T-Mobile rolls out next-gen voice calls, starting with Seattle
Even though your voice is magically being transported through the air, cellular phone calls actually work more or less the same as their land-line counterparts. T-Mobile is finally ditching the old-school circuit-switched method for Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which sends your sweet lyrical words via IP (Internet Protocol), just like Skype. The carrier will still be able to deliver its HD Voice feature, but it’ll do so over the same airwaves that it’s also pushing high speed data. That should eliminate any issues with using data while on a phone call and will actually mean your calls will connect faster. And calls should transition seamlessly if you lose LTE coverage, but still have access to T-Mobile’s HSPA.
Moving to VoLTE is an important step for T-Mobile as it continues to merge its network with Metro PCS, which debuted the technology back in 2012. Initially it will only be available in Seattle to customers carrying either the LG G Flex, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 or Galaxy Light. More cities will be lighting up soon, though. And T-Mobile has big plans for things like Wi-Fi calling which will see enhancements over the next few months.
Filed under: Wireless, T-Mobile
Source: T-Mobile
T-Mobile kicks off its VoLTE service in Seattle
T-Mobile, not to be outdone by some of the bigger carriers, has announced its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service. Chief Technology Officer, Neville Ray, advised in a blog post today that T-Mobile has started offering the LTE Advanced-capable VoLTE in Seattle for select models. Specifically, those who own the LG G Flex, Samsung Galaxy Light, and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 customers can get in on the feature. Looking ahead, T-Mobile anticipates bringing VoLTE to addition customers across the year.
The post T-Mobile kicks off its VoLTE service in Seattle appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Here Comes the Bling: Gold Galaxy S5 to Hit All Major US Carriers May 30th
If you have been holding out on picking up a Galaxy S5 because you really wanted a gold brink in your hand, then your dream will be coming true soon. We caught news that T-Mobile and Sprint were bringing the gold color variant on May 30th, now we find out the real story, all major carriers will be bringing the gold variant on that day.
By all we mean that AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and US Cellular will be offering up the gold device together. A small note on the Verizon announcement from Samsung is a little comical though, Verizon Wireless (through select indirect retailers). Sounds like they won’t be finding their way to corporate stores right off the bat. I assume it could filter down to Boost, Virgin ad the likes in due time.
Personally, I am not a fan of the gold, but to each their own. I am however happy to see that this isn’t landing as some exclusive for a specific carrier.
Source: Samsung via AndroidPolice
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Carriers Tailor Service Plans for Galaxy S5
Wireless carriers have found themselves in fierce competition to capture their share of the market for the new Galaxy S5 by offering special features and deals on service. Leading the charge is T-Mobile, which announced a killer pre-order deal and continues to entice Galaxy S5 enthusiasts with attractive offers.
How Much Does the Galaxy S5Cost?
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S5 customers can put $0 down and pay just $27.50 per month for 24 months (for a total of $660) for their phone, which one media outlet “a completely different Samsung — one that can actually dial down the hype and focus on features you’d actually want.”
T-Mobile customers can take advantage of zero annual service contract, zero overages, zero hidden device costs and no wait for upgrades — all on America’s fastest nationwide 4G LTE network. Qualified buyers can enjoy a zero percent annual percentage rate (based on a credit check).
If a customer cancels their wireless service, the remaining balance becomes due. New devices require the purchase of a SIM Starter Kit for $10.
Launch Seen as a Success
According to T-Mobile CEO John Legere, his company saw over half a million pre-registrations for the Galaxy S5, no doubt because of the appealing offer. The carrier celebrated the launch by also offering $120 off Samsung’s Galaxy Tab3 with a Mobile Internet plan and 200MB free data for the life of the tablet (that offer expired on March 31).
Three days after the S5’s launch, Mashable reported that Samsung doubled the launch-day numbers of the Galaxy S4, which eventually went on to top 10 million in sales in one month.
Other news sources claimed that Samsung sold more Galaxy S5 smartphones during its launch weekend compared to Apple’s iPhone 5s, which, like the S4, was released back in 2013.
Who Saves the Most on the Galaxy S5 – and How?
Families have the most opportunity for long-term savings: a family using four lines could save an average of $1,200 over a two-year period, compared to customers locked into a two-year contract with AT&T and Verizon.
As an added benefit, T-Mobile will pay off every penny of their new customers’ early termination fees imposed by rival carriers AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. John Legere criticized the early termination fees (ETFs) as a “scam” in the cell phone industry, and noted that he doesn’t want the fear of having to pay hefty fees to prevent any potential customer from switching to T-Mobile. Legere says this promotion applies to both individual and family plans, a move that could cost as much as $650 per line.
A Great Price for a Great Product
Many smartphone fans agree that the Galaxy S5 is one of the finest — if not the absolute best — offerings by Samsung in a long time. The phone is lightning fast, has a great 16MP camera, is 100 percent waterproof and operates as smoothly as they come. It boasts a 5.1” Full HD display, fingerprint scanner, built-in heart monitor and much more.
The fact that the Samsung S5 can be purchased at such a great deal from carriers like T-Mobile is simply icing on the cake.
