WSJ: Google’s wireless service will only work with the Nexus 6
We’ve heard rumors about Google launching its own wireless service for a few years now, and speculation has been gaining more and more momentum over the past few months. Then at MWC 2015, Google’s Sundar Pichai finally put those rumors to rest, confirming that the company is in fact launching its very own MVNO in the “coming months“. The only real details we have about Google’s plans came directly from Sundar, as he explained that Google is working with Verizon, AT&T and other “existing partners” to create its own service. Sundar also stated that he’ll have more details for us in the months ahead. But according to The Wall Street Journal, Google’s service may launch much sooner than that.
According to “people familiar with the matter”, Google’s wireless service may end up launching by the end of March, which would be way sooner than we expected. Additionally, the report states that the new wireless service will only be compatible with the Nexus 6, and no other Android devices. The report states:
The service, designed to switch among Wi-Fi and cellular networks, will initially be available only on the latest Nexus 6 smartphone designed by Google and made by Motorola Mobility, a former Google unit now owned by China’s Lenovo Group Ltd. , two people familiar with the matter said. One of the people said the service won’t work with older Nexus devices, such as LG Electronics Inc. ’s Nexus 5.
The sources claim that while there’s potential for the service to launch in the coming weeks, the start might be delayed. Also, the service will reportedly combine both T-Mobile and Sprint’s networks with available Wifi networks, in hopes to obtain the best signal from any location.
Pichai expressed to us at MWC that Google has no plans to be a “carrier at scale”, and that the company is looking to provide a proof of concept with the new wireless technologies. However, plans to only make the Nexus 6 compatible with the service, at least at the beginning, is extremely scaled back from what we were thinking.
Of course, like any other rumor, this should be taken with a grain of salt. And we won’t know anything for sure until Google makes an official announcement in the weeks to come.
T-Mobile pushing out Android 5.0 Lollipop to Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Earlier today Sprint started rolling out Android 5.0 Lollipop to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. T-Mobile is also in the process of rolling out Lollipop, but interestingly enough it is starting with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. I am sure that will spark some hate and some love for T-Mobile users with Note 3’s and […]
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Android 5.0 Lollipop now rolling out to the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3, Sprint Galaxy Note 4
Samsung is continuing to roll out a steady stream of updates to their current and most recent generation of smartphones. The next two handsets on the list to receive Android 5.0 Lollipop are the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3 and Sprint Galaxy Note 4, and both carriers have just confirmed that the update is rolling out as we speak.
The Sprint Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update, carrying build number N910PVPU1BOB7, will include all of the wonderful aesthetic changes we’ve seen from Lollipop in the past. Among others you’ll receive a ton of new security enhancements, notification improvements and many, many more. And just for the Galaxy Note 4, the update will also bring Wifi calling enhancements.
The Lollipop update for the T-Mo Note 3 will feature the build number N900TUVUFOB5, and will receive all of the visual and under the hood changes as the Note 4. Specific to the Galaxy Note 3, here are all of the changes Samsung’s website says you’ll receive in the update:
- OS upgrade to Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
- Wi-Fi calling experience
- Resolved Wi-Fi calling one way audio
- Resolved IPv6 email setup
Be warned, though. According to a few forum members, the OTA update comes in at a hefty 1GB, so be sure you’re on Wifi when you press that update button. If you don’t want to wait for the update to make it to your phone, head to Settings>About device>Software update>Check now to check manually.
Have you gotten the Lollipop update on your Note 3 or Note 4 yet? If so, how are you liking it?
HTC One M9 and Samsung Galaxy S6 prices spotted in contest rules
MWC has brought us two outstanding flagships in the HTC One M9 and Samsung Galaxy S6. We’ve had a good early look at them both, but one last unanswered question remains – “how much will they cost?”
Fortunately, likely retail prices of both smartphones have been let slip in a couple of contest terms and conditions. HTC has given the game away through its US contest and T-Mobile has done the same for the Galaxy S6. In the US, companies have to list the approximate retail value of any contest prizes. HTC gives the One M9 a rough price of $599, while the Galaxy S6 will be priced around $699. However, these are by no means official figures.
