Android and Me |
- LG Optimus 3D headed to AT&T as the Thrill 4G, some users may experience discomfort while watching 3D content
- HTC Pyramid spotted in the wild, still headed to T-Mobile this summer
- Sprint ID coming to the Epic 4G and Galaxy Tab via software update
- Sprint to offer tight Google Voice integration to all Android phones
- Samsung Nexus S 4G coming to Sprint stores this spring for $199
| Posted: 21 Mar 2011 08:50 AM PDT In an effort to beat Sprint and HTC to the punch, AT&T just announced the first glasses-free 3D phone for the United States. Named the LG Thrill 4G, this will be AT&T’s version of the LG Optimus 3D that we played with last month at Mobile World Congress. Highlights of the LG Thrill 4G include a 4.3 inch glasses-free 3D display, 1 GHz dual-core OMAP4430 CPU, 512 MB RAM, 5-megapixel dual-camera, and support for AT&T’s 4G HSPA+ network. Also included with today’s press release was an interesting warning about viewing 3D content. We have seen similar caution with other glasses-free 3D devices like the Nintendo 3DS, but this is the first time for such a warning with an Andriod phone. Important Information about 3D: Response to viewing 3D content varies by individual. Some viewers may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue, dizziness or nausea) while watching 3D content. If you experience any such symptoms, immediately discontinue use of the 3D function and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided. Viewing 3D content for an extended period of time may increase the likelihood of the above symptoms. Frequent breaks are recommended when using 3D functions. Parents should speak to a physician before allowing children under the age of 5 to view 3D content. I spent about 30 minutes playing some 3D games on the LG Optimus 3D at Mobile World Congress and I did notice the eye strain. It was not severe enough to cause dizziness or nausea, but I have yet to play for an extended period of time. AT&T warns customers that they should take frequent breaks when using 3D functions and parents should be cautious of allowing children under the age of 5 to view 3D content. Pricing and availability of the LG Thrill 4G were not released, so keep your eye on AT&T’s site for any updates. Show Press ReleaseAT&T TAKES SMARTPHONE CUSTOMERS INTO A NEW DIMENSION Pair of 4.3-inch Smartphones For Best-in-Class Portfolio Include the LG Thrill 4G With Glasses-free 3D Experience, in Addition to the HTC HD7S, an Exciting Addition to the Windows Phone Portfolio DALLAS, March 21, 2011 — Key Facts
LG Thrill 4G The LG Thrill 4G will be exclusive to AT&T customers and reach AT&T stores in the coming months. Running the first dual-core, dual-channel 1 GHz processor in the U.S. and based on the Android 2.2 platform, LG Thrill 4G will be among the first to deliver a glasses-free 3D experience to U.S. customers and will allow users to shoot 3D video and 3D stills with the dual 5-megapixel stereoscopic camera. In addition to apps and games from Android Market, LG Thrill 4G will offer 3D content via the "LG 3D Space," which houses 3D games, video clips and images for quick, convenient access. Preloaded with 16 GB of memory (8 GB onboard plus an 8 GB MicroSD card), the LG Thrill 4G will record 3D video at 720p resolution and 2D at 1080p quality. The smartphone will be able to play video back in high definition through the HDMI-out port on the device or stream content wirelessly through DLNA technology. HTC HD7S The HTC HD7S will be the largest screen on a Windows Phone from AT&T and will include the latest version of Windows Phone software that offers many new benefits including the ability to copy and paste text. A powerful 1 GHz processor will power the unique Windows Phone experience and any of the more than 10,000 applications available for download or purchase from Windows Marketplace. In addition, with the preloaded U-verse® Mobile application, qualifying AT&T U-verse customers can download and watch hit TV shows on their Windows Phone. Non-U-verse customers can subscribe to U-verse Mobile for $9.99 a month and choose from a broad selection of programming to watch on their Windows Phone. This new AT&T smartphone will be the first HD7 model from HTC in the U.S. with an improved super LCD high resolution display. The HTC HD7S will be available in company-owned AT&T retail locations and online at www.wireless.att.com in the coming weeks. Quotes "AT&T customers know that we offer the best lineup of cutting-edge smartphones in