Over the last year or so, we’ve talked a lot about switching carriers. With policy changes frustrating consumers, tiered data hampering usage, and phones not being offered across the board on all carriers, there may not be a better time than now to consider a move. One downside to moving, though, is the worry of coverage with a new carrier not being equal to what you were previous receiving. The last thing you want to do is commit to a new carrier, only to find that your phone can barely hold a signal at home or that LTE won’t be in your neighborhood for years. 

Thanks to apps like CellMaps Mobile, you can check out carrier coverage in your area before deciding to make a move. There are a handful of apps that do similar things to CellMaps Mobile, but this app was released this morning and offers up an incredibly simple map feature and carrier selector. It does have an in-app upgrade that unlocks more features, though.

From the main screen you have options of Coverage, Insights, About, and Settings. Coverage takes you directly into a map with boxes for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE, along with the four major U.S. carriers to be displayed. Tap the appropriate boxes, and bam, enjoy the visualization of coverage.

The information displayed is not community-generated, but instead uses the marketed maps of carriers for comparison’s sake.

If this isn’t your cup of tea, feel free top check out OpenSignal, which is a community-generated app with quite a few additional features.

Play Link

CellMaps Mobile Shows You Carrier Network Coverage Areas, Lets You Compare is a post from: Droid Life

Back on February 1, Verizon introduced a new set of prepaid plans that were laughable, to say the least. These new plans started at $60, which would get you unlimited talk and text along with 500MB of data. The second tier landed you the same unlimited benefits, but only 2GB of data for $70. Keep in mind that neither is capable of connecting to Verizon’s nationwide 4G LTE network and are instead stuck on their insanely slow 3G CDMA network. Also, prepaid offerings from companies like SmartTalk offer unlimited talk, text, and data for as little as $45 per month on HSPA+ networks. 

Outside of MVNOs, we have seen T-Mobile become the UNcarrier and AT&T launch their new AIO prepaid plans over the last couple of months, both offering services which crush the measly little data caps that Verizon set in initial prepaid plans. So, as any respectable business would do, Verizon has made some changes to those initial offerings.

Their prepaid plans now offer more data along with the same unlimited talk and text bundles. For $60, prepaid customers will start at 2GB of data instead of 500MB. At $70, customers will be bumped up to 4GB of monthly data.

Keep in mind that AT&T’s new AIO plans start at $55 for unlimited talk and text with 2GB of data, but then jump to unlimited (high-speed HSPA+ for the first 7GB) data for $70.

Via:  Verizon

Verizon Ups Data Limits on New Prepaid Plans, Likely in Response to Competitors is a post from: Droid Life

Yesterday, Kellen and myself got back to the hotel and immediately started messing around with Google’s new Hangouts app. While attempting to make a video call over mobile data on AT&T’s network, we got the following message, “You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to join a video call.” Well, that’s a downer. 

We saw this issue awhile back when AT&T still blocked Apple’s FaceTime feature on iPhones, so there is always the possibility that this block could get lifted. We should note that we attempted this on Verizon’s network as well and it worked with no issues.

With WiFi hotspots almost everywhere you go, this shouldn’t stop too many people from enjoying Hangouts.

AT&T Blocking Video Calls Through Google Hangouts Over Mobile Data is a post from: Droid Life

The “XFON” from Motorola is no longer much of a secret now that it has been both pictured and found cruising through the FCC. It’s the phone you are seeing above that leaked months ago, at least all signs point to that being the case. While Motorola could easily have some tricks up its sleeves for this device that will “wow” us in the end, current info from a recent GFXBench benchmark pegs this device as a mid-range Android handset. 

According to the system info of a device benchmarked with the model number XT1058 (same as the “XFON), we’re looking at a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (MSM8960T) clocked at 1.7GHz and a 720p display. You can tell that it’s the MSM8960T rather than the MSM8960 because of the Adreno 320 GPU inside, which is the same GPU that you’ll find in devices like the Nexus 4. But yes, it’s only a dual-core processor that was released in early 2012 and not even the Snapdragon 400 (only an Adreno 305 GPU though) or 600 that Qualcomm is producing for 2013.

We’re also finding that it lacks a 1080p display thanks to the benchmark showing a resolution of 1196×720, which also suggests it will have on-screen navigation keys. But we already knew that it would. We aren’t exactly sure what size the display will drop in at, but we’ve heard both 4.0″ and 4.3″.

You can see from the benchmark that this is the Motorola “Ghost” and is headed to AT&T. “Ghost” is a codename we first reported back in mid-March along with a handful that Motorola has in the pipeline.

Last, the device tested was running Android 4.2.2.