While the One M9 comes with a fixed 32GB internal storage capacity, Samsung’s Galaxy S6 will be available in 32, 64 and 128 GB options. The listing doesn’t state which version of the Galaxy S6 is being given away, but it probably isn’t one of the larger memory variants. Overall, these prices are pretty much what we would expect, given the hardware on offer.
If you want to be in with a chance to win these two smartphones, providing that you live in the US, here’s the entry form for the HTC One M9 contest and T-Mobile is giving you a chance to win a load of Samsung goodies if you pre-register for the Galaxy S6. Not forgetting that we have our own international Galaxy S6 giveaway running this week too.
Best of luck.
T-Mobile’s Galaxy Note 3 receiving Android Lollipop update
T-Mobile has started pushing out the Android Lollipop update to their version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The upgrade includes all of the normal features and enhancements that Google introduced with 5.0, plus a few carrier specific fixes just for T-Mobile including enhancements to WiFi calling.
If you have a Note 3 on T-Mobile’s network, start checking for the update.
source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile’s Galaxy Note 3 receiving Android Lollipop update
When and where to buy: Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S6, was announced at Mobile World Congress on March 1. According to the hardware maker, the handset will roll out to some 20+ countries on April 10.
We’ve gathered up links and details for the various U.S. wireless providers; these will help if you’re interested in signing up for additional information or want to pre-register for your own device.
Pricing has yet to be announced by any party however we’ll update this page over time. Note that all parties listed below have been confirmed by Samsung.
Carriers
- Verizon
- AT&T
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- U.S. Cellular
- Boost Mobile
- Cricket Wireless
- MetroPCS
Retailers
- Best Buy
- Amazon
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Walmart
The post When and where to buy: Samsung Galaxy S6 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
When and where to buy: HTC One M9
HTC announced its latest flagship Android experience, the One M9, at Mobile World Congress on March 1. According to HTC, the handset will begin trickling out to a number of carriers starting as soon as this month.
We’ve gathered up links and details for the various U.S. wireless providers; these will help if you’re interested in signing up for additional information or want to pre-register for your own device. Pricing has yet to be announced by any party however we’ll update this page over time.
Carriers
Retailers
The post When and where to buy: HTC One M9 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
When and where to buy: Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone and its variant, the Galaxy S6 edge, was announced at Mobile World Congress on March 1. According to the hardware maker, the new dual-edged display phone will roll out to some 20+ countries on April 10.
We’ve gathered up links and details for the various U.S. wireless providers; these will help if you’re interested in signing up for additional information or want to pre-register for your own device. It’s worth pointing out that this model will not be as universally offered as the standard Galaxy S6
Pricing has yet to be announced by any party however we’ll update this page over time. Note that all parties listed below have been confirmed by Samsung.
Carriers
Retailers
- Best Buy
- Amazon
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Walmart
The post When and where to buy: Samsung Galaxy S6 edge appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google’s Sundar Pichai confirms MVNO carrier plans
Earlier last month, it was revealed that Google was readying their own MVNO carrier plan. In other words, a seller of other carrier networks, namely Sprint and T-Mobile. Today Sundar Pichai as confirmed that Google will indeed offer some sort of plan. That’s the good news. The bad news is that he didn’t reveal anything else other than it will be “in the coming months.” Reading between the lines, you have to think that they will make an announcement at Google I/O.
Pichai did ensure that they are working with all carriers, including AT&T and Verizon to make sure they don’t disrupt existing relationships.
The rumored plan includes some sort of combination of Sprint and T-Mobile service that would automatically switch to the best signal and Wi-Fi. It’s also been reported that it could be more geared towards the tablet crowd.
What do you guys think? Can Google offer something compelling here?
Be sure to check out our complete coverage of Mobile World Congress 2015.
source: Android Authority
Come comment on this article: Google’s Sundar Pichai confirms MVNO carrier plans
T-Mobile gives us a Galaxy S6 Edge unboxing
Fresh off the announcement of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, T-Mobile is giving us a hands-on look at the new Galaxy S6 Edge via a short unboxing video. In the video you see the new Touchwiz put through its paces on top of a close up of the new hardware. Not only that you’ll see a little bit of the camera in action. We have the video for you after the break and as always, keep it locked here for all your MWC 2015 coverage.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile gives us a Galaxy S6 Edge unboxing
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