HTC’s EVO 3D is the successor to the EVO 4G for Sprint. What this meansis that a 3D variant of the HTC DESIRE HD is in the works, possibly with similar specs
[Read]
BGR has been able to get hold of specs revolving around the launch of the EVO 3D and EVO VIEW 4G tablets at CTIA this year. Specs for the EVO 3D include
The EVO VIEW 4G which is HTC Flyer meant for SPrints networks will have the following specs:-
US Telecom giant At&T will buy rival company T-mobile from Deutsche Telekom for a whopping $39 Billion. At the end of this deal, AT&T will have a total of 130 million Subscribers making it the largest company in the United States. In the Deal the German company will be getting $25 billion in cash and $14 billion in stock, giving it an 8 percent stake in AT&T .
Read the full PR
AT&T to Acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom
Provides Fast, Efficient and Certain Solution to Impending Spectrum Exhaust Challenges Facing AT&T and T-Mobile USA in Key Markets Due to Explosive Demand for Mobile Broadband
Enhances Network Capacity, Output and Quality in Near Term for Both Companies’ Customers
AT&T Commits to Expand 4G LTE Deployment to an Additional 46.5 Million Americans, Including in Rural, Smaller Communities, for a Total of 294 Million or 95% of the U.S. Population
Provides 4G LTE Service for T-Mobile USA’s 34 Million Subscribers
More Than $8 Billion in Incremental Infrastructure Spend by a U.S. Company over Seven Years, Enabling Nation’s High-Tech Industry, Innovation and Economic Growth
Creates Substantial Value for AT&T Shareholders Through Large, Straightforward Synergies
DALLAS & BONN, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Deutsche Telekom AG (FWB: DTE) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom in a cash-and-stock transaction currently valued at approximately $39 billion. The agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies.
“This transaction represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand critical infrastructure for our nation’s future.”
AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile USA provides an optimal combination of network assets to add capacity sooner than any alternative, and it provides an opportunity to improve network quality in the near term for both companies’ customers. In addition, it provides a fast, efficient and certain solution to the impending exhaustion of wireless spectrum in some markets, which limits both companies’ ability to meet the ongoing explosive demand for mobile broadband.
With this transaction, AT&T commits to a significant expansion of robust 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) deployment to 95 percent of the U.S. population to reach an additional 46.5 million Americans beyond current plans – including rural communities and small towns. This helps achieve the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and President Obama’s goals to connect “every part of America to the digital age.” T-Mobile USA does not have a clear path to delivering LTE.
“This transaction represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand critical infrastructure for our nation’s future,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T Chairman and CEO. “It will improve network quality, and it will bring advanced LTE capabilities to more than 294 million people. Mobile broadband networks drive economic opportunity everywhere, and they enable the expanding high-tech ecosystem that includes device makers, cloud and content providers, app developers, customers, and more. During the past few years, America’s high-tech industry has delivered innovation at unprecedented speed, and this combination will accelerate its continued growth.”
Stephenson continued, “This transaction delivers significant customer, shareowner and public benefits that are available at this level only from the combination of these two companies with complementary network technologies, spectrum positions and operations. We are confident in our ability to execute a seamless integration, and with additional spectrum and network capabilities, we can better meet our customers’ current demands, build for the future and help achieve the President’s goals for a high-speed, wirelessly connected America.”
Deutsche Telekom Chairman and CEO René Obermann said, “After evaluating strategic options for T-Mobile USA, I am confident that AT&T is the best partner for our customers, shareholders and the mobile broadband ecosystem. Our common network technology makes this a logical combination and provides an efficient path to gaining the spectrum and network assets needed to provide T-Mobile customers with 4G LTE and the best devices. Also, the transaction returns significant value to Deutsche Telekom shareholders and allows us to retain exposure to the U.S. market.”
As part of the transaction, Deutsche Telekom will receive an equity stake in AT&T that, based on the terms of the agreement, would give Deutsche Telekom an ownership interest in AT&T of approximately 8 percent. A Deutsche Telekom representative will join the AT&T Board of Directors.
