Android Central |
- Verizon CFO: 'Unlimited is just a word, it doesn't really mean anything'
- Roku Mobile app now streams content from Android devices
- HTC One X/XL Jelly Bean updates tipped for October release
- LG Intuition review
- Qualcomm puts their Snapdragon from 2010 against new mobile chip from Intel
- Facebook Messenger app updated with texting support*
- Android-powered Cube U9GT5 tablet boasts Retina-quality display
- SoundCloud for Android updated with fresh editing tools
- LG Venice leaked for Boost Mobile, as ZTE Warp Sequent goes on sale
- Archos 101XS now available across Europe
- Padfone 2 set for announcement on October 16
- ZTE Anthem 4G brings a mid-range option to MetroPCS
- Hate contracts? Phone bill too high? Simple Mobile is your solution!
- The Bard's Tale brings medieval debauchery to Android
- Official Dick's Sporting Goods app comes to Android
- Deal of the Day: Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle for HTC EVO 4G LTE, One S, One X
- NTT DoCoMo launches lightest Android tablet ever
- ZTE announces Blade III, confirms Nordic debut
- Sony Xperia T drops by the FCC with AT&T LTE support, we feign surprise
- LG Optimus 4X HD slashed to £300 by UK retailer
- Acer officially launches the Iconia Tab A110, with Tegra 3 and Jelly Bean
- Google Nexus 7 looks set to launch in India in November
- Ice Cream Sandwich update coming to some Xperia Ion users on AT&T
- Sony opening the PlayStation Mobile store on October 3.
- T-Mobile to offer Marvel’s The Avengers as a free download for Samsung Galaxy S3 owners
| Verizon CFO: 'Unlimited is just a word, it doesn't really mean anything' Posted: 20 Sep 2012 03:32 PM PDT
At today's Goldman Sachs investor conference, Verizon CFO Fran Shammo had a bit to say about unlimited data plans, and what he (and presumably Verizon) thought about them. There's a link to the full transcript below, but here's a direct quote.
Shammo is probably right. Most people don't need unlimited data plans. But for those that do need them, it's not very good news to see that there's little chance of them ever returning. Should Sprint get their LTE network in a more usable state, or T-Mobile expand their high-speed HSPA+ beyond highways and metro areas, there could be a shift among power users away from Big Red. Both carriers now have data-friendly full unlimited plans at reasonable pricing. I've no dog in this fight. I'm one of the lucky few (very few) with good T-Mobile service, and my ancient Android data plan gives me all I can eat. I'm curious to hear from the rest of you guys. Agree with Mr. Shammo? Hit the break and answer the poll, then fill the comments with Source: Verizon (pdf transcript); via CNET 
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| Roku Mobile app now streams content from Android devices Posted: 20 Sep 2012 02:24 PM PDT
Roku has just updated the remote control app for their TV set-top box so you can also play content from your Android device on the big screen. This includes pictures and videos, as well as the usual access to web-based streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Crackle, and others. You can also launch into channels over voice with this new update, and name multiple Roku boxes whatever you like. A nice little perk of this update is that the app is now available in Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. Roku's mobile app first launched on Android in March, but at that point it was pretty much strictly about controlling your Roku over Wi-Fi with simple stuff like volume and playback control, but this update seems to add a fair bit more functionality. Any Roku owners in the house? Digging the experience compared to, say, Google TV? Source: Roku 
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| HTC One X/XL Jelly Bean updates tipped for October release Posted: 20 Sep 2012 02:18 PM PDT
HTC has made no secret of its plans to launch Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for its leading HTC One phones, but so far it's offered nothing in the way of release dates. It looks like the manufacturer's getting closer to having its updates finalized, though, as veteran mobile site MoDaCo is reporting that the updates are due to being rolling out in October. According to MoDaCo founder Paul O'Brien, the upcoming EE UK HTC One XL will ship with Jelly Bean, as will the rumored One X+ -- a refreshed version of the Tegra 3 version said to sport higher clock speeds. Around the same time, existing One X and One XL devices will get bumped up to Android 4.1, MoDaCo claims. The site has no info on when the One S will get Jelly Bean, but given that it's already confirmed for an update, we're hopeful it won't be too far behind. As ever, take this with a pinch of salt until we've got updates rolling out to devices. Nevertheless, we'll be crossing our fingers come October. Source: MoDaCo 
