Android Central |
- Nexus 10 Pogo charger sighted, release rumored
- Leap Wireless and MetroPCS starting handset financing programs
- T-Mobile announces another 5 markets with 1900MHz HSPA+
- Dell officially exits the smartphone market
- BBC iPlayer app updated with new UI, higher quality video and Android 4.2 support
- Google Calendar adds more actionable notifications, location improvements
- Want to attend CES 2013 for Free? Now's your chance, thanks to the The Mobile Nations 2013 CES Experience!
- The YotaPhone and its e-ink display gets shown off on video for the first time
- The 2012 Android Central Awards - voting is now open!
- Facebook finally releases a native Android app
- iTunes snubs Android Central - all of Android, actually - in annual awards
- Verizon Galaxy S3 gets Jelly Bean starting Dec. 14
- The Optimus G by LG with QSlide
- Google introducing confirmed clicks into all mobile advertising banners
- EVO 4G LTE - Jelly Bean update - NOW!!!
- Barnes & Noble makes the Nook HD and Nook HD+ available at Walmart
- ZTE to unveil 5-inch Grand S at CES on January 8
- Elf on the Shelf gets a new Android game
- Nexus 4 now available from Three UK
- Google Play gift card redemption page live in UK, cards still unavailable
- Google reportedly not keen on building out apps for Windows
- Google has the top free iOS app
- Sprint EVO 4G LTE Jelly Bean update: We're all patiently waiting this morning
- Football Manager Handheld 2013 released into Google Play for $9.99
- EE announces next wave of 4G cities, 17 more due by March 2013
| Nexus 10 Pogo charger sighted, release rumored Posted: 13 Dec 2012 05:01 PM PST
It seems Nexus 10 owners may be about to get a new, more convenient, more magnetic way to charge their tablets. Android Central forums poster jstevenkim has posted an image of what he says is a Pogo charger for the Samsung-made 10-inch tablet. Unlike a traditional microUSB getup, this pogo charger would be held in contact with the tablet's pogo pins magnetically, similar to an Apple MagSafe connector. The poster claims he works for "the original and direct supplier of the pogo cable to S[amsung] in Korea," and that this charger will become available soon via Amazon and eBay, priced around $19.99-24.99. We'd take this with a pinch of salt -- the image provided certainly looks like it'd fit the Nexus 10, but there's no way of verifying how official it really is. Of course, we're still waiting on the official pogo dock for the Nexus 10 -- not to mention its little brother, the Nexus 7. In the meantime this accessory may open up a novel way of charging the 10-inch Nexus, if microUSB is cramping your style. Source: Android Central Forums 
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| Leap Wireless and MetroPCS starting handset financing programs Posted: 13 Dec 2012 04:04 PM PST
Leap Wireless and MetroPCS, both smaller prepaid carriers, are starting to offer handset financing programs for their devices. One of the issues facing carriers that only operate on a prepaid basis is the high up-front cost of handsets. Even though the customers will be saving lots of money in the long-run, the $500 or more required to buy a high-end device may turn some away. Leap, which operates the Cricket Wireless brand (which is somewhat confusing,) started offering its financing plans a couple weeks ago and now have them rolled out to all of its stores nationwide. Purchases of $200 or more -- both phones and accessories -- can qualify for financing of up to 90-percent of the purchase price. If the loan is paid off within 90 days, there are no fees or interest charges as well. This means that someone buying a device that is normally $500 will be paying just over $100 out the door for the device and the first month's service paid in full. MetroPCS wouldn't comment specifically on its financing plans, but intends to launch a similar setup of handset financing to its customers very soon. Even with the financing plans, neither Leap nor MetroPCS will require a contract for its services and will remain completely prepaid. Both operators aren't requiring a credit check for financing either -- just an active bank account -- which is a big deal to many customers. Anything that can help users make the choice on going to prepaid to save money on their cellphone service is a good thing. Source: FierceWireless 
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| T-Mobile announces another 5 markets with 1900MHz HSPA+ Posted: 13 Dec 2012 03:05 PM PST
We saw T-Mobile light up three new markets just a few days ago with its "network modernization," and now its ready to announce five more. Network Modernization is a big deal for T-Mobile, as it brings improvements in voice and data traffic, better building penetration and overall improved signal strength. It also of course means that the carrier has deployed HSPA+ on the 1900MHz band in that market as well, which enables use of most GSM handsets sold in the world -- including AT&T branded devices. Users in the following markets should see the improved service live starting today:
