Price drop for T-Mobile LG G2, Now Just $499.20
Looks like a price drop just happened for the T-Mobile LG G2. A slash pulls it down from $600 to $499.20. That would be a savings of $100.80. Seems like an odd price tag, but when you consider that this is with $0 down and EIP payments of $20.80, it adds up just fine over the 24 months period.
That isn’t all though. It also looks like the price drops even further if you happen to qualify for an upgrade. As TmoNews pointed out, thanks to a reader, the LG G2 is hitting at $403 with $0 down and only $16.80 for 24 months. That would also appear to be a WEB ONLY offer.
Guess it is time to clear out some stock to make room for the LG GFlex. Head over T-Mobile.com if the LG G2 has been something you have been eyeballing.
Via TmoNews
Kernel code for the T-Mobile Xperia Z1s released by Sony
The kernel source code for a device is a great thing for developers and those that like to tinker with their device. More and more manufacturers are starting to get on the proverbial bandwagon and have been doing a fairly great job at keeping the kernel codes for their devices out and available. Many have even been right on point to have them available right after an update goes out or when a new device is physically available for purchase. Sony has done just that. Just yesterday the Xperia Z1s became available for customers at physical T-Mobile stores. At the same time, Sony released the kernel code for that very device.
Wahoo! Right? Well, sort of. While the kernel code is key to development and tweaking of your device, it won’t do much good if the bootloader doesn’t get unlocked. That is and still is an issue with the original Xperia Z from T-Mobile. It didn’t gain a large enough following for the devs to spend a lot of free time cracking it open. Which is sad because it really is a great device. Same thing applies to the Xperia Z1s as T-Mobile has requested the bootloader be locked. Not really surprising though. Hopefully the Z1s gains enough of a following that this little issue gets side skirted.
Go get your download on if you would like to though. You can pick up the 347MB file over at Developer.SonyMobile.
Source: Sony Mobile Via Android Police
Sony Xperia Z1s Available in T-Mobile Stores Today for $0 Down
Today is the day that I am sure some of you have been waiting for. The Sony Xperia Z1s is now officially available in T-Mobile retail store locations across the country. If you qualify for it, then you can head into the store and put NOTHING down and walk out with a T-Mobile exclusive device. Of course that would attach $22 a month to your statement to pay it off, but that is just cutting back your Dutch Bros trips by 1 a week.
As with any launch announcement for a new device, there is usually some extra goodies that tag along. To sweeten the pot on the offer, anyone who picks up the new Xperia Z1s will also get 6 movies to download for FREE and 10 preselected Playstation Mobile games. Oh, can’t forget the 60 day trial to Sony Music Unlimited. Check out the down and dirty spec sheet as a refresher about the Xperia Z1s:
KEY FEATURES:
- · Waterproof1, rated IP55/58
- · Sony G Lens, 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor and BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine
- · Preloaded Xperia camera apps including: Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effect, Social live, and Background defocus
- · 5-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with X-Reality™ for mobile2 picture engine
- · PlayStation® App – Connect to your PS4™ system and PSN friends, use your smartphone as a second screen and manage your game downloads
- · Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 quad-core 2.2 Ghz processor, 3000 mAh battery, 4G LTE
The world’s best camera in a waterproof smartphone1
Whether it’s braving the rain to get front row shots of your favorite band or taking the “selfie” to a whole new underwater level, Xperia Z1s makes fear of using your phone around water a thing of the past. Further developing the water-resistant capabilities of Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1s can be completely submerged in freshwater up to 4.9 feet for 30 minutes, making it waterproof1 (as per IP58 rating) and with its physical camera key, you can even use the device to shoot photos and videos underwater. It also incorporates wet finger tracking technology, to ensure the phone works perfectly when either the screen or your fingers are wet.Whether above or below water, Xperia Z1ˢ leverages Sony’s best digital imaging technology to capture compact digital camera quality 20.7 MP photos and Full HD videos. For the first time in a U.S. flagship smartphone, Sony has added its BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine – the ‘brain’ of the camera, which together with the sensor, produces images with less noise or blurring, better auto-focus and white balance, and clear image 3x zoom. Sony’s camera expertise also extends to the lens, with Sony’s award-winning G Lens (F2.0), which incorporates the brand’s unique optical design technology and quality control.