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| Posted: 20 Sep 2012 01:43 PM PDT
LG has forever been known as that "other Android manufacturer", relegated to fourth place behind Samsung, HTC, and Motorola in consumers' minds. With its recent lineup arriving on US shores, though, the Korean manufacturer is hoping the tides will turn. Not only is it lying in wait with its beastly Optimus G to steal the spotlight from competing flagships, LG is also venturing into niche territory, including the increasingly popular "phablet" market. The Intuition is both a phone and a tablet, a wild-looking device unlike anything Android has ever run on. But does it succeed at striking a balance between functionality and versatility? In no uncertain terms, creating a device that succeeds on two different levels is a daunting task. And while LG has made a valiant effort, consumers are going to walk away either smitten with the Intuition's originality or disgusted with its impracticality.
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| Qualcomm puts their Snapdragon from 2010 against new mobile chip from Intel Posted: 20 Sep 2012 01:31 PM PDT There's been a lot of talk about Intel's new mobile Atom chip on the Internet, and the people at Qualcomm wanted to remind us about how their offering stacks up against it. Qualcomm innards are found on some of todays most powerful Android phones, like the U.S. versions of the Galaxy S3, or the upcoming LG Optimus G, but that's not what Qualcomm is showing us here. They're using an Xperia Arc, complete with the 2010 version of the Snapdragon in it and pitting it up against what certainly looks like an Intel-powered Orange San Diego, released this summer. Yes, I'm sure the scenarios were cherry-picked and there are likely areas where the Atom outperforms the Snapdragon, but it's fun to watch. We'd love to see Intel counter with a video of their own, as the more these companies compete against each other the better the products get and the lower the price -- things we're very much in favor of. Source: Qualcomm on Youtube 
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| Facebook Messenger app updated with texting support* Posted: 20 Sep 2012 12:49 PM PDT
You read that correctly - starting today, Facebook Messenger 2.0 will support sending text messages. However, that asterisk in the title denotes that there's a catch. Initially, only the HTC EVO 3D, HTC One X, LG Optimus Black, LG Optimus Hub, Samsung Galaxy Ace, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Galaxy S3, and Samsung Galaxy Y will support texting from the app. Facebook promises that more devices will be supported over the next few weeks. Besides redesigning your messages inbox look like a SMS app, Facebook Messenger lets you swipe your finger to the left anywhere in the app to see who's available, and from there you can send a message. You can also put the friends you message most to the top through Favorites so they’re easily accessible. Along with the updates coming to Facebook Messenger, the main Facebook app is getting an update today as well. It will receive the same SMS-style look for your messages and there will be an icon in the upper-right of your News Feed that shows who's available to chat. In addition, Facebook says that the new app has been made more secure and they've ironed out some bugs with push notifications and multi-photo uploads. Source: Facebook 
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| Android-powered Cube U9GT5 tablet boasts Retina-quality display Posted: 20 Sep 2012 12:34 PM PDT
A new tablet is launching soon in China that not only claims to match the resolution of the new iPad's Retina display, but it might be able to do it for under 200 euros (though no price or release date was announced). The Cube U9GT5 runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is powered by a dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex A9 processor with 1 GB of RAM. The 9.7-inch display clocks in at 2048 x 1536, or 264 pixels per inch, which is identical to Apple's latest tablet. Of course, there's a lot more than pixel density to take into account, but sure gives this tablet a solid selling point to lean on. It's hard to really tell how much better these displays are than what we're used to, but that didn't stop the manufacturer from posting a few comparison videos and images. 
