Samsung launches Android 4.0 ICS update for Vodafone’s Galaxy SII users (UK)
South Korean manufacturer Samsung has finally released the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) update for Samsung Galaxy S II Vodafone customers in UK. As per reports, the update was available for download via Samsung Kies whereas those waiting for an upgrade over the air will be able to do the same from tomorrow.
Mobile operators Three and O2 had already begun offering the update earlier this month, while, T-Mobile and Orange users are still to receive the same. Mobile operator Vodafone claimed that the delay occurred as Samsung was testing the software to ensure that it released the final version.
T-Mobile Brings HTC One S to the U.S. (USA)
At the Mobile World Congress 2012, HTC announced the upcoming availability of the HTC One S, with T-Mobile as the premier launch partner in the U.S. the HTC One S is T-Mobile’s thinnest smartphone (7.95mm), featuring an ultra-sleek, aluminum unibody design. The next smartphone to take advantage of 4G technology (HSPA+42) running on America’s Largest 4G Network, the HTC One S is T-Mobile’s first product to ship with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and HTC Sense 4.
With access to T-Mobile’s fastest network speeds, the HTC One S allows for a high-quality entertainment experience, which is also enhanced by Beats By Dr. Dre technology. The Beats Audio integration in the HTC One S is enabled for richer, more authentic sound when consumers listen to music. The HTC One S also makes it simple to get and listen to music, with Google Music pre-loaded on the device for easy cloud-based access to the user’s personal music collection.
Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA, said that they’re thrilled to partner with HTC on the launch of its new HTC One series of smartphones and to bring the HTC One S to the U.S. With the HTC One S, they’re not only delivering on our promise to bring leading-edge technology to market but are continuing to provide customers with the best 4G entertainment experiences from listening to high-quality music to streaming high-resolution movies.
Consumers increasingly expect smartphone camera technology that offers the ability to capture life’s moments with high-quality photos and videos – and the HTC One S delivers. Joining T-Mobile’s best-in-class lineup of advanced camera smartphones from HTC, the arrival of the HTC One S marks the introduction of HTC’s new amazing camera experience that rivals traditional digital cameras. With the introduction of HTC ImageSense, improvements are brought to every part of the 8-megapixel camera, including lens, the sensor and the software. Camera enhancements include:
Superfast Capture – The HTC One S dramatically reduces the time it takes to capture those key moments, with an estimated 0.7-second shot time and a 0.2-second autofocus that allows for nearly unlimited continuous shots.
High Quality Photos in Adverse Conditions – The HTC One S delivers dramatic enhancements in image capture quality even in adverse lighting conditions. The f/2.0 lens on the HTC One S offers amazing low-light performance, capturing 40 percent more light than the f/2.4 lenses available on other high-end phones.
Concurrent Video/Still Capture – HTC One S lets the user capture a shot and shoot video at the same time – perfect for capturing life’s moments as they happen. While shooting 1080p HD video, consumers just need to tap the shutter button and the device snaps a high-resolution still photo while the video continues to shoot. Consumers can also capture a still from a previously recorded video.
Jason Mackenzie, president, global sales and marketing, HTC Corporation, said that people take photos on their phone more than any activity other than making phone calls, which is why they improved every part of the camera experience on HTC One S. They’re thrilled to bring their combination of their premium design, amazing camera and authentic sound to T-Mobile customers in the U.S.
The HTC One S will be one of the fastest smartphones running on America’s Largest 4G Network, with access to T-Mobile’s fastest 4G (HSPA+ 42) speeds, currently available in 175 markets, reaching more than 180 million Americans. Equipped with a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor by Qualcomm, the HTC One S delivers powerful performance while Web browsing, streaming movies and watching TV shows on the device’s 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED touch screen.
T-Mobile partners with Lookout to bring customers unique and secure mobile experience (USA)
Lookout Inc., the leader in mobile security, announced a new feature to enhance Lookout’s award-winning antivirus and mobile security service to T-Mobile’s Android customers. Mobile devices are an essential part of people’s lives making it more important than ever for customers to take steps to safeguard their data and privacy, and the Lookout app serves as a lifeline for mobile devices, protecting against malware, spyware, data loss and device loss. Since launching a partnership in 2011, Lookout Mobile Security has been available as a preload on most of T-Mobile’s Android smartphones and tablets, including the new Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G.
With Lookout, T-Mobile customers can pinpoint a missing smartphone or tablet on a Google map and use SCREAM Tones, a new feature that sounds a loud noise, to help identify a lost device nearby. T-Mobile customers can choose from six tones of animated sounds, including wolf howl, train whistle, euro siren, beam me up, the T-Mobile jingle, and Lookout’s original siren, to help locate a lost phone or tablet.
