Slatedroid info

Today we have another unique handset to share with everyone from the folks at Verizon Wireless and Pantech. This 4.8-inch 720p display rocking smartphone is called the Pantech Perception and recently became available on Verizon for those on a budget. With specs similar to the Galaxy S III, and some features we’ve seen on the S4, it was worth a quick look so take a peek below.

This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned the Perception, and it went up for sale just a few days ago on April 25th. While the biggest downfall is Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich (yea, really) and not Jelly Bean of any kind. We’re hearing an update is already in the pipes and coming soon. Lets talk about that hardware.

The Perception offers a 4.8-inch 1280 x 720p HD display, so not bad, although it is considered mid-range these days. Under the hood we have the Snapdragon S4 dual-core 1.5 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. So similar to the Galaxy S III. Then we get 16GB of internal storage, micro-SD slot, a 2,020 mAh battery and even an 8 megapixel camera on the rear. Still with us? It’s pretty decent all around, has a front facing camera, and can be yours for just $99 from Big Red.

We’ll dive into it more in our full review, but essentially it has some specs that match the SIII, with some of those motion controls we saw on the GALAXY S 4. Pantech calls it Motion Sense and you can scroll through images, change or pause music, and all sorts of stuff all without touching the display. It’s a little bit of a gimmick, but could be useful. Get a better idea of the specs, hardware, and those motion controls in our quick hands-on video below.

Overall we have some mixed feelings about the Pantech Perception, but those might change the longer we spend with some of those features. Like previous devices from the manufacturer, they’ve covered Android with some changes that aren’t so pretty. Hopefully the update to Jelly Bean won’t be so intrusive, but don’t hold your breath.

While it certainly isn’t a Galaxy S III, it comes pretty close in terms of hardware, look, and even the plastic feel. Give us this device 4-6 months ago for the same $99 price point and we’d be happy, but now it might just be a bit too late to the game. Overall the hardware feels quite nice and durable, the OS is pretty smooth, and once we spend more time with the handset we’ll deliver our thoughts in a full review.

Stay tuned and let us know if you have any questions on the Perception by dropping us a comment below.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : Perception

Manufactuer : Pantech

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : April 23, 2013

Release Date : April 25, 2013

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.8 Inch
• Resolution : 720×1280
• Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.236 Inch
• Width : 2.755 Inch
• Depth : 0.35 Inch
• Weight : 137 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2020 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 280 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• 3GP
• MPEG-4 (MP4)
• WMV

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS
• IM

Hardware

CPU : MSM8960 Snapdragon S4

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 16 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording
• 720p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM
• CDMA

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

CDMA Band:
• 850
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• A2DP
• Bluetooth 4.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

At last, the T-Mobile/MetroPCS marriage is officially complete. After seeing a few signs that the merger was closer to being finalized, Deutsche Telekom AG and T-Mobile US, Inc. announced the newly-formed T-Mobile USA entity— which officially began public trading under the NYSE ticker TMUS as of today. With the new company fully established, Deutsche Telekom AG will effectively hold a majority stake in the company (at 74%), while the combined subscriber base grows to over 40 million. Additionally, the completed merger also expands the total 4G footprint as 228 million are currently served with 4G, with an additional 200 million expected to be covered with 4G LTE by the end of 2013.

You’ll find more details once you hit the break and check out the full presser.

T-Mobile and MetroPCS Combination Complete-Wireless Revolution Just Beginning

T-Mobile US to Ring NYSE Opening Bell as Trading Begins Today Under Ticker “TMUS”

BONN, Germany & BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May. 1, 2013– Deutsche Telekom AG (XETRA: DTE; “Deutsche Telekom”) and T-Mobile US, Inc. today announced the completion of the combination of T-Mobile USA, Inc. and MetroPCS Communications, Inc., uniting two wireless innovators with one common vision: to bring wireless consumers exciting new choices while delivering an exceptional experience. The combined company, T-Mobile US, Inc., will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange today under the ticker “TMUS.”
“The combination of T-Mobile and MetroPCS creates an even stronger disruptive force in the U.S. wireless market,” said John Legere, President & Chief Executive Officer of T-Mobile US, Inc. “Together, as America’s Un-carrier, we’ll continue our legacy of marketplace innovation by tearing up the old playbook and rewriting the rules of wireless to benefit consumers.”