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| SoundCloud for Android updated with fresh editing tools Posted: 20 Sep 2012 11:27 AM PDT
The SoundCloud app for Android now includes clipping, recording pause, and fade-in/fade-out editing options. Right now, the app is still more about flipping through the most recently-posted tunes, but these are certainly welcome tools for those looking to do some light editing before posting anything from the field. There are a few features that are coming to the iOS version that aren't included, like Private Listening, which allows users to use the phone earpiece instead of the loudspeaker. SoundCloud, as you might know, is a a social network for sharing all sorts of audio, including (but not limited to) music, podcasts, and sound effects. The timeline system uis really cool, in that it allows users to leave comments at specific points throughout a track. While smartphones aren't really widely-used for Serious Business when it comes to video production, it's much easier to imagine them finding a home among those recording audio. With the right microphone and apps like SoundCloud, it's pretty easy to get time-sensitive content out into the wild. Audiophiles, how do you use SoundCloud? Do you do a lot of editing on your Android devices? Which apps do you use? Source: SoundCloud 
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| LG Venice leaked for Boost Mobile, as ZTE Warp Sequent goes on sale Posted: 20 Sep 2012 11:24 AM PDT
Those crazy tipsters at @evleaks are back once more, and today they bring word of a mid-range LG device heading to Boost Mobile. What we see here is supposedly the LG Venice, aka, a renamed LG Optimus L7. Otherwise -- as ever -- we get nothing but the name and an image. Given recent leaks from these guys though, we'd be surprised if this wasn't in stores in the not to distant future. The L7 itself packs a respectable spec list for a mid-range smartphone. Part of LG's style series, it brings with it a 4.3 inch display and Ice Cream Sandwich overlayed with LG's Optimus UI. In other Boost Mobile news today, the ZTE Warp Sequent is now available from the carrier. Costing just $199.99 off contract, the Warp Sequent looks a lot like the ZTE Grand X while packing different specs. Differences include the processor -- 1.4GHz processor, type not known, in place of the Grand X's Tegra 2 -- and just three capacitive buttons unlike its European counterpart. The same 4.3 inch display remains, as does the 5MP rear camera and stock Android 4.0. Sources: @evleaks, Boost Mobile 
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| Archos 101XS now available across Europe Posted: 20 Sep 2012 11:03 AM PDT
Archos' latest tablet offering, the 101XS, is now available to buy from the company's European websites. In UK money, the 10 inch, Ice Cream Sandwich toting tablet will set you back a penny under £300, but the price does include the keyboard dock. The 16GB 101XS is a marked improvement on previous Archos tablet offerings, and while launching with Ice Cream Sandwich, a Jelly Bean update has been promised before the end of the year. Considering the stock nature of the software on-board the device, there's no reason to doubt this. If you're tempted by a new 101XS, be sure to check out our review. Source: Archos 
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| Padfone 2 set for announcement on October 16 Posted: 20 Sep 2012 10:10 AM PDT
ASUS just mailed out invites to events in Milan, Italy, and Taipei Taiwan for a Padfone 2 announcement on October 16. We don't know much about the Padfone 2, but some sketchy benchmarks have been floating around suggesting that we'll see a quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor in there. The original Padfone was a bizarre Voltron of mobile gadgets, with the phonebeing devoured whole by the tablet, which was in turn docked with a keyboard, and was accompanied by a stylus that doubled as a Bluetooth headset. Sheer madness, cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria, etc. etc. Check out our hands-on from Mobile World Congress for a closer look. We can only assume that the next generation will follow a similar form factor with a few refinements (thinner, faster), but who knows what else they'll add on top of that; maybe dual-booting to Windows when docked with the keyboard. Crazier things have happened. Do you guys dig the form factor? How weird could ASUS get with the next Padfone while still being in the realm of feasibility? Source: Notebook Italia 
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| ZTE Anthem 4G brings a mid-range option to MetroPCS Posted: 20 Sep 2012 09:41 AM PDT
MetroPCS announced a new addition to their lineup this morning with the ZTE Anthem 4G. The Anthem 4G represents a solid mid-range device that can access MetroPCS's higher speeds on its LTE network. The ZTE Anthem 4G sports:
