Thursday, May 26, 2011

MobileCrunch

MobileCrunch

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Mango Includes A Web-Based Windows Marketplace

Posted: 25 May 2011 01:54 PM PDT

Despite the fact that Microsoft didn't find it important enough to mention during yesterday's VIP reception, we think the launch of a web-based version of the Windows Marketplace in conjunction with the Mango roll-out is newsworthy. Just like the App Store, Android Market, and Amazon Appstore for Android, a web-based Marketplace will give users the option to browse and download apps from their PC, and install them onto the phone.

Unlike in the App Store, users can install apps to their phone from the web-based Marketplace through SMS or email. As we'd expect, the web-based Windows Marketplace will integrate your favorite social networks, Twitter and Facebook, letting you share and promote apps, along with the option to share an app through email or an embedded link.

Also, no need to worry about lost apps when you upgrade to a new phone, as the implementation of a web-based Marketplace will allow Microsoft to save your download history. That way, you can easily re-install your apps straight to your new phone. According to the Windows Developer Blog, the web-based Windows Marketplace will launch alongside the Mango update, which should see the light of day "later this year."

[via Windows Developer Blog]

Sprint And Motorola Send Out Invites For A Mystery June 9th Event

Posted: 25 May 2011 10:13 AM PDT

Oh, Sprint. You know us too well. “Invitation-only event” and “hands-on demonstrations” are some of our favorite phrases, but you had us at “Luncheon”.

We’re not quite sure what Moto and Sprint are cookin’ up here in this “latest collaboration”, but we’ll be in New York City on June 9th to find out. Got any guesses and/or wishful thoughts? Drop’em in a comment below.

Xperia Play Gets Exclusive On Mobile Minecraft

Posted: 25 May 2011 09:09 AM PDT


Viral indie hit Minecraft has landed a mobile partner in Sony-Ericsson, whose Xperia Play (AKA the Playstation Phone) will the first device to have the game customized to a handset. Mojang, who makes the game, confirmed that they were working with S-E to fit the game to the screen and hardware.

There’s no information on pricing or other platforms, but an E3 event points to a June 7 release. I’d guess it will have a period of exclusivity on the Play or maybe a reduced, bundle price. We’ll be at E3 to find out, so stay tuned.

AT&T To Roll-Out LTE Coverage To Five New Markets This Summer

Posted: 25 May 2011 08:58 AM PDT

AT&T has gotten off to an incredibly late start rolling out its LTE network coverage, planning to compete with Verizon's 55 markets by deploying its own LTE coverage in five markets starting this summer. The Texas-based company isn’t making any effort to hide its homestate favoritism, with three of its first five LTE-supported markets located in the Lone Star state.

CEO of Business Solutions John Stankey announced this morning that Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Antonio would be swimmin’ in AT&T’s LTE radio waves this summer, with promises of ten additional markets before the end of the year. By contrast, Verizon has plans to deploy in 23 new markets next month, totaling out Verizon LTE-supported markets at 78.

AT&T also promised 20 new 4G-capable devices before year's end — some running on AT&T’s not-quite-4G HSPA+ network, others on their actual, big-boy-4G LTE network.


Verizon Confirms LG Revolution Launch May 26, $250 On-Contract

Posted: 25 May 2011 07:01 AM PDT

An early morning press release confirmed our previous suspicions: the LG Revolution will launch tomorrow, May 26, for Verizon. And even better, the Android 2.2 Froyo-powered smartphone will cost just $250 with a new, two-year contract. That's a pretty sizable difference from the $700 off-contract price tag you'll find on the Revolution at Best Buy. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99, and unlimited data costs $29.99 per month, while Mobile Hotspot is offered for free for a limited time.

Verizon recently confirmed that the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play and the Motorola Droid X2 will be joining the Revolution in its Thursday launch, but the Revolution will be the only new release to support 4G connectivity. Other specs include a 4.3-inch 480 x 800 touchscreen, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, and a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of video capture in 720p.

Of course, no one likes to buy a brand new phone running an outdated platform, but that seems to be the trend right now with carriers. We're seeing a lot of "Android 2.2 Froyo, but upgradeable to Android 2.3 Gingerbread," annoying as it is, and the LG Revolution unfortunately falls into that category. In the meantime, you can always find some comfort in the Revolution's pre-loaded Netflix app.

[via Engadget]
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