As previously announced, the Board of Directors of the combined company will have 11 members, including two directors of MetroPCS who will continue with the combined company. Tim Höttges, currently Deputy Chief

Come comment on this article: T-Mobile/MetroPCS merger is complete, new company now known as T-Mobile US

Today, AT&T is lighting up a whole mess of new 4G LTE markets here in the U.S. If you have a 4G LTE capable device and live in one of the below-listed areas, you should either already see 4G or will very soon.  New Markets: Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi Mountain Home, Arkansas Tucson, Arizona Nacogdoches-Lufkin, Texas [...]
More Markets Light Up With AT&T’s 4G LTE Today is a…



Click the post title to continue through and join the conversation!

We have seen plenty of 4G LTE expansion news coming from AT&T lately. We have seen several announcements this month alone and as of today we have word of expanded coverage across ten states. This latest LTE expansion includes coverage for those in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.

With the majority of new coverage coming for those in Texas, lets first begin with those cities. AT&T has flipped the 4G LTE switch for those in Athens, Corsicana, Huntsville, Nacogdoches-Lufkin and Paris. The next state with multiple markets going live is Florida, which now has coverage for those in Lake City and Ocala.

The coverage for Alabama includes Huntsville, Decatur and Cullman. Those three states aside, the remaining coverage includes one market per state. Going in alphabetical order we have Arkansas up first with LTE coverage now available in Mountain Home. Louisiana is up next with coverage in Shreveport/Bossier City.

Moving on and we have LTE coverage going live for those in Lansing, Michigan; Gulfport/Biloxi Mississippi; Henderson, North Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee and Centralia, Washington. As always, this is just another round of AT&T LTE expansions. Otherwise, those in these areas who already have an LTE capable device, now seems like as good a time as any to begin taking advantage of these increased speeds.

News flash! Even tech bloggers don’t get to keep devices that are sent to them for review purposes. No sir, we have to pick and choose our personal devices with care just like each and every one of you. Sure, we get to put our grubby little paws all over the newest tech before the [...]
Why the Unlocked U.S. Version of the HTC One is My New Phone [Opinion] is a post from: Droid Life



Click the post title to continue through and join the conversation!

Why hello there Samsung Galaxy Mega, we meet again! The behemoth member of Samsung’s happy family has just been caught tip-toeing through the FCC hallways— this time in 4G LTE colors. This special Galaxy Mega 6.3-based model— which is identified as the GT-i9205— has the usual frequencies including a standard LTE Band 5, full GSM frequencies and of course, WiFi. Generally speaking— whenever a new device such as the Galaxy Mega is caught at the FCC, it’s usually an indicator that the device is very much on the way for an imminent arrival.

Here’s hoping that those of us here in the States will be able to see the large device at some point soon.

source: FCC
via: Engadget

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 caught creeping through the FCC with LTE frequencies

LG has officially unveiled its latest mid-range device— the Optimus F5 smartphone. Sandwiched in between devices such as the Optimum G (Pro) and the Optimus L9 series, the Optimus F5 arrives with modest features such as a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4.3-inch IPS display, 2,150mAh battery and Android 4.1.2 running the show. Oh and while the device doesn’t have much to scream at, it at least features 4G LTE, which allows customers to enjoy the simple pleasures of fast internet data on their handsets. The Optimus F5′s trump card compared to other mid-rangers is the inclusion of custom LG software like QSlide and Live Zooming running the show.