Update:  We are seeing stories floating about which suggest it could have some super secret processor and GPU combo that will dominate all phones and Google and Motorola are simply disguising it. I hate to say it, but with a screen resolution this low, coupled with a decent GPU and processor, these numbers aren’t anything to get overly excited about. Look, the Sony Xperia SP and Xiaomi MI 2A both crush the HTC One and Galaxy S4 in an on-screen test if you take these tests to mean anything. Both are running the same processor/GPU combo as the XFON, yet likely have half the RAM. These tests clearly do not show that we have something secret going on or that the XFON is going to dominate the One or GS4 overall. Benchmarks do not tell the full story, ever.

Here is the image pulled from its FCC filing. As you can see, it’s identical to the device pictured at the top of this post.

So, mid-range, right? I’d imagine that Motorola is going to make this device insanely cheap with a processor that old and a display straight out of 2012. Standards for high-end smartphones these days have risen to 1080p displays and the latest and greatest processor for Qualcomm, two things this phone lacks.

Keep in mind while this phone may be disappointing from a spec standpoint, it’ll likely run stock Android, see updates at an incredible rate, and utilize LTE networks.

Via:  GFXBench | Techtastic

Cheers Zomer!

Specs for the Motorola “XFON” XT1058 Appear in Benchmark: 720p Display and Dual-core Snapdragon S4 Processor is a post from: Droid Life

Just a little over a month ago, Facebook held a press event in Menlo Park at their headquarters to announce a partnership with HTC and AT&T. The child of that partnership was the HTC First, priced at just $99 and the first device to come pre-loaded with Facebook Home. While Home was met with mixed reviews from the media and consumers, the First itself didn’t seem all that bad. Beneath Facebook’s launcher lays a vanilla Android operating system, with mid-level specs inside of a well-designed body. According to sources of BGR, none of it was good enough to keep the device on shelves for even a few months. 

Sources state that fewer than 15,000 units were sold during the time that the device dropped in price to just $0.99 on contract, as AT&T representatives were not pushing the device onto buyers. Apparently, all unsold inventory will be shipped back to HTC and from there, who knows. For added insult to injury, it is said that the HTC ChaCha from 2011 saw better total sales than the HTC First. Oy vey.

Are we even surprised by this?

Via: BGR

Cheers Nick and Justin!

HTC First aka “Facebook Phone” Reportedly Already to be Discontinued is a post from: Droid Life

The plot is thickening, Android fans. Tonight, FCC documents show a mysterious Motorola device, matching up in design to previous images we have seen, here and here. As far as what is in the FCC report, the only thing we can take away is that the device, model number XT1058 comes equipped with AT&T bands, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac, and NFC capability. Beyond that, nothing else. 

As mentioned, this device looks eerily familiar to the Motorola “XFON” we have seen pictured before, but of course, nothing can be certain until its made official by either AT&T or Motorola. The timing is an interesting factor, since Google I/O is just days away. Guess we will just have to remain patient.

Excited?

Via: PhoneScoop | FCC

Mystery “XFON” Motorola Device Stops by FCC, Headed to AT&T is a post from: Droid Life

For those waiting patiently to snag the Stealth Black version of the HTC One on a carrier besides Sprint, you are now in luck. Starting last night, you can pick up the black model of the One right through AT&T’s website, listed for the same price as the silver variant. The Stealth Black One will set you back $199.99 for the 32GB model and $299.99 for 64GB on a new two year agreement if you need that much space. 

Additionally, AT&T now also offers LG’s newest flagship, the Optimus G Pro. This device features a 5.5″ Full HD display, a 13MP camera, and a ton of software enhancements that rival the Galaxy’s from Samsung. For 32GB, the G Pro will set you back $199.99 on a new two year contract. And don’t worry about extra storage, since the device supports SD cards.

Been waiting for either one of these?

Via: AT&T

HTC One in Stealth Black and LG Optimus G Pro Now Available on AT&T is a post from: Droid Life

It appears AT&T and Samsung are teaming up to push out Android 4.1.2 to the Galaxy Camera this week. The new build number is GC100UCAMD4 and brings a few stability fixes and other camera firmware enhancements. As far as I can see, there is no official changelog posted from either Samsung or AT&T (don’t you just love that?) so until we find one, we don’t know much. 

If you have a Galaxy Camera through AT&T, go grab it!

The update is 190MB in size.

AT&T Samsung Galaxy Camera Receiving Update to Android 4.1.2, Build Number GC100UCAMD4 is a post from: Droid Life

It seems T-Mobile has kicked off the race to supply customers with new ways to finance their carriers with their UN-carrier brand that does away with phone subsidies. AT&T wants to get in on the fun by announcing a new subsidy named Aio (pronounced A-O). The new pay-as-you-go carrier offers a few mid-range smartphones, but encourages that you bring your own, and unlimited (albiet throttled) data all for pretty cheap. 

