Technology Get the latest on technology, electronics and software…

Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-21-2011, 01:37 PM
  #2321  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
Even if they do keep the T-Mobile branding, all current T-Mobile phones will be phased out and useless, data wise, because AT&T will force all new phones to use their current 850/1900 3G MHz bands for 3G. You'll be able to make calls and use EDGE with the T-Mobile phones but 3G won't work because of the incompatible bands. Its something to keep in mind with new phones coming out and forcing you to a 2 year contract.

How long before AT&T forces T-Mobile handsets to use the frequency is the question everyone should be asking. I doubt they'll do it immediately though so they don't piss any more customers off as it is.
Old 03-21-2011, 01:44 PM
  #2322  
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
civicdrivr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: VA
Age: 35
Posts: 36,326
Received 8,463 Likes on 4,981 Posts
Originally Posted by CGFebTSX04
Even if they do keep the T-Mobile branding, all current T-Mobile phones will be phased out and useless, data wise, because AT&T will force all new phones to use their current 850/1900 3G MHz bands for 3G. You'll be able to make calls and use EDGE with the T-Mobile phones but 3G won't work because of the incompatible bands. Its something to keep in mind with new phones coming out and forcing you to a 2 year contract.

How long before AT&T forces T-Mobile handsets to use the frequency is the question everyone should be asking. I doubt they'll do it immediately though so they don't piss any more customers off as it is.
I dont see them doing that honestly. The whole reason behind the deal was to get Tmo's towers (and the customers). Im not well versed in telecommunications though, so I dont know how easy it would be to change those towers to a different frequency. If for some reason that does turn out to be the case, Ill be leaving for Verizon.

I do worry about Android however. ATT was the last company to introduce an Android phone, and they seem to be in bed with Apple, so who knows what the future may bring.
Old 03-21-2011, 01:51 PM
  #2323  
Moderator
 
mdkxtreme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Age: 37
Posts: 3,578
Received 322 Likes on 182 Posts
I'm sure ATT won't be doing any shady moves or else they'll piss off former Tmobile customers. Cause they know that Verizon is still around and strong. I hope ATT gives out some great promos to keep Tmobile customers on board with ATT. If they do some wrong moves, then I'm moving to Verizon.
Old 03-21-2011, 02:06 PM
  #2324  
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
civicdrivr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: VA
Age: 35
Posts: 36,326
Received 8,463 Likes on 4,981 Posts
Thats the same boat Im in. Im off contract at the moment, and Im in the wait and see mode.

It could turn out to be a good thing, but Im not banking on it.
Old 03-21-2011, 02:09 PM
  #2325  
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
civicdrivr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: VA
Age: 35
Posts: 36,326
Received 8,463 Likes on 4,981 Posts
Gahhhh!

Just read this:

Will T-Mo 3G handsets work after the transaction? Yes, T-Mobile handsets will continue to work for both 2G and 3G service. Over time, we plan to upgrade T-Mobile's 3G customers on the company's AWS spectrum to our 850 and 1900 MHz spectrum. But this will be done through the normal handset up grade process - and it will be done gradually over several years after the merger closes.
http://ca.gizmodo.com/5783954/your-3...ter-att-merger
Old 03-21-2011, 02:10 PM
  #2326  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
I dont see them doing that honestly. The whole reason behind the deal was to get Tmo's towers (and the customers). Im not well versed in telecommunications though, so I dont know how easy it would be to change those towers to a different frequency. If for some reason that does turn out to be the case, Ill be leaving for Verizon.

