T-Mobile’s new Pay as You Go plan is simpler and (sometimes) cheaper
Pay-per-use cellphone plans are sometimes befuddling — the rates can change depending on whether you’re calling or texting, or how much cash you put on your account. T-Mobile thinks it can end this confusion with its new, much simpler Pay as You Go plan. As long as you plunk down at least $3 per month, it costs 10 cents for every text message or minute’s worth of talk time; you won’t have to guess how much credit you have left after a long call. It should be cheaper in some cases, too. Previously, you had to pay as much as 33 cents per minute for voice if you only bought small Pay as You Go refills.
There are new data passes to go along with these basic options, although they’re really meant for travelers and others who only need short-term access. Paying $5 per day will get you 500MB of full-speed data, while $10 will give you 1GB to use over the course of a week. You’re still better off with regular service plans if you use your phone often, but the new offering could make life a lot simpler if you only occasionally need to get in touch with others.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, T-Mobile
Source: T-Mobile
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T-Mobile giving device unlocking an easier approach with new App
T-Mobile and the uncarrier initiative has certainly raised a lot of eyebrows. They have single-handedly changed the wireless game and a lot of people are loving it, I know I do. They continue to make changes that help alleviate customer pain points. While there will always be something to complain about, every small step helps in the long run. T-Mobile has just released and app that will undoubtedly be a welcomed sight for travelers. The apps is called “Device Unlock”, and while aimed at one specific device currently, it is one step closer to wireless freedom.
The Device Unlock app only works with the more recent Samsung Galaxy Avant, a mid-range Galaxy device that is only $216 full price. The app offers a quick and simple UI to request that your Avant is SIM unlocked so that it can be used on other carrier networks at will. Pretty nice really. I assume this came about for more reasons than just a customer pain point. No one likes to call in to request a SIM unlock code. I assume this also got pushed through based on number of calls from customers who are only requesting an unlock code. Drive down the call volume, save time and money.
The app can be installed on any T-Mobile device, but it won’t do you a lick of good unless it is the Galaxy Avant. You will be met with a screen that tells you that your current device is unsupported. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have it installed and check every so often if your current device gets some support for it though. If you have an Avant then you will be presented with two options, a permanent unlock and a temporary one. Your choice. Naturally i assume there will be a wait period and that you will input your email address to receive your code. I don’t have an Avant sitting around to try it on, so I am just guessing. If anyone out there does and they go through the process, please let us know how it worked out.
Source: Android Police
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T-Mobile will now unlock select phones via an app
Now that phone unlockers have been given the governmental green light, T-Mobile’s trying to make the very process of unlocking less of a hassle… albeit very slowly. You see, the magenta-hued carrier has created a Device Unlock app that’ll let you either temporarily unshackle your phone for 30 days (perfect for those brief stints abroad) or do the deed permanently. Sound too good to be true? You may have a point. You’re still bound by T-Mobile’s eligibility requirements if you try to permanently unlock your device, for one, and the app only works with Samsung’s decidedly mid-range Galaxy Avant (on which the app comes preloaded) right now. The folks at Android Central couldn’t help but sideload the app onto a few other devices, but didn’t have much luck freeing any of them from T-Mobile’s tight grip. Here’s hoping this limited release is just a pilot program of sorts — we’ve reached out to T-Mobile to see if they’re willing to share any more.
Via: Android Central
Source: Google Play
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T-Mobile becomes top prepaid provider in U.S.
T-Mobile has become the number one provider of prepaid wireless service, according to a press release from the Un-carrier. Overtaking the bigger three players in the space, T-Mobile now services some 15.64 million no-contract subscribers. By comparison, Sprint has 15.19 million, followed by AT&T at 11.34 million, and Verizon at 6.04 million. It looks like MetroPCS deal… Read more »
The post T-Mobile becomes top prepaid provider in U.S. appeared first on AndroidGuys.
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Android 4.4 update available for T-Mobile Xperia Z1s
It has been a long time coming for Sony Xperia Z1s owners here in the states on T-Mobile, but you all finally have Android 4.4.4 updates pending your install.
The firmware version is 14.4.B.0.37. You will be prompted through the device about the update, but the Sony PC companion app is the only way to install it, as you can see above. With the update you wills e the newer Xperia home launcher, transparent navigation and status bar, white status bar icons, improved stability, Wi-Fi calling, better reception, better audio and improved touchscreen response. Along with compatibility for the Sony SmartBanf SWR10.