This announcement brings the number of markets with 1900MHz HSPA+ up to 23 in total, which T-Mobile claims is covering 100 million Americans. Source: T-Mobile 
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| Dell officially exits the smartphone market Posted: 13 Dec 2012 02:26 PM PST
Although one could argue Dell never really was in the smartphone market, they did make several attempts to gain traction both on Android and Windows Phone. The Dell Streak and Venue Pro Windows Phone lines turned out to be pretty lackluster overall. Despite that fact, up until March Dell was still selling the devices on their web site but they've now finally disappeared. Jeff Clarke, Dell's head of consumer business, confirmed Dell's lack of future smartphone intents at the recent Dell World conference stating "It needs a lot of investments to really be successful". For now, Dell will concentrate their efforts on PC's running Microsoft's Windows 8 and tablet computers based on Windows RT. In speaking further of their Android ventures, Clarke noted “It’s a content play with Android. Amazon is selling books and Google is making it up with search. So far we couldn’t find a way to build a business on Android,” Android isn't being ignored though as Clarke also mentioned “It doesn’t mean we’re not looking at Android. You should come and see what’s in our labs.” Source: Forbes via: PhoneScoop 
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| BBC iPlayer app updated with new UI, higher quality video and Android 4.2 support Posted: 13 Dec 2012 01:47 PM PST
Also BBC Media Player improvements, including background audio playbackYesterday the BBC detailed exactly what it's planning to do with its iPlayer app for Android over the next few months, highlighting the importance of tablet support, feature parity with iOS and improved video quality. Now it seems the first of those improvements have arrived, as the Beeb is now pushing out an update to version 1.5.0.666 of the TV and radio streaming app. New features include better video quality over Wifi connections, a re-vamped UI more in keeping with Android's "Holo" design guidelines, and support for Android 4.2. Previously, it had been possible to use iPlayer on an Android 4.2 device, but only if it was installed before applying a 4.2 update. Today's app update means iPlayer has full support for the latest version of Google's OS, and can be directly downloaded onto newer devices like the Nexus 4. There's also support for Gaelic-language TV channel BBC Alba, which may be of interest to viewers in Scotland. Alongside iPlayer, the BBC Media Player companion app has also been updated. That update brings similar improvements in video quality over Wifi, along with background audio playback support, including ICS lock screen controls, and "currently playing" info in the notification bar. This makes it possible to listen to radio content without keeping the app in focus and the screen switched on. The Beeb cautions that there are still issues with the Sony Xperia Arc running Android 4.0 on this version, however, so owners of that device may want to hold off updating. Readers in the UK can hit the Google Play link above to grab the new version of iPlayer, or here for the BBC Media Player app. 
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| Google Calendar adds more actionable notifications, location improvements Posted: 13 Dec 2012 01:25 PM PST
Google has updated the Calendar app to improve notifications, location entry and event creation today. We were very happy to see Google break Calendar out of Android and make it available to everyone (provided the device is on 4.0.3 or higher) in the Play Store back in October, and now we're seeing the fruits of that decision because updates can be rolled out independent of the OS. Now when you create an event, the app will suggest proper locations as you type. For example when I type "Starbucks" in the location field, it will suggest specific addresses of store locations, much like the location field in Google Maps does currently. Additionally, when you receive a notification for the event, you can act on it by either snoozing or going directly to a map view of the location in the event. This is a great update and we're glad Google is improving even on its most basic apps. It is an interesting update, however, because this is functionality that's already included as part of Google Now, which will alert you of upcoming events and even adjust the alert time based on traffic or other appointments. This is a good stopgap for devices that are on Ice Cream Sandwich and can use the new Calendar but not Google Now, but that group of devices will only be getting smaller as time goes on. 
