On Boost Mobile, the S3 will be compatible on their $55 Android Monthly Plan with Shrinking Payments. For each payment made on time, the monthly cost drops by $5 until you are paying $40/month. For Virgin Mobile users, the Galaxy S3 will be work on their unlimited data and messaging plans that start at $35 a month. At this point, pricing for the phone has not yet been announced.

Come comment on this article: Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile to offer Samsung Galaxy S 3 beginning in June

There certainly is no shortage of bowling games in the Google Play Store. We recently reviewed Concrete Software’s PBA Bowling Challenge, which is a cool game, but if you are looking for something a little more mellow, you might want to check out Bowling Paradise from InnoLab. You won’t find any tournaments or power-ups in this one, it’s just pure bowling in a zen-like atmosphere.

Bowling Paradise gives you eight locations to choose from: Beach (peaceful and relaxing), Garden (fresh and relaxing), Slope (exciting – ball rolling down a wavy path), Camping (quiet camping night), Dome (classic, luxury), Space (high impact – ball can fly in the air), Mushroom (imaginary land), Lights (special light effects). As you can see, each area gives you not only a completely different look, but can also impact gameplay.

You have 10 different balls and/or 10 different sets of pins to choose from. The game will automatically rotate the balls with each throw based on which ones you chose. Each ball is basically the same as far as gameplay, it’s just a matter of the look. The same goes for pins. Each frame will have a different set of pins based on the ones you chose. As far as pure gameplay, it’s bowling so it’s quite simple. Just move the ball horizontally along the line and flick your finger to get it going. You can add hook to the ball (while rolling) by using a swiping gesture, tilting your device, or both. You can select which you prefer in the settings. You can also turn the music and sound FX on or off as well as choose whether you want the camera to follow your roll or not.

Gameplay does feel zen-like because of the very relaxing music that plays in the background. Also, the pins fall very slowly, unlike the real thing. In fact, there are often times where it will look like you are going to be stuck with a split, but eventually more pins fall. At the end of each game, you will get a stat page that tells you how many spares, strikes, and open frames you had along with your previous high score for that location and some fireworks. The higher your score the better the fireworks are.

All in all, Bowling Paradise is pretty simple and perfect for the casual bowling fan. My only complaint is that it only plays in portrait mode. I played it on a Nexus 7 and I think it’s more comfortable to play in landscape. You can grab the free version today, and the Pro version costs $2.10. The pro version will give you the ability to play against the computer (3 levels) or play against up to 3 of your friends (on the same device). Check out their trailer video below and hit one of the download links to get started. Let me know what you think.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Download Link - Free

Play Store Download Link - Paid

Come comment on this article: Featured Android Game Review: Bowling Paradise [Sports]

The dust-proof and scratch resistant phone can survive drops up to 5.9 feet, and can be submerged in water as deep as 3.2 feet for up to 30 minutes without a problem. The 4-inch touchscreen display on the Cat B15 can even be used with wet fingers and can operate in temperatures from -4° to 131° F. Of course, it’s a smartphone after all, and comes with Jelly Bean 4.1, a dual-core 1GHz processor, and 4GB of internal memory.  Pretty impressive.

The phone is available online now at $349. You can read all of the specifications  after the break.

Specification:

• Operating System: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Processor: MediaTek MT6577 Dual 1GHz Cortex™-A9
• Size: 4.9 x 2.5 x 5.9 inches
• Weight: 5.99 oz
• Screen details: 4” WVGA 480×800 LCD, Capacitive Multi-touch, Gorilla glass, wet finger tracking
• Memory: 4GB storage + 1 GB
• Camera: 5.0 MP Rear, VGA Front
• Video: 720P recording 30 FPS Codecs H.263, H.264/AVC, mpeg4/SP, VP8
• Talk time: Up to 9 hours
• Standby: Up to 9.5 days
• Connections: microUSB, microSD 32GB, 3.5mm audio
• GPS: A-GPS mode
• Temperature Operational range: -4º F to 131º F
• Drop testing: 5.9 feet onto concrete
• IP rating: IP67 waterproof to 3.2 feet for 30 min; impervious to dust

Source: Business Wire

Come comment on this article: Caterpillar launches incredibly durable Cat B15 Android phone in North America

Tri-Band 4G LTE Mobile Broadband Devices to Bring Sprint Customers Stronger In-Building Coverage and Better Network Performance

