Mac OS X Unwired: A Guide for Home, Office, and the Road
by Tom Negrino and Dori Smith
Today's wireless news from around the Web:
Facebook’s $38 Share Price Makes Instagram Deal Worth Nearly $1.2 Billion
(source: MobileCrunch)
Facebook's $38 share price would make its deal to buy Instagram worth nearly $1.2 billion, up from the roughly $1 billion price the company announced in April.
That's a nice little bump but the deal hasn't gone through given regulatory reviews. On top of that, we don't know the restrictions on the shares like when they vest or if they're subject to lock-up period. When Facebook agreed to buy Instagram, it said it would pay with $300 million in cash and 22,999,412 shares of stock. That stock is now worth nearly $874 million, creating a $1.17 billion price tag.
Apple's Data Centers Will Be Powered Entirely By Renewable Energy
(source: Gizmodo)
Verizon: If You Want To Keep Your Unlimited Data, Pay Full Price For Your Next Smartphone
(source: MobileCrunch)
Verizon CFO Fran Shammo ruffled a few feathers yesterday when he mentioned at an investor conference that every one of their customers would be on one of the carrier's new data share plans.
In an effort to clarify his meaning, Verizon sent a statement to a handful of news outlets today that shines a bit more light on how they plan to make this situation work.
Verizon clarifies upcoming policy change for unlimited data plans
(source: MobileBurn)
Yesterday Verizon Wireless CMO Fran Shammo caused quite a ruckus when he stated that users on grandfathered unlimited data plans would eventually be moved over to the carrier's new data share plans that are due to arrive this summer. Verizon has now clarified exactly how this will happen, and it really only matters if plan to get a new subsidized device.
Read the full story here.
AT&T makes its 4G LTE network officially available in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Naples
(source: MobileBurn)
We may have been riding on AT&T-powered 4G LTE waves in New Orleans during CTIA last week, but AT&T has gone ahead and now made the service official. The carrier has announced that its 4G LTE service is now available in New Orleans, from the Northshore to the Southshore areas of the city. Additionally, those in Baton Rouge, La. and Naples, Fla. also have access to AT&T's 4G LTE service. The carrier has also expanded LTE coverage in the suburbs of Chicago. By our count, that puts AT&T's LTE network in just about 40 markets across the country.
Read the full story here.
U.S. Cellular picks up Samsung SCH-LC11 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
(source: MobileBurn)
U.S. Cellular has announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung SCH-LC11 Mobile Hotspot device that will work with the carrier's 4G LTE network. The LC11 was launched last year by Verizon Wireless, and can support up to five simultaneous connections with other devices. It can also use U.S. Cellular's 3G CDMA network when LTE coverage is unavailable. U.S. Cellular will offer the SCH-LC11 in stores on May 21, though customers are able to purchase from the carrier's online store now. The LC11 costs $49.99 after rebate and can be paired with a variety of different rate plans.
Read the full story here.
This Waterproof iPhone Case Is So Thin You Can Use Another Case On Top of It
(source: Gizmodo)
FCC Okays Medical Body Networks
(source: Daily Wireless)
The FCC on Thursday announced plans to set aside a chunk of spectrum for connecting wireless medical devices, reports Reuters. The allocation of spectrum for so-called Medical Body Area Networks (MBANs) is part of the FCC’s push to free up unused spectrum and will be up for a vote at the FCC’s May 24 meeting. [...]
Comcast Imposes Internet Caps
(source: Daily Wireless)
Comcast, the country’s largest Internet service provider, is going to start charging extra when customers go over a 300 gigabytes a month. Data caps on Comcast’s internet service are seen as inhibiting the growth of competing, non-cable video services like Netflix. However, Comcast’s 300 gigabyte cap is high enough to deter only the very movie-hungriest [...]
Everyme Adds Android, A Web App, and Instagram Integration
(source: MobileCrunch)
Everyme, the Y Combinator-backed mobile startup that helps users create groups for private sharing, is launching a whole bunch of new stuff today.