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| Posted: 13 Dec 2012 01:17 PM PST
Do you love mobile gaming? Are you active on Twitter and Facebook? Do you spend hours on end posting in Mobile Nations' communities? More important, have you ever wanted to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and are available the second week of January next year? If you answered YES to all of these questions -- have we got an experience lined up for you!
There's no doubt that CES in Las Vegas is an event any tech junkie MUST attend at least ONCE in his or her lifetime. All of the latest and greatest (and sometimes bizarre) tech is at CES -- it's something to see. And even better than going to an event like CES as an outsider is to go as an insider. That's why we are thrilled to announce the "Mobile Nations 2013 CES Experience," in which six lucky individuals will receive round-trip travel and accommodations for CES 2013, courtesy of NVIDIA Tegra! Woohoo! Keep reading for all the details 
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| The YotaPhone and its e-ink display gets shown off on video for the first time Posted: 13 Dec 2012 01:04 PM PST The YotaPhone from Russian broadband provider, Yota, was only unveiled yesterday with Android 4.2 and a second, e-ink display. It packs some pretty tasty specifications, but the difference maker is the e-ink display on the back -- or the front, whichever way you're looking at it. And, while we had a selection of renders to whet our appetite, what we really want is to see this thing in action. The good folks over at The Digital Reader stumbled upon this hands on video, shot with the Head of Software Development at Yota Devices. It shows off both sides of the device, the interesting looking gesture area that replaces the capacitive or on-screen buttons, and how some apps look when mirrored to the e-ink display. He goes through a series of use case scenarios for such a device, but no-one can say it isn't an interesting concept. It's also worth noting that it seems the on board storage and the final name of the device aren't yet decided. 
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| The 2012 Android Central Awards - voting is now open! Posted: 13 Dec 2012 12:53 PM PST
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 2012 Android Central Awards. You've been listening to us go on and on and on and on (and on!) this year about Android smartphones and tablets and apps. Now it's your turn to have the definitive say in what's the best of the best from 2012 and have bragging rights going into 2013. For the hardware side of things, we pared down the suggestions to what we think will be the most popular choices. But if we missed your favorite smartphone or tablet, no worries. Just give us your write-in candidate in the "Other" choice in each question. Apps of the year are completely up to you. Voting for the 2012 Android Central Awards will remain open until 5 p.m. EST Dec. 21. We'll tally up the winners over the holiday break, then announce them shortly after the new year, so stay tuned for that. (And for those of you who rock the forums on a daily basis, be sure to vote in our Community Awards.) Enough preamble. 
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| Facebook finally releases a native Android app Posted: 13 Dec 2012 12:05 PM PST
After what seems like an eternity of dealing with a sluggish web view Facebook app on Android, the social media behemoth is finally releasing a new and improved version written in native code. Everyone got their hopes up when an improved, native app came to iOS a few months ago -- but the status of the Android version was still "coming soon." The new version will drastically improve performance in critical areas such as load/resume times, navigating the timeline and loading of photo albums. Because much of the computation is now happening quickly on the device, there's no more waiting. Facebook's main descriptor when talking about the update is "fast," and keep stressing that this is a complete rebuilding of the app. The update is now live in the Play Store at the link above. We're just getting through the features initially here and things are looking good. This one is definitely going to be a worth-while update for any Facebook users out there. 
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| iTunes snubs Android Central - all of Android, actually - in annual awards Posted: 13 Dec 2012 11:54 AM PST
Bear with us, folks -- we're still coming to terms with this. Apple and iTunes have snubbed Android Central in its "Best of 2012" podcast listings. Instead, Apple, in its infinitely looped wisdom, has gone with some guy named Leo Laporte, a couple of people who apparently like to beat geeks, and a blue letter "e" for best technology podcasts of 2012. Hell, there's not even an Android category! Steve Jobs never would have let this happen. But fear not. We will soldier on. The Greatest Android Podcast in the World will return yet again this evening for Episode No. 119, live at 9 p.m. EST, 2 a.m. (Thursday) GMT, and all points in between, where we once again will bring you the best of Android world, plus your e-mails and voicemails -- and we've got some stuff to give away this week, as well. So join use tonight for the Android Central Podcast and help right this injustice. We'll be at androidcentral.com/live. 
