AT&T

Report: REALLY Good News is Coming for Future Windows Phone Updates

Nazmus Khandaker MS Windows, News , , , , , , ,

windows phone 8This may sound like a dream but comments from Paul Thurott suggests that the days of waiting months for Windows Phone updates to be rolled out is over. Now, Mr. Thurott is not saying exactly what it is, probably due to NDA, but he hinted at some very interesting thing.

There are three hints from the Microsoft watcher that should be noted. First is a comment on his blog in response to people blaming AT&T for the delay of Windows Phone GDR3 update on devices such as Lumia 920. Earlier, Microsoft MVP Richard Hay suggested that the delay was not due to AT&T blocking the update but a technical glitch on the update itself, which Microsoft had to fix. Thurott confirms this in the following comments in response to people blaming AT&T for the delay:

“No one is to blame. An unexpected problem came up. It was fixed. It was tested. And then it was released.”

“AT&T wasn’t at fault for this delay and had no way of knowing when the problem would be fixed. It delivered the updates as soon as it got a fixed version of GDR2.”

Now here’s the second, more interesting, comment from Paul Thurott, on the same article. He responds to this reader comment:

“Now we can go ahead and prepare early for complaining about GDR3. :)”

Mr. Thurott responds: “No need for that. Stay tuned.”.

Finally, we have the best hint that suggests that something is really changing in the Windows Phone update front. Mr. Thurott, on What The Tech, responds to the following question by Andrew Zarian. The conversation starts at 20:40 minute mark and ends at 21:27 mark:

Andrew Zarian: “When the next release (GDR3) comes out, would it be coming on [Lumia 520]?

Paul Thurott: “Yes. I can’t say much about that right now, but there’s going to be some good news there….[the lack of updates] aren’t going to be an issue going forward. I’ll talk more about that next week. But that won’t be a problem.”

This quick conversation seems to suggest that something is drastically changing for Windows Phone updates that may put an end to the long delays on getting updates. Paul Thurott says he can talk more about this next week, suggesting that Microsoft might have something to announce along this line!

What are your thoughts on this. I am very excited to see what exactly happens, but if what Thurott alludes to is correct, we might be in for a treat!

Source: Supersite for Windows and What the Tech

This article was first posted on McAkins Online.

Verizon: Perhaps a Gentle Giant

Nazmus Khandaker News, Techtronica , , , ,

There has been news lately about AT&T and Verizon jumping in on a purchase for Vodafone Group PLC. Verizon though recently denied the claim that they were taking part of this $245bil buyout of Vodafone. The rumors floating around sent Verizon Shares up in trading yesterday April 3rd, 2013 as speculation of this would mean a big boost for potential revenue and profits. Verizon though looking to keep the record straight came out to refute the claim that they were taking part of this large deal. This in turn sent Verizon shares down.

Would this have been a good idea though? I honestly think this would have been a wise move on the part of Verizon especially considering the potential gain of customers and new revenue found from this $245bil purchase. The aspect of gaining more coverage area for users would also be a big plus. Now, Verizon Communications who does business as a few other entities such as Verizon Wireless, is already doing business with Vodafone through it’s cellular branch Verizon Wireless. It would only make sense that Verizon jump in on this deal despite the stagering price attached to this buyout plan. AT&T is currently the only confirmed major firm jumping in on this buyout which will become of big benefit for the same reasons it would benefit Verizon.

What are your thoughts on this? Should Verizon jump in on this deal for the potential that it offers or should they back off like they have and continue with the plans which they have for their subsidiary groups like Verizon Wireless? Let us know in the comments below.

-Seth

iPad 3: Does That Rhyme with LTE?

Nazmus Khandaker Apple, Techtronica , , , , ,

Reports from the Wall Street Journal suggested that Verizon and AT&T were going to be in for quite a test over the course of 2012. Their LTE networks, which for those who don’t know what LTE is, it is a fourth generation wireless technology being widely adopted by many major carriers in the US as the next step in wireless reliablity and speed on the go. The Wall Street Journal showed reports that Apple plans to release their iPad 3, 4G model sometime in early March. Whether this is true or not, many sources show much anticipation for the launch of the next iPad for the simple reason is it begins to put to test, the actual strength of the fourth Generation LTE wireless technology’s infrustructure. Verizon and AT&T as of now are the only confirmed sellers of the newest iPad as Apple, Sprint, and T-Mobile declined to comment when asked about a possible release. Continue reading →

iPhone 4S Pricing…wait…a FREE iPhone?!!?