Competition and Pricing
The U.S. wireless industry is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world and will remain so after this deal. The U.S. is one of the few countries in the world where a large majority of consumers can choose from five or more wireless providers in their local market. For example, in 18 of the top 20 U.S. local markets, there are five or more providers. Local market competition is escalating among larger carriers, low-cost carriers and several regional wireless players with nationwide service plans. This intense competition is only increasing with the build-out of new 4G networks and the emergence of new market entrants.
The competitiveness of the market has directly benefited consumers. A 2010 report from the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) states the overall average price (adjusted for inflation) for wireless services declined 50 percent from 1999 to 2009, during a period which saw five major wireless mergers.
Addresses wireless spectrum challenges facing AT&T, T-Mobile USA, their customers, and U.S. policymakers
This transaction quickly provides the spectrum and network efficiencies necessary for AT&T to address impending spectrum exhaust in key markets driven by the exponential growth in mobile broadband traffic on its network. AT&T’s mobile data traffic grew 8,000 percent over the past four years and by 2015 it is expected to be eight to 10 times what it was in 2010. Put another way, all of the mobile traffic volume AT&T carried during 2010 is estimated to be carried in just the first six to seven weeks of 2015. Because AT&T has led the U.S. in smartphones, tablets and e-readers – and as a result, mobile broadband – it requires additional spectrum before new spectrum will become available. In the long term, the entire industry will need additional spectrum to address the explosive growth in demand for mobile broadband.
Improves service quality for U.S. wireless customers
AT&T and T-Mobile USA customers will see service improvements – including improved voice quality – as a result of additional spectrum, increased cell tower density and broader network infrastructure. At closing, AT&T will immediately gain cell sites equivalent to what would have taken on average five years to build without the transaction, and double that in some markets. The combination will increase AT&T’s network density by approximately 30 percent in some of its most populated areas, while avoiding the need to construct additional cell towers. This transaction will increase spectrum efficiency to increase capacity and output, which not only improves service, but is also the best way to ensure competitive prices and services in a market where demand is extremely high and spectrum is in short supply.
Expands 4G LTE deployment to 95 percent of U.S. population – urban and rural areas
This transaction will directly benefit an additional 46.5 million Americans – equivalent to the combined populations of the states of New York and Texas – who will, as a result of this combination, have access to AT&T’s latest 4G LTE technology. In terms of area covered, the transaction enables 4G LTE deployment to an additional 1.2 million square miles, equivalent to 4.5 times the size of the state of Texas. Rural and smaller communities will substantially benefit from the expansion of 4G LTE deployment, increasing the competitiveness of the businesses and entrepreneurs in these areas.
Increases AT&T’s investment in the U.S.
The acquisition will increase AT&T’s infrastructure investment in the U.S. by more than $8 billion over seven years. Expansion of AT&T’s 4G LTE network is an important foundation for the next wave of innovation and growth in mobile broadband, ensuring the U.S. continues to lead the world in wireless technology and availability. It makes T-Mobile USA, currently a German-owned U.S. telecom network, part of a U.S.-based company.
An impressive, combined workforce
Bringing AT&T and T-Mobile USA together will create an impressive workforce that is best positioned to compete in today’s global economy. Post-closing, AT&T intends to tap into the significant knowledge and expertise held by employees of both AT&T and T-Mobile USA to succeed. AT&T is the only major U.S. wireless company with a union workforce, offering leading wages, benefits, training and development for employees. The combined company will continue to have a strong employee and operations base in the Seattle area.
Consistent with AT&T’s track record of value-enhancing acquisitions
AT&T has a strong track record of executing value-enhancing acquisitions and expects to create substantial value for shareholders through large, straightforward synergies with a run rate of more than $3 billion, three years after closing onward (excluding integration costs). The value of the synergies is expected to exceed the purchase price of $39 billion. Revenue synergies come from opportunities to increase smartphone penetration and data average revenue per user, with cost savings coming from network efficiencies, subscriber and support savings, reduced churn and avoided capital and spectrum expenditures.
The transaction will enhance margin potential and improve the company’s long-term revenue growth potential as it benefits from a more robust mobile broadband platform for new services.