Yeah, we're disappointed that another phone is released with Gingerbread, but the customers targeted by this device probably don't care. The Anthem 4G can be had 'in the coming weeks' for $219 (plus tax after mail-in rebate) and 4G plans range from $40 - $70/month, including a $55 unlimited data plan. So if you're in the market for a budget phone on MetroPCS that can handle 4G speeds, you may want to consider the Anthem 4G. Source: PR Newswire 
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| Hate contracts? Phone bill too high? Simple Mobile is your solution! Posted: 20 Sep 2012 09:22 AM PDT If you're tired of being tied into carrier contracts and paying too much for your monthly phone bill, Simple Mobile may just be the solution you've been waiting for. With no contracts, no credit checks, no hidden charges and monthly plans starting at just $40, Simple Mobile makes owning a smartphone, well, simple. With Simple Mobile, you can bring just about any unlocked GSM phone onto their service, which is backed by a major national carrier. In other words, you'll get solid coverage throughout the USA, including high speed 4G service. Check out the video above for a simple and fun overview of Simple Mobile, then click on the link below to learn more. Learn More About Simple Mobile
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| The Bard's Tale brings medieval debauchery to Android Posted: 20 Sep 2012 07:54 AM PDT
The Bard's Tale has found its way to Android today, and is available in Google Play and soon in the NVIDIA Tegra Zone for $5.99. The action RPG provides 20 to 30 hours of gameplay, which drags a nameless rogue to unwillingly defend mankind against nefarious evils. He has a hard time getting there, but thanks to the occasional incentives of coin and cleavage, plus back-up from creatures summoned through song, he seems to get by. If you're sitting on the fence about this one, we're working on a review which will be up real soon. From what I've played so far, the dialog is hilarious and sells the game pretty much on its own. Anybody play the original game on PC or console? How about the old Interplay version from 1985 (which, by the way, is bundled with the game)? 
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| Official Dick's Sporting Goods app comes to Android Posted: 20 Sep 2012 07:50 AM PDT
An official Dick's Sporting Goods app has hit the Google Play Store. Dick's Sporting Goods is the largest U.S. sporting retailer, so it's great to see an app finally released. I know that when I have sports clothes to buy, I seek out a Dick's Sporting Goods, so I'm happy to be able to shop right from my Android device. The app is well designed and offers a lot of functionality. If you shop at Dick's quite a bit, by now you're familiar with the ScoreCard, which is their rewards program. With the app, you can manage your rewards and track the points that you've accumulated. You can also scan your area for the nearest store to you, shop right from the app and view the weekly ad. You can also scan items to see what others are saying about them. It's been a long time coming, but a Dick's Sporting Goods official app is finally available. The app is well designed too, so if you shop for sports gear often, definitely check out this app. 
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| Deal of the Day: Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle for HTC EVO 4G LTE, One S, One X Posted: 20 Sep 2012 06:45 AM PDT
The Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle is available for just $20.00, 33% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping. Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts! 
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| NTT DoCoMo launches lightest Android tablet ever Posted: 20 Sep 2012 06:11 AM PDT
Today, NTT DoCoMo launched the NEC Medias Tab UL N08-D, which weighs a scant 249 g. By comparison, other 7-inch tablets like the Kindle Fire HD weigh in the neighborhood of 400 g. Even the Nexus 7 is a relatively tubby 345 g. Apparently the NEC Medias Tab UL pulls this off by using a kind of carbon fiber that's used in modern aircraft construction. The Medias Tab UL isn't too thick, measuring a mere 7.9 mm on the profile. The specs don't even seem to suffer for all of this lightness, either:
There are a few cool software features too, like a web browser that lets you actively view two tabs at the same time, and an "HD haptics" vibration feedback mechanism that's applied to just about every on-screen element. Anyone in Japan can find more info and information purchasing over at NTT DoCoMo. For the rest of us, how important is weight to your choice in tablets? Does an obnoxiously light device appeal to you, or do you prefer having a little bit of solid heft to your gadgets? 