the country. Our first 3D phone plus a new, leading Windows Phone underscore our commitment to continue to offer the best," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "2011 is going to be another landmark year for us with more best-in-class devices." AT&T Smartphone Portfolio AT&T is the leader in smartphones and expects to widen that lead in 2011. The LG Thrill 4G is the latest proof point in AT&T's commitment to an industry-leading Android portfolio in the U.S., including 12 new Android smartphones in 2011. For further details please visit www.att.com/thrill4g. AT&T is the leader in Windows Phones, offering the only portfolio of Windows Phone 7 devices, now including the HTC HD7S with its 4.3-inch screen. For further details visit www.att.com/htchd7s. The LG Thrill 4G is one of more than 20 4G devices AT&T plans to deliver in 2011. AT&T has completed the deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device. Learn more at att.com/network. Actual speeds experienced will vary and depend on several factors, including device, location, capacity, facilities, and other conditions. Important Information about 3D. Response to viewing 3D content varies by individual. Some viewers may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue, dizziness or nausea) while watching 3D content. If you experience any such symptoms, immediately discontinue use of the 3D function and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided. Viewing 3D content for an extended period of time may increase the likelihood of the above symptoms. Frequent breaks are recommended when using 3D functions. Parents should speak to a physician before allowing children under the age of 5 to view 3D content.
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| HTC Pyramid spotted in the wild, still headed to T-Mobile this summer Posted: 21 Mar 2011 08:21 AM PDT In the next 24 hours we expect HTC will unveil their first handset with a dual-core CPU. The device is codenamed the HTC Pyramid and is rumored to appear on T-Mobile later this year and could be arriving on Sprint as the EVO 3D. We got our first glimpse of the Pyramid last week in some leaked renders and now we have some real pics of the device thanks to GSMArena and Techblog.gr. Our friends at TmoNews received a new tip that says the T-Mobile version should now be in stores by June. Earlier rumors suggested May, so the device could have been pushed back a month to ensure it ships with Android 2.4. David also says the Pyramid will have a 800 x 480 display, but everything we have heard points at a higher qHD resoltuion (960 x 540). Hopefully we will have more details later in the week. Rumored specs of the HTC Pyramid include:
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| Sprint ID coming to the Epic 4G and Galaxy Tab via software update Posted: 21 Mar 2011 07:26 AM PDT Last October Sprint announced their new Sprint ID platform that allows customers to install application packs with a single click (including apps, widgets, ringtones, wallpapers, shortcuts and more). The service initially launched on three entry-level Android phones, but Sprint said it would eventually come to all devices and today they announced software upgrades to bring it to the Epic 4G and Galaxy Tab. An over-the-air software update should start rolling out today and all Epic 4G and Galaxy Tab owners should have it by March 24. “Sprint ID handset sales have exceeded our expectations, which is proof that customers, especially those new to smartphones, want an easier way to get apps they'll enjoy rather than searching through thousands of apps in Android Market,” said John Carney, SVP consumer marketing at Sprint. ”We expect to see the same excitement from our customers about recently launched ID packs as well as branded packs from other partners we have in the pipeline.” For an idea of what Sprint ID will look like on your device, check out our hands-on video from last year’s CTIA. Show Press ReleaseSamsung Epic 4G and Samsung Galaxy Tab Now Sprint ID-Enabled, Bringing Unique Mobile Experience to 4G and Tablets for First Time Sprint ID quickly customizes device with apps, widgets, ringtones and more in a single download, based on customers' interests or favorite brands; Most popular Sprint ID pack downloads include Yahoo!, MTV Music ID and ESPN ID Software update delivering Sprint ID will also include Android 2.2 (Froyo) OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced that its award-winning Samsung Epic 4G and