| LG G2 arrives with AT&T in white Sep 27th 2013, 14:39, by Robert Nelson AT&T launched the LG G2 earlier in the month, however that initial launch only included one of the two colors. The G2 originally launched with AT&T in black and as we learned from AT&T earlier in the week, the carrier was planning to release the white variant of the G2 on September 27th. Well, flash forward till today and the white LG G2 is indeed available with AT&T. 
Aside from the new color there isn’t anything new in terms of the G2 and AT&T. The price of the handset remains at $199.99 for those choosing the two-year agreement route. Otherwise, a month-to-month option is available for $574.99 and the AT&T Next option is available for those looking to make monthly payments. The Next pricing is $27 per month for 20 months. In terms of the phone, regardless if you choose the G2 in black or white — you will be getting a handset running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, powered by a quad-core 2.26GHz Qualcomm MSM8974 and sporting a 5.2-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Other specs for the G2 include 32GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM, 3000 mAh battery, 2.1 megapixel front-facing camera and 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. Of course, as we have shown in previous posts, the LG G2 is the handset that has had the buttons shifted to the back of the handset. Aside from the unique placement of the buttons, we have also spent some time with the G2 and have both an initial hands-on report from the announcement as well as a full review. |  | FAA committee recommends the use of gadgets during takeoff and landing Sep 27th 2013, 14:06, by Robert Nelson It looks like airlines may soon begin lifting some of the device restrictions that are currently in place. Individual airlines have yet to come forward with any rule changes, however the FAA advisory committee is coming forward with a recommendation to ease those device restrictions. According to an AP report, the committee is expected to send their recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday. 
This is not a something that will allow for the use of any and all devices, but more of an ease of those restrictions that are currently in place. Basically, those flying should soon be able to use more electronic devices during the climb to 10,000 feet. The key here, the devices will not be able to connect to the internet and for those that can — they will need to make use of airplane mode. The catch here, we are going to have to wait and see whether the FAA opts to back the suggestions the advisory committee is making. Again, this is expected to be sent over on Monday and even from that point, changes are not expected until early next year. The AP report suggests passengers could see restrictions lifted as soon as early 2014 assuming the agency opts for a “faster implementation track.” Otherwise, if the airlines have to apply carrier by carrier and need approval for each and every plane involved — that timeline could extend out quite a bit. While this all sounds like a winning plan for those traveling, it is also something that seems like it should have come sooner. Regardless though, it looks like things are moving now and in fact, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. has said that if the FAA doesn’t “act swiftly” she will introduce legislation for move the process along. In the meantime, it looks like now is a good time to start getting familiar with airplane mode. Or at the very least, make sure you know where that setting is located on your smartphone or tablet. | | HTC and Beats officially part ways Sep 27th 2013, 13:34, by Robert Nelson There had been some talk back in August about how Beats Electronics was looking to get the remaining 25 percent stake still held by HTC. That discussion popped up in mid-August and while the details seemed solid at the time, the talk went quiet. But while the talk may have gone quiet, it looks like the two companies were in discussion and as of today HTC has announced they have sold their remaining stake in Beats Electronics. 
This comes roughly a year after HTC sold their majority stake in Beats Electronics and this latest round saw the transfer of 24.84 percent. The price for today was $265 million. Looking back, the initial investment by HTC was $300 million and when they sold their majority stake last year that was for $150 million. Simply put, those doing the math will see that HTC was able to get a better price this time around. While speculation is likely to build as to why the two companies split, it is looking like neither company was all that happy with the arrangement. Details coming from the Wall Street Journal point towards Beats complaining about disagreements over strategy and investment direction. The split may actually be beneficial for Beats as they likely have more control over their next moves, which includes growing in the portable speaker market. While we have yet to hear much on the streaming music service lately, Beats had been expected to launch a service to rival Spotify and Pandora. Otherwise, further details coming from this report point towards Beats taking a new investor. That investor is said to be the Carlyle Group LP and it looks like they will be investing $500 million for a minority stake in the company. Otherwise, while the equity in Beats Electronics may not have helped HTC sell lots and lots of smartphones, there is a plus. It seems they have managed to actually make some money off of this Beats deal. Not only do they have the cash from this latest 24.84 percent sale, but it looks like they have come out ahead for the whole deal. HTC ended up coming out with a total of $415 million on their initial $300 million investment. VIA: HTC Investors | |
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