More than just photos and video
Innovating on what’s expected of smartphone camera capabilities and overall experience, the Xperia Z1s comes preloaded with a unique suite of applications called Xperia Camera Apps. Making their debut on a U.S. flagship smartphone, these applications include Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effects, Social live, and as an exclusive to Xperia Z1s, Background defocus.Info-eye™: Perform a visual search that provides related information on items like wine, books, and landmarks, simply by capturing them with the camera
Timeshift burst: Capture 61 images within two seconds – a second before and after pressing the shutter – so you can scroll back and forth to find the perfect image.
AR effect: Overlay a selection of fun, customizable animations to create pictures with playful touch using the “SmartAR” augmented reality technology developed by Sony. The animations include dinosaurs, ocean-life and more.
Social live: Broadcast memories in the making to friends and family on Facebook™, live from your Xperia Z1ˢ. Moments such as your best friend’s wedding to your child’s very first recital, are not only shared while you record, but are also made interactive as you receive your friends’ responses right on your screen to keep the conversation going in real-time.
Background defocus: Adjust the blur in the background for more artistic, professional-looking photos, once only achieved by using top of the line D-SLR cameras or specific lenses, with this exclusive camera app for your Xperia Z1ˢ.
A gamer’s handheld companion
The Xperia Z1s brings an entertainment experience that only Sony can offer including free content as well as integration of Sony media apps with Sony entertainment services, including the new PlayStation®App for the connected gamer.
Anyone heading down to the T-Mobile store today to take a closer look and possibly pick on up? Maybe this is your Break Up Letter device to pull the trigger on divorcing your current carrier. Let us know what happens.
More details can be found at T-Mobile.com, SonyMobile and PRNewsWire
T-Mobile’s ‘Mobile Money’ service blends prepaid Visa, no-fee checking features
T-Mobile’s latest service seems to fit its ‘UnCarrier‘ agenda perfectly, since it has little connection to wireless and doesn’t actually require users to have the company’s phone service. Called Mobile Money, the personal finance product combines a smartphone app (iOS or Android) with a branded prepaid Visa card. Without paying a single fee, T-Mobile wireless customers can deposit checks into their Mobile Money account by taking a picture of them with their smartphone, withdraw money from 42,000 in-network ATMs and reload the cards with cash at T-Mobile stores (non-T-Mobile customers would pay additional fees). There are also no maintenance fees, minimum balances or activation fees.
While many already have free checking accounts with their bank or credit union that offer similar features, this is aimed at people who for various reasons can’t get a traditional checking account, and rely instead on check-cashing or payday loan services that charge high fees. It’s very similar to the service Boost Mobile launched last spring with a similar focus, and T-Mobile Chief Marketing Officer Mike Sievert sys households currently using check cashers can save up to $1,500 per year in fees. What it isn’t however, is a mobile payment service like Isis Mobile Wallet, which it has no connection to. Interested customers can sign up now online or in T-Mobile stores, and next month it will expand to include Safeway locations.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, T-Mobile
Source: T-Mobile, FAQ, How It Works
T-Mobile Opens up Pre-Registration Page for the LG G-Flex
Sprint already opened up pre-orders for the upcoming launch of the curved LG G-Flex. Now T-Mobile is getting in on the action. We already knew T-Mobile was bringing it to the network, now you can go pre-register to get your name on the list for one on the Uncarrier. 
Quick recap on the LG G-Flex specs
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core 2.26GHz
- 2GB RAM
- 32GB internal Storage
- 3,400 mAh battery (not a typo, it is 100 mAh less on T-Mobile)
- 6-inch HD screen at 1280 x 720
- 13 MP Rear Camera
- 2.1 MP Front Camera
Specs obtained from LG.
Head on over to T-Mobile’s LG G-Flex pre-registration page to get signed up for more news and release info.
Via T-Mobile G+
Sprint getting help from banks in potential T-Mobile bid – WSJ
Sprint has been working with at least two banks to help gather the necessary funds for a T-Mobile takeover, says the Wall Street Journal. The news outlet reports that sale price could fetch as high as $50 billion, if it ever goes through. T-Mobile is currently valued around $26 billion and will likely climb with continued success and progression of the buyout. Sprint will need to come to the table with a big bag of money should they hope to acquire T-Mobile. But, even if the two come to terms, the deal will have to gain regulatory approval from government agencies. AT&T’s deal with T-Mobile was shot down a few years back when the $39B proposal lined up for the regulators.
