Hasta La Gadget!

When tech giants buy developers, they frequently let app support fall by the wayside — and Apple is continuing that trend following its acquisition of HopStop. Windows Phone users can no longer download or run their version of the HopStop app. Instead, the developer is asking them to use the mobile website for directions. Curiously, though, the Android app is still hanging around; Apple isn’t dismissing all competing platforms, like it did after buying Siri. Neither Apple nor HopStop have offered explanations for the move, but it’s clear that Windows Phone users will have to lean on alternatives like Here Transit to plan their daily commutes.

[Left image credit: Roman DeSilva, Twitter]

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Mobile, Apple

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Via: AllThingsD

Source: WindowsObserver

Uros’ Goodspeed hotspot service offers sanely priced international data, but it hasn’t been available in China so far — that’s not much help when visiting friends in Fuzhou. Travelers won’t have to fret, however, as Uros just unveiled a network agreement with China Unicom. Goodspeed’s €5.90 ($8) daily rate now supplies a modest-but-usable 500MB of 3G data throughout large parts of China. Visitors will also need to pay Goodspeed’s usual €9.90 ($13) monthly fee and buy the €269 ($353) hotspot, but they’re still looking at big savings over conventional data roaming. Those planning Chinese expeditions will likely want to give the service at least a cursory look through the source link.

Filed under: Wireless, Networking, Mobile

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Source: Goodspeed

The LG Optimus F3 doesn’t make much sense on Sprint, where a preference for contract pricing leaves the F3 competing with more advanced devices. It’s a good thing that the 4-inch Android phone has launched on Sprint’s contract-free Virgin Mobile brand, then. The smaller carrier’s version offers everything we’ve seen before, including LTE, but costs just $180 up front — a big discount over both the $250 Sprint variant and most 4G phones at Virgin. Combined with cheaper plans, Virgin’s Optimus F3 should be a much better deal for those who want LTE on the cheap.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint, LG

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Source: Virgin Mobile

ZTE’s sub-label Nubia may want a refresher on the definition of “mini,” because we’re not seeing many sacrifices in its just-shipped Z5 mini. At 4.7 inches, the Android phone is nearly as large as the 5-inch Z5 flagship; it also shares the bigger Z5’s quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2GB of RAM, 2,300mAh battery, 13MP f/2.2 rear camera and 5MP front camera. The mini is likewise a first-class citizen in its home country with 3G support for China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom. Prospective owners are only really giving up screen resolution (down to 720p) and storage (down to 16GB), and they’re getting a choice of pastel-colored, replaceable backs in return. As such, that makes the Z5 mini a potential bargain at its ¥1,888 ($308) price — buyers are getting most of the Z5 experience for considerably less cash.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Via: Engadget Chinese (translated)

Source: JD.com (translated), Zealer China (Sina Weibo)

Well over two years after the original graced Boost Mobile’s shelves, Samsung’s Galaxy Prevail II is being announced for the same carrier. Available for just $179.99 in off-contract form, the handset ships with Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), a 4-inch WVGA touchscreen, 5-megapixel rear camera, 1.3 megapixel front-facing cam, and a 1.4GHz processor. You’ll also find a 1,750mAh battery, inbuilt GPS / WiFi modules and Bluetooth 4.0. The prepaid carrier is hawking this on its contract-free $55 / month plan, which just so happens to shrink by $5 per month for every six on-time payments — in other words, those who hang around long enough will eventually be paying as little as $40 / month for nationwide talk, text and picture messaging, as well as web access. Not too shabby, eh?

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: Boost Mobile