Author: Sean Stewart

To say that Samsung’s Galaxy lineup is ‘diverse’ is a huge understatement. More evidence of Samsung overtaking every level of the smartphone lineup is the soon-to-be-announced Samsung Galaxy Pocket Neo. As the name suggests, this little fella will be pint-sized. It’ll come in two versions: with and without dual SIM capability. This new device is very similar to the Pocket Plus as well as last year’s Galaxy Pocket which raises a little bit of confusion.

The Pocket Neo is said to launch with a 3-inch display (320 x 240) with QVGA resolution and a 2 megapixel camera. Again, these vitals are not much different, if at all, from the Pocket Plus or last year’s Pocket for that matter aside from the 4.1 Jelly Bean OS. The only color offering rumored at launch for the Pocket Neo will be silver, at least initially. We’re thinking maybe since it’s very similar to the Pocket Plus, that maybe the Neo is being targeted in emerging markets.

source: SamMobile

Come comment on this article: Low-range Samsung Galaxy Pocket Neo slated for May launch

Sprint seems to be getting into the ‘green’ movement. The nation’s third largest carrier announced a new program they’re calling “Bring Your Own Sprint Device.” Their hope is to lessen the large amount of phones that get deposited into landfills each year by offering customers with idle Sprint phones the ability to use those devices on Virgin and Boost Mobile.

Along with the nod to the environment, this plan will also help budget conscious customers by offering more options on the pre-paid front. As to which Sprint phones will be compatible with Boost and Virgin? It hasn’t been announced as of yet, and there will definitely be a list of requirements that each device must meet. We’ll provide an update as soon as that official list of devices is published.

source:  Sprint

Come comment on this article: Sprint Devices Soon Officially Compatible on Boost and Virgin Mobile Networks

The Jelly Bean 4.1.2 footprint just got a little larger over night. Reports from XDA members began coming in last night that the AT&T Sony Xperia TL is seeing the 4.1.2 upgrade. These upgrades do appear to be coming via PC Companion however, rather than OTA. From the posts, users are reporting a more fluid user interface and a more reliable WiFi connection. These features are of course in addition to all the standard Jelly Bean features such as Google Now and Project Butter. Additionally there are a few camera tweaks included in the update, including an HDR feature, however burst mode was not added. Go grab it if manually downloading your updates via PC Companion are your thing. Otherwise let us know when you see that OTA update or if you can access the update from your About Phone software update option.

source:  XDA

Come comment on this article: AT&T Sony Xperia TL Jelly Bean Update Available Now

By now we’re sure you’re all well aware that it’s now illegal to unlock a device for use on another network. Well, enter the FCC into the fray. They have stepped up to look out for our best interests, so it appears. The FCC will begin their investigation on whether this law is actually harmful to market competitiveness and thus hindering innovation.

Prior to the ban that went into effect on January 26, users were free to unlock their devices for whatever reason they wished. Now that same act will result in legal ramifications. FCC chairman, Julius Genachowski, mentioned that he’s not quite sure of his authority in this situation, but he did say that he will try to use his platform to reverse the decision. Let’s hope Mr. Genachowski chalks one up for the good guys.

source:  TechCrunch

Come comment on this article: FCC Investigation Ensues After Cell Phone Unlocking Ban