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Data speeds: iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 4S

Though its thinner profile and longer screen are two of the iPhone 5's top draws, I'm more interested in what's inside Apple's newest handset. Yes, after a long wait, the iPhone 5 finally adds support for 4G LTE data networks. Of course, I have to point out that a galaxy of Android phones (get it!) have long offered the feature, but that doesn't mean I'm not grateful that the iPhone has caught up.

Early reviewers of the iPhone 5 have already praised the big jump in data speeds from the iPhone 4S. Indeed, CNET'… Read more

Join CNET's iPhone 5 Google+ Hangout, LIVE!

The iPhone 5 goes on sale tomorrow, and you're wondering if it's worth standing in line for.

Join Scott, Josh Lowensohn and me for a 30 minute Google+ Hangout discussing the iPhone 5, starting today at 2:30 pm Pacific. We had one of these a few days ago and it worked out so well, we figured we'd try another one.

The Hangout will be accessible though CNET's Google+ page, where you can also submit your questions. I repeat, the Hangout is closed for comments, so submit your questions though CNET's Google+ page using #CNETLive . … Read more

MetroPCS announces ZTE Anthem 4G for coming weeks

MetroPCS today announced that its next smartphone, the ZTE Anthem 4G, will join the company's roster in the coming weeks. As the first 4G LTE handset from ZTE in the United States, the device is a mixed bag of midrange Android.

The Anthem 4G runs (only) Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and features a a 4.3-inch WVGA display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and a 5-megapixel rear camera. There's also HDMI output and Dolby Surround Audio. Additional specifications for the smartphone include 4GB internal storage, 512MB RAM, and a microSD expansion slot.

As is the case with just … Read more

The 404 1,133: Where we put the Apple iPhone 5 on a pedestal (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Check out Scott Stein's comprehensive review of the Apple iPhone 5.

- Scott writes about the 5 things that surprised him about the iPhone 5.

- Apple delivers iOS 6, available for download now.

- First Look video of Apple's new Maps application.

- How to control your privacy settings on iOS 6.

- Apple Lightning Adapter adds life to your old gear.

- Sony unveils super slim PlayStation 3.

- … Read more

AT&T; fires up LTE in Seattle and Portland in time for iPhone 5

AT&T mobile subscribers in Seattle and Portland can now grab their own slice of LTE.

The carrier announced today that it has turned the switch on its high-speed network for customers in both cities. That brings AT&T's total number of LTE-enabled markets to 72.

Earlier this month, the company activated 4G LTE access in Anchorage, Alaska, Bakersfield, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Modesto, Calif., Omaha, Neb., Syracuse, N.Y., and Bridgeport, Conn.

An AT&T spokesman told CNET that the company plans to reach a total of 100 cities by the end of 2012 and complete … Read more

Watch CNET's Google+ Hangout featuring the iPhone 5!

CNET's Scott Stein has the iPhone 5, and you probably have a few questions.

Join Scott and I for a 30 minute Google+ Hangout, starting tonight at 6:30 pm Pacific.

The Hangout will be accessible though CNET's Google+ page, where you can also submit your questions. I repeat, the Hangout is closed for comments, so submit your questions though CNET's Google+ page.

While you're there, be sure to add CNET to your Google+ feed and give us a +1 if you like what you see.

iPhone 5 preorders indicate hot demand

Friday's tech news roundup didn't plan ahead:

A rush of iPhone 5 preorders online have pushed back shipping dates at Apple and wireless carriers for at least two weeks. Some stores, like Wal-Mart and Target, are also offering iPhone 5 preorders for in-store pickup. The initial supply of iPhones for Apple preorders went in less than an hour, which is much faster than years prior. It shows that either demand is way up for this model, or Apple didn't have as many available for the preorder crowd (or a mix of both). We won't know for … Read more

Apple has been an LTE straggler -- maybe that's a good thing

Apple has taken a wait-and-see approach to 4G LTE, and that may pay off for the iPhone 5.

While LTE on Verizon's network has become a standard offering for Android phones over the last year or so, Apple CEO Tim Cook has resisted -- until Wednesday.

Cook always said pretty much the same thing: iPhone-use LTE chipsets aren't good enough yet for Apple.

And he had a point. Previous generations of LTE tech had power-consumption and chip-integration tradeoffs. Plus, Verizon's build-out of LTE has been steady but slow. (It just reached an area near my stomping grounds, … Read more

iPhone 5 may need third antenna for simultaneous voice-data

The ghost of Apple's iPhone 4 "antennagate" looks to be haunting the iPhone 5.

The reason simultaneous voice and data capability on 4G LTE isn't possible on Sprint and Verizon simply seems to be the new device's hardware.

CNET reported earlier today that the iPhone 5 models for both Verizon and Sprint don't support data-use and voice simultaneously while on 4G LTE networks -- meaning that if users make a voice call, they'll also need to be on Wi-Fi to pull data inside their apps, including the Safari Web browser. AT&T … Read more