Nokia Lumia 925 lands on T-Mobile July 17th for $49.99 down

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We knew the Nokia Lumia 925 was coming to T-Mobile, but we didn't know when, and we didn't know how much it would cost. No longer. Turns out, Lumia fans can have the handset starting July 17th for the low, low price of $49.99 down with 24 monthly payments of $20 thereafter. Of course, should a new, more photographically-capable handset become available down the road, you can always Jump to the new model -- provided you pay the additional ten bucks a month and happen to live in the right part of the world.

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T-Mobile Announces Boldest Moves Yet as America's Un-carrier
- Unveils JUMP!(TM) - a groundbreaking approach to more frequent phone upgrades
- Rapidly expands 4G LTE network to cover 157 million people in 116 metro areas
- Launches four-line family plan for $100 per month
NEW YORK - July 10, 2013 - T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) isn't resting after turning the industry upside down with its "Un-carrier" approach to wireless earlier this year. It's picking up the pace and continuing to revolutionize wireless for consumers.
At an event in New York today, America's Un-carrier announced a groundbreaking new program, JUMP!(TM), which enables people to upgrade their phones when they want, up to twice a year as soon as six months from enrollment.
"At some point, big wireless companies made a decision for you that you should have to wait two years to get a new phone for a fair price. That's 730 days of waiting. 730 days of watching new phones come out that you can't have. Or having to live with a cracked screen or an outdated camera," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile US. "We say two years is just too long to wait. Today, we're changing all that with the launch of JUMP! Now, customers never have to worry about being stuck with the wrong phone. And, yes - it's really as good as it sounds."
In addition to JUMP!, T-Mobile today announced a major expansion of its 4G LTE network to reach 157 million people in 116 metro areas across the United States. The company also unveiled a program enabling families to get four phone lines with unlimited talk, text and Web and up to 500MB of high-speed data for only $100 per month - with no credit check or annual service contract required.
Today's news builds on months of momentum since T-Mobile announced a series of bold moves in March. The announcements included dramatically simplifying its lineup of consumer rate plans to one affordable plan for unlimited talk, text and Web on a nationwide network; eliminating the need for consumers to sign annual service contracts; and enabling customers to get popular smartphones whenever they want for amazingly low upfront pricing.
Since then, market data indicates the company has nearly tripled its flow of postpaid net-new customers from AT&T and shows T-Mobile gaining more net-new customers in May than each of the other major wireless carriers in New York; Los Angeles; Houston; the San Francisco Bay Area; Miami; San Diego; and Washington, D.C.
An Easy "JUMP" to Phone Upgrades
JUMP! from T-Mobile is designed to provide customers with total protection for one of their prized possessions: their smartphones. It offers the freedom to upgrade to a new device more affordably and protects against malfunction, damage, loss or theft - all for just $10 per month, per phone (plus taxes and fees). That's just $2 more than most customers have been paying for handset protection alone.
Beginning Sunday, July 14, customers can choose to upgrade when they want, not when they're told with JUMP! Here's how it works: Customers can upgrade to a new phone, financed through T-Mobile's Equipment Installment Program (EIP), twice every 12 months after they've been in the JUMP! program for six months. Simply trade in an eligible T-Mobile phone in good working condition at a participating store location. Any remaining EIP payments will be eliminated, and current customers can purchase new phones for the same upfront pricing as new customers, with device financing and Simple Choice Plan, a no-annual-service contract. With JUMP!, current customers never pay more for their new phones than new customers.1
T-Mobile's 4G LTE Network Rapidly Expanding
Having a great device means little without a fantastic network supporting it, so T-Mobile is also moving at incredible speed to make its already lightning-fast network even better and faster for customers.
Today, T-Mobile announced that its 4G LTE network now reaches 157 million people across the United States - far exceeding the company's stated midyear goal of reaching 100 million people - and is live in 116 metropolitan areas.
Major metropolitan areas where T-Mobile's 4G LTE network service has launched include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, and many others. The company debuted 4G LTE less than four months ago.
T-Mobile remains on target to deliver nationwide 4G LTE network coverage by the end of the year, reaching 200 million people in more than 200 metropolitan areas.
In addition, T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ network service is available to 228 million people nationwide. By combining 4G HSPA+ and LTE network technologies, T-Mobile can provide customers with a strong, seamless nationwide 4G network experience.
Launching Breakthrough Family Option with No Credit Checks
T-Mobile today is also extending its Un-carrier strategy to families by addressing a huge customer headache: being denied premium family-plan rates because of less-than-premium credit.
Beginning July 14, families can get four Simple Choice Plan lines with unlimited talk, text and Web and up to 500MB of high-speed data for only $100 per month (plus taxes and fees) - no credit check and no annual service contract required.
An average of one in three consumers who apply for wireless service do not have strong enough credit to qualify for the best wireless rates, according to industry data. Other customers prefer to avoid the hassle of a credit check. As a result, these customers may forego service from a top provider or purchase several prepaid lines.
But with T-Mobile, all families can now access a great multi-line deal with no credit check. Simply put down a deposit (roughly equivalent to one month's bill) to get the same incredible multi-line rates and network experience as other customers.
The Simple Choice Plan has been wildly popular with families since its introduction in March. About 80 percent of customers who have signed up for the plan have opted for multiple lines.
Continues to Expand 4G LTE Device Lineup
T-Mobile also is quickly growing its premium lineup of 4G LTE-capable devices. Today, the company announced pricing and availability for three new devices, bringing its portfolio to nine 4G LTE-capable smartphones. The new devices include the following:
Xperia® Z from Sony. T-Mobile will be the exclusive U.S. wireless company to offer Sony's flagship water-resistant Android(TM)-powered smartphone to customers this summer.2 The Xperia Z will be available for $99.99 down, with 24 equal monthly device payments of $20 for well-qualified buyers for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at http://www.T-Mobile.com starting July 17. On July 16, customers can also pre-order the device online from the same website and receive a free Sony Wireless Bluetooth Speaker gift with purchase (while supplies last). Customers may also purchase the device beginning today at any of the 38 U.S. Sony Store locations, including the flagship store in New York, or online at www.Sony.com/xperiaz/tmobile and will be eligible to receive the free Sony speaker as a gift with purchase (while supplies last).
Nokia Lumia 925. Also starting July 17, T-Mobile's first 4G LTE Windows Phone will be available for $49.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $20 for well-qualified buyers for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at http://www.T-Mobile.com.
Samsung Galaxy Tab(TM) 2 10.1. T-Mobile will provide current Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 users with an over-the-air software update that will enable customers to take advantage of T-Mobile's 4G LTE network in the coming weeks. Well-qualified customers may also purchase the device with the 4G LTE capability for $99.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $15 for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at http://www.T-Mobile.com today.
JUMP! may not be available in all locations. See your sales associate at participating T-Mobile retail stores, or go to http://www.T-Mobile.com for details.
For more information, fact sheets, artwork and other collateral materials, see http://multimediacapsule.thomsonone.com/t-mobileusa/t-mobile's-un-carrier-2-0-event.
1 Device pricing may vary based on approved credit.
2 As of Feb. 4, 2013, outside of Japan there are no smartphones with a waterproof rating higher than the Sony Xperia Z/ZL. For more information on Strategy Analytics results, go to http//:www.sonymobile.com/testresults.
3 If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone becomes due. Not available in Washington, D.C.