Torrie Dorrell, vice president of application, content and games, T-Mobile USA, said that Smartphones and tablets are their most personal devices and as consumers store more information on them, there’s an elevated interest to protect them. Further, Lookout is a great fit for T-Mobile because the app is powerful yet easy to use, and it gives customers protection across a range of mobile security threats.
John Hering, CEO and co-founder, Lookout, said that T-Mobile is a leader in mobile communications and they’re thrilled to work together on enhancing mobile security. He added that having the Lookout app preloaded on T-Mobile devices means customers can quickly and easily access content that helps them feel safe and confident to do more with their phones.
The Lookout app is a free download available in Google Play, and enables people to find a missing device when it is lost or stolen, manage phone security, and easily backup precious data. From a single online destination at mylookout.com, people can manage multiple mobile devices and locate a phone or tablet on a Google map. Lookout makes automatic updates over-the-air, making data and device protection simple for users. The Lookout Premium app includes the essential security in the free Lookout app, in addition to enhanced security with Remote Lock & Wipe, Safe Browsing, and Privacy Advisor.
Wireless carriers begin trials for RIM’s PlayBook (Canada)
Wireless carriers in US and around the world have begun testing the PlayBook 3G and 4G with OS 2.0.1 according to a report by Berry Review. The report reveals that the launch has been scheduled for May around the same time that RIM (Research In Motion) would be hosting BlackBerry world 2012.
As per the report carriers AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless have begun testing the PlayBook in the Unites States; while Rogers, Bell Mobility and Telus have begun trials in Canada. Further, Orange UK and StarHub Singapore are also rumoured to be involved in the trials.
Everything Everywhere appoints Morgan Stanley to sell spectrum (UK)
Mobile operator Everything Everywhere, which operates the T-Mobile and Orange brands in the U.K, has appointed Morgan Stanley to sell spectrum that could be used to roll out 4G mobile broadband services in the U.K. ahead of other operators, as reported by FT.
As per the report, Olaf Swantee, chief executive of Everything Everywhere, said that whoever they sell to has to be approved by the competition authorities. The test is someone who can provide genuine competition.
The spectrum could be priced at around US$634.7 million, and are likely to be of most interest to leading operators, although other large technology groups could also be interested.
T-Mobile to launch HTC One S in the U.S. (USA, Spain)
At the Mobile World Congress 2012, HTC announced the upcoming availability of the HTC One S, with T-Mobile as the premier launch partner in the U.S. Expected this spring, the HTC One S is T-Mobile’s thinnest smartphone (7.95mm), featuring an ultra-sleek, aluminum unibody design. The next smartphone to take advantage of 4G technology (HSPA+42) running on America’s Largest 4G Network, the HTC One S is T-Mobile’s first product to ship with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and HTC Sense 4.
With access to T-Mobile’s fastest network speeds, the HTC One S allows for a high-quality entertainment experience, which is also enhanced by Beats By Dr. Dre technology. The Beats Audio integration in the HTC One S is enabled for richer, more authentic sound when consumers listen to music. The HTC One S also makes it simple to get and listen to music, with Google Music pre-loaded on the device for easy cloud-based access to the user’s personal music collection.
Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA, has said that they’re thrilled to partner with HTC on the launch of its new HTC One series of smartphones and to bring the HTC One S to the U.S. He added that with the HTC One S, they’re not only delivering on their promise to bring leading-edge technology to market but are continuing to provide customers with the best 4G entertainment experiences from listening to high-quality music to streaming high-resolution movies.
Consumers increasingly expect smartphone camera technology that offers the ability to capture life’s moments with high-quality photos and videos – and the HTC One S delivers. Joining T-Mobile’s best-in-class lineup of advanced camera smartphones from HTC, the arrival of the HTC One S marks the introduction of HTC’s new amazing camera experience that rivals traditional digital cameras. With the introduction of HTC ImageSense, improvements are brought to every part of the 8-megapixel camera, including lens, the sensor and the software.
Jason Mackenzie, president, global sales and marketing, HTC Corporation says that people take photos on their phone more than any activity other than making phone calls, which is why they improved every part of the camera experience on HTC One S.
Everything Everywhere works towards a 4G future (UK)
Everything Everywhere, the UK’s biggest communications company, has unveiled significant progress in its network integration and evolution and outlined the path toward the roll out of 4G LTE.
According to a report by the company, the roll out of a nationwide HSPA+ (3.5G) network – the latest milestone in the company’s network evolution project – will provide 50 per cent faster data speeds for T-Mobile and Orange mobile broadband customers. In addition, further trials of 4G technology across the country will continue to lay the foundation for a new digital backbone for Britain.