Plans start as low as $35 and go up to $70 for phones and $15 for tablets. Those prices will be getting you 4 Mbps download even if the area can offer more, can’t pay these low of prices and hog the whole network. There are a few smartphones from Samsung and ZTE you can choose from, but Android junkies will be flocking to their carrier with their unlocked GSM phones that they already own. Unfortunately, the only markets going live today are in Houston, Orlando and Tampa with a larger roll out expected later this year.

We know that a lot of readers have expressed interest in pre-paid options, so does this sound like a good alternative to you?

Aio Wireless™ Announces New Nationwide Voice and Data Service
No-annual-contract wireless provider kicks off new service with launch in first three markets

Alpharetta, Georgia, May 09, 2013 - Today Aio Wireless announced the launch of a new nationwide wireless service for consumers interested in a first-class wireless experience at a value price, without an annual contract. Aio provides new choices, seamless customer experience, and simplified service and offerings to value-conscious customers interested in an unlimited talk/text/data plan with no annual contract.

Aio expects the service to roll out in multiple markets across the U.S. over the next year, with an initial launch today in select stores in Houston, Orlando and Tampa, and with additional stores in these three markets opening in the coming weeks. Store locations and Aio information will be available starting later this morning atwww.aiowireless.com. Aio (pronounced “A-O”) is a brand name that encapsulates Aio’s brand promise: simply, delightfully, more.

“We talked with no-annual-contract customers and created our service around what they want. They want simple, easy plan choices with unlimited offers; first-class service at affordable prices; great devices; nationwide voice and data coverage; and no annual contracts. Today’s wireless customers don’t want to compromise,” said Jennifer Van Buskirk, president of Aio Wireless. “We are set up to win over value-conscious customers who are increasingly moving towards smartphones and mobile broadband.”

Aio makes prepaid wireless easy for customers with a friendly in-store and on-line experience, three simple rate plans to choose from, and an attractive portfolio of devices that include smartphones, tablets, and feature phones from a variety of manufacturers, including Samsung, Nokia, ZTE and others. Aio’s

unlimited talk, text, and data rate plans range from $35 to $70 per month, with pricing varying by market, and will offer 4G download speeds of up to 4Mbs per second. Customers will also have the opportunity to bring a compatible, unlocked device for activation on the Aio network. Aio will delight customers with an attitude of gratitude, easy pre-payment options, and an involvement in the local communities in which we serve.

Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. AT&T does not expect this announcement to change AT&T’s January 2013 financial guidance.

Aio’s plan pricing includes applicable state and local taxes, and fees. Each unlimited plan includes a pre-established amount of high speed data access, and service is subject to Aio’s Terms and Conditions of Service and Unreasonable Use Policy. Coverage and services are not available everywhere. Restrictions apply. © 2013 Aio Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Aio, Aio Wireless and the Aio logo are trademarks of Aio Wireless LLC.

About Aio Wireless

Aio Wireless (pronounced A-O) was created for today’s value-conscious connected consumers who want it all. We created a new class of service for individuals who expect a first class wireless service at a value price – one with no-annual contract, friendly service, uncomplicated plans and the mobile phones and tablets you love. All of Aio’s phone plans include unlimited talk, text and data, with taxes and fees included – the price you see is the price you pay. Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Visit www.aiowireless.com to find out more.

AT&T Launches Aio Wireless Subsidy, “a First-Class Wireless Experience at a Value Price” is a post from: Droid Life

We know that many of the readers here are not huge fans of Facebook, but today, AT&T lowered the price of the HTC First, otherwise known as the Facebook phone. When it launched it was $99.99, but it is now down to only $0.99 if you are upgrading or a new customer. The phone features Facebook Home, a whole new take on what a smartphone can do, but underneath that it runs perfectly stock Android 4.1.2. For $0.99 can you really get a better stock Android device? 

The First comes with AT&T’s LTE network built in and features a Snapdragon 400 dual-core processor, not the biggest chip, but when running stock Android you don’t need that much power. A 720p display and 1GB of RAM make this a serious contender for anyone looking for a good Android device on AT&T.

That being said, does this interest you for only a dollar?

Via: AT&T

HTC First Now Only $0.99 For New and Upgrading Customers, Are You Intrigued? is a post from: Droid Life

This morning, AT&T announced a gang of new cities that will sport their 4G LTE network. From what we have seen (just last week as an example), Big Blue is doubling down on getting LTE into as many cities as possible, as quickly as possible.

Down below is the list of new cities. 