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| ZTE announces Blade III, confirms Nordic debut Posted: 20 Sep 2012 04:21 AM PDT
Chinese manufacturer ZTE has released a wide range of smartphones this year, and it's showing no sign of slowing the page of its product launches. Today the company's announced the ZTE Blade III, the latest member of the blade family, and pegged it for launch first in Scandinavia. Like many of ZTE's products, the Blade III is aimed at the budget-to-mid-range market, and comes equipped with a 4-inch WVGA (480x800) display and a 1GHz single-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, backed up by 512MB of RAM and a 5MP rear camera. Those aren't mind-blowing specs, but at least it's running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box. On the outside, the Blade III sports a curved chassis similar to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. ZTE says the Blade III will launch in Finland in September and Sweden in October, priced at 1499 SEK ($230) SIM-free. UK availability has yet to be confirmed, but launches in more territories are apparently planned before the end of the year. We've got today's press release in full after the break, along with the complete spec list. 
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| Sony Xperia T drops by the FCC with AT&T LTE support, we feign surprise Posted: 20 Sep 2012 03:53 AM PDT
You already knew the Sony Xperia T was headed to AT&T, right? The phone's cropped up a couple of times before sporting AT&Ts "globe" branding, and today brings further evidence, as the device has appeared at the FCC with support for AT&T-friendly LTE bands. The international Xperia T, due to launch next week, doesn't feature LTE support at all, and it looks like the AT&T version has undergone some minor changes in order to enable 4G connectivity. As we pointed out in earlier leaked renders of the AT&T Xperia T, the back is split up into segments, most likely to help out with antenna performance. There's no word on exactly when the Xperia T will be arriving on AT&T, but given the half-year wait Sony fans endured for the Xperia Ion, we're not holding our breath. Source: FCC, via: PhoneArena 
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| LG Optimus 4X HD slashed to £300 by UK retailer Posted: 20 Sep 2012 03:27 AM PDT
Everybody loves a bargain, right? How about this one then. UK online retailer, Expansys, has slashed the price of the LG Optimus 4X HD to just £299.99. All in, that's a saving of around £170 on the intial launch price of the device. The reduced price only applies to the black version, sadly, and will be an EU model 4X HD with a UK 3-pin adaptor. No matter. While the 4X HD may about to be usurped in the ranks by the forthcoming Optimus G, the 4X HD still packs top of the line specifications for a 2012 Android device. Packing a Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4.7 inch IPS 720p display, removable 2150mAh battery, NFC and Ice Cream Sandwich, at this price point the Optimus 4X HD is a real steal. Source: Expansys, More: Hands-on with the LG Optimus 4X HD 
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| Acer officially launches the Iconia Tab A110, with Tegra 3 and Jelly Bean Posted: 20 Sep 2012 03:03 AM PDT
The Acer Iconia Tab A110 first debuted back at Computex, in June. Back then, the 7-inch device was running Android 4.0, propelled along by its Tegra 3 processor. Slated for a Q3 release, we heard following the show that the A110 would in fact be bumped up to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean before it hit the shelves. True to their word, it's Q3 -- just, the device has been bumped to Jelly Bean, and a formal release has been announced. The A110 is already up for pre-order with at least one UK based retailer, priced at £180. For the money we get -- besides Jelly Bean and Tegra 3 of course -- 8GB on board storage, expandable via microSD card, 1GB of RAM, a 1024x600 display, a 3420mAh battery, HDMI out and a 2MP front facing camera. The A110 will of course be going toe-to-toe with Google's own, Nexus 7. Both tablets have key features which could win over the crowds. The Nexus 7 of course will receive it's updates directly from Google, has a better screen, and is cheaper for the comparable model. The A110 has a microSD card slot, which on its own may be enough to sway some towards the Acer offering. With this, the Nexus 7, and Amazon's new Kindle Fire HD, the 7-inch tablet space is really beginning to heat up. There is no concrete release date provided by Acer for the A110's availability, but you can catch the full press release after the break. 