The announcements underline Everything Everywhere’s commitment to building a world class network for consumers and businesses across the UK.
As per the report, Olaf Swantee, CEO, Everything Everywhere, said that their vision is to launch 4G for Britain as soon as possible, and the roll out of 3.5G HSPA+ and our 4G trials across Britain are major steps towards delivering on that promise.
Further, the integration of the Orange and T-Mobile networks has already given their customers the widest 3G coverage in the UK – and their advanced HSPA+ roll out they will also benefit from the fastest.
He added that, subject to regulatory approval by the spring, Everything Everywhere will be in a position to begin the roll out of 4G before the end of the year. There is a great opportunity for the UK to have the 21st Century network that it so deserves, putting the nation on a level playing field with other parts of Europe, the USA and Asia.
T-Mobile and Orange partner with Nokia Siemens to improve network coverage (Poland)
Mobile operators, T-Mobile Poland and Orange Poland have partnered with Nokia Siemens Networks as one of the vendors to deploy and upgrade their GSM and HSPA networks, enable radio network sharing and prepare them for Long Term Evolution (LTE).
According to company reports, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its Single RAN (radio access network) platform and related services to improve the network performance, reduce costs and make the shared network LTE-ready.
Milan Zika, director of the technology and networks division and Board Member, T-Mobile Poland has said that they are focused on delivering high-quality services and introducing the latest technologies in Poland. The network upgrade and development will significantly improve the performance and quality of the shared infrastructure, which will be the largest in the country, to provide an optimum end-user experience. Further, in Nokia Siemens Networks, they have a partner with a global experience of network sharing deployments and this will ensure a speedy roll-out for them.
As per the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single RAN platform, based on the compact, energy efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Stations, will replace a large part of the existing GSM and HSPA radio access sites. The platform will also allow a percentage of the existing sites to be re-used, thereby lowering costs while protecting investments. In future, it will enable a smooth transition to LTE through a simple software upgrade.
Thorsten Robrecht, head of Network Systems Product Management, Nokia Siemens Networks claims that so far, no operator has undertaken a multiradio RAN sharing initiative of such a broad scope and they are excited to be part of this implementation. Their Single RAN platform will not only enable the operators to adopt new technologies at a rapid pace and use different spectrum bands efficiently but also reduce the cost of delivering high-quality voice and mobile broadband to end-users.
Deutsche Telekom to review UK business venture (UK)
Deutsche Telekom AG is pondering over the options to call it quits in the UK market. Exit options are being considered by the Deutsche Telekom due to the requirement of additional funds, as it was unsuccessful in selling its T-Mobile USA unit.
The company needed to raise funds for reducing its debt by US$17 billion and had the plans to repurchase its own shares worth US$ 6.5 billion. Deutsche Telekom also needs funds to upgrade fiber and wireless networks in Germany and other European markets. The deal between Deutsche Telekom and AT&T Inc. to sell off the T-Mobile for $39 billion was cancelled due to the disapproval by the regulatory authority.
As per sources, the company is eyeing options to sell out Everything Everywhere, a joint venture with partner France Telecom and planning to look out for a third-party buyer for the entire operator. Everything Everywhere’s effort to move its clients from short term contracts to larger ones, resulted in a 4.3 per cent decline in third-quarter company sales.
With all the speculations in the background, Deutsche Telekom is looking forward to upgrade the operational performance prior to any decision on sale, as it has still not appointed any investment banks for suggestions on the exit option. However, the company has cleared the air and has confirmed that it has no plans to exit the UK market and has a strong foothold amongst its competitors. However, France Telecom refused to comment on the issue.
AT&T lashes out at FCC over lack of spectrum (USA)
America-based wireless carrier AT&T is still fuming over the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to reject the merger with T-Mobile. Randall Stephenson, CEO, AT&T, has lashed out saying that the FCC has made it abundantly clear that they will not allow significant M&A to help bridge these delays in clearing up new spectrum.
He said that that the primary issue for the company continues to be spectrum, and in the absence of options operators have taken the logical step to make smaller transactions to acquire the spectrum required to meet demand. However, he added, that even the smallest and most routine spectrum deals are receiving intense scrutiny from this FCC, often times taking up to a year and sometimes longer for these to be approved.
Stephenson also said that in such a capacity-constrained environment they will manage usage-based data plans, increased pricing and manage the speeds of the highest volume users, as these are all logical and necessary steps to manage utilization.
He added that the deployment of LTE does give them a 30-40 percent lift in network efficiency, but at current growth rates that equates to only a year’s growth in traffic. Thus, LTE is important but it is not the silver bullet in terms of capacity planning, and so they need to continue with their spectrum push in order to meet customer demand.