New Markets:

• Beeville, Texas
• Saginaw, Michigan
• Bay City, Michigan
• Monroeville, Alabama
• Evergreen, Alabama
• Vieques, Puerto Rico
• Aberdeen, Washington
• Hoquiam, Washington
• Ocean City, Washington
• Ocean Shores, Washington
• Huntington, WV
• Ashland, KY
• Cookeville , Tennessee
• McMinnville, Tennessee
• Frankfort, Kentucky
• Sedalia, Missouri
• Manhattan, Kansas
• Palestine, Texas
• Jacksonville, Texas
• Warrensburg, Missouri

Via: AT&T

AT&T Lights Up a Batch of New 4G LTE Markets is a post from: Droid Life

It’s almost Mother’s Day! This means it’s that time of year to thank mom for her hard work in managing the everyday life of a family with a bigger and clearer connection to everything important to her. See where we are going here? If she had a phone like the LG Optimus G Pro with its 5.5″ 1080p display, quad-core processor, multi-tasking capabilities, and brilliant 13MP camera, she could maintain her amazing motherly self in a much more efficient manner. Or she could simply rock out with a sweet new smartphone that’s probably better than yours. 

Either way, we have one to giveaway thanks to our friends at AT&T. Think of this as the best Mother’s Day present you could possibly give to mom this weekend, whether she’s in need of a new smartphone or not.

If she’s scared of such a big phone or its power and abundance of features, feel free to toss out a few of these device highlights when handing it off to her:

• All in One for Mom: The LG Optimus G Pro is a phone and tablet in one with a size that easily fits into any purse. Mom can make calls, and the phone features a near-tablet size display, which is great for viewing videos, ebooks, web sites and documents.  The large display also makes using on-screen touch keys easier to use.
•  Super Vivid Full HD Display: Mom can view her favorite Pinterest pages, read the latest New York Times Best Seller, catch up on the Real Housewives through Netflix, share movies with the kids, or chat it up with friends with larger, clearer and detailed viewing on the first 5.5” Full HD display in the U.S.
• 13MP Camera with cool features: Mom can capture family moments, vacations and dinner parties with super clear still images thanks to features like VR Panorama, Time Catch Shot, & Cheese Shutter. Plus, video recording has never been better with Full HD videos that include features like dual recording, audio zoom and live shot.
• Does your mom have Small Hands? No Worries: The LG Optimus G Pro includes Near-Zero  screen bezel for narrow grip, one-handed operation and “ grab-able size.

Ready to win one for mom? (Or yourself.)

Contest

Update: We have our winner. Mr. Rhodus, go check your email! Thanks everyone for entering.

Prize:  1 (one) LG Optimus G Pro from AT&T.

How to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner:

1 (one) winner will be chosen at random on Friday, May 10 at 11:00AM Pacific.

Contest: Win an LG Optimus G Pro From AT&T and DL for Mother’s Day! (Update: Winner Picked) is a post from: Droid Life

The Galaxy S4 on AT&T is receiving its first update to build number I337UCUAMDL this morning. According to users who have been using the update for longer than we have, it seems to just be a performance enhancer and nothing more. From the five minutes I have played with it, I will say that the camera’s performance does seem a tad bit better, but when there is no official changelog posted from AT&T or Samsung, it’s hard for the placebo effect not to kick in. 

Once we get a changelog, we will update the post.

The update is 21MB.

Cheers Kevin!

AT&T Galaxy S4 Receiving Update to Build Number I337UCUAMDL is a post from: Droid Life

Though Verizon might be keeping us all waiting on the Galaxy S4, the other carriers are getting theirs ready for launch this month. AT&T just took to Twitter to announce that if you are looking to get the follow up to last year’s best selling smartphone, you can do so this Friday. 

For new customers and people renewing their contracts, the phone will run $249.99. If you are looking to save a few bucks, you can go with the 16GB version of the device and save $50 off the price. Just remember the 16GB version really only has 9GB of usable memory!

Via: @AT&T

AT&T’s 32GB Galaxy S4 Available This Friday, Starting at $249.99 is a post from: Droid Life

Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.2) is finally ready for the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy Note. Yes, the original. AT&T announced the update this morning as going live today, May 3, so be on the lookout should you still own this device.

With Android 4.1, you get all sorts of new features over Ice Cream Sandwich. Google Now is probably the most important, but you’ll see better and smarter notifications, along with a “premium package of new features including Popup Note, which allows users to instantly and conveniently write down directions, phone numbers, and other information while on a call. Popup Video and Browser allow users to watch video or browse the web while performing other tasks.”

Instructions for downloading and installing the update over Kies can be found at the links below.

Via:  ATT | Samsung

AT&T Announces Jelly Bean Update for the Original Galaxy Note is a post from: Droid Life