MiFi® 500 LTE by Novatel Wireless™, NETGEAR® 341U USB Modem and NETGEAR® Zing Mobile Hotspot ™ offer connectivity and security without the hassle of searching for a public Wi-Fi signal

LAS VEGAS (BUSINESS WIRE), May 21, 2013 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced the planned summer launch of a trio of mobile broadband devices that will take advantage of three bands of 4G LTE wireless spectrum available to Sprint’s network. These devices are expected to bring customers improved network performance and stronger in-building coverage as LTE is deployed on each of these bands. With the ability to leverage Sprint’s 4G LTE network at 1.9GHz and 800MHz as well as Clearwire’s LTE network at 2.5GHz, these new devices offer Sprint customers ideal solutions to easily stay connected on the go.

The first tri-band Sprint 4G LTE-capable mobile broadband devices will be the sleek MiFi® 500 LTE by Novatel Wireless™, international-capable NETGEAR® Zing Mobile Hotspot™ and the plug-in NETGEAR® 341U USB Modem. Pricing and exact availability dates for the three devices will be provided at a later date.

The three bands of spectrum accessible on these devices will provide Sprint customers a high-quality, consistently fast 4G LTE network experience, whether they are sitting at their desks, catching up with friends at a coffee shop, or riding in a cab in a crowded city:

The 800MHz spectrum that is being added to Sprint’s LTE network beginning later this year excels at in-building coverage. This spectrum is able to be repurposed for LTE as Sprint ceases operations of the Nextel National Network on June 30, 2013.
Using 1.9GHz spectrum as its primary band for 4G nationwide coverage, Sprint is making substantial progress with deployment of its new 4G LTE network. Sprint now offers service in 88 markets nationwide, including Los Angeles, Charlotte, Boston and Dallas. Average performance is in the range of six to eight MB per second for downlink and two to three MB per second or higher for uplink. Many Sprint customers are discovering Sprint 4G LTE in cities that haven’t yet officially been announced, including Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco. Sprint has announced more than 170 additional markets where LTE will be available in the coming months.
Clearwire’s 2.5GHz spectrum for its LTE network, which excels at broad-based, high speed coverage, is expected to provide Sprint customers with increased speeds and capacity in densely populated cities.
The launch of devices that can operate on three spectrum bands is another milestone in Sprint’s rollout of Network Vision. Network Vision represents a nationwide update of the Sprint network using the newest, most-advanced equipment in the industry. Sprint plans to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of enhancing network coverage, improving call quality and increasing data speeds for customers. It will also offer financial benefits for Sprint shareholders.

“We are very pleased to reach another Network Vision milestone today as we continue to be on schedule to deliver a world-class LTE network experience for our customers,” said Steve Elfman, president of Network Operations and Wholesale. “These three devices from our partners at Novatel and NETGEAR provide a clear look at the benefits of consolidating networks and making the best use of our spectrum assets. Best of all, these new mobile broadband devices bring our customers innovative features, including touchscreens and international capability.”

Updated MiFi Packs In Features

Novatel Wireless, inventor of the mobile hotspot category, has updated its award-winning MiFi hotspot with the MiFi 500 LTE, adding connectivity to Sprint’s LTE network as well as 3G CDMA. Offering sleek and compact styling, MiFi 500 LTE makes it easy for families, students or work teams of up to 10 to wirelessly stay connected with the same 3G or 4G LTE connection.

This convenient mobile broadband device requires no software to install and offers advanced on-device security features to keep data and wireless service protected. An easy-to-use, on-device menu and intuitive navigation keys puts important information, such as battery status, signal strength and connected devices, at the user’s fingertips. The web interface provides additional information including data usage and power management options.

MiFi 500 LTE offers a powerful 1,800mAh battery with an average of up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. It also features GPS functionality over Wi-Fi, multiple security protocols and other advanced features required by many corporate customers.

International Sprint LTE Hotspot

Sierra Wireless’ AirCard® mobile broadband devices, including mobile hotspots, USB modems, associated accessories and software, are now part of the NETGEAR® family. Thinner than a hockey puck, NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot is Sprint’s first CDMA/LTE mobile hotspot to boast international roaming capabilities via GSM. It is also Sprint’s first LCD touchscreen hotspot and first hotspot with both the device and packaging meeting Sprint’s stringent environmental specifications.

