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ZTE to make Boost Mobile debut with the ZTE Warp

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ZTE, a company that we primarily see across the lake in places like Korea, has decided to give the U.S. some love with their newly announced “ZTE Warp.” The company is debuting the new device on Boost mobile, and it comes with:

  • Android 2.3 Gingerbread
  • 4.3″ display
  • Micro SD support up to 32GB (2GB card included)
  • 1GHz CPU
  • 5MP rear camera w/ auto-focus and LED flash

ZTE also mentions that the Warp will come with Mobile ID for downloading and installing “ID Packs,” (apps, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers) as well as “Boost Zone,” a spot on the mobile device for Boost customers to pay their bills, access their accounts, etc. The ZTE Warp is expected to launch on Nov. 2, 2011 for $249.99. For full info, be sure to hit the press release below.

[spoiler show=”Press Release” hide=”Press Release”]Seeing is Believing When ZTE ‘Warps’ Together With Award-Winning, No Contract Service from Boost Mobile

Available beginning Nov. 2, ZTE Warp boasts the largest touchscreen and the highest megapixel camera in the Boost Mobile Android lineup

IRVINE, Calif. & RICHARDSON, Texas (BUSINESS WIRE), October 19, 2011 – Boost Mobile, ranked Highest in Customer Service Performance and Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers by J.D. Power and Associates1, and ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today introduced ZTE WarpTM, ZTE’s first smartphone offering for Boost Mobile.

Boasting a large 4.3-inch display, 5MP camera and Boost’s exclusive Mobile ID service, the addition of ZTE Warp complements Boost Mobile’s existing lineup of Android smartphone devices. Customers will benefit from a large screen that offers a vibrant viewing experience delivering great picture quality and rich content all powered by the Sprint Nationwide Network.

“Boost Mobile is very excited to partner with one of the fastest growing and largest handset makers in the world, to introduce the ZTE Warp,” said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. “ZTE Warp delivers a powerful Android device for Boost Mobile customers searching for a big screen experience to capture and view higher quality photos and video.”

Featuring Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a 1GHz processor and an expandable memory slot that supports microSD cards up to 32GB (2GB card included), ZTE Warp’s chipset and memory configuration supports everyday functions, multitasking and data-intensive applications. Its 5MP camera with auto-focus and LED flash allows for user-friendly, point-and-shoot photography.

Additional key specifications on ZTE Warp:

  • GPS-enabled
  • Stereo Bluetooth® technology
  • Easy access to Gmail™ and Google Talk™
  • Wireless Web enabled

Mobile ID and Boost Zone

ZTE Warp also comes preloaded with Mobile ID, an exclusive service from Boost that allows customers to download and install “ID packs.” The packs deliver a complete mobile experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, in a few simple clicks. ID packs are designed to meet a customer’s individual lifestyle or interests, such as sports, entertainment, fitness and music. ID packs that can be loaded on the device include MTV Music Pack, E!, Socially Connected, Professional, Entertainment, Lo2Yo Latino, Lo2Yo Mujer and Lo2Yo Futbol.

Additionally, ZTE Warp is the first Android device in the Boost Mobile lineup to feature ‘Boost Zone,’ a centralized place on the device where Boost Mobile customers can access their account, pay their bill, get assistance with their phone, and stay up-to-date on Boost Mobile’s products and services. Boost Zone will be coming soon to all Boost Mobile Android devices.

“ZTE knows there is a market for customers who want to explore the benefits of a smartphone but do not want to make a significant cost commitment to a device or service plan,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA, and president, North America Region, ZTE. “Boost Mobile, with its award-winning service and customer experience, is an important partner for us as we work to put the most popular technologies into more consumers’ hands.”

Pricing and availability

ZTE Warp will be available Nov. 2 for $249.99 (excluding taxes) at Boost Mobile’s exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations across the country and at http://www.boostmobile.com with free shipping.

ZTE Warp customers also have the opportunity to take advantage of Boost Mobile’s $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinkage where the longer you stay, the less you pay. For every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile’s Android Monthly Unlimited plan will shrink by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.

Phone insurance

Customers can also protect their ZTE Warp and other Boost Mobile Android devices with phone insurancethat is now available for Boost Monthly Unlimited customers. For $5 per month customers are covered if their device breaks, is lost, stolen or damaged – even by liquid. Go to http://www.boostmobile.com for more information.

About Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands and recently recognized by J.D. Power as Highest Ranked in Customer Service Performance and Purchase Experience Among Non-Contract Wireless Providers, offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage no-contract service where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 278 million people, and on the Nextel National Network, reaching more than 278 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from Motorola, Sanyo, Research In Motion (RIM) and Samsung, ranging from entry-level to high-end devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Family Dollar, Walgreens and Walmart, Sprint retail stores, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at MySpaceFacebook and Twitter; and purchase products athttp://www.boostmobile.com.