Nokia Lumia 1020 spotted in yellow, white and black, replete with 2GB of RAM

For those obsessed with obscene megapixel counts and Windows Phone, Thursday can't come soon enough. If rumors prove true, the renders shown above will be made official in around 72 hours, with the Lumia 1020 to debut in a flurry of hues -- yellow, black and white, specifically. Moreover, Windows Phone Central is reporting that the device previously known as EOS will ship with optical image stabilization built right in, 2GB of RAM (a boost from the 1GB found on most modern WP8 handsets) and 32GB of internal storage. Head on down to the source link for more... you know, given that waiting for the formal word isn't something you're prone to do.

Nokia 207 and 208 promo videos appear, are almost identical

Despite the budget nature of the Nokia 207 and 208, they get treated like any other Nokia product and as such have received promo videos of their own to accompany the launch.

In the promos, Nokia emphasizes the colors available for the duo as well as the software features they have, such as Facebook, Xpress Browser and YouTube video playback.

And here are the videos. First, it’s the Nokia 208′s promo piece, and then is the Nokia 207′s. You can be forgiven for watching just one of them, as they are pretty much identical.

Source, Source (2)

Lenovo ThinkPad Helix review

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It's been six months since Lenovo launched the ThinkPad Helix at CES, but during that time we've never really stopped talking about it. Every time we've reviewed a comparable product -- a small-ish PC that could be used in some sort of tablet mode -- we've returned to the Helix as a beacon of what could be in this category. All told, the Helix has had a few things potentially recommending it: it rocks the same sturdy, well-spaced keyboard you'll find on other ThinkPads and a spec list that includes NFC, a Wacom pen digitizer and a high-quality, 11.6-inch, 1080p display. Best of all, the Helix can be used in three ways: not just in tablet mode, but with the tablet inserted either facing the user or pointed away, a design Lenovo is calling "Rip n' Flip." It's the sort of versatility we loved so much in Lenovo's Yoga line; only this is a more compact machine with a higher-res screen and pen input. Sounds lovely, right? Read on to see if it's as good in practice as it is on paper.