For starters, it's releasing apps for both Android and the Web. Co-founder Vibhu Norby says both products have the same features as the iPhone app. On the Android side, Norby says "worked really hard" to create an app that was designed for the platform, rather than just porting over the iPhone app.
Weotta Go: An iPhone App That Suggests Activities For Right Now
(source: MobileCrunch)
Here's an iPhone app for those moments when you're wondering, "Okay, I've got some free time right now — what should I do?"
Weotta Go is actually the latest product from Weotta, a startup that launched at TechCrunch Disrupt last year. At the time, the company had built a website that helped people make plans, such as figuring out where to eat dinner tonight. The iPhone app, on the other hand, is more focused on spontaneity — say you're at work and want to find somewhere nearby to grab a sandwich, or you've just met up with some friends and don't know where to head next.
Video: Samsung Focus 2 (AT&T) video review
(source: MobileBurn)
The Samsung Focus 2 is the latest in the line of Focus Windows Phone smartphones carried by AT&T. The first Samsung Windows Phone to have support for AT&T's 4G LTE network, the Focus 2 features a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display and 1.4GHz processor. Its chassis is comprised of glossy plastic, which can make the phone a bit difficult to handle. There is a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p video capabilities on the back of the phone, while a front-facing camera handles video chat duties. The Samsung Focus 2 will be available from AT&T on May 20 for $49.99.
Watch the video here.
Dish to FCC: More Time for MSS Terrestrial Buildout
(source: Daily Wireless)
DISH has submitted its comments in response to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding wireless spectrum licensed by the Colorado-based pay-TV provider. Last year, DISH invested $3 billion to take control of 40 MHz of spectrum in the 2 GHz band. This spectrum remains largely unused due to the requirements to use the spectrum [...]
Can Facebook Live Up to the Hype?
(source: Daily Wireless)
Facebook today announced the pricing of its IPO common stock at a price to the public of $38 per share. The shares are expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on May 18, 2012, under the symbol “FB.” That values the Internet company at more than $100 billion, according to the Wall [...]
T-Mobile No Contract Data Plans
(source: Daily Wireless)
Today, T-Mobile USA announced new, flexible No Annual Contract mobile broadband service passes that will debut May 20. They make it easier for customers to use T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network across a variety of mobile broadband devices including tablets, mobile hotspots and laptop sticks. T-Mobile’s No Annual Contract start at just $15, without committing to a [...]
Enough With Social Stalking: Business-Focused INTRO App Will Let Members Network More Privately
(source: MobileCrunch)
INTRO, the ambient location app whose claim-to-fame is how it’s angling to become the “LinkedIn” of the social/local people-stalking space, is now increasing its business-oriented focus. With the iOS app‘s most recent update, due to roll out any day (minute?) now, INTRO is adding features that will allow members of groups to connect with each other, even going so far as to shut off networking with people outside of their preferred groups.
The company, which was already focused on professional (not social) networking, is integrating Meetup, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn groups for improved matching in the new app, as well as support for private groups, like membership clubs and entrepreneur networks, for example.
T-Mobile Launching New Mobile Broadband Plans For Contract Haters On May 20
(source: MobileCrunch)
T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm noted during their last earning call that their prepaid users helped make up for the loss of 510,000 postpaid subscribers, and now it seems that they've got another bone to throw to the their legions of contract-averse customers.
Starting on May 20, T-Mobile will be rolling out a slew of new, no-contract data plans to go with their line of mobile broadband modems, hotspots, and tablets.
Report: LTE Connections To Hit 90 Million By Year’s End, 1 Billion By 2017
(source: MobileCrunch)
By now, we're pretty familiar with the term 4G LTE. But that in and of itself is somewhat surprising. It took 12 years for GSM wireless technology to reach one billion connections, and WCDMA took 11 years. But LTE will hit the same mark in just seven years of existence, according to a new report by Strategy Analytics.
If you’re not familiar with the term, a brief explanation would be that LTE (or Long Term Evolution) is a fourth-generation wireless standard that provides users with faster data speeds, all the while making more efficient use of a carrier's wireless spectrum.