Nazmus Khandaker Apple, Hardware & Devices, Operating Systems, Techtronica , , , , , , , , , ,

Well, Apple made the announcements about its next generation iPhone, namely, the iPhone 4S. It has some pretty nifty features. But what about the price? Well, whether not the new pricing is a treat is up for you to decide. Here they are:

The iPhone 4S

  • The iPhone 4S will cost starting at $199
  • 16GB devices will cost $199, 32GB devices will cost $299, and the, newly announced, 64GB devices will cost $399.
The iPods
  • The new iPods Nanos, which has a few new features, will cost $129 for the 8GB device and $149 for the 16GB device.
  • The iPod touches will be priced like the iPhones, with $199 for the 8GB model, $299 for the 32GB model, and $399 for the 64GB model.
iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS
  • Apple will continue to sell previous generations of its iPhone product line.
  • The iPhone 4 will now cost only $99 with contract
  • Amazingly, the iPhone 3GS will be absolutely free with no contract!
  • Remember that both of these devices can be upgraded to the latest iOS version, namely, iOS5.
That’s it for the pricing! Stay tuned in to Techtronica for more tech news from Apple, Microsoft, Google, etc!

Apple iPhone 3Gs to be $0 [Rumor or Not]

Nazmus Khandaker Apple, Hardware & Devices, Techtronica , , ,

Hello! Welcome to Techtronica and this is the beginning of a new series “Rumor or Not” you are going to post if you think its TRUE or FALSE by using this handy dandy Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down voting system in the Disqus comment section below.

So the rumor today is,

On the release of the iPhone 5 the 3Gs will still be made and lower to $0.

Here is some details behind it.

Apple will offer the iPhone 3GS for free and the iPhone 4 for $99 timed with the release of the iPhone 5, says an analyst from RBC Capital Market.
In an investor’s note issued yesterday, analyst Mike Abramsky said that in line with the launch of the iPhone 5, he expects Apple to slash the price of the 3Gs to $0 on contract ($399 no contract) and the iPhone 4 to $99 ($499 no contract).
The analyst believes these price cuts will be part of an entry-level iPhone strategy on Apple’s part, designed to “target mid-market smartphone buyers and counter Android’s mid-market expansion.

Apple: They Are Tracking You

Nazmus Khandaker Apple, News, Techtronica , , , , , , , , ,

According to a report posted earlier by a site called iPhone Tracker. The recent news states that, Apple started tracking the iPhone in June 2010 when Apple’s newest (at the time) operating system was released. The site said this in its post:

“Cell phone providers collect similar data almost inevitably as part of their operations, but it’s kept behind their firewall. It normally requires a court order to gain access to it, whereas this is available to anyone who can get their hands on your phone or computer,” they write.

“By passively logging your location without your permission, Apple have made it possible for anyone from a jealous spouse to a private investigator to get a detailed picture of your movements.”

According to the graphs it seems that the information was gathered from towers that the cell phone used to have service. So far, it is not visible why Apple would want to collect this data.

Whats your take on the discovery of Apple tracking the iPhones? Comment below!

iPhone 3GS Review from the beaches of Destin, FL

Nazmus Khandaker Apple, Hardware & Devices, Reviews, Techtronica , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Earlier Wednesday, I had the chance to complete my iPhone 3GS Review from Destin, FL. This would be the first time Techtronica had any event recorded beach-side. Play the video to see the full review.

Verizon Releases Pricing for iPhone

Nazmus Khandaker Announcements, Hardware & Devices, News, Techtronica , , , ,

Wednesday, Verizon released some critical information to those of you who are still debating on whether or not your are buying Verizon’s iPhone. Verizon’s basic plan will cost users $40.00 for 450 minutes of talk. Their data plan (e-mail and web included) will cost the same as it does for the Droid, $30.00. One feature that AT&T doesn’t have is the Wi-Fi Hotspot which will cost users an extra $20.00 to add to their plan. Verizon will also include a $60.00 voice and unlimited texting plan, compared to AT&T’s $60.00 voice plan with no texting included. Data wise, Verizon will offer unlimited data for $30.00 while AT&T offers a 2GB data plan for $25.00. Pre-orders were being accepted yesterday, February 3, 2011.

AT&T iPhone vs. Verizon iPhone

Nazmus Khandaker Apple, Hardware & Devices , , ,

One of the most talked about topics in the nation is the recent release that Verizon will also host Apple’s iPhone. One of the most recent surveys state that an astonishing 2.5 million customers will be switching from AT&T to Verizon. So, will it cost less to switch from AT&T? It all depends on when you bought your iPhone. If you purchased your iPhone before June 2010 than your early termination fee is a nice amount of $175.00, then subtract $5.00 for each month you have paid for your iPhone. Now, for the jaw dropper… If you bought you iPhone after June 1, which is mostly the iPhone 4 users, than your fee is an astonishing $325.00 then subtract $10.00 for each paid month. So, you could spend less switching (by buying Verizon’s VZ or Fortune 500) or you could be looking at a soaring bill. Another positive effect for you switchers is that Verizon will offer $30.00 unlimited data, but only for a limited time. Here is one thing that will help you though. Verizon’s trade in service (which you will have to use because of different setups in the phones from company-company) will depend on how good of condition your iPhone is in, but that still means you will have to pay at least $150.00 for your new iPhone 16GB, but this is in Verizon gift cards, not cash. When all is said and done though, your main reasoning for switching is going to be just how much you want Verizon present day.