Additional financial information
The $39 billion purchase price will include a cash payment of $25 billion with the balance to be paid using AT&T common stock, subject to adjustment. AT&T has the right to increase the cash portion of the purchase price by up to $4.2 billion with a corresponding reduction in the stock component, so long as Deutsche Telekom receives at least a 5 percent equity ownership interest in AT&T.
The number of AT&T shares issued will be based on the AT&T share price during the 30-day period prior to closing, subject to a 7.5 percent collar; there is a one-year lock-up period during which Deutsche Telekom cannot sell shares.
The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash on AT&T’s balance sheet. AT&T has an 18-month commitment for a one-year unsecured bridge term facility underwritten by J.P. Morgan for $20 billion. AT&T assumes no debt from T-Mobile USA or Deutsche Telekom and continues to have a strong balance sheet.
The transaction is expected to be earnings (excluding non-cash amortization and integration costs) accretive in the third year after closing. Pro-forma for 2010, this transaction increases AT&T’s total wireless revenues from $58.5 billion to nearly $80 billion, and increases the percentage of AT&T’s total revenues from wireless, wireline data and managed services to approximately 80 percent.
This transaction will allow for sufficient cash flow to support AT&T’s dividend. AT&T has increased its dividend for 27 consecutive years, a matter decided by AT&T’s Board of Directors.
Conditions
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, a reverse breakup fee in certain circumstances, and other customary regulatory and other closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 12 months.
Advisors
Greenhill & Co., J.P. Morgan and Evercore Partners acted as financial advisors and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Arnold & Porter, and Crowell & Moring provided legal advice to AT&T.
Conference Call/Webcast
On Monday, March 21, 2011, at 8 a.m. ET, AT&T Inc. will host a live video and audio webcast presentation regarding its announcement to acquire T-Mobile USA. Links to the webcast and accompanying documents will be available on AT&T’s Investor Relations website. Please log in 15 minutes ahead of time to test your browser and register for the call.
For dial-in access, please dial +1 (888) 517-2464 within the U.S. or +1 (630) 827-6816 outside the U.S. after 7:30 a.m. ET. Enter passcode 8442095# to join or ask the conference call operator for the AT&T Investor Relations event.
The webcast will be available for replay on AT&T’s Investor Relations website on March 21, 2011, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET through April 21, 2011. An archive of the conference call will also be available during this time period. To access the recording, please dial +1 (877) 870-5176 within the U.S. or +1 (858) 384-5517 outside the U.S. and enter reservation code 29362481#.
Transaction Website
For more information on the transaction, including background information and factsheets, visit www.MobilizeEverything.com.
Companies spent hundreds of thousands of Crores in acquiring the 3G spectrum from a govt. of corrupt officials. Its been more than a couple of years since our country has been abuzz with talk about 3G networks and 3G data speeds.
While in first world countries like the United States, where total revenue from sale of handheld phones is 1/10 of the total revenue in India, Americans are talking about 5th gen networks and the rollout of Nation-wide LTE services, essentially standing on 4.5 G Networks.
Private players slowly yet steadily roll out 3G Services for consumers in India. Docomo and Reliance were among the first few GSM players to launch their 3G services, followed by Airtel and now Vodafone.
Vodafone was slow in the rollout of their 3G services, they claimed that they were “prep-ing the infrastructure”. To think once the service did roll out the users would get seamless 3G services, WRONG!
If you were upset with your network before rollout of 3G, get ready to pull your Hair! The immediate difference between 3G and 2G data connections, is that the minute you switch on 3G, your network will dwindle from 5 bars straight down to 1 bar. The phone will stop ringing, as the person on the other side gets a response ” this number is not reachable”. While you try all apparent Steve Jobs style poses, you will get absolutely no network coverage.
If by some grace of your beloved deity, you do get a strong signal, you will be appalled with the poor quality of 3G data connections, download speed is shaky and always from 240-800kbps, about half of minimum promised speeds.
Here is how Vodafone Fared in 5 tests carried out in different locations in Delhi.
