It’s no surprise that EE is a pioneer in not only bringing 4G LTE devices to the UK, but bringing 4G LTE coverage to various markets and areas as well. Today the wireless carrier has announced it is flipping on the 4G LTE switch to the following markets in the UK: Bradford, Chelmsford, Coventry, Doncaster, Dudley, Leicester, Luton, Newport, Reading, Rotherham, St Albans, Sunderland, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall, Watford, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton. That means those of you living in one of those cities will finally be able to enjoy the true 4G speeds from today. In addition, EE has also announced a major enhancement to its existing 3G HSPA+ by upgrading its 3G pipeline to a dual-channel HSPA+… also known as DC-HSPA+ for short. The DC-HSPA+ upgrade should be ready by the end of this year and should be available to approximately 40% of all EE, Orange & T-Mobile customers with a compatible handset.Now if we can only do something about those steer 4G LTE prices, customers will really be in business.
We were going through our countless emails in the Talk Android inbox and stumbled upon a Verizon announcement of its new toy— the Samsung Galaxy Camera. Though we had already seen a hint here and another one there-– we finally know Big Red’s camera is very much real and on the way. Aside from the built-in LTE radios, this variant of the camera is no different from AT&T’s version. Though Verizon fails to mention which processor is powering the device (we suspect it’s the same Exynos quad-core processor), we do know the device will have a 16-megapixel sensor plus 23mm Samsung lens and 21X optical zoom… and a whole lot of Jelly Bean running the show.
The device will go on sale this Thursday the 13th and run customers a cool $550.00 which is priced a bit higher than the AT&T version, but then again— you do get that awesome Verizon LTE radio. In addition, Verizon is celebrating the announcement of the device by offering a special promotion where customers will be able to add a Galaxy Camera to a “Share Everything” plan for a mere $5 per month, making it an attractive option to share all those precious holiday moments with your families and friends.
The larger brother of Amazon’s Kindle Fire series is now here and has reportedly starting to ship. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 offers a 1,920 x 1,200 display at a low starting price of $299. As for a 4G LTE version, you can expect that to start shipping next week starting November the 20th. As expected, the LTE model will set you back further at $499 but is still relatively cheap compared to other tablets such as the iPad with similar storage and 4G connectivity.
Excited about this tablet? Check out the official press release after the break!
If you’re a Verizon customer, yet are living in one of the few markets without 4G LTE coverage just yet you may just have a reason to smile today. Big Red has just announced it will fire up 4G signals for markets mostly in the Mid-Central and Western parts of the country. As it stands, the following markets will see a 4G LTE on Thursday, November 15th:
Butte, Montana
Cody, Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Rock Springs/Green River, Wyoming
Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Syracuse, Missouri
Tipton, Missouri
Otterville, Missouri
Smithton, Missouri
Eldon, Missouri
Etterville, Missouri
Holts Summit, Missouri
New Bloomfield, Missouri
Fulton, Missouri
Kingdom City, Missouri
Grand Junction, Colorado
Exciting news for sure– especially for those of you who with devices like the new DROID RAZR HD/RAZR MAXX HD. But if your battery dies quickly even moderate 4G LTE usage, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Additional details can be found at the source link.
Multi-regional carrier US Cellular has announced an additional slew of new 4G LTE markets today, expanding its previous road map in several states. According to the company’s official PR; Wisconsin, North Carolina, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Oklahoma are all set to receive additional, new 4G LTE markets beginning November 5th. In addition to these expansions, US Cellular has also listed four new markets that are to receive expansions at some point before the end of 2012. In total, the carrier hopes to cover 58 percent of customers by year’s end. Hit the break for today’s press release.
It’s no secret that 4G LTE has been a luxury only to a select few in the UK, but now more customers will be able to get in on the action thanks to wireless carrier EE. It has announced it will launch the incredibly fast network service to its customers in 11 markets including Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield and Southampton. While that’s a major start, EE doesn’t stop there as it has announced it plans to bring 4G LTE service to an additional 5 markets by year’s end. This means that those of you who plan on owning the Galaxy S III or HTC One XL will have a lot to look forward to— especially since you’ll likely be taking advantage of cutting edge features like streaming high-quality audio or video and the ability to access much more content or download faster on the go.
