The Verge - LTE phones at CES 2012: Lumia 900, Ion, Titan II, Spectrum, and more!

Joe Belfiore interview: Windows Phone will compete on quality, not specs

2012-01-11T23:24:45Z

Microsoft's Joe Belfiore, VP for Windows Phone, dropped by our CES HQ this week to discuss Microsoft's mobile future. He was classically reluctant to reveal the specifics of that future, though he did say that the words Tango and Apollo "sound nice." He did share his thoughts on how Windows Phone differs from iOS and Android, positioning it as the happy balance between the two leaders in mobile software. You get the greater variety of Android with the reassurance of tighter quality control that Apple offers. Quality, in fact, was the overriding theme of what Joe had to say. According to him, having a better user experience is what will differentiate Windows Phone from the competition, not extreme specs or barrel-scraping prices.

MetroPCS expands LTE offerings with Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G, LG Connect 4G

2012-01-09T22:59:04Z

Two new Android handsets will soon be destined for MetroPCS, as the company has today announced plans to offer both the Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G and LG Connect 4G. Together they serve as the latest LTE-enabled additions to the carrier's lineup. Samsung's Galaxy Attain carries a 3.5-inch display and is powered by a 1GHz processor. Both front and rear cameras are on board the Gingerbread phone, at resolutions of 1.3 and 3 megapixels, respectively. MetroPCS users on the $50 / $60 service plans will have exclusive dibs on the device, which will be priced at $200 for a limited time.

At first glance, LG's Connect 4G fares a bit better in the spec category with its 4-inch Gorilla Glass display, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, and five-megapixel...

Pantech Burst hands-on pictures and video

2012-01-09T21:12:43Z

The Pantech Burst is a $49.99 on-contract Android phone that runs on AT&T's LTE network. It represents a return to smartphones for Pantech, which has been focusing mainly on "Quick Messaging Devices" for the past year or so. The Burst isn't exactly an ambitious re-entrance, though the price is notable. The other specs overachieve at this price as much as the LTE radio does: a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen (though only at 480 x 800 pixels).

Pantech has applied a skin to Android here that looks a bit like a throwback to earlier versions of TouchWiz, although there is an enhanced lock screen that will allow you to jump directly into one of five apps. It will be available on January 22nd, but if you like you can...

HTC Titan II for AT&T first hands-on

2012-01-09T19:40:22Z

In the wake of AT&T's monster device announcement this morning spanning multiple Android and Windows Phone devices, we're embedded with HTC to take a first look at the Titan II. The phone bears a striking resemblance to the Titan of old as you might expect, but it's got that wild "16 Megapixels" label on back. It feels both like the old Titan and also a number of other 4-inch-plus HTCs of recent memory — the Thunderbolt comes immediately to mind — and it definitely trends toward the thick end of the spectrum. Odds are that has to do with at least three things here: the LTE radio, a big battery, and the SLCD display, which requires more girth than its AMOLED counterparts.

So, what about the camera? The jury's still out until we can...

HTC's LTE Titan II: first LTE Windows Phone coming to AT&T

2012-01-09T19:11:47Z

The Titan II is going to be the first LTE Windows Phone available in the USA. It sports a gigantic 16-megapixel camera with 720p video, dual LED flash, a 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor, and a huge 4.7-inch WVGA display (the largest of any Windows Phone). In addition to the high-resolution sensor — to put this in comparison, Nikon's flagship D4 shoots 16.2-megapixel photos — the phone also features a number of other features aimed at photographers, such as panorama and burst modes, and image stabilization, although it's not clear if this will be the optical or digital variety.

Pantech Element for AT&T LTE now official

2012-01-09T18:57:04Z

Sitting in a glass tank of water is a nice touch. The inexpensive, waterproof Pantech Element Android tablet was just announced at the AT&T developer summit. Not much of a surprise, given it popped up at an AT&T store earlier this week. The tablet features an 8-inch XGA display, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor, and can handle 100Mbps download and 50Mbps upload. It has a unique motor for vibration that apparently hasn't yet been used on a tablet. You can get both the Element and the Pantech Burst phone for $249.99 when you sign a contract for both devices.

AT&T announces Pantech Burst and Samsung Exhilarate LTE phones, both cost less than $50

2012-01-09T18:55:35Z

AT&T just announced at its Developer Summit two LTE phones that will cost less than $50 on contract. First up is the Pantech Burst, which will have a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen, and comes in either black or red. There's also the Samsung Exhilarate, which is being described as the first "sustainable" LTE device. AT&T says the phone is constructed from 80 percent recycled post-consumer materials, and it has an Eco calendar and calculator to help you figure out how green (or not) you are.

You'll be able to purchase the Pantech Burst alongside the Element tablet (which was also announced today) for $249.99 if you buy a contract for both devices. Clearly, AT&T is looking to lower the price of entry and get more people on its expanding LTE...

AT&T announces Samsung Skyrocket HD with LTE, AMOLED display, removable battery

2012-01-09T18:47:34Z

AT&T has just announced the Skyrocket HD at its Developers Summit. Technically it's called the Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD, and it's one of AT&T's first LTE devices. It's got a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, removable battery, AMOLED display, and an enclosure described by AT&T chief Ralph De La Vegas as being "razor thin." There aren't any other announced specs, but official press images reveal an 8 megapixel rear camera and a front-facing companion of unknown resolution.