Nokia films European Man of Steel premiere with Lumia 925

Don’t worry – no spoilers here! If you haven’t seen Man of Steel yet you should know that Nokia had arranged some product placement deals with the movie producers and has even arranged to have a first-class ticket to the European premiere of the movie.

Along with starts Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner comes the Nokia Lumia 925 and, more importantly its 8.7 MP PureView sensor. Nokia made a coverage video of the premiere using only Nokia Lumia 925s (a lot of them) – check it out.
The video is quite nice although there has obviously been some quite some post-processing so we are not sure how much of the credit should go to the Lumia 925.

You can also download the Man of Steel app, share photos to show the way you see the world as the Man of Steel and you can win tickets to the movie.

The major overhaul of the Asha platform focuses around the so-called Fastlane, which is why the latest promo video revolves around it. The Fastlane keeps track of all your recent activity, opened apps go there, along with contacts you’ve called, calendar events (birthdays, to-dos) and social network posts.
Nokia’s putting quite a lot of effort in the PR campaign of the Asha 501, and it seems that the company may have bigger plans for the Asha lineup than initially expected.

You can check our first impressions of the new Asha 501 right here.

Nokia puts 200 Lumia 820 units together to make an impressive video wall

Nokia may have just snatched a Guinness record away from Sony – for the video wall made up of most smartphones. Using 200 Nokia Lumia 820 phones, Nokia Developer Champion Rudy Huyn created the installation and showcased it at the Microsoft BUILD conference. Sony’s wall was made up of 196 Xperia ZL phones.

The phones were arranged in 8 rows of 25 phones and were all controlled from a single Lumia phone. Together, they showed an animated display of live tiles for a selection of Windows Phone apps and also an interactive map with Bing Maps.
You can check out a cool GIF animation of the video wall over at Nokia Conversations (was it shot with the Cinemagraph lens?). Anyway, you can also check out this video of an early test using a random assortment of 28 Windows Phone handsets.

If you want to see the installation live then you better hurry – today is BUILD’s last day. Attendees can visit the game section of the ‘Big Room’ where the installation is located. There’s no mention of a Guinness record though, I wonder what that’s about.

The Daily Roundup for 06.28.2013

You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.

Netflix Max hands-on: Jellyvision's take on your movie queue

Being a Netflix subscriber is almost like being cursed -- sure, you have access to untold troves of streaming TV shows and films, but how do you choose what to watch? The burden of choice weighs heavily on the indecisive Netflix user, trapping them in a labyrinth of enticing categories, familiar recommendations and episode backlogs.

PlayStation through the years: Mark Cerny on the PS4's roots and the brand's evolution (video)

The genesis story: the long-lead up to every console's launch usually leaves one in its wake. Typically, we get some sanitized version, appropriately molded by corporate PR and fed to the public with the crust cut off. But when you're Mark Cerny, lead PlayStation 4 architect, and you've literally grown up with the games industry and the PlayStation brand itself, the tale you get to tell tends to be more truthful, mesmerizing, and chock full of the hard knocks that make success stories so great.

Facebook rolls out hashtag support

Clickable hashtags are a major new Facebook feature, and now the social network is bringing them to the next level by rolling out related searches and mobile availability.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active review

After Samsung's latest product push in London, we have nothing short of a Galaxy S 4 franchise on our hands. While the company unveiled its expected Mini version along with a photography-focused variant, it also took a step in the rugged-device direction by announcing the Galaxy S4 Active.

Google Edition HTC One source code released, won’t be getting direct updates from Google

Along with its launch on the Google Play store, the kernel source code for the HTC One “Google Edition” has been released on HTCDev.

Also revealed is that the device won’t be receiving its Android updates directly from Google, since it is not technically a Nexus device. The same applies to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition.
One of the main advantages of Nexus devices is that they’ll always be the first to get any Android releases, and that they’ll be “pure” Android versions, with no added modifications from the manufacturer.
While lack of direct updates from Google may sound like a bit of a downer, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, several small tweaks with added functionality have been implemented by the manufacturer, like the addition of Beats audio support on the HTC One, which is not found in the 100% pure AOSP.
Also, we’re fairly removed from the days when manufacturers took significantly longer than Google to push the latest Android versions to their devices, and what are typically the most time consuming middlemen of all when it comes to receiving updates – carriers – are out of the picture.
So, while Nexus users will still have the purest version of Android out there first, Google dition devices shouldn’t be too far behind – although we’ll have to wait and see how this plays out in practice.
Meanwhile, you can get your hands on the HTC One Google Play edition kernel source here.