I do worry about Android however. ATT was the last company to introduce an Android phone, and they seem to be in bed with Apple, so who knows what the future may bring.
Its already been confirmed by AT&T's president and other sites. See other thread and the following:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110321/...ile_usa_phones

T-Mobile subscribers with "3G" phones will need to replace those to keep their wireless broadband service working. But there will be plenty of time to do that.
AT&T will acquire T-Mobile's towers but will not use all of them because it doesn't need all of them. Also, the lower the MHz, the better the reception is able to go through walls, etc. So AT&T's freq is theoretically better then T-Mobile's.
Old 03-21-2011, 02:19 PM
  #2327  
Suzuka Master
 
speedemon90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Age: 33
Posts: 9,012
Received 439 Likes on 322 Posts
Damn, well most people dont keep phone more than 2 years and after estimated 12 months they will probably give t-mobile's customers another 6-12 months before they need a new phone. One good thing is we will get ATT 3G speeds, which are the fastest, and if ATT uses T-mobiles towers to help with signal, it should work inmore places. All i know is that the next google phone better come out with ATT!!!! Att currently doesnt have the great android phones, T-mobile has the best ones. IMO. And hopefully google gives it to ATT!! Or else I will have to switch carriers or go to an iphone.
Old 03-21-2011, 02:28 PM
  #2328  
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
civicdrivr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: VA
Age: 35
Posts: 36,326
Received 8,463 Likes on 4,981 Posts
Originally Posted by speedemon90
Damn, well most people dont keep phone more than 2 years and after estimated 12 months they will probably give t-mobile's customers another 6-12 months before they need a new phone. One good thing is we will get ATT 3G speeds, which are the fastest, and if ATT uses T-mobiles towers to help with signal, it should work inmore places. All i know is that the next google phone better come out with ATT!!!! Att currently doesnt have the great android phones, T-mobile has the best ones. IMO. And hopefully google gives it to ATT!! Or else I will have to switch carriers or go to an iphone.
Compared to? In my area, TMos speeds absolutely destroy ATT speeds.

Also, thankyou ATT for now making my Nexus S worthless when it comes time to sell.
Old 03-21-2011, 02:37 PM
  #2329  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
What I see happening is that AT&T will keep the T-Mobile freqs probably for another year or two then force everyone to upgrade their T-Mobile phones to one with AT&T 3G bands with new contract rates. So for now, T-Mobile users are grandfathered into their current price plans but will be forced to get new plans when AT&T cuts off their 3G unless you're okay with running on EDGE speeds. Its a good business plan but really sucks for the consumers.
Old 03-21-2011, 02:44 PM
  #2330  
Suzuka Master
 
speedemon90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Age: 33
Posts: 9,012
Received 439 Likes on 322 Posts
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
Compared to? In my area, TMos speeds absolutely destroy ATT speeds.

Also, thankyou ATT for now making my Nexus S worthless when it comes time to sell.
Thats true in certain areas t-mobiles better. I'm worried about my house, the only carrier to give us full service in our house is tmobile. No one else gets reception where we live, sprint being the worst.

But other than that where I've been the fastest dl speed i've pulled is 3.5. ATT can get up to 6.

But if ATT takes advantage of tmobiles towers and uses it then maybe you will get fast speeds there with att also?


And yea my nexus s is pretty much worthless now. Kinda sucks. I'll probably keep it till they change the frequencies.
Old 03-21-2011, 02:44 PM
  #2331  
Suzuka Master
 
speedemon90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Age: 33
Posts: 9,012
Received 439 Likes on 322 Posts
I hope the devs dont run away from the nexus s Seeing that there isnt that many to begin with
Old 03-21-2011, 03:08 PM
  #2332  
Suzuka Master
 
speedemon90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Age: 33
Posts: 9,012
Received 439 Likes on 322 Posts
nvm on my comment for tmobile's name staying. If they are combining the bands this is probably a full takeover like cingular
Old 03-21-2011, 07:31 PM
  #2333  
Moderator
 
mdkxtreme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Age: 37
Posts: 3,578
Received 322 Likes on 182 Posts
Originally Posted by speedemon90
nvm on my comment for tmobile's name staying. If they are combining the bands this is probably a full takeover like cingular
Don't really wanna say it but.......i told you so :p
Old 03-22-2011, 12:15 PM
  #2334  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
So the new Samsung Tabs have been outed, 8.9" and 10.1". The 8.9" is slightly thinner than the iPad 2, with the higher res screen and weighs 1.03 lbs. It'll also have a dual core Tegra 2 processor, Stereo Speaker, Camera Flash, MicroSD slot, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS and just like the previous Tab, front and rear facing cameras.



