Jun 10
Jun 10
Sprint Vital coming June 14th for $100: 5-inch 720p display, 13MP camera, 1.2GHz dual-core processor
Posted in: Today's Chili
The Sprint Vital is now more than just a phone featured in a simple leaked video — it’s a reality. The Now Network has publicly unveiled the ZTE-made device, confirming it’s on course for a June 14th release for $100 with a two-year commitment. The specs are all there as well: as expected, the device will boast a 5-inch 720p IPS panel, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a 13MP rear camera paired with a 1MP front-facing cam, 2,460mAh battery, NFC, 8GB internal storage and microSD support for up to 64GB. On paper, it’s not too bad for a solid mid-range device, but how will the final product turn out? We imagine we’ll find out soon enough.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint
Jun 10
Jun 08
We’re starting to get a pretty clear picture of the smartphones that Sprint has in its pipeline, which include an LG Optimus F3, a new Windows Phone from HTC, the Moto X, the Kyocera Hydro Edge and the Sprint-branded Vital. In a buildup to the debut of the latter, a ZTE-manufactured handset has made its way through the FCC that carries plenty of telltale signs it’s the Vital. First and foremost, this one’s easy to peg as a Sprint smartphone, since it includes requisite CDMA support and compatibility with LTE Band 25. What’s more, while it’s difficult to nail down the handset’s exact dimensions, it’s clear that this one will be in excess of 60mm wide and over 130mm tall — a likely candidate for a 5-inch smartphone. An encouraging sign for Sprint-lovers, if this does indeed turn out to be the Vital, it’ll have a removable battery (and a very healthy 2,500mAh one at that). Sadly, FCC documents also reveal that the handset won’t offer connectivity to GSM / WCDMA networks, which means it’ll be unsuitable for use as a world phone. Nonetheless, the Vital might very well give stock Android fans a reason to cheer, and this FCC approval seemingly brings it one step closer to fruition.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint
Source: FCC
Jun 08
Softbank and Sprint have been on pins and needles ever since January, when the US Department of Justice asked the FCC to delay the carriers’ merger as it scrutinized the deal over national security concerns. The two networks can breathe a little easier this weekend, as the DOJ just dropped its request for more time. There’s “no objection” to the acquisition following a review, the agency says. Not that the companies are completely out of the woods: the FCC has to approve the buyout, and there’s still the small matters of Dish’s bids for both Sprint and Clearwire. Softbank may not want to drop its backup plan just yet.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint
Via: Computerworld
Source: FCC (PDF)
Jun 07
Softbank’s plan A is still a $20.1 billion deal for Sprint, as it looks to enter the US wireless market. But, with stiff competition from Dish in the effort to acquire the black and yellow carrier, rumors are that it’s keeping one eye on T-Mobile. You know… just in case. According to a report from Reuters, the Japanese company is in discussions with Deutsche Telekom for its share of Big Magenta. Softbank was involved in discussions last year to purchase T-Mo, before the MetroPCS deal was eventually struck, following the collapse of a proposed merger with AT&T. Obviously none of this is official just yet. But, if Sprint’s shareholders reject the Softbank deal on June 12th, we wouldn’t be surprised if it quickly made moves to purchase the second most beleaguered national wireless provider in America.
Filed under: Wireless, Mobile, T-Mobile
Source: Reuters
Jun 07
We know for sure that Sprint intends to carry Windows Phone 8 devices from HTC and Samsung this summer — the company said as much at this past CES. And with yet another HTC WP8 filing surfacing at the FCC, the evidence for a fast-approaching launch continues to mount. Bearing a model number that branches off from the rumored Tiara, the PO88100 looks destined for the Now Network as it reps some very carrier-specific frequencies, namely the presence of CDMA and LTE Band 25. Apart from that, we know it’ll also support NFC, BT 4.0 and WiFi a/b/g/n, but that’s the extent of what these docs reveal. What you can likely expect from HTC when it does get official, is a more moderately-specced device that differs from the One in style, size and power; something that slots in with the WP8 demo.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, Sprint
Source: FCC
Jun 06
Just in case you thought not being a Verizon customer meant you weren’t covered by yesterday’s report of widespread NSA logging, the Wall Street Journal says the program extends much wider. Citing “people familiar with the NSA’s operations,” it stated phone call metadata is also being collected from AT&T and Sprint, along with data from other ISPs and even credit card purchase info. Members of Congress have come out today stating that the program — an evolution of warrantless wiretapping that began after the Patriot Act was enacted — has been ongoing for several years and must be renewed every three months by Congress.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Jun 06
Jun 06
The LG Optimus F3 has now gone public, and it’s unsurprisingly on its way to Sprint starting June 14th. For $30 with a two-year contract (after the dreaded $50 mail-in rebate, mind), the device sits on the fence that separates entry-level from mid-range. While the 4-inch (resolution isn’t specified, but it’s most likely WVGA) smartphone will likely be coveted by Android lovers on a budget, some of its specs are reasonable for those needing a little extra power: it sports Android 4.1, a 2,460mAh battery, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, NFC, LTE, Gorilla Glass 2, a 5MP rear camera and unspecified front-facing cam. TalkBack is also preloaded on the device, which is a voice guidance feature meant to benefit the visually impaired. If this sounds like your dream phone — or even a handset you wouldn’t mind forking $30 and two years of your life to get — you can order it online in silver or purple, with retail channels receiving inventory later this summer.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint, LG
Source: Sprint
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