Several UK mobile network providers, the UK’s communications regulator Ofcom, and other government officials have announced a deal that will accelerate the rollout of 4G LTE services throughout the UK. The settlement means carriers like O2 and Vodafone will likely be able to start deploying their 4G LTE networks in early 2013, about six months earlier than originally thought.
UK carrier EE was previously granted permission to use some of their existing 1800 MHz spectrum for 4G LTE network purposes and they were expected to start that rollout this fall. However, other UK carriers like O2 and Vodafone had been threatening to launch legal action claiming the permission to use the spectrum for 4G services was improper and that EE was being given an unfair advantage. Ofcom has now agreed to accelerate the approval process for 4G LTE services for other carriers after a planned January action of old analog television spectrum occurs in January 2013.
With the agreement, EE is anticipated to announce the imminent launch of their 4G LTE network. They have indicated they have plans to deploy the service to 16 UK cities before the end of the year and to 98% of the UK by 2014. Other carriers will be behind with their deployments which should now occur sometime in early 2013, but with the agreement the head start that EE gets will not be as great.
The settlement means the UK will be able to start to catch back up to other countries that already have 4G LTE services well established. As Ed Richards, Ofcom’s chief executive notes, consumers are the big winners as they will not have to wait for “a considerable period for the next generation of mobile broadband services.”
In a joint announcement issued by AT&T and Samsung, the two shared information on some devices slated to be available “in the coming months” for AT&T’s 4G LTE network. The devices include three smartphones powered by Android and one tablet device.
Headlining the list of forthcoming devices is the Samsung Galaxy Note II, the eagerly awaited for successor to the Samsung Galaxy Note. Unveiled earlier this month, the “phablet” device will sport a 5.5-inch screen and a quad-core Exynos processor to power Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Samsung’s S-Pen apps.
Two other smartphones will be released as well, each targeting different markets. The Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro, designed for those with an active lifestyle, is built to military specifications. The waterproof, shock resistant, dust-proof device will probably appeal to outdoor workers as well. The device will have a 4-inch screen and access to advance push-to-talk services. The other phone is a Samsung Galaxy Express geared toward first time smartphone buyers. The Galaxy Express will have a 4.5-inch screen backed by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and a 2000 mAh battery powering Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Rounding out the joint press release is the impending release of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 tablet for the AT&T 4G LTE network.
The specifications for the mid-range devices sound pretty decent and should offer some good choices for buyers not interested in top end devices.
Yesterday a new AT&T phone was leaked, and that phone has officially been announced by AT&T as the LG Escape. The Escape is a 4G LTE budget phone, that packs a punch. Boasting a 1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor, 2150 mAh battery and a 4.3 inch IPS screen, the Escape looks to be one of the better mid-range phones on the market.
The Escape also introduces the new Browser Toolbar which allows for easier functionality while browsing the web. It also has the ability to leave personal memos on any screen shot that can be shared with friends and family. The Escape is running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box and will be available on September 16th for a very competitive price of $50. Hit the break for a quick demo video and the full presser
Full press release
Get Away to an Adventure Every Day with New LG Escape(TM) for AT&T Customers Available September 16
$50 4G LTE Smartphone Features Innovative New Browser Toolbar, Long-life Battery With LG QuickMemo(TM), Write Personal Memos on any Screen Capture for Expressive Communication with Friends and Family
Starting Sept. 16, AT&T* will expand its 4G LTE product portfolio by offering an unparalleled combination of premium performance and value. The LG Escape™ is perfect for consumers on a budget looking to transition into a powerful smartphone and pairs well with AT&T’s recently announced shared data plans creating a great combination of low- cost hardware and service for data-minded families. The LG Escape is a 4G LTE Android smartphone with high-performance connectivity, processing and camera features with a vibrant qHD display. It will be available in AT&T company-owned retail storesand online for $49.99 with a two-year agreement**.
The LG Escape features the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) platform and 4 GB onboard memory with the option to add up to 32 GB with a microSD card. A 1.2 GHz dual-core processor delivers seamless multitasking agility. The crisp 4.3-inch qHD IPS display gives users enhanced image clarity with true-to-life color rendering. Near-Field Communication enabled and equipped with the QuickMemoTM feature lets users instantly capture a screen image, add notes or decorate using just a finger, then share with friends. The LG Escape has full HD video recording capabilities, and users can even create customized videos by adding themes, music and text to videos or a series of photos with the Video Wiz editing application, played back in crisp cinematic Dolby® Mobile surround sound. To see more of the Escape’s features in action, check out this video.