1 South Delhi : Defence Colony Market : Download : 447 kbps : 2 bars
2. Central Delhi : CP central circle: Download : 723 kbps: 3bars
3. West Delhi : Punjabi Bagh: Download :200kbps : 1 bar
4. North Delhi : Kashmere Gate : Download 640kbps : 3bars
5. East Delhi : Mayur vihar : Download 989 kbps : 3 bars
In all cases phone call quality was poor, a lot of call drops, and the phone was mostly unreachable. We had to turn off 3G in several cases to make phone calls. Turning the phone from 3G mode to 2G boosts the network straight to 5Bars, after which one faces no call drops nor is the phone unreachable. Download speeds on Edge are a constant 144kbps in all 5 areas of the city.
For comparison purposes we also took a device which was 3G powered with State owned MTNL 3G JADOO services. And here is how MTNL fared in all the areas
So in comparison MTNL fared quite good and was able to deliver quite close to promised speeds, we also continued to get phone calls and did not face any call drops.
Lets do a Tariff comparison.
Vodafone has these offers
MTNL has the following in Delhi
But there is another interesting aspect to MTNL, they currently have a 4500 Rs scheme where you get unlimited data for 6 months at 3G speeds. Which basically kills all hopes for Vodafone or any other private player. There is a claimed 200GB/month limit, but even if you cross it you are not charged.
Conclusion
We have been waiting for 3G in India for too long, almost long enough to not care. If you can, then for 3G stay away from private players, especially in Delhi. Prices are exorbitant and service is poor. Network failure after network failure, not to forget 1/3 of the promised speeds. Companies will need to tighten up their quality if they want their consumers to stick else MNP will be quite handy for those who really want decent 3G quick.
[xrr rating=2/5 label=”We Rate Vodafone 3G” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]
Freddie Wong is a full of imagination Youtube publisher who in his latest video appears as Super Mario in First person shooter mode. Combine this with Xbox Kinect = epic exercise and massive headache. Check out the video and tell us if you would be inclined to play a game like this. All powerups and pole dancer included.
The Dell Streak WiFI , just popped up for pre-order on the AMAZON USA website. There is no information on when the device will actually ship , but it looks like atleast the price is up, which seems really attractive at US$ 380 or INR 17,500 approx.
[VIA AndroidOS.in]
[Amazon]
Sony Ericsson has just announced the Yendo for the Indian market, we decided not to bother with the news and straight roll out the full review of the Device.
Lets start with BUILD QUALITY
The Yendo is essentially or completely made out of plastic, the back, front, top and bottom is made out of plastic, it squeaks rattles and bothers us with its cheapness. Throwing it around on the other hand dint affect the phone much and seems like a good option for somebody who drops their phone a lot. So we have mixed views about the build, but styling was poor and it actually just looks like a toy.
Multimedia and Camera
The camera on the device is a decent 2MP fixed focus camera, that may solve emergency needs. But cannot be considered for day to day usage. The picture quality was OK, but lack of focus and poor low light composition was a let down for us.
The audio on the other hand was solid and the sound quality was loud and impressive. The sound was crisp and bass and mid were quite accurate. Video on the other hand played slow and lag after lag during the playback made us nauseous.
Another thing worth mentioning are the included Earphones on the handsfree kit. One word “brilliant” , you possibly can’t find better bundled earphones.
Phone and Messaging
The performance of the device during phone calls was best in class, sound was super-crisp on either end with no network issues what-so-ever. Messaging is also fast and simple, We do miss a full qwerty keyboard as the device only has a standard num-pad style keyboard. Overall impressive.
Conclusion
The device is capable of offering a lot more than it does, and leaves you asking why wasn’t it done? The Ui is slow, unresponsive and has poor color integration. The phones crashes and lags, is poorly designed inside and out. Our recommendation is stay as far away as you can from this phone unless you really-really like how this device looks (i don’t know how you can).
[xrr rating=2/5 label=”We Rate it” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]
Check out remaining pictures and full unbox+video review below
VIDEO
Samsung has just announced that the CDMA version of the Galaxy Pop , will be hitting shelves on 25th March 2011.
Specs of Samsung Galaxy Pop CDMA Include:
The price is set Same at MSRP of – INR 9750/-
We are trying to get a device for review, In the Meanwhile check out the review of the original POP
Here is the second in series of Touch and type phones from Nokia. The C3 check out the Unboxing Video Below and stay tuned for a full review.