Eduardo Saverin Backs Mobile Wallet Contender Crowdmob
(source: MobileCrunch)
Eduardo Saverin may no longer be a U.S. citizen. But that's not stopping him from investing in American companies.
In fact, he just closed a deal. He's backing Crowdmob, a startup that's blending app promotion with discounts from local merchants. The startup's long-term ambition is to play in the mobile wallet space, where phones may eventually become a mainstream way of paying for real-world goods and services. (That is, if they can become easier to use than a credit card or cash.)
The company, which already took some earlier seed investment from Andreessen Horowitz, has a couple products up its sleeves. One is something they're calling 'Appy Meals,' which combine a paid app for free with a discount on a real-world good like the Starbucks Frapuccino below. It kind of mimics the way you'd buy a hamburger and a get token toy, except that toy is now a digital one like a game.
T-Mobile intros new pre-paid data plans for tablets, hotspots, USB modems
(source: MobileBurn)
T-Mobile has announced a set of new pre-paid data plans that customers can use with tablets, mobile hotspots, and USB modems. The plans range from $15 per week to $50 per month and offer anywhere from 300MB to 5GB of data service. T-mobile's pre-paid data plans do not require users to sign a contract agreement and provide access to the carrier's 4G HSPA+ network. The new plan options will be available on May 20.
Read the full story here.
Press Release: Samsung Now Producing Industry's first Highest Density Mobile LPDDR2 Memory, Using 20nm-class Technology
(source: MobileBurn)
Read the full story here.
Google Offers for Android updated with new partners, better navigation
(source: MobileBurn)
Google has updated its Offers app for Android users. The service, similar to Groupon, now offers more partners and local business deals to its users. The update also brings an improvement in app navigation as well. Head on over to the Google Play store for the update.
Read the full story here.
Mac Pro Fans Launch Sad Facebook Campaign For Upgrade
(source: Gizmodo)
What If Tony Stark Designed His Iron Man Suit in MacPaint?
(source: Gizmodo)
U.S. Cellular: LTE Hotspot
(source: Daily Wireless)
U.S. Cellular is expanding its 4G LTE device line-up with the launch of the Samsung SCH-LC11 Mobile Hotspot. For a limited time, the hotspot will be available for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate in select markets covered by the 4G LTE network and in those scheduled to be covered by the end of 2012. [...]
Vox Mobile Announces Completion of $7.5 Million in Financing Led by Edison Ventures
(source: Wireless DevNet)
Vox Mobile today announced that it has completed a $7.5 million growth round of funding led by Edison Ventures, a New Jersey-based venture capital firm with a focus on expansion-stage, information technology companies
Starcom Launches WatchLock High-Security Padlock Based on u-blox Technology
(source: Wireless DevNet)
u-blox has been chosen as the GPS receiver and wireless module provider by Starcom Systems, a manufacturer of innovative products for telematics, fleet management and security applications
Local Ad Spending Moving More to Mobile and Online
(source: Wireless DevNet)
According to BIA/Kelsey's Media Ad View reports, local advertising spending will experience a compound annual growth rate of 2.6 percent between 2011 and 2016, with revenues climbing from around $132 billion to more than $150 billion
U.S. Cellular Launches 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
(source: Wireless DevNet)
U.S. Cellular is expanding its 4G LTE device line-up with the launch of the Samsung SCH-LC11 Mobile Hotspot. This lightweight device gives you high-speed connectivity and is available online now and will be in stores by May 21
Telmap Navigator, Free for Blackberry Users in the UK
(source: Wireless DevNet)
Telmap Navigator can be downloaded on Blackberrys AppWorld and for the first time enables Blackberry users to turn their devices for free, into a real local search, mapping and navigation system with in-car navigation
IAG Announces SoFit Mobile Partnership with US State Department and 2012 London Games
(source: Wireless DevNet)
InterAmerican Gaming Inc., a company developing "SoFit Mobile", a new social gaming mobile application that lets you get fit, stay fit, is pleased to announce the selection of SoFit Mobile as the Official Solution Provider for 'Walk a Mile'
Facebook Quietly Launches Pages Manager iOS App, But You Probably Can’t Use It Yet
(source: MobileCrunch)
Carefully cultivating your Facebook presence can be tough enough when you only have your personal profile to deal with, but it's a completely different story when you've got a full-blown Page (or three) to manage on top of it.