WSJ (subscription) via AndroidCentral
The post Sprint getting help from banks in potential T-Mobile bid – WSJ appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Latest LG phone leak keeps hope alive for keyboard lovers
Smartphones with keyboards are increasingly rare, but LG must see some life left in the category — @evleaks has just posted a leaked press shot and specs for the Optimus F3Q, a landscape slider reportedly headed to T-Mobile. While the image doesn’t do much beyond confirm the five-row keyboard from an abstract image seen last month, the rumored specs suggest that the F3Q won’t be much different than its touch-only counterpart. It will supposedly ship with the F3′s 4-inch WVGA display, dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon, 5-megapixel camera and 2,460mAh battery; it may even run Android 4.1. There’s no mention of launch details in the leak, but the modest spec sheet hints that LG’s QWERTY handset will get an entry-level price.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG, T-Mobile
Source: @evleaks (Twitter)
The Engadget Show 49: CES 2014 wrapup
Grab a wearable, switch on the ‘ole curved TV and fire up your favorite 3D printer. We came, we saw, we conquered and now we’re ready to distill it all for you in the form of some high-quality video content. We’re not going to suggest that it’ll replace the seemingly endless stream of posts we’ve churned out over the past week or so, but if you’ve got a cocktail party full of guests you need to impress tonight, it’ll help you drop some serious CES 2014 tech news knowledge on their collective heads.
We’ve pulled together some top editors to offer up an abbreviated view of tech’s biggest show of the year, charting trends in old standby categories like HDTV, mobile, tablets and cars, to emerging spaces set to define the changing face of the show for years to come. Oh, and we’ve also tossed in some fun video of the show’s gadgets, because, well, it wouldn’t be much of an Engadget Show without that sort of thing, now would it? Toss in a bit of video of your long-time host getting a bit welled up the end, and you’ve got yourself a little thing we like to call The Engadget Show 49.
‘Til we meet again, Engadgeteers.
Filed under: Announcements, Cellphones, Desktops, Cameras, Displays, Misc, Gaming, GPS, Handhelds, Home Entertainment, Household, Laptops, Meta, Peripherals, Podcasts, Portable Audio/Video, Robots, Tablets, Transportation, Wearables, Wireless, Storage, Networking, Science, Internet, Software, HD, Mobile, Alt, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, ASUS, Google, Amazon, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, LG, AMD, Intel, Blackberry, T-Mobile, HP, Dell, Acer, NVIDIA, Nikon, Canon, Facebook, Nintendo
T-Mobile will soon pay you to switch from a smaller carrier
Some Americans have no doubt been tempted by T-Mobile’s willingness to pay early termination fees for switchers, but the offer has many catches — you have to jump ship from a major carrier, for one thing. However, the network tells Re/code that its requirements will soon loosen up. It plans to extend the deal to cover the fees from more than a dozen smaller providers, including US Cellular. Magenta will also accept more devices for trade-ins, and they won’t even have to be in working order; if a broken phone is your excuse to switch, you may still get some cash. It’s too early to say whether expanding the incentive program will have any meaningful effect on T-Mobile’s bottom line, but it’s hard to complain about getting a better bargain.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, T-Mobile
Source: Recode
Some 80,000 “Break-Up” Letters Later, T-Mobile adds More Carriers to the Mix
I know we can personally confirm 4 lines that dumped Sprint after our return from Vegas. That will soon be 5 when one of our other guys has a chance to swing by the store. What many of us really want to know though, is what are the hard fact numbers when it comes to the 4th phase of T-Mobiles Uncarrier approach lead by John Legere. Sadly, they aren’t releasing any hard numbers, but if the social side of things is even partly true, then it is looking pretty big.
Some recorded 80,000 break-up letters have been posted to various social media outlets by customers that were ready to move on from their current provider and jump on board with T-Mobile. Hopefully each and everyone one of them did just that. That number only accounts for the ones that have taken part in the whole social break-up thing.
To help increase the exposure and up the subscriber base, T-Mobile has also added in US Cellular customers and a few smaller regional carriers around the states. Previously you could only qualify if you were coming in from Verizon, AT&T or Sprint. They are also going to increase the number of handsets you can turn in and will also accept damaged devices too. Don’t expect $200 for broken screen on an S4.
“This is not just a promotion,” T-Mobile marketing chief Mike Sievert told Re/code on Thursday. “What we are trying to do is bring an end to unfair one-way onerous contracts in this country.”
It doesn’t sound like this offer is going to be going anywhere. How many of you out there have officially “broken-up” with your carrier for T-Mobile?
Check out all the social Break-Up letters at RebelMouse or through the hashtag #BREAKUPLETTER
AIVAnet 