We just got the two new Nokia Touch and Type Phones, The Nokia X3 and the Nokia C3.
Check out the video of Unboxing for the X3 below soon to be followed by the C3.
Hindustan Motors has launched the new Ambassador Grand, without much fanfare.
Main Improvements include
A whole set of new colors
All these features are still in the Year 2002-2004 era and don’t really step it up to the mark with current competition. The quality of controls and knows, spares and parts used is still cheap and hence, parts and repair/service of the car is extremely pocket friendly.
Either way the Ambassador will always stay a classic with our hearts, and will hopefully survive in the tough years to come.
Thanks : Vinay
Google has release a preview plugin that will enable WebM support on the recently released Internet Explorer 9. The plugin will enable WebM compatible content, a one time download is required.
Harman Audio has tried to regain its flavor by introducing the AKG GHS 1 Gaming Headset. The headset is foldable and is available in three color options. Harman headphones will deliver “realistic, dynamic sound” while also filtering out most background noise.
Priced at 80$ / 4000 INR approx.( seems like a decent price for a quality headset.)
Read the Press Release
HARMAN Debuts AKG® GHS-1 Headset Offering Realistic, Dynamic Sound for Ultimate Gaming Experience
For more information: www.harmanaudio.com/AKG-GHS1.
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), today announced the launch of the new AKG® GHS-1 portable gaming headset. Grenade explosions and rumbling jet engines will seem as if they are in your very own room when you have the brand-new portable gaming headset on your ears. Winner of the coveted Red Dot award for outstanding product design, the new GHS-1 headset brings PC gaming to a whole new level of realism, excitement, portability and comfort.
“The new GHS-1 headset is designed specifically for the gamer and features our innovative audio engineering built into a distinctive, long-lasting and intuitive design for the ideal gaming experience.”
“When you’re in an all-immersive entertainment experience such as gaming, we understand how important high-quality, realistic sound plays in the overall experience,” said David Slump, president, HARMAN Consumer Division. “The new GHS-1 headset is designed specifically for the gamer and features our innovative audio engineering built into a distinctive, long-lasting and intuitive design for the ideal gaming experience.”
Lightweight and designed for long-wearing comfort, the headset features a boom microphone that filters out background noise. Passive noise reduction effectively seals out most ambient sounds, providing for an undisturbed overall listening and gaming experience. The headset also features a cardioid (directional) boom microphone that filters out background noises, delivering a clear voice signal for every user.
The in-line microphone is also intelligently designed so that the volume can be conveniently adjusted right on the cable, which reduces the need for players to interact with the game console or other source throughout the game.
Availability
The AKG GHS-1 portable headset is available now in three color combinations: black and orange; white and green; and camouflage and blue for $79.95. For more information, please visit: www.harmanaudio.com/AKG-GHS1.
Product Features
* Lightweight, comfortable – allows for hours of continuous uses and reduces ear fatigue
* Cardioid (directional) boom microphone brings clear voice signal and filters out most background noises
* In-line volume control and microphone and on/off switch brings convenience by reducing the need to interact with the game console or other source
* 3D-Axis2 folding headband features easy portability by folding to compact size
* Passive noise reduction offers undistracted listening by effectively sealing out most ambient soundsAbout HARMAN
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010. The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.
© 2011 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
HAR-C
Nokia has been talking about the Tablet market since early 2010, and their latest patent filing suggests a N8 style tablet heading towards us. The question remains, if the device will actually run Symbian optimized for tablets or Windows Phone 7 for tablets.
The render Suggests a 9-10 inch tablets with a thickness around 12mm. The device also has sd card slots and 2 usb slots. Check out the patent images below.
Chinese site xda.cn has posted renders of the Pyramid’s front and rear, specs are also being thrown around :
Along with that there is also considerabe evidence and renders of the two new upcoming Windows phone devices from the Taiwanese giant.
Ignite, has a underclocked 1GHZ processor marked at 800MHz Qualcomm processor, a 3.7-inch display, and a 5 megapixel camera around back.
The Prime, however, has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and similar specs to the Ignite.
[xda.cn]