Monday, October 15, 2012

Android Central

Android Central

Classic Sega title Crazy Taxi will be coming to Android

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 03:17 PM PDT

Android Central

Anyone remember Crazy Taxi? The classic Dreamcast and arcade title was loved by many, and will continue to live on in mobile form. Our iOS loving friends have recently seen the title launch in the Apple App Store, but fear not, we haven't been forgotten. 

Over on their official blog, Sega has confirmed that Crazy Taxi will also be launching soon on Android. As ever, soon could be any number of days, weeks, or even months, but the important fact remains the same. Mad driving and collecting fares will soon be possible on our Android devices. And, that makes us happy. To whet your appetite a little more, be sure to check out the launch trailer -- albeit for the iOS version -- after the break. 

Source: Sega via Pocket Gamer

read more

Softbank said to be buying 70 percent stake in Sprint

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 02:48 PM PDT

Android Central

Well, that didn't take long. After both sides of the proposed deal confirmed talks, sources from the deal reportedly have confirmed to Business Insider that Japanese carrier Softbank will purchase a 70 percent stake of Sprint. CNBC reports the deal will be officially announced on Monday.

The deal in total will cost Softbank a whopping $20 billion -- $8 billion in shares directly from Sprint, and a $12 billion offer to buy shares from the public. The deal is expected to close officially with a statement from Softbank on Monday, and will not require a shareholder vote because of the deal's structure.

So what does this mean for the mobile industry? Only time will tell. All reports are that any Softbank investment in Sprint is a bit of a gamble, so it really is yet to be seen what the plan is after the deal closes.

Source: Business Insider; CNBC

Merging with MetroPCS is T-Mobile's best chance [opinion]

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 01:05 PM PDT

Android Central

The U.S. wireless industry

Let’s be honest, the U.S. wireless industry is a tough market to break into, even for so-called “established” brands. Dozens of carriers have come and gone over the last decade, all falling to the giant duopoly that is Verizon and AT&T. With over 210 million subscribers between the two, it’s an almost insurmountable number for any single entity to overcome.

Although you could consider T-Mobile part of “the big four” carriers in the U.S., it’s hard to argue that they’re on the same scale as the top two. With just 34 million subscribers, T-Mobile is seen more of a target for buyouts and acquisitions than a viable challenger. In the eyes of most people, T-Mobile isn’t even a viable carrier option.

Whether you want to personally use T-Mobile or not, you should really want T-Mobile to stick around. With Sprint’s buyout by Softbank all but confirmed, T-Mobile is the so-called “last line of defense” before we see competition all but completely disappear from the U.S. wireless industry. Read on to see why MetroPCS is T-Mobile's best chance.

read more

All 700 Orange and T-Mobile shops to be re-branded as EE by the end of the month

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 12:56 PM PDT

Android Central

It's interesting times at the moment in the UK for EE (formerly Everything Everywhere), who own both Orange and T-Mobile UK. We have mentioned in various posts about the company rolling out their new 4G LTE service in the UK at the end of October, the first network to do so in Great Britain.

Today EE have announced that all 700 of the Orange and T-Mobile stores will be re-branded as EE by the end of the month to coincide with the 4G roll out. The news arrives along with some special EE staff training that is happening at the NEC in Birmingham where 12,000 internal staff and 3000 partners will learn about the new brand.

I popped into my local EE store earlier today and although they have the new EE sign above the shop the internals are still very much Everything Everywhere. But, that will change over the next few weeks so I suppose I had better plan another visit soon.

As well as EE having the new 4G service as a huge selling tool I am pretty sure that they are the only retail chain in the UK where every phone on display actually works. Using dummy ones is a total waste of time in my opinion so kudos to them for that.

Keep your eyes peeled for more EE news soon including price plans and data tariffs, but if you spot anything we don't, please send us a tweet or sound of in the comments.

 

Source: mobilenewscwp

From the Editor's Desk: Some quick hits

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 06:23 AM PDT

Phil Nickinson

We've got another fall CTIA event in the books. By most accounts, this one was pretty much a snoozer, even more so than the other "apps and enterprise"-focused events of the past. Hopefully the non-media folks got more out of it than we did. Up next is the Oct. 24 U.S. launch event for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. And then ... Nexus event? Let's hope so.

And now, with apologies to SI writer Peter King, some things I think I think:

  • We finally can post directly to the Android Central Google+ page from the Android app. It's not perfect -- having to log out first, then log back in, and then choose which page to post to is a bit of a chore, but it's better than nothing.
  • Along that front, we're going to start posting more event photos there -- of things other than phones and tablets. We've started with some of the fun things from San Diego last week. See if you spot any old friends.
  • By the way, we banged out a quick podcast on Friday, rounding up what we know about the LG Nexus stuff. It was kind of nice to not do it live, and to not worry about video. But we'll be back to our normal selves this week.
  • I'm officially excited for a new Nexus. Yes. Even if it's LG. And maybe especially because it's LG. Like Jerry wrote last week, folks need to let stuff go sometimes. But, hey. It's your ulcer. Not mine.
  • We're finally spitting our headlines onto App Dot Net. (That's Twitter for those who hate Twitter.) I'm on there as well. Just cross-posting from Twitter, though.
  • I finally got some face time with the HTC One VX. If you're on AT&T and are in the market for something a little cheaper and more traditionally shaped than the One X, give it a look-see. The qHD resolution looks surprisingly good on that thing.
  • Finally got to play with the RAZR M as well. Not a bad little phone. Also not true "edge to edge."
  • Will we see a tweaked Nexus 7 before or after Apple's Oct. 23 iPad Mini event?

Enjoy your Sunday, everybody. It's back to work on Monday.
Posted by at 6:03 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)