Because timing is everything when taking photos on the go, the LG Escape 5-megapixel auto-focus camera offers features to help users tap into their inner photographer. With the Continuous Shot feature, users can capture multiple images in a row to create that perfect panoramic photo or choose the best photo from an impromptu photo shoot to share with all their friends. Time Catch Shot eliminates shutter lag by taking several pictures before the shutter button is pushed to make sure users get the right shot every time.
Escape also features the Browser Bar powered by Skyfire’s Horizon Browser Extension, a newly created browser toolbar extension that allows users to access their favorite social media pages while surfing the internet. Available on the LG Escape and future AT&T Android smartphones, it provides customers with quick and easy access to popular consumer utilities like Facebook, Twitter, Share URL, and more.
AT&T customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network***, covering 275 million people. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. That means AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you may be on a much slower 3G network.
“This is an impressive smartphone for $49.99,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility. “Running Android 4.0 and packing a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, a qHD true-color IPS screen and cool features like our new browser bar, customers looking for incredible value will quickly select the Escape.”
“LG Escape allows users to capture and share whatever life sends their way with its powerful dual-core processor, true-to-life screen and smart camera features,” said James Fishler, senior vice president of marketing and go-to-market operations, LG Electronics USA. “And on AT&T’s expansive network consumers can get the best possible experience with Escape by using its LTE capabilities to the fullest.”
Limited-time offer. Discounted pricing on smartphones requires a new two year agreement with qualifying voice and data plans. Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement. Credit approval required. Activation fee $36 per line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage, and svcs not available everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 14 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $25. Other monthly charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges. Visit store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.
Key Features:
An advanced 5 MP camera with time catch shot, “cheese shutter,” and different shot modes including Normal, HDR, Continuous and Panorama
Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
AT&T’s 4G LTE Network
The innovative and convenient QuickMemo™ to create and share personalized memos by writing messages or drawings on screen captures
A 1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor
True-to-Life 1080p HD recording
Long-lasting 2,150mAh battery
Bluetooth® Version 4.0
A crisp 4.3” qHD true-color IPS Touch Screen with Gorilla® Glass durability
Google™ Integration with Google Play, Google Maps™ Navigation and other preloaded Google apps
Add music and themes to videos and photos with Video Wiz
Data sharing with Android Beam and NFC Technology
Additional Features:
1.3 MP front-facing camera and camcorder
Video resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 full-HD
Zoom up to 4x
Simultaneous GPS for Enhanced Location Accuracy
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
** International roaming data rates apply outside the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S.V.I. Visit att.com/worldpackages and select Data Plans/Packages to view rates and available discount plans.
*** 4G speeds not available everywhere. Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at@ATT.
ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $49 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative mobile phones, home entertainment products, home appliances, and air conditioning systems and energy solutions, all under LG’s “Life’s Good” marketing theme. LG Electronics is a 2012 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.
ABOUT SKYFIRE
Skyfire is dedicated to leveraging the power of cloud computing to improve radically the mobile Internet experience for both Operators and Consumers. Skyfire’s solutions include the Rocket Optimizer for video and traffic optimization, and Skyfire Horizon extension framework for augmenting mobile browsers. Skyfire products provide game-changing cost savings, better end-user experiences, and compelling incremental revenue opportunities. Skyfire was recognized as no. 4 on Light Reading’s 2011 Startups to Watch list; was honored by Red Herring as a top 100 private company in America; and won 1st place in the first-ever TIA Venture Network Challenge. As both a laboratory and showcase for new capabilities, Skyfire has honed its technology through a variety of consumer apps, which have more than 15 million downloads to date.
NOTE: Skyfire and Skyfire Horizon are trademarks of Skyfire Labs, Inc. All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
Looks like we see Ma Bell has a nice little mid-range phone on the way, thanks to serial leakerevleaks. The device in question is the LG Escape and features a 4.3-inch qHD IPS display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 5MP camera + 1.3MP front-facing camera, NFC, a 2150 mAh battery and Android 4.0. Oh and in case you’re wondering– the upcoming smartphone will indeed be a 4G LTE smartphone operating on AT&T’s ever-growing 4G LTE network.
Now that the cat’s been let out of the bag, it shouldn’t be too long for LG & AT&T to make a formal announcement and introduce the phone to the world.