Samsung came clean with the pricing at its press conference this morning. The WiFi 10.1 will hit on June 8th -- the 16GB version will cost you $499 and the 32GB $599. The 8.9 is $469 and $569 for 16GB and 32GB, respectively.
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/s...nner-than-the/

Not bad for Samsung. The only thing negative might be the extra TouchWiz UX but Engadget seems to like it minus the apptray launcher. As far as updates go, Samsung did excellent for the International Galaxy S and Gingerbread is in testing phase at the moment so I'm pleased about that. Can't say the same about the US versions but that's probably due to the carriers. The international versions have had Froyo since December of last year and are now rocking some solidly fast 2.2.1. I don't even use a lagfix anymore because its actually as fast with it.

Last edited by CGFebTSX04; 03-22-2011 at 12:27 PM.
Old 03-22-2011, 12:24 PM
  #2335  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dubK...layer_embedded

Source: http://www.androidcentral.com/samsun...deo-first-look
Old 03-22-2011, 12:26 PM
  #2336  
Suzuka Master
 
speedemon90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Age: 33
Posts: 9,012
Received 439 Likes on 322 Posts
I would say the one major advantage the ipad2 has over android tablets at the moment are apps. There really arent many dedicated apps for tablets in the android market. And I think it wont be picked up like it was for the ipad. Otherwise they are great. But it will take some time for their to be more apps based on tablets.
Old 03-22-2011, 12:35 PM
  #2337  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
Originally Posted by speedemon90
I would say the one major advantage the ipad2 has over android tablets at the moment are apps. There really arent many dedicated apps for tablets in the android market. And I think it wont be picked up like it was for the ipad. Otherwise they are great. But it will take some time for their to be more apps based on tablets.
But most apps out now can already run in the tabs. Sure they won't be utilizing the screen res fully yet but they work like they normally do and are stretched. I think the main factor the iPad has over all other Tabs at the moment is the price. And Samsung got it right here. The Xoom was/is too expensive and came out with the 3G/4G version first when they should've released the WiFi version first. No one wants to pay for a tablet that high when you can get a decent laptop/netbook that can do more.
Old 03-22-2011, 12:49 PM
  #2338  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
Looks like some T-Mobile phones are getting ready for the ATT 3G bands change in the future.

The T-Mobile G2x is the first phone that supports UMTS bands 1700/2100 for T-Mobile and 850/1900 for AT&T. The global version of the LG Optimus 2X did not support all these bands, so someone at T-Mobile had to request a special radio that could handle both networks.

We don’t know if the UMTS bands for AT&T’s HSPA+ network will be turned on when the G2x hits stores, but a future update to the radio’s firmware could easily enable them when needed.

So if you were thinking about purchasing the T-Mobile G2x and were concerned it might not work in a couple years, you can put your worries to rest because it has the hardware needed to operate on AT&T.

Source: http://androidandme.com/2011/03/carr...to-run-on-att/

So there you go. Looks like you won't have to worry about getting new phones in the near future because this phone will work on AT&T's and T-Mobile's 3G now and after the change in bands. Hopefully, all future T-Mobile phones will do the same up to the transition point.
Old 03-22-2011, 12:52 PM
  #2339  
Suzuka Master
 
speedemon90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Age: 33
Posts: 9,012
Received 439 Likes on 322 Posts
I'm not counting those apps that just double in size. I'm talking about apps dedicated to tabs. That use the extra real estate for other possibilities. One example is that grocery app thats out for android, there's a tablet version witch works really well. We just have to wait for those. While the Ipad is already ahead in those types of dedicated tablet apps.
Old 03-22-2011, 12:56 PM
  #2340  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
I see your point but you also have to realize the Xoom was the first real Android tablet and it just came out. Apple had a two year head start with the iPhone and look where it is now in terms of market share. In my opinion, the same thing will happen with the tablets. Not sure if it'll be Android, RIM, or HP but its very exciting to see all this competition taking place. Also remember, this is just the beginning of the tablet wars on Android. LG will be releasing their G-Slate and other companies as well. We'll most likely see price drops soon as Android tablets charge on.