About ZTE USA

ZTE USA is a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions. ZTE USA is dedicated to making quality communications technology accessible to all. The company draws on more than 25 years of experience and research investment to deliver smart, affordable, quality choices for infrastructure and mobile data device customers nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.zteusa.com.

About ZTE

ZTE is a publicly listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to more than 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21 percent increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visithttp://www.zte.com.cn.

1Boost Mobile ranks highest in Customer Service Performance among no-contract service providers, with an overall score of 763, and performs highest in phone contacts that originate in the automated response systems channel and are then transferred to a live service representative and through phone calls made directly to a customer service representative. The 2011 Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Study – Volume 2 is based on responses from 1,460 wireless customers who contacted their carrier’s customer care department within the past six months. The study was fielded from January through June 2011.
[/spoiler]

Google Unwraps Ice Cream Sandwich

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It’s finally here. Google has officially taken the paper wrapper off Ice Cream Sandwich. Now confirmed as Android 4.0, ICS bring a stunning new user interface that’s definitely not lacking  in the polish department, ICS may just be the biggest change since the unveiling of Eclair (Android 2.0) in 2009.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Arrives

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BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE ANNOUNCEMENTS LIVE AT ANDROIDGUYS.COM/LIVE

The wait is over and we’re finally official.  Samsung and Google have announced the next generation of Android and “Pure Google” with the Galaxy Nexus.  Specifications fall directly in line with the last minute rumors and include the dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display, 16 or 32GB storage and 1GB RAM. There’s a lot more to it than just the specs. Google seems to have some nice

Pricing for the Galaxy Nexus has not been announced yet. 

T-Mobile Formally Announces LG DoublePlay for Holiday Season

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T-Mobile and LG have announced that the unconventional “dual-screen” QWERTY handset, the DoublePlay, will be available in the coming weeks. Powered by Android 2.3 and featuring a full sliding, split QWERTY keyboard, the LG phone boasts a 2.5-inch display on the exterior with a 2.0-inch screen on the inside.

On the software front, the DoublePlay offers Swype virtual keyboard, Group Text (communicate multiple people at one time), and Cloud Text (send and receive text across other platforms).

Officially, T-Mobile tells us the DoublePlay will be here “in time for the holiday season” and come in a Truffle color.  Unofficially, we’re expecting to see this debut for November 2nd and carry a $149.99 price tag.  Full press release after the break.

Cricket Announces $179.99 Samsung Transfix

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Cricket Communications has announced their next Android endeavor today, the Android 2.3-powered Samsung Transfix. Available immediately for $179.99, the phone features an 800MHz processor, 3.2-inch display, 3.2-megapixel camera, and a full sliding QWERTY keyboard. Cricket seems to really be ratcheting up their Android roster, having also recently announcing the Samsung Vitality and the Huawei Ascend II back in July.

Hit the break for the press release and another photo, if that’s your thing.

AT&T Announces Samsung Captivate Glide

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That didn’t take very long!  We just got done covering the rumors of a Samsung Captivate Glyde when AT&T has to go and get all official on us.  As you’ve heard by now, AT&T has unveiled five new Android devices at the stroke of midnight, ushering in CTIA Fall 2011.  One of the phones on the roadmap is none other than the Samsung Captivate Glide, an Android 2.3-powered sliding QWERTY.

Details are exactly what we had expected and look to closely resemble the Stratosphere just unveiled by Verizon, if not a touch better.  Specifications include a 4.0-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, a dual-core 1GHz processor, and 8-megapixel camera.  Like the version hitting Big Red this week, the Captivate Glide features business-minded applications and services.

Verizon Announces 4G LTE-Ready Samsung Stratosphere

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Verizon and Samsung announced their latest collaboration this morning, tapping the 4G LTE-ready Stratosphere with a $150 price tag and October 13th launch.  Arriving as the carrier’s first smartphone to feature both 4G LTE support and a sliding QWERTY keyboard, the handset closely mimics the Epic 4G of Sprint.

Hardware includes a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, a 1GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera, 5-row sliding QWERTY keyboard, and your other Android requisites.  Powered by Gingerbread and loaded with a number of business-friendly applications, the Samsung Stratosphere should also appeal to your average consumer types who love to text and email.

T-Mobile Officially Announces the LG myTouch and myTouch Q

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Today T-Mobile announced the LG myTouch and myTouch Q. You may remember the duo from last months T-Mobile Youtube slip, which left us wondering about the possibility of one device having a QWERTY keyboard. Well, no more guessing, it’s now official. There’s the LG myTouch, which will not have a physical keyboard and the myTouch Q, which will be equipped with a QWERTY keyboard.