So now that the device is out in the open, it’s time to give the most eager details— its availability. As of now, the device is expected to arrive in French retailers on April 29th, while other markets will follow shortly after. While there’s no overt mention of when we can expect to see the device out here in the States, we’ve already seen indications suggesting that it won’t be long for Verizon customers to see this puppy as well.

Hit the break for the full presser.

Come comment on this article: LG unleashes its Optimus F5 smartphone, headed for France on April 29th

T-Mobile launched their LTE network back towards the end of March with coverage for seven markets. While seven markets is fairly small as compared to carriers such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T, T-Mobile had previously announced plans to have LTE available for 100 million users by mid-year and 200 million users by years end.

We have yet to see any specifics from T-Mobile on which will be the next markets to go live, however some details have recently begun showing up online. Basically, it is looking like the T-Mobile LTE rollout will continue in May and then again in June. Neither of these will are expected to be large scale, but it does appear as if things are progressing nicely towards that mid-year goal of 100 million.

The May rollout is tipped to include Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii and Richmond, Virginia as well as Minneapolis and Austin/San Antonio. Other markets that are a possibility for launch in May include Stockton and Modesto as well as parts of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Oakland and Fremont.

Time will tell if these launches arrive in May as is currently expected. Otherwise, there isn’t as much detail in terms of the June launches at the moment. As of now it is being reported that T-Mobile is planning for as many as 24 LTE market launches in June. All said and done, assuming these locations and numbers hold up, T-Mobile could be looking at around 40 LTE markets by June.

[via TmoNews]

AT&T seems to be offering these 4G LTE expansion updates on a fairly regular basis these days. The most recent came back on April 18, however we have been seeing these types of expansion announcements several times a month lately. On that note, this latest touches on coverage across eight states including Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Virginia and West Virginia.

Keep in mind that some of these are new markets and some are expansions of previously covered markets, lets first begin with Colorado. The Colorado coverage deals with Denver, which has been expanded to include parts of Golden and Lakewood. Some new coverage has been turned on for those in Kokomo, Indiana as well as Shelbyville, Kentucky and Flint, Michigan.

Previously existing coverage in Northwest Mississippi had 4G LTE available for those in Oxford. This expansion brings LTE to parts of Batesville along Highway 6, Sardis and South Oxford. Shifting back to another new market and those in Springfield, Missouri will now have the option to use LTE. New coverage has also been turned on for those in Petersburg, Virginia and for those in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Otherwise, looking the 4G AT&T network as a whole and we see the carrier still touting themselves as having the “nation’s largest 4G network.” To clarify, that includes the HSPA+ and LTE networks, which according to AT&T, is now accessible by more than 292 million people. AT&T users also get access to the nationwide hotspot network, which has 32,000 locations spread across restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers.

Previous reports pegged voice-over LTE support as coming to Verizon Wireless in 2013, however based on new details it is now looking as if that support will not be arriving until next year. These latest details come by way of Verizon CFO Fran Shammo who said the voice-over LTE support would be launching commercially in “early next year.”

While that may sound like a bit of bad news for anyone that may have been waiting, there does appear to be a silver lining. It seems Verizon is readying voice-over LTE capable devices for the later part of this year. Shammo didn’t offer specifics here, however based on details from Light Reading, Verizon will “start to have VoLTE-capable phones by the end of this year.”

Basically, that is just to say that devices should be ready and available before the launch of the network. This move will not really mean all that much for the average user initially, but longer term they will likely notice some changes. These changes will come to the types of devices that consumers begin seeing.

In this case, given the voice-over LTE support allows for voice calls alongside data on the 4G network, we will begin seeing devices without any 3G CDMA chips. The introduction of voice-over LTE is a baby step towards the eventual reuse of the current 3G network. Of course, that will likely not be happening anytime soon. Otherwise, AT&T has also said they are planning to have a limited launch of voice-over LTE in place for later this year.

[via phoneArena]