If you don’t have the Sony PC Companion app on your PC yet then you will want to get that up and running first. You can download it from Sony. Your device should prompt for the PC Companion software to be installed anyways though. This update will most liekly break root if you have it, but it should be easy to root again. It also still keeps the bootloader locked.
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Sprint reportedly withdraws its bid to buy T-Mobile
Softbank-owned Sprint has reportedly changed its mind about buying T-Mobile US, according to the Wall Street Journal. It seems a bit surprising, given the amount of time and energy Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son has put into pursuing the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the US — committing to buy the company for as much as $40 billion. That said, the alleged reasons behind the decision to withdraw a bid make sense: Sprint faces too much of a challenge getting the deal over the necessary regulatory hurdles. The company likely came to this conclusion after a long series of meetings with government officials, who reportedly expressed concern that such a deal would take a toll on competition in the US wireless industry. Sprint declined to comment, but the Journal reports that the carrier plans to make an announcement early tomorrow.
The report also states that a competing bid for T-Mobile, made by French company Iliad, wasn’t considered for very long; the company’s $15 billion offer simply wasn’t enough for Deutsche Telekom to give it any serious thought. For now, it appears that T-Mobile will continue on its own for quite some time — and judging by its current growth, it won’t be too long before it overtakes Sprint as the third-largest carrier in the US.
What do you think about Sprint’s reported end to its quest for T-Mobile?
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile
Source: WSJ
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T-Mobile and MetroPCS launching waterproof Kyocera Hydro Life this Month
Waterproof, or resistant, devices are becoming more of the norm this year than in the past and I am loving it. Another new device is headed towards both T-Mobile and MetroPCS that will easily target those that find themselves dropping their devices often. We all have one of those people in our lives that has gone through more phones than socks. Kyocera‘s new Hydro Life device could be the inexpensive device of choice for those that need a little bit more protection built-in to their device without breaking the bank to do so.
“The Hydro Life is a perfect option for someone who leads an active lifestyle, wants access to the latest technology and apps, but needs a smartphone that can withstand the elements,” said Jason Young, senior vice president of marketing at T-Mobile. “At T-Mobile, we partnered with Kyocera to match a rugged smartphone with the only nationwide network built data strong.”
The Hydro Life is IP57 certified waterproof, shock-proof and drop-proof. It meets Military Standard 810G. The Hydro Life carries a 4.5-inch impact resistant IPS qHD display, 2000 mAh battery, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and Wi-Fi calling for the T-Mobile variant. Detailed specs of the device seem to be missing from the press release, however PhoneScoop has some more details that outline the Hydro Life with a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm MSM8212 processor, 8GB on-board storage, 1.5GB of RAM and a Micro SD card slot. Along with Bluetooth 4.0+LE and the ANdroid version being 4.3.
The new Kyocera Hydro Life will be making an appearance in Wal-Mart for T-Mobile starting August 8 for just $124.99 + tax. MetroPCS will be putting the device, minus the Wi-Fi Calling, to market on August 29th for the same price tag.
Press release:
Kyocera Battles Fragiphoniphobia with the Everyday Durable Hydro Life at T-Mobile and MetroPCS
Newest 4G Android from the Industry Leaders in Waterproof, Shock-Proof, Drop-Proof Smartphones Can Handle the Demands of Daily Life
SAN DIEGO – August 4, 2014 – Many of us are suffering from “fragiphoniphobia” without even realizing it. The fear of fragile phones – and worries about drops and spills ruining our smartphones and disrupting our lives – prevents us from using them to their full potential. Enter Kyocera Hydro Life, a waterproof 4G Android™ smartphone that’s also Military Standard 810G drop- and shock-proof.
The ideal smartphone for both active consumers and workers on the job, Hydro Life is available for T-Mobile customers at Wal-Mart starting August 8 for just $124.99 (+taxes & fees) with qualifying service. MetroPCS will also launch the Hydro Life on August 29.
“The Hydro Life is a perfect option for someone who leads an active lifestyle, wants access to the latest technology and apps, but needs a smartphone that can withstand the elements,” said Jason Young, senior vice president of marketing at T-Mobile. “At T-Mobile, we partnered with Kyocera to match a rugged smartphone with the only nationwide network built data strong.”
Hydro Life is IP57 certified for protection against dust and full immersion in water up to a meter (3.28 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes. It is also certified to meet Military Standard 810G for protection against drops and shock. Tested to withstand drops, dunks, and spills, Hydro Life can handle the everyday unexpected.