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| Google Nexus 7 looks set to launch in India in November Posted: 20 Sep 2012 02:43 AM PDT
Let's face it, Android fans around the world want to be able to get their hands on the Nexus 7. And rightfully so. Google has hit a sweet spot with the Nexus 7 in terms of value for money. The list of official markets that can purchase the Nexus 7 is still pretty slim, so the news that the device is expected to become available in India is welcome. The good folks over at AndroidOS.in recently attended a press event thrown by ASUS India, where they were told to expect the Nexus 7 to arrive there in November. Originally, the Nexus 7 was expected to ship in October in India. Google still needs to work on providing their content services globally, but getting the Nexus 7 into hands is a good place to start. Source: AndroidOS.in 
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| Ice Cream Sandwich update coming to some Xperia Ion users on AT&T Posted: 20 Sep 2012 02:33 AM PDT
Showing up quickly after the international Xperia Ion started to receive an Ice Cream Sandwich update, the AT&T model of the same phone has started to show up in SuS -- Sony's PC companion software -- for some users over in the XDA forums. The AT&T model, LT28AT, is being pushed up to software build 6.1.c.1.105 which brings all of the features and visual cues associated with ICS. We won't know for sure what other fixes or changes are included in this update until AT&T spills the beans officially. We'll see if the update starts to roll out to more users in the next couple days, and hopefully it'll start to come out over OTA rather than relying on Sony's PC software. Check your own device and let us know in the comments if you're seeing the update. Source: XDA Forums; Thanks Terry! 
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| Sony opening the PlayStation Mobile store on October 3. Posted: 20 Sep 2012 02:27 AM PDT
First unveiled back at E3, we now have more information on just when Sony's new PlayStation Mobile store will be coming to market. Sony has given a firm release date of October 3, and the store will be initially available in Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia. More countries are set to follow at a later time. We're not just going to see re-hashed PSOne content in the PlayStation Mobile store either. Instead we're promised "PlayStation like content" with 30 all new titles available at launch, created by third-party developers and Sony alike. Additionally two further OEM's were added to the PlayStation Certfified list -- Fujitsu and Sharp. While neither of these two companies are particularly well known in the western world for their Android devices, both have good presence in Japan. Both join the likes of HTC, ASUS and Wikipad in the ranks of PlayStation Certified devices. For developers, the PlayStation Mobile SDK will become available across 11 different countries, starting in November. You can find the full press release after the break. 
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| T-Mobile to offer Marvel’s The Avengers as a free download for Samsung Galaxy S3 owners Posted: 19 Sep 2012 11:20 PM PDT
If you're a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 owner looking to take in one of the hottest movies of the summer, you're in luck. Starting on Sept. 25th, T-Mobile will be making Marvel’s The Avengers available as a free download to all new and existing T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 owners. The virtual preload will arrive via the Samsung Media Hub application on your device and from there it can be directly downloaded or streamed to various devices that support the AllShare Cast feature or AllShare Cast Wireless Hubs with no fear of blowing any data caps if you're on T-Mobile's Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan. In addition to that news, T-Mobile has also announced the Samsung AllShare Cast Hub accessory will be available online and in stores on Sept. 24th for only $99. If you're looking for the full press release, you'll find it below. Overall, that's a nice unexpected treat for T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 owners. 
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