NETGEAR Zing makes it easy to get work started quickly with access to the Sprint 3G or 4G LTE networks within seconds and real-time access to company resources, networks and data. The entire family can stay entertained on the go with high speed data for up to 10 users on Wi-Fi capable devices, such as laptops, eReaders, gaming devices, music players and tablets.

With a 2,500mAh battery, NETGEAR Zing allows users to remain connected for up to 10 hours of typical use. Users of the device can also manage connections and change network or device settings directly from the touchscreen. Additional settings are accessible through the web user interface.

First Tri-Band LTE USB Plug-In Modem

For those who prefer a plug-in option, NETGEAR 341U USB Modem will be Sprint’s first tri-band LTE-capable USB modem. This small yet powerful device features a built-in LCD screen display to monitor connection status, signal strength and data usage with a quick glance.

With no software to install or start-up delay, NETGEAR 341U USB Modem makes it easy to get work done on the go. Download large presentations, stream video, and keep up with email without having to hunt for a public Wi-Fi network anywhere within Sprint’s expanding 4G LTE or nationwide 3G footprints. Best of all, it provides flexibility for mobile workers who want to configure security and network access to keep their data safe.

Smartphones from Samsung and LG with tri-band capability are expected to be available to Sprint customers before the end of the year.

For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, visit www.sprint.com/network. For detailed 4G LTE maps, visit www.sprint.com/coverage. Customers are encouraged to check back often because the maps will be updated whenever coverage is enhanced.

 

Come comment on this article: Three tri-band LTE devices announced by Sprint for this summer

Dan Rosenberg sent out a tweet this morning letting his followers know that he had successfully booted a custom recovery onto the Verizon version of the Galaxy S 4 and he is looking forward to the release.

If you’re going to be getting your Galaxy S 4 in the coming days you should keep a lookout for this method. We’ll be sure to update you once it’s public but we don’t know how long it will take for Verizon to issue a patch.

Source: Dan Rosenberg (@drjbliss)

Via: Droid Life

Come comment on this article: Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S 4 bootloader hacked, boots custom recovery

A new AnTuTu benchmark score has surfaced for a Samsung GT-N7200, believed to be the model number for the Galaxy Note III device. The test results, if accurate, show the device running Android 4.3 generated a score of almost 28,000. The device is thought to come with an Exynos 5 Octa chip, which tested considerably faster in a Samsung Galaxy S 4. It may be the device which tested at only 1.6 GHz has not yet been optimized as the Galaxy Note III is not expected to be released until later this year.

source: GSM Insider

Come comment on this article: AnTuTu Benchmark score for Samsung Galaxy Note III surfaces

Google did not say that the phone will never be available overseas, just that it will initially be launched only in the US, so there is still hope for the “Google edition” fans around the world.

Source: CNET UK

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S 4 with stock Android to launch only in US

Samsung and Verizon Wireless are holding a promotional event in New York City to celebrate the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S 4, which will be in stores for the first time on on Thursday. The event will be held from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday at the Bryant Park Verizon Wireless store on West 42nd Street in NYC.

Customers who purchase a Galaxy S 4 at the event will receive a free flipcover in their choice of black, white, pink, blue or green, while supplies last. The flipcovers can also be customized with etching in various themes and designs. Attendees can also participate in the “Samsung Galaxy Challenge” to test their current phone against the S4 for a chance to win a $25 Verizon gift card.

Come comment on this article: Verizon and Samsung hosting Galaxy S 4 promotional event Thursday in New York City

LG will be holding an ImaGination Begins event next week in Macau, where it has been confirmed the company will announce the LG Optimus G Pro for some new Asian markets. The device is currently available in the U.S. through AT&T and has been released in the Korean and Japanese markets. There was some thought that LG might release the Optimus GK, a smaller version of the Optimus G Pro, at the event.

source: Android Central

Come comment on this article: LG Optimus Pro G confirmed for May 30th ImaGination event in Macau

LG will be holding an ImaGination Begins event next week in Macau, where it has been confirmed the company will announce the LG Optimus G Pro for some new Asian markets. The device is currently available in the U.S. through AT&T and has been released in the Korean and Japanese markets. There was some thought that LG might release the Optimus GK, a smaller version of the Optimus G Pro, at the event.

source: Android Central

Come comment on this article: LG Optimus Pro G confirmed for May 30th ImaGination event in Macau