Jun 05
Jun 05
FreedomPop teases free phone service over Sprint’s network, due this summer
Posted in: Today's Chili
Oh, hell. FreedomPop might really be onto something this time. The company best known for doling out 500MB of free mobile data per month to hotspots, iPods and home routers will step up its game later this summer with a free phone service for Android users… with a few caveats, that is. To get by on the cheap, you’ll need to make do with a relatively scant 200 voice minutes and 500MB of mobile data in order to avoid overage fees, but to FreedomPop’s credit, it’ll include unlimited texting as part of the mix. What’s more, if you happen to go over your minute allotment, you’ll be charged a rather reasonable $9.99, which brings unlimited voice to the table. As you might’ve suspected, data overages are the biggest caveat to FreedomPop’s service, which can cost between $10 and $20 per gigabyte.
The service will operate over Sprint’s network, which brings access to EV-DO and WiMAX, and also leverages VoIP for calls. While it won’t be available at launch, FreedomPop tells us that LTE may eventually worm its way into the offering. Sadly, the company isn’t ready to discuss which Android phones will be offered (or at what price points). As another sticking point, there’s a chance that number portability won’t make it into the beta launch, but FreedomPop assures us that it’s in the works. Even with the constraints and risk of overages, it seems that FreedomPop could still be a workable (and very inexpensive) solution if you lean on WiFi for most of your data usage. In fact, company reps tell us that 50 percent of its customers are able to get by without incurring overages or monthly fees. Think you have the self-restraint to be among them?
Source: FreedomPop
Jun 04
Sprint Vital Leaked
Posted in: Today's Chili
Jun 04
Sprint Vital leaks out: 5-inch HD display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 13MP camera, Android 4.1 (video)
Posted in: Today's Chili
Looks like Sprint really is prepping a 5-inch Android flagship of its own: the Vital. Thanks to an anonymous source, Engadget’s received a motherlode of details on the upcoming, white-labeled device, giving us a glimpse at everything from renders to a slickly produced promo video. Based on the information at hand, the ZTE-made Vital should rep an HD display (resolution unspecified) of the 5-inch variety, an unnamed dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz and paired with 1GB RAM, 13-megapixel rear camera, 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), NFC and a healthy 2,500mAh battery. As you can see from the image above, the Vital will also be running what appears to be an unskinned version of Android Jelly Bean — version 4.1, according to the documents — and will run on Sprint’s 4G LTE network. We’re not so sure the Vital’s going to sway consumer interest away from its more bold-faced rivals (i.e., HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4). But competition’s always a good thing and if Sprint can price this one right, it might even have a fighting chance. Hit the break for the promo video.
Gallery: ZTE Vital for Sprint
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint
Source: Honeystreet
Jun 03
In case it wasn’t already obvious that Sprint sees Dish’s attempt to buy Clearwire as rather rude, the carrier made its irritation perfectly clear today. Sprint just sent a letter to Clearwire’s board of directors that claims the latest Dish buyout proposal violates Delaware laws relating to board control. Moreover, some of the proposal’s terms would reportedly need Sprint’s permission — which, as you’d imagine, isn’t exactly forthcoming. We’ve reached out to Dish for a response, although we’re not expecting the satellite giant to simply accept Sprint’s interpretation at face value. If Sprint is right, however, the objection could at least force Dish back to the drawing board.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint
Via: Wall Street Journal
Source: Sprint
Jun 02
Jun 02
We already saw a rendered image of the LG Optimus F3 break cover. Now we can get slightly better look at the entry-level Android offering, in a purple hue that’s reportedly heading to Sprint. There’s nothing to suggest any advance on the reported 4-inch WVGA display, 2,460mAh battery and Jelly Bean (4.1.2) specifications. Pretty much the only other aspect to become clear is the textured rear. We’re not reading too much into the June 24th date on scree, but if it does turn out to be mostly sunny in Chicago that day, we’ll for sure pay more attention next time.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
Source: evleaks (Twitter)
May 30
Dish’s interesting attempt to acquire its way into the wireless data business has taken another turn this evening, thanks to a new development in its bid for Clearwire. Dish upped its offer to $4.40 per share for all of the company’s outstanding shares earlier this week, and the Clearwire board seems interested. Originally scheduled to take place Friday morning, the meeting is now set for June 13th so the board can discuss Dish’s offer, and how it compares to Sprint’s $2.2 billion / $3.40 per share bid for the 50 percent of Clearwire it does not yet own. The new bid is apparently more “actionable” than Dish’s previous proposal, and could also complicate Softbank’s attempt to acquire Sprint which Dish is also trying to intercept. Hit the links below for all the business details while we wait for the various bords and committees to figure out what happens to these companies next.
May 30
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