Promises, promises. Motorola wasn’t exactly fibbing when it said all future phones would ship with unlockable bootloaders, as it appears they will. There’s just one teensy obstacle impeding the joy of ROM flashers worldwide: it’s up to the carriers’ discretion to keep it that way. In a chat with AusDroid, Moto’s VP of Enterprise Mobile Devices, Christy Wyatt, revealed that the RAZR would indeed be the OEM’s first device to ship with a software unlock. Unfortunately, as in the case of the DROID variant, operators like Verizon have chosen to put the smack down on any custom hackery, citing the typical concerns over security. But it’s not all grey wireless skies, the handset’s global version will ship with the code on board, so your best bet for CM7 and MIUI looks to be an off-contract option. Or, you know, there’s always that Big Red Galaxy Nexus.

Motorola RAZR open for unlocked bootloader business, if the carrier says so originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks like Verizon’s got a hardware-crush on teensy 3FF Micro SIMs. The carrier’s two latest 4G handsets, Samsung’s Stratosphere and Motorola’s Droid RAZR, both appear to make do with the diminutive cards. Neither, however, would be the first, as that honor was bestowed upon the carrier’s version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1. If you’re eager to call one of these devices your own, but already sport Big Red’s LTE service, then get set to bust out the scissors for a little SIM card arts and crafts. Further pictorial proof of these itsy, bitsy modules awaits you at the source.

Samsung Stratosphere, Motorola Droid RAZR to be first Verizon LTE phones with Micro SIMs? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember when T-Mobile CMO Cole Brodman splashed a bucked of cold water on our hot iPhone 4S dreams? Yeah, well the carrier’s back to clarify its glaring lack of the handset in its lineup, and it appears the choice wasn’t theirs to make. In a statement released today, SVP of Marketing Andrew Sherrard expressed the operator’s desire to play host to Apple’s latest device, but claims Cupertino’s omission of an AWS-friendly radio is the true culprit. In order for that phone to run competently on T-Mo’s 4G network, those 1700MHz bands would need to be serviced. In its stead, the exec points to the other phones currently on offer — namely, those bearing Android — while referring to the 4S’ apparent network issues. Follow past the break for the full quote straight from Magenta’s mouth.

Continue reading T-Mobile’s Andrew Sherrard: ‘the iPhone is not the only option’

T-Mobile’s Andrew Sherrard: ‘the iPhone is not the only option’ originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There’s good news and bad news in AT&T’s third quarter report. The carrier’s profit dropped to $3.6 billion for the quarter — that’s down from $12.32 billion from this time last year. That drop is due in part to the loss of iPhone exclusivity (a matter recently compounded with the addition of Sprint as a carrier for the 4S) and the fact that the company pulled in profits from the sale of assets in 2010. AT&T activated 2.7 million iPhones during Q3, a marked drop over previous quarters. On the up side of things, the sale of Android devices has more than doubled, year over year. AT&T added 2.1 million wireless subscribers, passing 100 million, which the carrier seems quite pleased with, as evidenced by the exceedingly chipper video below.

Continue reading AT&T’s profits are down, but the carrier is still smiling

AT&T’s profits are down, but the carrier is still smiling originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There’s no doubt the demand for mobile broadband has skyrocketed worldwide, but the US is leading the LTE charge(s) — plural, ’cause you know, battery life sucks on a… nevermind. According to Pyramid Research, by the end of the year, the United States will claim 47 percent of LTE subscriptions globally. This is thanks in large part to three mobile operators: Verizon, MetroPCS and AT&T have created seven million connections across the country. Combine that with the fact that 71 percent of all LTE handsets will be in the pockets of Yanks by year’s end, and you’ve got a formula for domestic LTE domination. It comes as no surprise that VZW is the largest LTE operator in the US as it’s been making money hand over fist lately — which has allowed it to expand its high speed network at a dizzying pace. We salute you, Big Red, for carrying the banner for the ol’ US of A, blazing the trail littered with dead batteries and over-worked phone chargers.

US leads global LTE adoption, rides Verizon’s coattails originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thinking about buying an iPhone 4S from Sprint? Depending on how clumsy you tend to be with mobile devices, you might want to consider adding the $99 AppleCare+ option at purchase, since those Total Equipment Protection plans are definitely out. A Sprint employee wrote in to detail us on upcoming service procedures, which include grouping a damaged device within three categories — green, yellow and red — after diagnosis. As you might imagine, green repairs are the easiest to deal with, and include ‘minor damage’ (i.e. cracked screens are out). These repairs will be handled for free within the first year for all customers, and within two years for those who purchased AppleCare+. Next up, the yellow category covers damage that doesn’t fall within green, but is still repairable. Non subscribers will pay $199, while those with AppleCare+ will pay $49. Klutzes beware: you’re limited to two yellow repairs, regardless of whether or not the device is in warranty. Finally, the red category is reserved for iPhones that provide little function beyond holding down a stack of papers or propping open your door. You’ll need to pay the full replacement cost for red-labeled phones. None of these repairs will be handled in store — iPhones will be shipped to Apple, though you’re welcome to start the process at Sprint. Our recommendation: reach out to Apple directly, since your iPhone is probably headed there either way. And if you want AppleCare, don’t forget to buy it at launch.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Sprint to offer three levels of iPhone service, ‘yellow’ AppleCare+ repairs will cost $49 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, we knew this day was coming, but now the wait is finally over. Now the main question for T-Mobile customers at the end of their contract is whether to pick up the Samsung Galaxy S II or HTC Amaze 4G. Both handsets are now on sale from the carrier, running $229 and $259, respectively (plus plan, post-rebate, naturally). Thankfully, we’ve got a full review of the 4.52-inch Galaxy S II magenta edition and a hands-on with the 4.3-inch Amaze 4G, which should help make the deciding a bit easier.

Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Amaze 4G on sale at T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Samsung Stratosphere lands on Verizon October 13th: LTE and QWERTY for $150

Samsung Stratosphere lands on Verizon October 13th: LTE and QWERTY for $150 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon was the first carrier to come to Samsung’s defense in the company’s patent dispute with Apple, but it’s not the last. As Reuters reports today, T-Mobile has now also sided with Samsung in the lawsuit, stating in a court filing that a sales ban on certain Samsung products would “unnecessarily harm” the carrier and its customers, and that, “at this late date, T-Mobile could not find comparable replacement products for the 2011 holiday season.” The carrier also noted that its ads also “prominently feature” some of the Samsung products in question, and that those investments “cannot be recouped easily.” As for the case itself, the next big date is an October 13th hearing on the injunction request.

T-Mobile joins Verizon to support Samsung in Apple patent lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to Ma Bell, AT&T covers 97 percent of all Americans. Of course, that’s including those “one bar of EDGE” places that are uncovered so far as reality’s concerned, but regardless of all that — there’s no denying that AT&T’s LTE launch is on the subdued side. With Verizon rolling out five times more LTE markets this month than AT&T is even launching with, the country’s largest GSM carrier definitely has some catching up to do. Regardless of the standings, the company appears to have (quietly) gone live with five LTE markets as of today, with Chicago, Atlanta, San Antonio, Dallas / Fort Worth and Houston getting first dibs. The source link below takes you to the new coverage map, as well as to a promise from the carrier to expand “4G LTE” (not to be confused with the other 4G, more accurately known as HSPA+) to 15 major metropolitan areas by the year’s end. Notice how rural areas aren’t mentioned, despite plenty of grandstanding near D.C.? Don’t worry, guys — it’s just Rethinking Possible.

[Thanks, Marcus]

AT&T flips 4G LTE live, nearly 97 percent of America wonders where the party is originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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