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| Verizon Galaxy S3 gets Jelly Bean starting Dec. 14 Posted: 13 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST
Friday's the day, folks, when the Verizon Galaxy S3 finally gets its official Android Jelly Bean update. The carrier has been teasing us with the support docs for a couple days now, and finally it's announced that Dec. 14 is the day the update will begin -- albeit in "phases," which is par for the course and means you might not get it first thing. Verizon says we should all be able to pull it manually within a week or so. Also, Verizon says, the update will make it ISIS ready, which means the phone will work with the NFC-payment solution that's competing against Google Wallet. Source: Verizon; More: Verizon Galaxy S3 forums 
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| The Optimus G by LG with QSlide Posted: 13 Dec 2012 11:22 AM PST This video was brought to by the good folks at LG. Be sure to watch the video above to learn more about the Optimus G and its awesome QSlide functionality. To learn more, click here. 
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| Google introducing confirmed clicks into all mobile advertising banners Posted: 13 Dec 2012 11:15 AM PST
Mobile ads are sometimes really, really annoying, but they serve a purpose -- devs got to get paid. However, perhaps the most frustrating thing of all is when you accidentally tap on an ad banner, soon finding yourself nowhere near the app you were in. Google is putting an end to that today, with the announcement that confirmed clicks are to be implemented into all in-app image advertising banners on smartphones. It's incredibly simple, but sure to delight users around the globe. From their research, Google has deduced that the biggest majority of accidental clicks occur around the outer edges of the banners. So, going forward, taps in these areas will prompt a confirmation button to appear before heading out to any related websites. Google claims it will be good for the companies that are buying advertising, as they will be getting valuable clicks for their money instead of a number of people who didn't really care much for the advertised product or service. And, of course, it's fantastic news for us, the end user. People still get paid, and we lose a big source of frustration. Source: Google Mobile Ads Blog 
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| EVO 4G LTE - Jelly Bean update - NOW!!! Posted: 13 Dec 2012 10:41 AM PST
OMG, it's finally here. As a reminder, here's the full changelog for Android 4.1, software version 3.15.651.16:
Get your download on, folks! Got to Settings>System updates>HTC Software Update>Check now to pull it. And you can find more in our EVO 4G LTE forums. More: Sprint Thanks to Jonathan for the pic, and everyone else who sent this in! 
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| Barnes & Noble makes the Nook HD and Nook HD+ available at Walmart Posted: 13 Dec 2012 09:50 AM PST
Tablets are hot property this Christmas, and there's no shortage of choice out there. One such choice is the Barnes & Noble Nook line, and today it has become a little easier to pick one up. Starting today, the Nook HD and Nook HD+ are available in Walmart stores across the U.S. and online. Costing from $199 for the Nook HD and $269 for the Nook HD+, in price at least, they're going head to head with Google's own Nexus 7. But, there's a tablet for everyone, and the 9-inch 1920x1280 display on the HD+ in particular could be a head turner at the price. Full press release can be found after the break. Source: Businesswire 
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| ZTE to unveil 5-inch Grand S at CES on January 8 Posted: 13 Dec 2012 09:26 AM PST
Show season is right around the corner, and as such we're subject to the usual rumor mill churning overtime. What we're seeing here though isn't one of those rumors, it appears to be cold hard facts. ZTE will announce the Grand S in a press event at CES 2013 in Las Vegas next month. The source -- the CES Press Event schedule page. Being unveiled on Jan. 8 in a press event at the main Convention Center in Las Vegas, the ZTE Grand S is the Chinese OEM's latest and greatest. It's a 5-inch device, with an FHD display. More so, it's supposedly the worlds thinnest 5-inch FHD smartphone -- although that market isn't exactly bursting at the seams right now. So, it's thinner than the HTC Droid DNA/Butterfly, and according to the folks at CNET, there'll be a quad-core processor of some variety in there as well. We'd expect Jelly Bean of some variety to be on there too, although there's no information at this time. The 5-inch market is expected to come alive during 2013, and it certainly looks like we're going to hit the ground running in January. Of course, Android Central will be on the ground in Las Vegas throughout to bring you everything you'll need to know. 
