its initial LTE markets, with a rollout set to begin in the coming months.

HTC Elite flagship phone and 4G LTE Windows Phone to hit AT&T in early 2012

BGR has learned from a trusted source that HTC is preparing to switch up the company’s strategy a bit in 2012. In order to focus getting quality products to market, we have heard that HTC’s release schedule is going to be shockingly quiet for most of the first quarter next year. HTC will also release fewer phones overall in 2012 compared to 2011, we’re told. We’ve also been given exclusive details surrounding several upcoming phones from the Taiwan-based vendor, including HTC’s first 4G Windows Phone for AT&T and its flagship Android handset for the first half of the year. 

HTC is currently set to deliver an HTC Titan-like smartphone with a 4.7-inch display and 4G LTE to AT&T — the first LTE Windows Phone we know of — and the release date is currently slated for February 5th, so we should expect a CES announcement. Additionally, we got word that HTC’s flagship handset for the first half of 2012 will be called the HTC Elite. Joining the HTC Ville and HTC Edge, the Elite will obviously run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and it will also have Beats Audio as well. AT&T is going to carry the handset according to our source, and it may launch as the “HTC Congressional,” sad though it may be. The phone is currently scheduled to launch during the first or second week of April. That’s all we have for you for the time being, but stay tuned as we’re working on getting our hands on photos of both phones.