T-Mobile adds Music Unlimited, Data Maximizer features to MetroPCS plans
T-Mobile has kicked the week off by giving its MetroPCS prepaid brand a handful of new features. Much like it does for its tier-one services, the MetroPCS arm will give customers the ability to stream music without impacting the data plans.
Starting Thursday, November 19, the Music Unlimited feature will let subscribers stream all the music like from any of 33 music streaming services without touching the data pool. Among the services are Pandora, Spotify, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio and Apple Music.
Moreover, the Data Maximizer options lets users watch considerably more video (up to three times as much) without worrying about data. Similar to the recently announced BingeOn stuff for T-Mobile, this is a proprietary system that optimizes video to run at 480p (DVD quality).
In addition to gaining new goodies, the MetroPCS rate plans are getting a shakeup, too. Family plans of two or more lines will have the following options:
- $25 / month – Unlimited talk, text & data with 1GB of 4G LTE data for each line, with Data Maximizer
- $35 / month – Unlimited talk, text & data with 3GB of 4G LTE data for each line (up from 2GB), now with Music Unlimited, Data Maximizer
- $45 / month – Unlimited talk, text & data with 5GB of 4G LTE data for each line (up from 4GB), now with Music Unlimited, Data Maximizer
- $55 / month – Unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data on your smartphone + 8GB of Mobile Hotspot tethering for each line (up from 6GB), now with Music Unlimited, Data Maximizer
Single line plans will be nearly identical to the above, however they’ll run $5 more per month.
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One T-Mobile Note 5 user reportedly just received Marshmallow
We know that Samsung is working on bringing Marshmallow to its flagship collection, including the Galaxy Note 5. The timeframe of the update rollout is less clear, though if the experience of one T-Mobile user is any indication, Samsung has already made substantial progress.
XDA-developers forums user Danon Brown reports that his Note 5 (SM-N920T) received an update to Marshmallow by accident. Danon was playing with his phone’s software and ran into a problem regarding the IMEI code. He used Samsung’s Odin software to revert his device to the stock firmware and then he checked for updates. Instead of the most recent official firmware for his device, the phone updated to build.number MRA58K.N920TUVU2DOK5.
If you’re not fluent in OTA firmware numbers, MRA58K is the number of the stock Android 6.0 firmware released by Google on September 6.
Danon has several screenshots as proof that his device has indeed received a major update.
#gallery-1
margin: auto;
#gallery-1 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 20%;
#gallery-1 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
#gallery-1 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
It’s important to note that we could be looking at a prank here, and, even if it’s legit, this build is likely not-final, so nothing is set in stone for now.
Also, the visual changes could be due to a theme being applied, though one of the screenshots shows that only the default theme was installed on the phone at the moment.
The most visible functionality change is the new permissions system – apps like Gmail or Hangouts now request access to specific capabilities when first ran.
#gallery-2
margin: auto;
#gallery-2 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 33%;
#gallery-2 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
#gallery-2 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Unfortunately, Danon Brown didn’t provide more details about the build, but he said he would try to extract a system dump from his device. In any case, we’ll keep an eye on the thread and update you if info that is more substantial leaks out.
It wouldn’t be the first time a user receives test firmware by accident. Last December, a Vietnamese user received an early Lollipop build on his Note 3 and promptly leaked it online. Perhaps history will repeat itself?
Binge On this! – Podcast 040
Josh Vergara leads Andrew Grush, Joe Hindy, Jonathan Feist and Nirave Gondhia through an interesting conversation on carriers, the idea was to discuss net neutrality and T-Mobile’s new video streaming perks, but we divert into looking at pricing and features. We share some of our own insights on data services in our local areas and for our international travel. From there, Josh and Nirave both have the new BlackBerry Priv in hand, come hear what they have to say about this new Android phone with a slide-out keyboard. Enjoy AA Podcast #040.
The Android Authority Podcast – discussing topics in Android every week.
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Relevant Links
T-Mobile introduces free video streaming
Blackberry Priv
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Joshua Vergara
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Joseph Hindy
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Andrew Grush
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Jonathan Feist
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Nirave Gondhia
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Recorded on November 13th, 2015 – Hosted and Produced by Joshua Vergara.
Moto X Pure Edition to gain T-Mobile band 12 support with upcoming Marshmallow update
Last Thursday, we reported that Motorola had entered the initial development stages of the much-anticipated Android 6.0 update for a handful of its latest devices. Today, however, David Schuster, VP of Product Sales and Operations at Motorola, revealed that this upgrade is more than just a standard factory one. It will, in fact, transport compatibility for a new LTE band to one of the Lenovo-owned company’s smartphones.
Owners of the Moto X Pure Edition can expect to see support for T-Mobile’s 4G service (band 12) introduced when the update starts rolling out over the course of the “next few weeks”. Unfortunately, there’s no word on whether Wi-Fi Calling is included, but we suspect it will be seeing as it’s one of T-Mo’s core services, which attracts many customers.