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| Elf on the Shelf gets a new Android game Posted: 13 Dec 2012 08:37 AM PST
The Elf on the Shelf is everywhere. That's kind of the point, right? It bounces around various spots in your home until Christmas, keeping an watch on who's naughty and who's nice, reporting back to Santa each night before staking out a new hiding place. You can't hop on Facebook or Instagram or walk through a store without seeing one of these things. And, yes, the Elf has an app. A game, actually, with the slightly double-entendre'd title of "Slide n' Glide." (Remember, even Santa has a naughty side, too.) The premise is you move the Elf to determine how far a package will fly off a chute and onto a platform. Get all the presets loaded, and you move onto the next level. More: See other Android kids gamesIt's a simple (and free!) game, and adults won't get much out of it. But your kids? Chances are we just found another reason they'll be fighting you for the phone. (Plus there are more than Slide n' Glide available.) We've got some demo video on a Galaxy S3 (the game apparently is having issues on some phones) after the break. 
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| Nexus 4 now available from Three UK Posted: 13 Dec 2012 08:13 AM PST
As promised, Three UK has today launched the LG Nexus 4, following the expiration of O2's month-long exclusivity period. Three's selling the new Nexus online on its £35-per-month, 24-month "One Plan" contract, which includes 2,000 minutes, 5,000 Three-to-Three minutes, 5,000 texts and unlimited ("All You Can Eat") data. There's an up-front charge of £29 for the phone when buying with this contract. The Nexus 4 supports Three's 42Mbps DC-HSDPA network, which it's been promoting over the past month as an alternative to EE's faster but more expensive 4G LTE. Besides a possible SIM lock, Three's Nexus 4 is the same phone we've become familiar with over the past month -- a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro running stock Android 4.2, sandwiched between two layers of Corning Gorilla Glass 2. For anyone wondering, this is the 16GB model -- we've yet to see the cheaper 8GB version outside of the Google Play device store. Right now Three isn't selling the Nexus 4 on Pay As You Go online, so you may be out of luck if you want to pick up the device without a monthly commitment (especially considering the long wait facing UK Google Play Store customers.) We've reached out to Three to check up on any future PAYG Nexux 4 plans, and we'll update this post with any response. Source: Three UK 
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| Google Play gift card redemption page live in UK, cards still unavailable Posted: 13 Dec 2012 06:30 AM PST
So far Google Play gift cards have been limited to customers in the U.S., however we're starting to see the first indications that that may be about to change. This morning the Google Play gift card redemption page is live on the British Google Wallet site for those with UK accounts. The page isn't of any use without a gift card or code to use with it, and we've tried crediting a UK account with a US code -- that doesn't work either. Nevertheless, the fact that the page is live suggests that Google might be preparing to sell gift cards outside the U.S. in time for the holidays. Google has wasted no time in rolling out Google Play goodies internationally in the wake of the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 launch. Last month Google Play Music became available in select European countries, and last night Google Play Magazines launched in the UK. If you're based in the UK, you can stare longingly at the code redemption form at the source link below. Source: Google Wallet; Thanks for the tip, +Lee Jarratt 
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| Google reportedly not keen on building out apps for Windows Posted: 13 Dec 2012 06:03 AM PST
Google is gradually building out its apps portfolio for non-Android platforms, notably iOS. In recent months -- and since being pulled from the platform at OS level -- we've seen Google release dedicated YouTube, GMail and now Maps applications for Apple's mobile OS. But, what about Windows? Windows Phone 8 is gathering momentum, and Windows 8 will eventually be on billions of machines worldwide, or so you'd think, surely the next investment of time for Google? Not so, it seems. Clay Bavor, a Google Product Manager, went on record speaking to V3 about where the future may lie for Google expanding their apps to the latest Windows platforms:
Ouch. It all makes perfect business sense of course, if there's no market, Google wouldn't target it. Both platforms are in their infancy, and we'd expect -- from Windows 8 especially -- increased user numbers to come with time. But, we all know the best way to get the best Google experience on our devices, right? 
