iPhone 5 Won't Support Sprint's HD Voice
Apple's new iPhone 5 won't work with Sprint's new HD Voice service, even though Apple touts the device as supporting "wideband audio", commonly marketed as HD Voice by many carriers. Apple claims that 20 carriers around the world will support the feature when the iPhone 5 launches. But Sprint spokesperson Michelle Leff Mermelstein confirmed to Phone Scoop that the iPhone 5 will not support Sprint's version of HD Voice. Most carriers offering HD Voice around the world are doing so on WCDMA networks, whereas Sprint's HD Voice service operates over CDMA 1x Advanced technology.
from Sprint
Droid RAZR M Arrives at Verizon Stores Sept. 13
Motorola and Verizon Wireless today announced that the RAZR M Android smartphone will go on sale September 13. The RAZR M costs $99 after rebate with a new contract. It is a compact device that still includes a 4.3-inch AMOLED display, 8-megapixel camera, and LTE 4G.
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Verizon Won't Charge for FaceTime Over Cellular
Verizon Wireless today said that users of iOS 6 devices will be able to use the FaceTime feature over Verizon's cellular network without paying extra for it. The feature will be available to the iPhone 5 and other Apple devices as a part of their monthly data allotment. The service can also be used by those who have grandfathered unlimited data plans with no extra penalty or cost. Like Verizon, Sprint will allow iPhone owners to use FaceTime over cellular without charging extra for it. Verizon and Sprint's policies are in direct contrast with AT&T;'s, which requires users to pay for a more expensive Mobile Share plan to access the feature.
Apple Closing Ping September 30
Apple indicated via its iTunes application today that its music-based social network, Ping, is no longer accepting new users and will shut down on September 30. A message about the closure greets Ping users when they attempt to use the service within iTunes. The social-sharing service, which was accessible from desktops as wellas iPhones and iPads, never quite took off. Now that iTunes offers Facebook and Twitter integration for social networking, it is no longer necessary.
C Spire Wireless to Sell iPhone 5 September 28
C Spire Wireless today announced that it will offer the Apple iPhone 5 beginning September 28, one week after the device goes on sale at AT&T;, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless stores. C Spire didn't provide pricing details.
Apple Releases iOS 6 Golden Master to Developers
Apple today released the Golden Master of iOS 6 to developers. The GM is typically the penultimate test version of a platform build before it is released to the public. iOS 6 will be available to everyone September 19.
Sprint Confirms FaceTime Over Cellular Won't Cost Extra
Sprint today announced details regarding the iPhone 5, including availability and price. As announced by Apple, the device can be preordered on Sprint.com starting at 12:01 AM Pacific Time on Friday, September 14, with delivery and in-store availability scheduled for September 21. Additionally, Sprint reiterated that the iPhone 5 will continue to have access to truly unlimited data. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse said, "We are proud to offer Truly Unlimited data to iPhone customers so they can enjoy everything iPhone 5 has to offer on our 4G LTE network." That includes FaceTime over cellular. Sprint's unlimited plans start at $79.99, and Sprint said customers won't have to worry about throttling, metering, or overages. AT&T; is only offering FaceTime over cellular to customers who join its Mobile Share plans.
iPhone 5 To Come In Nine Variants
Apple's spec page for the iPhone 5 has been posted, revealing that the phone will come in three different radio configurations, each offered in three different storage capacities - 16, 32, and 64 GB - for a total of nine variants. One model will be exclusive to AT&T;, supporting 4G LTE in their 700 and 1700 bands. The model for Verizon and Sprint will support CDMA and both carriers' 4G LTE bands, plus three other LTE bands used overseas. The CDMA model will also support EVDO Rev. B. A third model will support European and Asian LTE bands. This global version is similar to the Sprint/Verizon version, but with US-specific modes disabled. All three versions will support quad-band GSM and quad-band WCDMA/HSPA+ (850/900/1900/2100). None of the versions will support T-Mobile's USA's HSPA+ network in the 1700 (AWS) band. Nor will any version support band 12, the lower-700 MHz band used by regional carriers such as U.S. Cellular for 4G LTE service.
Google Strengthens Chrome for Android with Update
Google today published a new version of its Chrome browser for the Android platform. This update focuses on security and plugs a number of holes in the browser. Primarily, Chrome has fortified the sandboxing capabilities of the browser, which separates elements and prevents malicious web sites from taking over the entire browser. The update also steps on a few bugs in the browser, especially on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich devices. Google Chrome for Android is a free download.
iTunes for iOS and Mac OS Redesigned
Apple today announced a significant refresh of its iTunes software, both for iOS devices and on Apple's desktop machines. The iTunes app has a brand new user interface and, according to Apple, offers improved performance, the ability to preview tracks while browsing, improved search results, and social network sharing via Facebook and Twitter. The new iTunes store will be part of the iOS 6 upgrade, available to the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and new iPad beginning September 19. iTunes for the desktop now includes iCloud and a design that mirrors the look and feel of the iPad's Music application. Apple is also refreshing the App Store and iBook Store apps on iOS devices so that they are similar in design and function to the new iTunes store. The iPhone 5 will ship with the new store apps preinstalled.
iPhone 4 Now Free, iPhone 3GS Discontinued
Apple today announced new pricing for its existing lineup of iPhones. Moving forward, the entry-level iPhone 3GS has been discontinued and is no longer available. The iPhone 4 with 8GB of storage will take its place as a free phone when purchased on contract. The iPhone 4S 16GB will be available for $99 with a contract. The iPhone 5, announced today, will cost $199, $299, and $399 for the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions, respectively.
iOS 6 Available Starting September 19
Apple today provided more information about iOS 6, the next version of its smartphone and tablet platform, and the platform's availability. Some of the new features discussed today include a panorama mode for the camera, which allows users to capture wide vistas for the first time. iOS 6 will also include the new Apple Maps app, which Apple says includes 100 million points of interest worldwide, and offers cinematic camera angles for flying around landscapes. Other features in iOS 6 include VIPs in the mail app; Passbook for tickets to events/transportation; iCloud integration with the Safari browser; new Siri features for movies and sports; and FaceTimver over cellular. iOS 6 will be available to the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and Retina iPad starting September 19. It is a free upgrade.