To capitalize on its global rollout on June 24, Nokia has launched a new TV ad for its latest featurephone, the Nokia Asha 501.

Perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of the Asha 501 is its numerous garish color schemes, which Nokia shows off in their latest ad. We can’t help but get reminded of those old iPod commercials – except in color.

Undoubtedly, Nokia hopes to garner as much attention as possible to its budget-range Asha platform, which is doing great at keeping it afloat until Windows Phone gathers more traction.
Be sure to check back with us soon, as the our review on the Asha 501 is just around the corner! Meanwhile, take a look at our hands-on.

Olloclip announces 2x telephoto lens for iPhone 5, we go hands-on

Remember the Olloclip lens for the iPhone 4? That model's done mighty well in Apple retail stores, so it's only fitting that there's a follow-up. Today at the CE Week line show in New York, we got a look at the company's upcoming telephoto lens, which complements the original clip-on by adding 2X magnification. Priced at $100 versus $70 for its predecessor, the accessory offers a circular polarizing lens on the other side, keeping in line with the company's existing two-in-one design. You can get the standalone clip-on lens for the aforementioned price when the gadget debuts in July -- it's compatible with Olloclip's previously announced $49 iPhone 5 case as well.
Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Acer's 8.1-inch Iconia W3 tablet now on sale in the US

If you've wanted full-blown Windows 8 in bite-size form, you now have your chance: the Acer Iconia W3 is on sale in the US. The 8.1-inch slate is in stock at both Office Depot and Staples, starting at $350 for a 32GB model at both outlets. Don't count on the 64GB version being available -- it's still listed as an online-only pre-order at Office Depot. There's also no word on inventory at Amazon or other competing retailers. Should you not be picky about capacities or store choices, however, you can take the W3 home today.

Windows Store glitch allows non-Lumia smartphones to download Nokia-exclusive apps

Unquestionably, the exclusive apps are part of the charm of the Nokia smartphones, over their WP8 competitors. As you would imagine apps such as Nokia Drive, Nokia Here Maps and Nokia Music are unavailable for owners of non-Nokia smartphones running Microsoft’s OS. Up until now.

WPDang has found a simple exploit giving users access to all Nokia WP8 applications in the Microsoft Windows Store. While a bit risky, the hack include routing your traffic through a Chinese proxy server, which fools the Windows Store into thinking your smartphone is Lumia-branded.
Here’s the full description below.

1. Ensure your device has no Wi-Fi or mobile data connection switched on.
2. Close Windows Phone Store app – including background processes.
3. Assign APN proxy for your primary WiFi connection: 117.135.139.179, port 8888. (Tap the connected network to edit its properties, select “enable proxy”).
4. Connect via the WiFi proxy, open up Windows Phone Store, search for Lumia-exclusive apps by name. You now be able to find the Nokia-exclusive apps but do not download at this point, just click on app description.
5. Switch back to your WiFi settings, remove the proxy and return to the Windows Phone Store to download.

Naturally, we suspect Nokia and Microsoft are going to promptly issue a patch that’ll fix this, so swiftly try it if you are interested. Keep in mind though, that sending all your traffic through a proxy you know nothing about might jeopardize your privacy.

AT&T cuts smartphone prices in half, jumps on the discount bandwagon

If you're looking for a new smartphone, this is apparently the weekend to go shopping. Following Radio Shack's promise to chip in a $100 Google Play credit with purchase an HTC One and Walmart's deep iPhone discounts, AT&T has quietly tacked on a 50% discount for phones under $199. This puts devices like the HTC One, Samsung's Galaxy S4 (and the S4 Active), the Note II, both of BlackBerry's latest handsets and iPhone 5 at an enticing $100. Naturally, Ma Bell has attached the usual hooks: the deal necessitates a new 2-year agreement or contract renewal, and in-store purchases require a trade-in device to activate the discount. Not a bad deal if you're hankering for new hardware -- just make sure you don't walk away with buyer's remorse.