Guest post courtesy of +Tim Allen
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T-Mobile connected tablets now available at Walmart
T-Mobile on Monday announced that Walmart locations across the country are now selling connected tablets. The Trio AXS 3G Quad Core tablet went on sale last Saturday for $179; features include a 7.85-inch display, 16GB internal storage, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor with 1GB RAM. Looking ahead to June, Walmart will offer the HP Slate 7 HD tablet for $229.
As a reminder, all T-Mobile tables include 200MB of monthly data for the life of the device. Customers needing more data can purchase plans that start at $10 per month for 1GB.
The post T-Mobile connected tablets now available at Walmart appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Android 4.4.3 Almost Here! T-Mobile HTC One M8 Gets New Update! – Device Updates
Monday is over, so let’s talk some updates. Not many updates this past week, but Android 4.4.3 was spotted in the wild by someone who was not supposed to leak out that screenshot. These days, do they really trust people? Sadly they still do. Enjoy the video.
Device Updates
Android 4.4.3 almost here
T-Mobile HTC One M8 update
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T-Mobile HTC One M8 OTA Begins Today, Improved Battery life Extreme Power Savings and More
T-Mobile has begun pushing out an OTA today for their HTC One M8. The update offers up a version number of 1.57.531.7and weighs in at 229.27MBs. The update information provided at the time of the OTA was pretty lackluster as it only offered up “System enhancement.”
A little digging I located the the software update on T-Mobile’s Support page. As expected, this brings int the Extreme Power Savings function. It also states that it improves battery life, audio quality and Wi-Fi performance. With the file size being 1/3 or so of what a full Android OS version update is, it would seem that they included and fixed a ton of stuff.
T-Mobile offers up the typical prerquisites like 50% battery, Wi-Fi connection and that the device software not be rooted. All the details, nothing else really, can be found at the T-Mobile HTC One M8 support page.
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Text-to-911 goes live in select markets, national coverage expected by the end of the Year
If we can get Amber Alerts, Emergency Weather notifications and more to our phones, then why has it taken so long for us to be able to text an emergency to 911? As of today, a number of location are up and running to support communities via text versus a phone call. It certainly makes sense. There are a number of petrifying situations where texting is easier, quicker and safer than placing a phone call. Not to mention individuals with speech conflicts or those that might be deaf.
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon are all on board and agreed to have things in place by May 15th to support this service. The quarterly report filed in April said everything was on track, so we have no concerns that anyone is dragging their feet on this one. Unfortunately the additional service will take some time to become available across the nation due to software and system upgrades that need to be installed in the 911 call centers. The FCC has a running list of locales that all have the service enabled already.
Trey Forgety, director of government affairs at the National Emergency Number Association, told ABC News, “It’s always preferable to make a voice call to 911. Call if you can, text only if you can’t.”
If your location doesn’t support the service yet, your message will be bounced back as undeliverable. It is also recommended, and pretty much common sense, that you should text the emergency and your location before hitting send.
I am sure there will be plenty of people that abuse the service, much like they do now with calls, but you can certainly bet they will be watching and hefty fines and arrests will take place if you fool around.
Source: ABC / FCC / AndroidPolice
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Univision dials up its own MVNO on back of T-Mobile network
Spanish-language TV network Univision on Thursday announced its own wireless service, Univision Mobile. Aimed at Hispanics living in the United States, the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) operates on the back of T-Mobile’s 2G/3G network.
Univision Mobile offers no-contract plans that start as low as $30 per month. The $30 plan includes unlimited talk and text; a $45 plans adds up to 2.5GB of 3GB data. Those who sign up to the service will receive:
- Exclusive access to tailor-made content, downloadable assets, events, campaigns and apps. Right out of the box, customers are a click away from unique Univision content, specifically tailored to Hispanic Americans’ interests and needs, including sneak peeks of new Univision shows and premieres, as well as opportunities for behind-the-scenes VIP access to Univision events and television/radio personalities.
- Unlimited domestic voice calling
- 100 minutes to call mobile or landline numbers from the U.S. to eight Latin American countries, including Mexico – the ONLY wireless service with built-in International voice services to Latin American countries.
- Unlimited International texting from the U.S. to select Latin American countries and 200+ countries and destinations around the world – more than twice the countries provided by other carriers.
Univision Mobile will be offered in Walmart stores effective May 19 and will also be available for purchase in Univision-branded stores in Puerto Rico.
The post Univision dials up its own MVNO on back of T-Mobile network appeared first on AndroidGuys.
T-Mobile launching Spanish-language mobile network with Univision
Move over Jennifer Lopez and Verizon, as Univision has just partnered with T-Mobile to create a new Spanish-language cellphone service called Univision Mobile. Underpinned by T-Mo’s network, the new partnership will target the 56 million strong Hispanic American market with “custom-built” plans. Like its parent carrier, those will be contract-free starting at $30 for unlimited texts and calls and $45 for a 2.5GB web plan. Both will get unlimited international texting and 100 minutes of free calls to mobile phones or landlines in Mexico and seven other Latin American countries. The new company may not have J-Lo fronting it like Viva Movil, but users will no doubt be able to catch her on their phones — Univision will offer “insights and programming content” for the new venture.
Filed under: Wireless, Mobile, T-Mobile
Source: Univision
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