To help those particular users stay on top of things, Facebook has begun to roll out a new app (called, imaginatively enough, Pages Manager) in a small handful of markets, though we in the U.S. can't play with it just yet.
Reuters Agrees: The Next iPhone Will Be Larger
(source: MobileCrunch)
The Wall Street Journal made waves yesterday. Citing unnamed sources, the Journal reported Apple is ordering larger touchscreens for the next iPhone. Now, citing its own unnamed sources, Reuters somewhat confirmed the reported. Prepare yourself, iPhone diehards. All signs point to a larger iPhone.
The thought of a larger iPhone clearly scares people. Read the comments on my post yesterday, "It's Time For A Larger iPhone." They say 3.5-inches is the best size. You don't have to move your thumb to navigate the whole screen, they say. A phone with a 3.5-inch screen fits in my hipster jeans!
But really, the main underlying thread seems to be some people are afraid that, just perhaps, Apple will adopt something from Android like the trend of a larger screen. Scary, I know.
From TC50 Winners To A $7.4M Round And A Home Depot Acquisition, Redbeacon Tells All
(source: MobileCrunch)
I've been on a journey through the past as Disrupt NYC (tickets here) draws closer, sifting through past Disrupt and TC50 startups with the hopes of getting a clear update on the accomplishments, the trials, and the milestones between then and now. The stories have been amazing, but one of the most incredible tales of growth and success I've yet to hear lies with Redbeacon.
The company first won top prize at TC50 in 2009, and has since gone on to raise a $7.4 million round led by Mayfield Fund and Venrock (purely bootstrapped up until then), and ultimately found themselves in the midst of an acquisition by Home Depot.
I spoke with co-founders Aaron Lee and Yaron Binur to hear the impressive tale straight from the horses' mouths.
Nokia TV app now available to Lumia owners, but only with Finnish content
(source: MobileBurn)
The Nokia TV app for Lumia smartphones announced last month is now available - though it only contains Finnish programming at this time. The app lets users stream television shows over Wi-Fi or cellular networks, and lets them save shows to the device for offline viewing. Users in other countries are able to download and install the free app through a direct Marketplace link, found below.
Read the full story here.
T-Mobile runs buy one, get one free promotion this month
(source: MobileBurn) T-Mobile USA has announced that it will run a "buy one, get one" promotion on its 4G smartphones from May 18 through May 28.
Read the full story here.
The Weather Channel revamps iPhone app with new design, social features
(source: MobileBurn)
Today The Weather Channel released version 5.0 of its app for the Apple iPhone, and with it introduced an entirely new design and new social features.
Read the full story here.
Apple Censors "Jailbreak" In iTunes
(source: Gizmodo)
The Weather Channel Beautifies And Socializes Its iPhone App
(source: MobileCrunch)
In an effort to streamline its digital offerings, The Weather Channel has today announced that its popular iPhone app has undergone a major redesign. It started with the launch of the iPad app, and just a few weeks ago The Weather Channel followed suit on the web. But the iPhone marks a major portal between TWC and its consumers, in that mobile and weather undoubtedly go hand in hand.
The redesign reminds me a bit of HTC's Sense 3, with the home screen offering up a weather-themed background based on the weather outside. The user interface seems much more navigable, but the features themselves are getting a bump as well.
T-Mobile to axe 900 jobs, create 550 new ones as part of restructuring
(source: MobileBurn) T-Mobile USA has announced that it plans to cut 900 jobs and create 550 new jobs as part of its restructuring plans, resulting in a net loss of 350 jobs. T-Mobile says that the jobs being cut will not affect technicians in engineering, customer service representatives in its 17 call centers, or front-line retail employees in corporate-owned T-Mobile stores. The 550 new jobs will be mostly offered in the Puget Sound area and are focused on supporting "the needs of the business and strategic opportunities."
Read the full story here.