Both devices will be running Android 2.3 and rocking a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 5MP camera with 720p video, and a Genius button. Besides the Q having a physical keyboard, it will also sport a smaller 3.5 inch touchscreen, while the myTouch will have a 3.8 inch touchscreen. The Q will also lack the front facing camera and T-Mobile Video Chat which comes on the myTouch version. Both devices will feature T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 4G and be available to purchase in one of two colors. The myTouch will be offered in either black or white, while the myTouch Q will come in either gray or violet. I guess they are assuming more females use physical keyboards than males? I think they’re right…

There’s no mention of price or release date but they’re definitely coming. Anyone interested in a LG myTouch series? Let us know what you think of T-Mobile’s latest offerings.

Source: Android Central

[spoiler show=”Press Release”]BELLEVUE, Wash. —Oct. 6, 2011— T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of the new T-Mobile® myTouch® and the T-Mobile® myTouch® Q, both by LG, as the latest Android™-powered smartphones to join T-Mobile’s line of myTouch products running on America’s Largest 4G Network®. The myTouch and myTouch Q, designed to be easily set-up on the first day and continue to be easy to use, are perfect for individuals adopting the benefits of smartphones for the first-time.

The myTouch and myTouch Q are designed with a number of features that make them approachable, including the option of two different styles of hardware to suit customer needs: the myTouch touts a 3.8-inch touch screen and a virtual keyboard with Swype®, while the myTouch Q is equipped with a 3.5-inch touch screen plus a physical slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.

To help customers not only get up and running and keep running, the myTouch and myTouch Q offer a number of useful tools, including the following:

Set-up Wizard: Simple instructions for quick e-mail and social network integration

Tips Widget: A quick “how-to” providing an overview of the available device features, including a collection of instructional videos

Genius Button™: One-shot voice commands to call, text, or search the Web all with the press of a button

“When moving to their first smartphone, customers want a simple and uncomplicated experience without compromising on quality,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA. “With the introduction of these new myTouch smartphones paired with our worry-free data plans and fast 4G network, we’re making it easier than ever to step up to 4G experiences.”

Both devices are powered by Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread) and a 1GHz Qualcomm® processor giving customers the power and functionality they desire. Additionally, the myTouch and myTouch Q are equipped with advanced multimedia features, including a 5-megapixel camera and 720p HD video recorder for capturing photos and videos while on the go. The myTouch also includes a front-facing camera with access to T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik™ for face-to-face video chat.

With access to T-Mobile’s 4G network*, the myTouch and myTouch Q allow customers to browse the Web, access email and social networking services, download free and paid applications through Android Market™, and much more. Both devices also offer built-in entertainment applications, including T-Mobile® TV in Mobile HD, Netflix® and YouTube® for real-time mobile video streaming and on-demand TV and movies.

Availability

The T-Mobile myTouch is offered in two colors – either black or white – and the T-Mobile myTouch Q is offered in two colors – either gray or violet. Both phones, exclusively from
T-Mobile, are expected to be available in time for the holiday season. Customers can visit http://www.T-Mobile.com for more information.

*T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 4G network not available everywhere. See coverage details at http://www.t-mobile.com.

1Mobile HD TV can deliver a bitrate of 800kbps and 16:9 resolution; the bitrate & resolution you experience will vary based on many factors, e.g., programming, network connection, & device.[/spoiler]

Samsung Announces Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus

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Samsung has added another model to their growing roster (Galaxy Tab 10.1Galaxy Tab 8.9 and recently the Galaxy Tab 7.7) of Android tablets this morning, unveiling the Galaxy Tab 7 Coming in thinner and weighing less than its predecessor, specifications include a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 7-inch display (1024×600), 1GB RAM, and a pair of cameras (3-megapixel/2-megapixel).

Unlike the first generation, Samsung has opted to install Honeycomb 3.2 (with Touchwiz), a smart route considering the growing number of apps and games. Additional specs include Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, GPS, and 3G support.  Look for the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus in 16GB and 32GB flavors.

Entry-Level HTC Explorer Officially Announced

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HTC has officially announced the stylish, pint-sized Explorer today, tossing it online and tapping it with a fourth quarter overseas release. As we expected this phone will be available in a variety of color options and feature some entry-level hardware under the hood. Following in the path of the HTC Rhyme, the Explorer looks to be more about function and features rather than the specs. The phone runs Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread with HTC Sense 3.5 custom interface.

On the subject of hardware, the Explorer offers consumers a 3.2-inch HVGA (320×480) display, a 600MHz processor, 512MB RAM, and a 3.0-megapixel camera. Certainly not the type of phone you replace your current device with but definitely appealing to new smart phone buyers.

In terms of color options, there are three to choose from: Metallic Black, Active Black and Metallic Navy. Should you want to jazz it up a bit more, you can pick up one of the optional back covers: Metallic Blue, Metallic Orange, Metallic White and Metallic Purple.

Hit the break to check out a few additional shots of the HTC Explorer as well as a few videos demonstrating the phone in action.