Last edited by CGFebTSX04; 03-22-2011 at 12:58 PM.
Old 03-22-2011, 04:01 PM
  #2341  
Banned
 
ParaSurfer1979's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 45
Posts: 3,138
Received 113 Likes on 91 Posts
Sprint is getting HTC's (EVO View 4G) tablet. I'll get that. 1.5ghz single core running OS 2.4 and isn getting upgraded to OS3.0 which HTC says it can run.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/22286...4g_tablet.html
Old 03-22-2011, 04:17 PM
  #2342  
My Garage
 
GIBSON6594's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NY
Age: 42
Posts: 13,386
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Originally Posted by ParaSurfer1979
Sprint is getting HTC's (EVO View 4G) tablet. I'll get that. 1.5ghz single core running OS 2.4 and isn getting upgraded to OS3.0 which HTC says it can run.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/22286...4g_tablet.html
I don't get why people have a desire for 7 inch tablets.
Old 03-22-2011, 04:32 PM
  #2343  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
Originally Posted by GIBSON6594
I don't get why people have a desire for 7 inch tablets.
Easier to lug around and pocketable. Unfortunately, the Flyer won't be running Honeycomb. Guess HTC is saving that for their 10 incher.
Old 03-22-2011, 04:41 PM
  #2344  
My Garage
 
GIBSON6594's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NY
Age: 42
Posts: 13,386
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Originally Posted by CGFebTSX04
Easier to lug around and pocketable. Unfortunately, the Flyer won't be running Honeycomb. Guess HTC is saving that for their 10 incher.
Aren't phones even easier to lug around and even more pocketable? Tablets are aimed to be more about having higher productivity levels than phones, but this is only a little bit bigger than a phone, so why even get it?
Old 03-22-2011, 04:48 PM
  #2345  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
Yeah. I agree. Who knows? lol. I guess there's always something for someone.
Old 03-22-2011, 04:56 PM
  #2346  
Banned
 
ParaSurfer1979's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 45
Posts: 3,138
Received 113 Likes on 91 Posts
Originally Posted by CGFebTSX04
Easier to lug around and pocketable. Unfortunately, the Flyer won't be running Honeycomb. Guess HTC is saving that for their 10 incher.
It will get Honeycomb. You see I posted it will get 3.0 OS. It'll be the 1st single core ton run it per the info ive read on my EVO. The 7in is fine for me. 4G bis even better. I have a 17.3in desktop replacement Gateway Laptop for when I want a Huge screen. I just upgraded from a 14in gateway convertible tablet. 7.0in will be perfect. Word is EVO 4G will get a version of 2.4 but ill see it to believe it. The EVO 3D has 2.3 Gingerbread and it looks good. Cant wait for 2.3 with the new HTC Sense UI to be offered for the EVO 4G. The 3D wasn't much of upgrade with processor 1.2ghz and the ram 1gb is a plus.
Old 03-22-2011, 05:15 PM
  #2347  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
You're right. Should've read the article. Guess I stopped reading at Android 2.3. lol. HTC should've gone straight to Honeycomb considering the release date of the device.
Old 03-22-2011, 07:52 PM
  #2348  
Three Wheelin'
iTrader: (1)
 
whudini3000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Dallas Texas
Age: 40
Posts: 1,352
Received 35 Likes on 32 Posts
Originally Posted by ParaSurfer1979
Sprint is getting HTC's (EVO View 4G) tablet. I'll get that. 1.5ghz single core running OS 2.4 and isn getting upgraded to OS3.0 which HTC says it can run.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/22286...4g_tablet.html
damn! Good post, I have been waiting for this to drop and didnt think they would rename it and solidify it with sprint.
Old 03-22-2011, 08:30 PM
  #2349  
I disagree with unanimity
iTrader: (2)
 
sho_nuff1997's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: WI
Age: 46
Posts: 14,035
Received 27 Likes on 20 Posts
Originally Posted by CGFebTSX04
Looks like some T-Mobile phones are getting ready for the ATT 3G bands change in the future.




