Hasta La Gadget!

Sure, the Galaxy S 4 made its grand entrance at Radio City Music Hall today, but now it’s had a low-key meet-and-greet with the FCC for government approval. The version offered up to Uncle Sam carries a 850 / 1900 GSM radio, 3G connectivity through 850 / 1900 WCDMA frequencies and support for LTE Band 5. Since AT&T’s main LTE squeeze is Band 17, what we’re seeing here is an international version of Samsung’s flagship that can roam portions of Ma Bell’s and Magenta’s network when it sets foot in the US. Folks waiting for a GS4 outfitted for an American carrier will have to wait ’till at least the end of April, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for such a device visiting the FCC.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: FCC

Just when we had gotten used to the idea that the PS Vita’s price drop in Japan would not be followed by a similar one here, Joystiq reports many Sony stores are offering the 3G bundle at a discount. While not all the stores contacted had the lowered $199 price, most of the ones that were still open at this hour did. We’re not seeing this price drop reflected in any other stores, and there’s no official announcement of any change, which only contributes to the confusion. Different store employees gave different explanations for the change, including a few indicating the model would be discontinued. The online shop still shows both the WiFi and 3G models for $249, so for now all we know is that if you are interested in buying, it would serve you well to look around for the lower price.

Filed under: Gaming, Sony

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Source: Joystiq

On February 22, we reported that North Korea planned to switch on a 3G mobile data network for visitors by March 1, providing for the first time an open Internet connection to foreigners in the nation. Now that the network is live, visitors in the country have begun uploading pictures from within to Instagram, giving a glimpse into the locked down nation.

The activation of its 3G network followed a law that was passed allowing visitors to bring their own smartphones into the country, new freedoms not bestowed onto the nation’s residents. The network is provided by carrier Koryolink, and while it provides visitors with a much-needed way to connect with the outside world, it doesn’t come without a hefty price tag.

The data network can be accessed by purchasing a SIM card that is available at the airport and at Koryolink retail stores for $70 USD. The card needs to be used with the visitor’s own smartphone, and is reported by the Associated Press as having a rate of 5 Euros per minutes for calls placed to the United States. Calls cannot be made using the SIM to South Korea.

For those more interested in the data connection aspect of the network rather than the voice capabilities, the service can also be used with a monthly-billed mobile broadband plan, which supports USB modems. For more Instagram pictures from within North Korea, check out the hashtag “#pyongyang”.

[via Digital Photography Review]

Pictures from North Korea hit Instagram after its 3G network goes live is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

This week, tourists (and at least one reporter) visiting North Korea began accessing the web directly from their smartphones, through the country’s Koryolink 3G network. Associated Press journalist Jean H. Lee has been tweeting from Pyongyang since Monday, though she didn’t get around to detailing the service until yesterday. Her tweet, “Hello world from comms center in #Pyongyang,” is believed to be the first to come through the new wireless data service, which can be activated for the princely sum of €75 (about $100). From there, data rates range from €150 for 2GB to €400 for 10 gigs, according to a DailyNK report. (Those tariffs should come as no surprise to DPRK visitors, who often shell out thousands for week-long tours that include meager accommodations and constant monitoring.)

The Koryolink network, which was built in cooperation with Egypt’s Orascom Telecom, marks a radical shift in policy for North Korea, which also recently began to allow tourists to enter the country with their own cellphones — previously, visitors were required to hand over the devices upon landing in Pyongyang. With the exception of approved users (certain government officials, we presume), North Korean residents remain offline, however. For those authorized, access may be pricey, but considering that connectivity can provide peace of mind to travelers and their families at home, a data-enabled SIM seems a worthwhile acquisition for anyone visiting one of 3G’s famous final frontiers.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Internet, Mobile

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Source: AP, DailyNK, Jean H. Lee (Instagram)

You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.

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