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| Google has the top free iOS app Posted: 13 Dec 2012 05:33 AM PST
In case you missed it overnight, Google Maps is back on iOS. (No iPad version yet.) And it's pretty damn good, as you'd expect from a Google app. And now that we look at it, Google's got two of the top four free iOS apps. There's YouTube at No. 4. And Google Earth is at No. 20, and Gmail at No. 28. 
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| Sprint EVO 4G LTE Jelly Bean update: We're all patiently waiting this morning Posted: 13 Dec 2012 05:12 AM PST
There's nothing quite like the rollout of a major update on Sprint, folks. Never experience one before? Picture Times Square on New Year's Eve. Add a dash of a major chess tournament, a giant bag of Doritos, and a case of Red Bull. That's pretty much what we've got going on now. It's a friggin' party in our EVO 4G LTE forums as we all patiently <cough> await the arrival of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Anyhoo, here's a better shot of the Sprint Playbook page detailing the update that finally made its way out last night, for those who like things crisp and clear. (Lord knows my tired eyes do.) As you can see, according to the Playbook (which is sort of Sprint's all-but-public internal newsletter), you should be able to start pulling down the update today, and it'll be pushed out starting Jan. 3. (At least that's the current plan, apparently.) Not that folks are drumming their fingers in the forums or anything. Oh, and Sprint's EVO 4G LTE product page now lists Jelly Bean, for what that's worth. Not that anybody's obsessing over it or anything. If you wanna get in on the party, hit this link. Things really get going around Pages 42-43, again in the 70s, and it's a madhouse at Page 82. 
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| Football Manager Handheld 2013 released into Google Play for $9.99 Posted: 13 Dec 2012 04:38 AM PST
Football Manager is the premier desktop With a new year comes new stuff, the first of which is in-app purchases. The very thought of in-app purchases in a game that costs $10 is difficult to get your head round, but the idea kind of works. In the same way as the real football world works, if you splash the cash, you can attract wealthy investors and improve your stadium quicker. There's also 'fresh challenges' available for purchase should you ever require them. It's still difficult to swallow though having dropped all that money for the game in the first place. Other new features for 2013 includes additional leagues -- we now have leagues for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland -- media improvements, player photos, player comparisons and form updates, and of course the full licensed information for the 2012/13 season. There's no MLS included though, so American managerial wannabe types will have to make do with teams from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Wales in addition to the two new Irish leagues. Best of all, the file isn't huge -- although there is a first time download file you'll have to get -- and it's available to anyone using Android 2.2 and above. 
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| EE announces next wave of 4G cities, 17 more due by March 2013 Posted: 13 Dec 2012 12:55 AM PST
EE, the UK's first and currently only 4G LTE network provider, has announced that it'll bring its 4G services to some 17 new British towns and cities by March 2013. The carrier also revealed that with upcoming network switch-ons in Belfast, Hull, Maidenhead and Slough, in addition to recent LTE light-ups in Derby, Newcastle and Nottingham, will bring its total markets to 18 before the end of 2012. That's ahead of the previous estimate of 16. By March, EE plans to bring its LTE services to Bradford, Chelmsford, Coventry, Doncaster, Dudley, Leicester, Luton, Newport, Reading, Rotherham, St Albans, Sunderland, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall, Watford, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton, adding coverage for some four million Brits. As it's been able to deploy LTE without yet acquiring new spectrum, EE has a monopoly over 4G services in the UK at the moment. But the company has faced criticism over its pricing, which is considerably higher than 3G competitors. EE has shown signs of budging on price in recent weeks, though, with data cap increases for mobile broadband users and the introduction of new 30-day data-only contracts. Other UK network providers will be able to roll out their LTE services following the auction of 800MHz and 2600MHz spectrum, expected to complete early next year. Source: EE 
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