Source: http://androidandme.com/2011/03/carr...to-run-on-att/

So there you go. Looks like you won't have to worry about getting new phones in the near future because this phone will work on AT&T's and T-Mobile's 3G now and after the change in bands. Hopefully, all future T-Mobile phones will do the same up to the transition point.


This makes the merger a little easier to swallow. Plus, this will be released right around my upgrade time. Vanilla android + dual core = mighty appealing.
Old 03-22-2011, 09:36 PM
  #2350  
Moderator
 
Mizouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 40
Posts: 63,307
Received 2,811 Likes on 1,991 Posts
i dont know if this has been posted but...

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rTUwqxHpXMY?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rTUwqxHpXMY?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>


Old 03-22-2011, 09:37 PM
  #2351  
Moderator
 
Mizouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 40
Posts: 63,307
Received 2,811 Likes on 1,991 Posts
the chick in the back on the mic looks pretty good
Old 03-22-2011, 09:52 PM
  #2352  
Three Wheelin'
iTrader: (1)
 
whudini3000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Dallas Texas
Age: 40
Posts: 1,352
Received 35 Likes on 32 Posts
wtf ftw ^^^
Old 03-22-2011, 10:19 PM
  #2353  
Safety Car
 
CGFebTSX04's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LA, CA
Age: 38
Posts: 3,539
Received 295 Likes on 258 Posts
Google should hire that guy to dance in front of an Apple store. lol.
Old 03-22-2011, 11:06 PM
  #2354  
Be Strong AND Courageous!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
DarkSithCL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Joshua 1:1-9
Age: 58
Posts: 9,305
Received 43 Likes on 34 Posts
Originally Posted by GIBSON6594
Aren't phones even easier to lug around and even more pocketable? Tablets are aimed to be more about having higher productivity levels than phones, but this is only a little bit bigger than a phone, so why even get it?
What I want is dual core phone with a 4.7 screen and then a 10 inch tablet...

My phone is faster than my desktop computer... even at work... I mostly use my phone instead of stopping use the slower computer... a larger phone or a tablet would really make that even better for me....
Old 03-22-2011, 11:09 PM
  #2355  
Be Strong AND Courageous!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
DarkSithCL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Joshua 1:1-9
Age: 58
Posts: 9,305
Received 43 Likes on 34 Posts
Originally Posted by CGFebTSX04
You're right. Should've read the article. Guess I stopped reading at Android 2.3. lol. HTC should've gone straight to Honeycomb considering the release date of the device.
HC or bust... LOL

Problem is most peeps dont have a clue about what their devices are running....
Old 03-22-2011, 11:12 PM
  #2356  
Moderator
 
Mizouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 40
Posts: 63,307
Received 2,811 Likes on 1,991 Posts
your phone is faster than your computer????


how old is your computer?
Old 03-22-2011, 11:17 PM
  #2357  
Be Strong AND Courageous!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
DarkSithCL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Joshua 1:1-9
Age: 58
Posts: 9,305
Received 43 Likes on 34 Posts
OK... my new job has had me so busy that the Nexus S is coming to Sprint and I didnt know... OMG... I am working too hard!

http://now.sprint.com/nexus/?INTCID=...20#/nexus_s_4g
Old 03-22-2011, 11:17 PM
  #2358  
Suzuka Master
 
speedemon90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Age: 33
Posts: 9,012
Received 439 Likes on 322 Posts
Originally Posted by Mizouse
your phone is faster than your computer????


how old is your computer?
Old 03-22-2011, 11:19 PM
  #2359  
I disagree with unanimity
iTrader: (2)
 
sho_nuff1997's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: WI
Age: 46
Posts: 14,035
Received 27 Likes on 20 Posts
@ the dancing android
Old 03-22-2011, 11:20 PM
  #2360  
Be Strong AND Courageous!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
DarkSithCL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Joshua 1:1-9
Age: 58
Posts: 9,305
Received 43 Likes on 34 Posts
Originally Posted by Mizouse
your phone is faster than your computer????


how old is your computer?
the one at work is a year old... it may be the filter on it that is slowing it down... my home LT is hella old... my EVO is just really fast since I rooted it and dumped all the crap off it!


Quick Reply: Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:55 AM.