A recent survey from comScore revealed that 73 percent of consumers surveyed rated drop protection or scratch-proof/shatter-proof screens as the most desirable durability feature, while 62 percent said they expect waterproofing to be a standard feature on their next phones.*
“Many of us have let the fear of fragile phones constrain our lives while many other solutions are either budget busters, too bulky or lack the best Android smartphone experience,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. “Hydro Life delivers everyday durability with the right design and feature set; while remaining very economical for cost-conscious households. Combined with fast, affordable 4G from the un-carrier, it’s a big win for on-the-go consumers.”
Hydro Life has an inherently durable design, with a 4.5-inch impact-resistant IPS qHD touchscreen, reinforced housing and non-slip finish, which eliminates the need for bulky and expensive cases. A powerful 2,000 mAh lithium ion battery is assisted by Kyocera’s proprietary Eco Mode and MaxiMZR apps to manage and conserve every last bit of power. Wi-Fi calling support helps manage mobile-network usage. Hydro Life can act as a Wi-Fi Hotspot (additional fee may be required), giving high-speed connectivity to multiple other devices. The phone also features 5.0-megapixel rear-facing and 2-megapixel front-facing cameras.
Via Android Central | PhoneScoop
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Verizon and T-Mobile Galaxy S5 get new OTA Updates
If you happen to own a Samsung Galaxy S5 on either Verizon or T-Mobile, then be on the look out for an update that being pushed out to your device. Each update is a little different in terms of what it will bring to your device.
On the T-Mobile side of things you can expect to be moved to baseband version G900TUVU1BNG3 and carries a file size of 38.6MBs. The update turns on T-Mobile VoLTE service to the flagship device which allows for phone calls to be made over LTE data services. Your location and coverage will have an impact on how well, or if, it works at all. The update is rolling out now and be picked up as a OTA or through Samsung Kies.
As for Verizon’s version of the device there are quite a few additional things you might notice. The software Version moves to KOT49H.G900VVRU1ANE9 and it will bring along updates to the Caller Name ID, Message+ and Cloud apps from Verizon. There is also a fairly substantial list of bug fixes as well.
We don’t see a file size mentioned on the Verizon support page for the device, but we imagine it will be fairly large. You will want to make sure you are over 50% on your battery life and have a Wi-Fi connection available to download either update.
Via 9to5Google
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French company Iliad reportedly wants to buy T-Mobile too
Sprint isn’t the only company hoping to shell out billions for the privilege of scooping up T-Mobile’s US branch; according to the Wall Street Journal, a French company called Iliad wants in on the action as well. Iliad, which owns a mobile operator in France known as Free, recently made a bid to counter the reported $32 billion offer T-Mobile is already entertaining with Sprint’s parent company Softbank. The terms of the deal are unknown, and it’s unclear how Iliad can pay for such a transaction, since its market value of $16 billion is merely half of what Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son is putting on the table.
Iliad’s point of view is that its offer will be looked upon more favorably by regulators than a potential merger between Sprint and T-Mobile. If its bid is successful, the company plans to take control of the carrier, which means there would still be four major national players in the US. Since competition is one of the biggest concerns to the Powers That Be, Iliad believes its offer would stand a much better chance of clearing the necessary legal hurdles. And if the company were to use the same strategy with T-Mobile as it does with Free, it’s likely the UnCarrier moves would not only continue but get even more aggressive in pricing. It’s hard to say at this point if T-Mobile and parent company Deutsche Telekom will entertain Iliad’s offer, but at least the situation just became a whole lot more intriguing.
[Image credit: Getty Images]
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile
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T-Mobile’s UnCarrier plans continue to surge at the expense of rivals
T-Mobile keeps riding its UnCarrier plans to increased post-paid subscribers and added over a million in total for Q2 2014, including 579,000 phone subscribers. That compares to its much larger competitor Verizon, for example, which added only 304,000 net post-paid phone customers, or Sprint, which lost 180,000. It puts T-Mobile nearly on par with AT&T for the quarter, which saw 700,000 more phone customers and around a million total. Notably, AT&T recently added off-contract plan-sharing options to keep prices more in line with rivals. T-Mobile finished the quarter with just over 50 million subscribers and earned $1.4 billion, a jump of over 14.7 percent over last year. The company recently launched free iPhone test drives and music streaming that doesn’t add to data usage. T-Mobile also said that as of today, its VoLTE (Voice over LTE) coverage is now nationwide — the first carrier to achieve that status.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, T-Mobile
Source: T-Mobile
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AIVAnet 