So there you have it, folks. If you’re a T-Mobile customer who is undecided on whether to pick up a Moto X Pure Edition or not, this might just sway you. It’s a great phone that we’d advise you check out, but it’s certainly not for everyone. If you’re not a fan of high-end internals in a cheap, but durable frame, you’d best steer clear. If its something you’d don’t mind, though, then this is the device for you.
Come comment on this article: Moto X Pure Edition to gain T-Mobile band 12 support with upcoming Marshmallow update
MetroPCS site flaw exposed the data of 10 million subscribers
It’s not just hacks that put your personal data out in the open — sometimes, it’s just poor coding. Security researchers Eric Taylor and Blake Welsh have shown Motherboard a MetroPCS website bug that, until it was fixed this month, made it easy to get sensitive info for over 10 million subscribers. All you needed was a phone number to get a person’s home address, phone serial number and more. And if you weren’t picky, you could have whipped up a script to harvest all of the data within two days.
Source: Motherboard
[About Face?] New T-Mobile Plans Now Live, All Simple Choice Plans Include Binge On
When T-Mobile first announced their new double data plans and the new Binge On service this past Tuesday, people were rather disheartened by the fact that not only was T-Mobile upping the prices on three of their four Simple Choice plans, but the lowest tier (2GB) plan would not include the new Binge On service (it also wasn’t included on Data Stash).
Today, however, it appears as though T-Mobile may have heard the angry screaming all over the internet and slightly modified their original policy. When the original press release came out, we learned that only 3GB and up would qualify for Binge On but their new plans went live today and the small print at the bottom of the page now says “2GB and more includes Binge On™ video streaming that lets you watch 3x more video with your high-speed data”
After reaching out to T-Mobile, there seems to be a little bit of confusion as to whether they are offering this on Simple Choice or on their “Pay-In-Advance” plans, but as you’ll see in the screenshot above, it definitely says Simple Choice on the same page as where it says it will include Binge On.
Here’s the catch: On the 2GB plan, you can still opt-in to Binge On, but the data still counts towards your data allotment. The difference is that they will still scale down all of your video streaming to 480p, so your data goes “3x as far” by comparison to watching 1080p video. On one hand, it’s better than nothing. On the other hand, T-Mobile seems to be trying to continue to pull one over on us.
What do you think of this new offering? Is T-Mobile turning back into a normal carrier (as opposed to “Un-Carrier”)? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!
Source: T-Mobile
The post [About Face?] New T-Mobile Plans Now Live, All Simple Choice Plans Include Binge On appeared first on AndroidGuys.
T-Mobile plan changes, price hikes follow Binge On announcement
As the dust settles from T-Mobile’s announcement yesterday that a new, unlimited video streaming option is being created on their network called Binge On, more details about other changes T-Mobile is making to their business have started to emerge. Among the changes, T-Mobile is going to be hiking the price of their unlimited data plans while expanding the data cap before the plans kick down to a slower speed.
Currently T-Mobile customers with an unlimited data plan pay $80 per month, but they will see that price jump up to $95 per month. To help smooth things over a bit, T-Mobile is doubling the data limit from 7GB to 14GB for hotspot data before connections get throttled down. Clint Patterson, a spokesman for T-Mobile, says, “delivering unlimited LTE plans is expensive as data usage skyrockets, so we’re updating Simple Choice to reflect today’s usage patterns.”
The changes are not limited to the unlimited plans either. A current two person family plan which includes 10GB of data per line will see a price hike from $100 per month to $120 per month. Individual plans like the 3GB plan for $60 per month is going up to $65 per month, but data is doubling to 6GB. The $70 per month 5GB plan will remain at the same price, but see data doubled to 10GB.
Analysts looking at T-Mobile’s new Binge On offer noted a couple issues related to the service. First, T-Mobile is only making Binge On available to customers who have 6GB or higher plans, which may help entice customers to upgrade. The Binge One offering is also limited to video quality of 480p, which uses about a third of the data that current 1080p high definition video consumes. This should help ease network demands for T-Mobile even with more users accessing video content.
Share your thoughts about T-Mobile’s latest moves in the comments below.
source: CNN Money
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile plan changes, price hikes follow Binge On announcement
New T-Mobile customers will have to pay more for unlimited data
Lost amid the usual T-Mobile hoopla surrounding its latest “Uncarrier” move was a pretty significant price jump for new customers who only need one phone on their plan. Currently, if you go to T-Mobile’s site and configure a one-line plan with unlimited data, you’ll see it will set you back $80 per month. However, starting on November 15th, a single line with unlimited data will cost $95 per month. That’s before any taxes as well as any additional monthly charges you may pay for your phone. This change will come the same day that T-Mobile rolls out its new “Binge On” feature that lets you stream certain video services without it affecting your data cap.
