Samsung Epic 4G (Galaxy S)
Sprint Intros iD Pack for Seniors
Sprint today announced the availability of a new Sprint iD pack that is aimed at making smartphones easier to use for seniors. The Active Senior ID pack includes 20 applications and services that Sprint believes can help to improve the smartphone experience for older users. For example, it includes access to WebMD, the AARP, MedsTimer, and a fall detector, among other services. The Active Senior ID pack is available on select handsets, including the LG Viper, Optimus Elite, and Marquee; the Motorola Photon 4G; the Samsung Galaxy Victory, Conquer 4G, Epic 4G, Galaxy S II, and Transform; the Kyocera Rise; and the ZTE Fury. The Sprint iD pack is free.
Apple Asks Court to Ban 8 Samsung Phones
In the wake of its courtroom victory against Samsung, Apple today asked the court to ban sales of eight Samsung devices found to infringe on its design and other patents. The devices include the Galaxy S 4G, S2 (AT&T and T-Mobile), S2 Skyrocket, S2 Epic 4G, S Showcase, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Prevail. Apple is hoping the court will grant a preliminary ban on these devices while seeking a final, permanent injunction barring their sale in the U.S. A San Jose jury found Samsung guilty of willful infringement of Apple's intellectual property and awarded it damages of more than $1 billion. Samsung is preparing to challenge the verdict.
Voyager Mobile Launching May 15 with $19 Pre-Paid Plan
Voyager Mobile today announced that its no-contract wireless services will be available starting May 15. Voyager is a new company that has leased access to Sprint's EVDO 3G and WiMax 4G networks and is offering two service plans. The first plan costs $19 per month and includes unlimited talk and text. The second plan costs $39 per month and includes unlimited talk, text, and data. Both plans are pre-paid, but do not include local, state, and federal taxes. According to Voyager, the company will sell most of the popular Android devices that are available from Sprint, such as the Motorola Photon 4G, Samsung Galaxy Epic 4G Touch, Motorola XPRT, and others. Voyager Mobile will also offer two USB dongles, a mobile hotspot, and Android-based tablets from HTC and ZTE. The company will have a web-based sales footprint in 18 states on May 15, and will eventually be available across the U.S. in the coming weeks. Voyager Mobile hopes its products will be available in various nationwide retail locations in the future.
Sprint Pushing Maintenance Updates to Android Phones
Sprint has begun distributing system updates to the HTC EVO 4G, Samsung Epic 4G, and HTC EVO Design 4G smartphones. The updates remove Carrier IQ's software, as well as fixes bugs, boosts performance, and resolves security issues. The updates are being distributed over the course of the next 10 days.
Sprint Offering White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch
Sprint today announced that a white version of the Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch will be available starting Sunday, January 8 for $199.99 with a new two-year agreement.
ITC Agrees to Hear Apple's Complaints Against Samsung
The U.S. International Trade Commission today voted in favor of investigating Apple's patent and design complaints made against Samsung. In April, Apple sued Samsung alleging the company "slavishly" copied its designs and violated its smartphone and tablet patents. In July, Apple filed a complaint with the ITC, seeking to block Samsung from importing the infringing devices (a number of Android-based smartphones) into the country. The ITC will explore Apple's claims and see if an injunction against Samsung is warranted. Samsung has filed a similar complaint with the ITC against Apple, and also countersued Apple both in the U.S. and abroad.
Hands-On with Samsung's Galaxy S Phones for the US
Hands-on with the new Samsung Galaxy S series phone, including the Captivate for AT&T, Fascinate for Verizon, Epic 4G for Sprint, and Vibrant for T-Mobile.