Samsung Galaxy Tab will be Sprint ID-enabled, beginning March 21, allowing customers who own these devices to download a complete mobile experience, called an "ID pack" – including apps, widgets, ringtones, wallpapers, shortcuts and more – tailored to their specific interests, business needs or favorite brands in a single download. All existing Samsung Epic 4G and Samsung Galaxy Tab owners will be prompted this week to accept the over-the-air software update in their device's notification tab. Once the update is installed, the user can find the Sprint ID icon in their Applications Menu and begin experiencing Sprint ID. All users should have access to this new software update by March 24. The software update for Samsung Epic 4G will also include the Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating system update. This update will add numerous capabilities, including Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Bluetooth dialing and allows app installation to external storage. Customers who purchase a new Samsung Epic 4G or Samsung Galaxy Tab can access Sprint ID from their Applications Menu when they turn it on for the first time. Customers can learn more about how to use Sprint ID on their device by visiting www.sprint.com/epicsupport or www.sprint.com/galaxytabsupport. Sprint ID launched in October 2010 on three devices – LG Optimus S™, Sanyo Zio™ and Samsung Transform™ – with 16 consumer lifestyle ID packs targeting specific interests including Home Base, Health & Fitness, Fashion & Beauty, Socially Connected, Business Pro, Golf Enthusiast, Auto Enthusiast, The Big Apple and Entertainment, as well as branded ID packs from Yahoo!, WHERE and Lo2Yo by LatCel. Since launch, brands that have deployed Sprint ID packs include MTV, ESPN and HSN. Select ID packs will be available for download onto Samsung Galaxy Tab. Customers with Sprint ID-capable devices can download up to five ID packs onto their phone and easily switch back and forth between them or swap them out for new ones. Sprint customers currently are downloading an average of two ID packs per device. Sprint ID packs are free to download with an Everything Data plan. "We are very pleased with the success of Sprint ID and excited to expand this rich mobile experience to customers with these two popular devices – Samsung Epic 4G and Samsung Galaxy Tab," said John Carney, senior vice president consumer marketing at Sprint. "Sprint ID handset sales have exceeded our expectations, which is proof that customers, especially those new to smartphones, want an easier way to get apps they'll enjoy rather than searching through thousands of apps in Android Market™. As this data about ID pack downloads shows, customers are passionate about certain brands, such as MTV, Yahoo! and ESPN, and are eager to download a complete mobile experience developed by that brand. We expect to see the same excitement from our customers about recently launched ID packs as well as branded packs from other partners we have in the pipeline." Since Sprint ID launched, the most popular Sprint ID packs include:
For more information about Sprint ID and to see all Sprint ID packs, visit www.sprint.com/sprintid.
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| Sprint to offer tight Google Voice integration to all Android phones Posted: 21 Mar 2011 06:57 AM PDT Today Sprint announced that integrated Google Voice services were coming to all of its CDMA phones. Google Voice was previously available to Sprint customers, but now they can set their existing Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number and avoid the hassle and fees associated with porting their number. Sprint is the first carrier to offer this new integrated Google Voice experience, so I’m guessing that Google made them a special deal for agreeing to launch the Nexus S 4G. Google reports on their blog that the integrated Google Voice features will be available soon, but it does not specify an exact launch date. They also note that once it is launched, it will be rolled out gradually to all Google Voice users. When you enable Google Voice on your Sprint phone, you'll get:
To learn more, watch the video below and visit google.com/voice/sprint. From Sprint: Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different devices through one phone number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording using the phone's dial pad. Sprint subscribers will be able to use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online.