Via: The Verge
Source: T-Mobile
iPad Pro Tidbits: A9X Outperforms MacBook, Apple Pencil is Weighted, T-Mobile Financing and More
Apple released the iPad Pro on the Apple Online Store and at select Apple Retail Stores and resellers earlier today, and we have rounded up some interesting facts and news announcements surrounding the 12.9-inch tablet.
iPad Pro Delivers Notebook-Level Performance
Geekbench results show that the iPad Pro’s A9X processor is a dual-core chip running at about 2.25 GHz, as reported by Ars Technica.
The A9X chip had a 3,233 single-core score and 5,498 multi-score score in browser-based CPU tests, outperforming the iPad Air 2 and other recent iPhones and iPads by a significant margin.
iPad Pro also outperformed the 12-inch Retina MacBook, equipped with an Intel Core M dual-core processor clocked at 1.1 to 1.2 GHz, but the A9X chip’s CPU performance falls short of devices like the 2015 MacBook Air and Surface Pro 4 with Intel’s latest Broadwell or Skylake U-series processors.
Ars Technica also shared iPad Pro CPU performance results
The iPad Pro’s GPU performance is much more impressive, with GFXBench OpenGL test results showing the A9X chip outperformed the 2015 15″ Retina MacBook Pro with Intel Iris 5200 integrated graphics, in addition to the 12-inch MacBook, 2015 MacBook Air, 2015 13″ Retina MacBook Pro, Surface Pro 4 and all recent iPads.
We’re looking at MacBook Air-class CPU performance and MacBook Pro-class GPU performance, so the iPad Pro ought to be able to handle more multitasking features with aplomb as Apple sees fit to add them. Professional 3D apps like AutoCAD and the Complete Anatomy app Apple showed off in September all seem to run just fine, too.
Apple Pencil is Weighted
Lauren Goode of The Verge shared an interesting anecdote about the Apple Pencil in her iPad Pro review:
But the Pencil is just plain fun. It is indeed Apple white, and there are Apple-y things about it — for example, the fact that it is weighted, and won’t roll away on a table top, and always stops rolling with the word “Pencil” facing upward on its metal band.
Read our iPad Pro review roundup.
T-Mobile Financing for iPad Pro
T-Mobile has announced the iPad Pro will be available November 18. Eligible customers can finance their iPad Pro purchase through the carrier’s JUMP! On Demand program, starting at $199.99 upfront with $34/month payments.
T-Mobile has a sign-up page to receive an email alert when orders can be placed. Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard will also be available on T-Mobile for $99 and $169 respectively starting November 18.
Apple Store Availability
iPad Pro launched today with limited in-store stock at select Apple Retail Stores in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and some other countries. Personal Pickup is available in U.S. stores.
Most Apple Stores have not received stock of the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, while online shipping estimates currently range between 3-4 weeks in the U.S. and many other countries for the accessories.
Tim Cook Calls Microsoft’s Surface Book “Deluded”
The Irish Independent has published an interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook about the company’s plans to expand in Ireland, iPad Pro and more, with his comment about Microsoft’s new Surface Book drawing some attention:
Mr Cook had some sharp words for competitors. Despite saying that Apple’s relationship with Microsoft as “really good”, he described the software giant’s new Surface Book laptop as “deluded”.
“It’s a product that tries too hard to do too much,” he said. “It’s trying to be a tablet and a notebook and it really succeeds at being neither. It’s sort of deluded.”
Follow our iPad Pro timeline for the latest news about the 12.9-inch tablet.
Tags: T-Mobile, Apple Store, Geekbench, A9X chip, Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard
Buyer’s Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)
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The Galaxy Note 5 is now available from T-Mobile in Gold-Platinum
Moving on from yesterday’s CarrierX event where T-Mobile unveiled its Binge On unlimited video streaming service, if you’ve thought about ordering a Galaxy Note 5, but you didn’t fancy the plain white or black options, you can now order the gold-platinum variant from T-Mobile in either 32GB or 64GB form.Regardless of which color variant you go for, the price is the same, depending on whether you buy the 32GB or 64GB version. We have the details below.
Note 5 32GB
- $699.99 off-contract
- $0 upfront charge and 24 monthly payments of $29.17 on EIP
- $0 upfront charge and 18 monthly payments of $15 on JUMP! On Demand
Note 5 64GB
- $779.99 off-contract
- $99 upfront and 24 monthly payments of $28.34 on EIP
- $99 upfront and 18 monthly payments of $14.50 on JUMP! On Demand
You can also save $50 on the price of the Note 5 by using this promo code – NOTE5DEAL, regardless of whether you are placing the order through T-Mobile’s website or on the phone. And if the Note 5 isn’t to your liking, don’t forget about T-Mobile’s ‘Why wait for Cyber Monday‘ promotion where you can save up to $100 off a 1015 flagship device.
Source: T-Mobile
Via: Tmo News
Come comment on this article: The Galaxy Note 5 is now available from T-Mobile in Gold-Platinum
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