T-Mobile UK opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone
(source: MobileBurn)
T-Mobile UK has announced that its customers may now place pre-orders for the hotly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone. The Galaxy S III features a 4.8-inch 720p HD Super AMOLED display and a 1.4GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos 4 Quad processor. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with Samsung's TouchWiz user interface on top. T-Mobile customers will have to pay 49.99 GBP and sign up for a plan costing 36 GBP per month or more in order to have the privilege of carrying the Galaxy S III. Pre-orders can be placed at http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/galaxysiii, and the phone is expected to hit store shelves on May 30.
Read the full story here.
LG Optimus LTE 2 arrives in Korea this week with 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM
(source: MobileBurn)
LG has outed more details concerning its new Optimus LTE 2 smartphone, which will be available in South Korea this week. As we already knew, the Optimus LTE 2 is the first smartphone to pack 2GB of RAM, but now LG has confirmed that it is also powered by a dual-core, 1.5GHz processor and has an 8 megapixel camera. The LTE 2 features LG's 4.7-inch, 720p True HD IPS display, and runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with the new Optimus 3.0 UI on top. No word on when the phone will be made available outside of Korea.
Read the full story here.
HTC Desire C
(source: Lets Go Mobile)
New HTC Desire C Android Smartphone launched - The HTC Desire C Smartphone makes it easy to connect and plug into fun. Call or message and note how HTC Sense minimizes navigation for simplicity. Quick social upload means go from photo capture to share effortlessly. Continue the fun with rich, authentic sounds brought to you by Beats Audio. This new HTC Smartphone rocks!
Reuters: Yep, iPhone 5 Will Be Bigger
(source: Gizmodo)
Apple Spends an Insane Amount of Effort on This Super Lame Trophy (Updated)
(source: Gizmodo)
Samsung Galaxy S3 accessories from Belkin
(source: Lets Go Mobile)
Belkin announced a new line of stylish, protective and practical accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S3. With a focus on playful, modern design, the new cases offer style and individuality without sacrificing protection or the usability of the Samsung Galaxy S3 updated features. Belkin's new Galaxy S3 accessories offer fresh styles, colors and finishes, allowing you to make your smartphone as unique as you are. From the textured protection of the colorful laser-etched Grip Weave case to the shimmering metallic pearl finish of the Grip Glam case, the new Samsung Galaxy S3 designs ensure you can protect your phone, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and whatever your mood.
Samsung Gusto 2
(source: Lets Go Mobile)
Staying connected has never been easier with the affordable and reliable Samsung Gusto 2 on the Verizon Wireless network. Verizon Wireless and Samsung introduce the Samsung Gusto 2, available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online in the coming weeks. The easy-to-use Samsung Gusto 2 keeps staying in touch with family and friends simple thanks to a smooth and compact design. Customers can easily dial numbers and type text messages with its large contoured keypad. Enhanced social networking capabilities make updating statuses on Facebook and Twitter easier than ever. The Samsung Gusto 2 also features DyVE with noise suppression technology to to help reduce background noise levels and enhance speech quality.
Samsung Galaxy Nexus availability
(source: Lets Go Mobile)
Sprint continues its 4G LTE launch momentum with the launch of its first Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, smartphone with 4G LTE capability, Galaxy Nexus by Samsung. The Samsung Nexus is immediately available in Sprint Stores, Sprint Business Sales, Telesales and Web Sales for $199.99 (excluding taxes) with a new line of service or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement.
Toshiba Canvio 3.0 portable hard drives
(source: Lets Go Mobile)
Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD) announce the Toshiba Canvio 3.0 and Toshiba Canvio Basics 3.0 portable hard drives will now offer consumers up to 1.5 terabytes of storage and Mac compatibility, without the need for reformatting, on a select Toshiba Canvio 3.0 model. All of these Toshiba Canvia 3.0 portable hard drives come equipped with USB 3.0 technology for higher data transfer speeds and enable consumers quickly and easily store, transfer and back up their valuable data.
Apple Spends an Insane Amount of Effort on This Super Lame Trophy
(source: Gizmodo)