Vertu TI now available in red or blue limited editions, only 1,000 of each made

It's been almost half a year since Vertu launched its first-ever Android phone, the TI, and now the company's decided to throw in a couple of limited editions to lure the big spenders. As pictured above, the new Vertu TI Colours collection is wrapped in either "Sunset Red" or "Midnight Blue" calf leather, and only 1,000 units are made for each color. As per typical Vertu style, there's a unique number etched on the back to indicate which of the 1,000 units yours is.
The rest of this hand-crafted, matt grey titanium phone remains unchanged otherwise, namely its 3.7-inch tough sapphire screen, Android 4.0, 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4, 64GB storage plus an 8-megapixel camera. And of course, the phone still comes with the famed Vertu Concierge, a "100 percent independent" service that CEO Perry Oosting is very proud of. To join this exclusive club, you'll have to somehow fork out a whopping HK$90,000 or €8,900 (about US$11,700) -- just a tad more expensive than the TI Titanium Pure Black edition, but also more flamboyant. This author already spotted these new phones at Vertu's Hong Kong Airport store, and he's currently accepting donations.

Gionee ELIFE E6 smarphone leaks with 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core SoC and 13MP cam

It looks like the battle for affordable smartphone flagships is heating up. Hot on the heels of TCL / Alcatel's tasty $280 Idol X comes word of Gionee's ELIFE E6, also boasting a 5-inch 1080p display, 1.5GHz quad-core processor (MediaTek MT6589T) with 2GB RAM and 13-megapixel BSI camera with flash. In addition to these main specs, the Chinese handset allegedly packs a 5MP front-facing shooter and 2000mAh+ battery, runs Android 4.2.1 (Jellybean) and features a svelte 8mm profile. Gionee is officially expected to launch the ELIFE E6 in Beijing on July 10th for somewhere between $320 and $360. Availability is unknown, but with MediaTek's SoC supporting both 42Mbps HSPA+ and TD-SCDMA (no LTE here, folks), this phone is likely destined to China, India and other APAC nations.

Walmart permanently drops iPhone 4S price to $39, iPhone 5 to $129

While brief sales on iPhones are relatively common, it's rare to see permanent price drops outside of a hardware refresh cycle. Walmart is willing to give those cuts a shot, however. Visit the company's stores from this point onward and you can pick up the 16GB iPhone 4S in its AT&T, Sprint or Verizon forms at $39 on contract, instead of $90. The 16GB iPhone 5 for those same networks is dropping to $129 from its usual $190; sorry, T-Mobile fans, you're out of the loop for now. It's not hard to understand Walmart's sudden generosity -- when the iPhone range is nearing its annual upgrade, the lower prices should keep current units moving.

Mobile Miscellany: week of June 17th, 2013

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week, Ting went rogue and all but confirmed the HTC Tiara, Boost Mobile did the obvious and announced a phone that's long been rumored in its pipeline and Wind welcomed a new, compact Samsung handset into the fold. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of June 17th, 2013.

Gionee ELIFE E6 smarphone leaks with 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core SoC and 13MP cam

It looks like the battle for affordable smartphone flagships is heating up. Hot on the heels of TCL / Alcatel's tasty $280 Idol X comes word of Gionee's ELIFE E6, also boasting a 5-inch 1080p display, 1.5GHz quad-core processor (MediaTek MT6589T) with 2GB RAM and 13-megapixel BSI camera with flash. In addition to these main specs, the Chinese handset allegedly packs a 5MP front-facing shooter and 2000mAh+ battery, runs Android 4.2.1 (Jellybean) and features a svelte 8mm profile. Gionee is officially expected to launch the ELIFE E6 in Beijing on July 10th for somewhere between $320 and $360. Availability is unknown, but with MediaTek's SoC supporting both 42Mbps HSPA+ and TD-SCDMA (no LTE here, folks), this phone is likely destined to China, India and other APAC nations.

Acer Aspire P3 review: a nice enough tablet, but wait for the refresh

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Back when Windows 8 first launched, the Acer Iconia W700 quickly became one of our favorite laptop / tablet hybrids. There were two reasons for that, really: the price was right, and the battery lasted longer than pretty much any other Win 8 device we'd tested. The thing is, it was more of a business device than something we'd recommend to the average consumer. After all, it came with a heavy, desk-bound docking station, with the carrying case and included keyboard as standalone pieces. That's quite a lot to carry if you ever feel like taking it on the road.
That's where the Acer Aspire P3 comes in. Don't worry, the W700 is still alive and kicking, but for people who've been looking for something more portable, this could be the one you want. Like the W700, the P3 starts at a reasonable price ($800) and has the guts of an Ivy Bridge laptop, including a Core i5 processor, Intel HD 4000 graphics, 4GB of RAM and a 120GB SSD. The difference is that rather than a clunky cradle, it comes with a carrying case that doubles as a keyboard; just prop the tablet up into a ready-made slot when you feel like watching movies or answering email. Yep, kind of like the Surface Pro, except there's no built-in kickstand and the keyboard is actually included. So is it a good deal at that price? Let's find out.