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| Samsung Nexus S 4G coming to Sprint stores this spring for $199 Posted: 21 Mar 2011 06:38 AM PDT As expected, Samsung and Sprint announced today that the Nexus S 4G would be available this spring for $199 with 2-year agreement. The device is exactly like the Nexus S that launched for T-Mobile last year, with the addition of 4G WiMAX support. The Nexus series of phones are special because customers will be among the first to receive Android software upgrades and new Google mobile apps. In many cases, the device will get the updates and new apps as soon as they are available. Customers can pre-order the Nexus S 4G starting today by visiting their local Sprint store and purchasing a $50 gift card as their deposit. Unlike the Nexus S which was available exclusively through Best Buy, the Nexus S 4G will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including the web and Telesales, as well as select national retailers. To sign up for Nexus S 4G news updates, please visit sprint.com/nexus. “Nexus S 4G shows the strong commitment Sprint has to Android, and when combined with our 4G network capabilities, it gives customers the option of a pure Google experience,” said Fared Adib, VP Product Development, Sprint. ”As the first 4G smartphone with Android 2.3, Nexus S 4G delivers on the promise of the advanced data capabilities of 4G to deliver an incredible Web browsing experience, offers quick and easy access to future Android updates and access to the services built into Google Voice.” Sprint will also offer tight integration with Google Voice on their Nexus S 4G. Customers will be able to use their current Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges and potential service disruptions. Overall it looks like this is a solid release and I’m glad to see another carrier supporting the Nexus series and stock Android devices. I still use the Nexus S as my daily phone and I would suggest the Nexus S 4G to any Sprint customer looking for a pure Google experience device. Additional key features of the Nexus S 4G include:
First Pure Google 4G Device with Android 2.3 in the U.S., Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung, Coming to Sprint this Spring
First 4G device powered by Android 2.3 boasts pure Google experience, Google Voice integration, Super AMOLED display and Mobile Hotspot capability is Sprint's 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone announced to date Visit www.sprint.com/nexus to register to receive more information
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) extends its 4G device innovation lead once again with the upcoming availability of the 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone, Nexus S 4G1 from Google™. Coming to Sprint this spring, it will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented controls and services enabled by Google Voice™ integration built into the Sprint Network. Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), a leading global mobile phone provider and the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States2, Nexus S 4G comes packed with a pure Google experience using Android 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available for smartphones. It is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience. "Nexus S 4G shows the strong commitment Sprint has to Android, and when combined with our 4G network capabilities, it gives customers the option of a pure Google experience," said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. "As the first 4G smartphone with Android 2.3, Nexus S 4G delivers on the promise of the advanced data capabilities of 4G to deliver an incredible Web browsing experience, offers quick and easy access to future Android updates and access to the services built into Google Voice." It is designed with Samsung's brilliant Super AMOLED touchscreen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user's hand or along the side of the face. It also offers a screen that is bright with higher color contrast, meaning colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won’t wash them out. Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android software upgrades and new Google mobile apps. In many cases, the device will get the updates and new apps as soon as they are available. “We’re excited to partner with Sprint on Nexus S 4G, which brings innovative hardware by Samsung and innovations on the Android platform, to create a powerful smartphone experience," said Andy Rubin, vice president of Engineering at Google. Nexus S 4G features a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and camcorder and front-facing VGA camera. In addition, Nexus S 4G features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user tilts the device up or down or pans the phone to the left or right. Additional key features include:
"Samsung is thrilled to work with Google and Sprint to create the next generation Nexus S. Adding 4G capabilities takes this iconic device to the next level," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. "Nexus S 4G integrates Samsung's best-in-class hardware and the exciting features of the Android 2.3 platform with the impressive speed and connectivity of Sprint's 4G network." Nexus S 4G from Google will be available exclusively from Sprint this spring for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade (taxes not included) in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), as well as select national retailers. Sprint Nexus S customers also will be able to easily use their current Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges and potential service disruptions. Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different phones through one number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording. Now Sprint subscribers can use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice. Nexus S 4G requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. 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 $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes). Sprint customers get more with unlimited data plans on the Sprint Network. Sprint offers real simplicity, value and savings versus competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without using a calculator to tally up costs or worrying about how much data they've used. Sprint Everything Data plans qualify for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program3. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement. As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint is America's Favorite 4G Network4. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
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