Hasta La Gadget!

Sure, the only flavor of the Galaxy Note 8.0 currently lining US shelves is the version just packing Wi-Fi, but it appears that the LTE variety is getting ready for a trip stateside. The FCC just inspected a version of the tablet carrying a 850 / 1900 GSM radio along with support for LTE Bands 2, 4, 5 and 17, which are all tell-tale signs of hardware that plays nice with AT&T’s network. For those in need of a refresher, Samsung’s tablet runs Jelly Bean and boasts a 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, A-GPS, GLONASS, a hefty 4,600 mAh battery, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. With one of the final hurdles for availability on American shores cleared, you’re that much closer to laying your paws on a slate that can moonlight as an unwieldy cellphone.

Filed under: Mobile, Samsung

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Source: FCC

AT&T’s official GoPhone prepaid policy has always officially prevented network data access for iPhones (and other 4G devices except for BlackBerry), but a tipster reports that will change tomorrow. The new policy adds 4G HSPA+ and LTE support as well as Visual Voicemail access to the GoPhone package, with customers able to bring their own device or buy a new one at off-contract unsubsidized prices. According to the details, existing customers with iPhones will be automatically updated with network access on June 21st, however they’ll be able to call in and make the switch manually before that. The new features work on the $65, $50 and $25 monthly plans, however the two lower priced options will require data packages to work. You can get a peek at the leaked terms after the break, although we’d wait for an official announcement before picking up your 4G-capable handset and requesting service.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, AT&T

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Although ASUS recently delivered the $150 7-inch MeMo Pad and PadFone Infinity combo device, it’s been a while since a premium Android tablet graced the lineup. A recent FCC filing from the company, however, reveals an unannounced K005 model equipped with the venerable Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064) SoC clocked at 1.7GHz. Further details are light, but G4Games notes that it reveals AT&T-compatible GSM, CDMA and LTE connectivity and the model number suggests a 10-inch frame. Check out the FCC filing for yourself below and rest assured that we’ll fill you in when we hear more.

Filed under: Tablets, ASUS

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Via: G4Games

Source: FCC

Vodafone CEO Vittorio Coalo has conceded that the company is pushing back its 4G rollout to September. The decision was taken in order to ensure the infrastructure is “really ready,” promising that Voda’s service will be “better performing” than EE’s Bacon-flavored LTE. Despite the late start, Coalo has laid down an aggressive timeline, demanding that 40 percent of the UK is covered in 4G before March 2014 — which’ll please those notoriously impatient technofreaks no end.

Filed under: Wireless, Mobile

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Via: Trusted Reviews

Source: The Guardian

Remember Yotaphone, the twin-display Android smartphone (color LCD in front, e-ink in back)? Today at CTIA in Las Vagas, Yota devices, the company behind the innovative handset, introduced Ruby, a sleek LTE hotspot with a small e-ink screen. We don’t usually get too excited about such devices, but Ruby looks like something out of Jony Ive‘s workshop, with some interesting features to match. The design recalls the iPod mini but is made of white plastic instead of aluminum.

Along the top edge, you’ll find the e-ink display and a two-way power switch — slide it to the left and Ruby behaves like a secure hotspot, slide it to the right and it’s a public access point. The e-ink screen shows battery and signal status, the number of connected devices and a smiley icon to confirm public mode. On the bottom edge is a trick flap that’s both a micro-USB socket and a USB Type A plug depending on how it’s positioned — the micro-SIM slot is cleverly hidden behind it. A programmable RGB LED mounted behind the Yota logo completes the package on the front of the hotspot.

Ruby currently supports quad-band EDGE, plus HSPA+ and LTE for the European market, but the radio can be configured (in hardware) to support other bands. The 2100mAh battery powers the unit for about 16 hours of use (60 hours on standby) and can be charged to 70 percent capacity in about an hour. Yota’s signed a few deals with carriers in Russia and Europe and the device is expected to become available to Russian customers in two to three weeks for about $120 (unsubsidized). No word on whether Ruby will land in the US (yet). Take a look at our hands-on gallery below.

Filed under: Wireless, Mobile

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