AT&T adds record number of iPhones, posts tax gain

Nazmus Khandaker Hardware & Devices, News, Techtronica , , , ,

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Source: http://www.dailyjournalonline.com/news/tech/article_f8a7941e-7e1a-56ce-b472-e47fda3e3f3b.html

 

AT&T Inc. sold a record number of iPhones in the latest quarter, continuing to siphon subscribers from other wireless carriers in a tightening industry.

The country’s largest telecommunications company on Thursday said it activated 5.2 million units of Apple Inc.’s phone, roughly 400,000 more than analysts had expected.

The iPhone 4 went on sale on June 24, just before the start of the quarter. Apple’s worldwide sales figures, reported Monday, had already shown the device to be a blockbuster hit, despite early complaints about reception problems.

AT&T is the exclusive U.S. carrier for the iPhone, but news reports have said Verizon Wireless is getting it early next year. The companies haven’t confirmed that. If that is the case, AT&T is in the last quarters of loading up on high-paying iPhone customers before it has to share the phone. Sanford Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett described the iPhone sales as an “inoculation” against losing exclusivity.

Across all types of phones, AT&T added a net 745,000 subscribers on contract-based plans, matching analyst expectations. That’s much less than it has in previous years, but still strong considering growth in the industry has stalled now that nearly everyone has a phone. AT&T ended the quarter with 92.8 million wireless subscribers.

Helped by the iPhone, AT&T is taking a lead in moving people from “dumb” phones to smarter ones. Chief Financial Officer Rick Lindner said 80 percent of the phones activated in the quarter were “smart” or texting-oriented, the highest figure ever for the company.

However, there doesn’t seem to be a big pot of gold waiting for phone companies that get people on to smart phones. It does help the companies compensate for a decline in the price of phone calls, but it comes with heavy costs in the form of subsidies for the phones and in network investment to support data users.

AT&T pays hundreds of dollars in subsidies for each new smart phone. The Dallas-based company makes those back through monthly fees over the run of two-year contract, but the launch of a new iPhone model in the summer reliably holds back AT&T’s third-quarter earnings.

Excluding a gain on a tax settlement and the effects of the sale of a subsidiary, AT&T’s income was 55 cents a share, up 3.8 percent from a year ago, despite having 14 percent more wireless subscribers and getting higher fees out of its smart phone subscribers each month. The earnings matched Wall Street expectations.

Including the settlement and unit sale, net income rose to $12.3 billion, or $2.08 per share, for the three months ended Sept. 30. That compared with $3.2 billion, or 54 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue climbed 3 percent to $31.58 billion from $30.7 billion a year ago. Analysts were expecting revenue of $31.25 billion, according to a poll by Thomson Reuters.

AT&T shares fell 28 cents to $28.33 in midday trading Thursday.

AT&T continued to take the lead in adding non-phone devices such as e-readers and GPS units to its wireless network. It added 1.16 million such devices in the quarter. That figure excludes Apple’s iPad tablets, for which AT&T is also the exclusive U.S. carrier.

On the wireline side, which accounts for nearly half of AT&T’s revenue, results have been on a long slide as consumers give up their landlines in favor of relying on their cell phones or phone service from cable companies.

For the quarter, AT&T touted a slight increase in wireline consumer revenues, the first such gain in more than two years. That’s due to U-Verse, a cable-TV-like service it offers in some areas where it’s upgraded its phone network.

AT&T also posted a net increase in broadband subscribers, reversing the previous quarter’s first-ever loss.

AT&T continued to trim its overall work force during the quarter, cutting 4,730 jobs, or nearly 2 percent, to end at 267,720.

AT&T is the first major telecommunications company to report results for the quarter. Verizon Communications Inc. weighs in on Friday morning.

Free Month Zune Subscription with Windows Phone 7 – AT&T

McAkins Hardware & Devices, IT, Security, Privacy , ,

FREE Entertainment Pack!

* The Entertainment Pack includes: 1) Xbox LIVE® game ilomilo, 2) 30 days free unlimited music service + 10 free songs to keep through one-month Zune® Pass trial, and 3) 30 days free to download and watch hit TV shows with U-verse® Mobile.

The Entertainment Pack is available (while supplies last) at no charge to consumers who purchase a Windows Phone device from AT&T between October 25, 2010, and December 31, 2010.

Source: AT&T