Apple Reveals iPhone 5 with Larger Display and LTE
Apple today announced the iPhone 5, which features a 4.0-inch Retina Display and LTE 4G. Announced during an event in San Francisco, the iPhone 5 is the first from Apple to break from the 3.5-inch display used since the original iPhone in 2007. The iPhone 5's display measures 640 x 1136 pixels, which changes the aspect ratio to the 16:9 industry standard for video content. The display has a pixel density of 326ppi and 44% more accurate color. The display uses in-cell technology, which combines the display with the touch screen into a single panel. The exterior design of the iPhone has changed a bit to match the new display. It uses less glass than the iPhone 4/4S and more aluminum for improved durability. The device is 20% lighter than the iPhone 4S, and is 18% thinner at 7.6mm. The iPhone 5 supports LTE, dual-carrier HSDPA, and HSPA+. It uses a single chip and single radio, and has a dynamic antenna for use with the varied LTE frequencies around the world. It will work on AT&T;, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless's LTE networks in the U.S., as well as those of a dozen other countries. The iPhone 5 features the new A6 processor, which Apple says is two times faster than the A5, offers improved graphics performance, is 22% smaller, and is more power efficient. The iPhone 5 battery life exceeds that of the iPhone 4S, and provides up to 8 hours of LTE surfing time. The iPhone 5's camera has been improved with backside illumination for better low-light performance, a hybrid IR filter, a five-element sapphire lens, and an f2.4 aperture. The camera module is 25% smaller than than of the iPhone 4S. The camera takes advantage of the A6 processor's added horsepower to reduce noise and capture photos 40% faster. Other improvements to the hardware include three microphones for better noise reduction, wideband audio for better phone calls, and an improved speaker for better sound. The iPhone 5 also offers 720p video capture for the iSight camera. The iPhone 5 breaks with the long-used, 30-in dock connector and switches to a new, smaller connector called Lightning. Apple says it the new dock reversible (cable can be inserted either way, making it easier to use), uses an adaptive interface, and offers better durability. The iPhone will be sold in black and white, and will be offered in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions for $199, $299, and $399, respectively, with a new two-year contract. Pre-orders will open September 14, and the device will ship September 21 in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It will ship in other countries starting September 28.
San Francisco Loses Phone Radiation Appeal
A federal appeals court denied the City of San Francisco's bid to force city retailers to display information about cell phone radiation in stores. The appeal marked the latest round in a protracted legal battle between San Francisco and the CTIA Wireless Association over the labels. San Francisco believes consumers need to be warned about the potential health risks of cell phone radiation, and wanted to require that cell phone retails post pamphlets and provide other materials outlining the dangers. The CTIA felt the ordinance could lead to consumer confusion and fought the ordinance. The judge overseeing the appeal said retailers can't be forced to display messages that contain disputable information. The actual health effects of cellular phones have been debated the world over with no clear evidence linking cell phone to cancer.
AT&T; Lights Up LTE 4G In Rochester and Albany
AT&T; today announced that its LTE 4G network is up and running in Rochester and Albany, N.Y. AT&T; indicated last week that these two cities would receive LTE by the end of the year, and followed up to say the are now live with LTE coverage. AT&T; also covers Buffalo and Syracuse, N.Y. AT&T; plans to cover nearly 40 more cities with LTE by the close of 2012, reaching a total of 100 markets before 2013.
FCC Outs High-End ZTE Android Phone for Cricket
Documents seen on the Federal Communications Commission web site reveal details of an unannounced Android smartphone made by ZTE. The V8000, as it is referred to by the FCC, supports the cellular bands used by Cricket Wireless and includes Cricket branding on the hardare. The FCC also confirms that the device includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. According to photos posted by the FCC, the V8000 has an 8-megapixel main camera with flash and a user-facing camera of unknown quality. Other elements of the hardware visible in the images include a microUSB port and 3.5mm headset jack, as well as SRS Audio and MuveMusic logos. The four buttons visible on the front of the V8000 suggest that it runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but the FCC documents don't confirm the operating system details of this phone. Neither ZTE nor Cricket Wireless has released information regarding this device yet.
AT&T; Seeks More Spectrum in Deal with CenturyTel
AT&T; is hoping to purchase 700MHz and AWS spectrum from CenturyTel, according to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission. The documents reveal that AT&T; is looking to acquire 51 Lower 700MHz B Block licenses, four Lower 700MHz C Block licenses, and six Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) licenses from CenturyTel for an undisclosed sum. AT&T; says it needs the spectrum to strengthen its LTE 4G network in the regions covered by the licenses. In total, 54 cellular market areas across 14 states fall under the spectrum AT&T; seeks. A quick look at the proposal shows that if allowed to go through, AT&T; will hold the maximum-allowable 55MHz of spectrum in 25 of the markets affected. The FCC has accepted the applications for review and set a pleading cycle for opponents to speak their minds. Petitions to deny are due September 25; oppositions are due October 5; and responses are due October 15.
Hands-On: Samsung Galaxy Note II
The Samsung Galaxy Note II doesn't have any U.S. carriers yet, but Phone Scoop spent some time with it anyway. Here are our initial impressions of Samung's latest phablet.
