MetroPCS bolstered their smartphone lineup with the Huawei Ascend, previously available only to Cricket Wireless customers. The $179.99 handset ran Android 2.1, featured a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen, a 3.2-megapixel camera and camcorder, Wi-Fi, and nine customizable home screens. MetroPCS’s no-contract smartphone plans started at $50 per month, making the Ascend an appealing entry-level option for holiday shoppers moving up from a feature phone.











