We’re at T-Mobile’s intimate myTouch event right now (we’re currently snuggling up with all four colors — white, black, red and purple), and here are our first-hand impressions:

• It feels good in the hand. The device is pretty slim, has a slight Android chin at the bottom, and all in all seems to be very solidly-built.
• The screen is beautiful, sharp and bright — but not as good as an AMOLED in our opinion.
• It rocks the myTouch UI that first appeared with the myTouch Slide, though it seems a bit more refined now.
• We’re currently watching Vincent from SlashGear and Sascha from PC Magazine try to establish a video call. It was unsuccessful at first, but it seems like they’re having way too much fun now that it’s working. Never mind, Sascha is yelling at the phone now.
• Watching a demo of the phone streaming video to a TV set was pretty cool. After some quick initial buffering, movies, photos and YouTube played effortlessly on the HDTV.

We’re pretty excited for the launch of the new myTouch. It’s packed with features and it nicely compliments T-Mobile’s stock Android G2 device as a younger-focused counterpart. Hit the jump for our full gallery, ok?

Click on over to our T-Mobile myTouch hands on gallery!

Listen up T-Mobile tetherers, we’ve just been sent in some intel that indicates America’s fourth largest carrier will begin to offer/charge for tethering on November 3rd. The Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing Add-On, which will have a monthly cost of $14.99, will allow customers to use their smartphones as a tethered modem or Wi-Fi hotspot. Starting on 11/3, in order to legally share your device’s internet connection on T-Mobile, you’ll need: a 3G or HSPA+ capable device, an unlimited web plan of $19.95 or higher, and the $14.99 tethering add-on. The offering will be available to both postpaid and Flex Pay customers who meet the above requirements. Hit the jump to check out the full memo and let us know what you think.

Thanks, K!

Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing Add-On Feature Launches November 3

Overview
On November 3, T-Mobile will launch a tethering and Wi-Fi sharing add-on feature.  This feature will allow customers to use their phone as a modem, enabling them to connect a computer or Wi-Fi capable device to the Web using our 3G or HSPA+ network.

By adding this add-on feature, which will cost $14.99/month, customers will gain access to the Web when they are on the go and wherever T-Mobile has coverage.  Although most customers will use their laptop to access our network through their device, they will also be able to connect using any Wi-Fi capable device, like gaming devices, non-T-Mobile tablets like the iPad, and music players. Customers can make the phone-as-modem connection using a USB cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi sharing.

Requirements

• Customers must have a 3G or HSPA+ compatible device to utilize the Tethering/Wi-Fi sharing feature.
• Customers must have an Unlimited Web feature with an MRC of $19.95 or higher.
• Customers must add the $14.99 Tethering/Wi-Fi add-on feature.
• This is a separate add-on feature and in addition to the Unlimited Web feature.
• Available for postpaid and FlexPay customers. Note: FlexPay customers will need to change their Unlimited Web feature in order for the new tethering add-on feature to work.

Right fitting
Tethering/Wi-Fi sharing will be ideal for customers who:

• Need occasional access to the Web using a PC or other device.
• Want a connection to the Web on-the-go, wherever T-Mobile has coverage.
• Don’t see the need or want the expense of a complete mobile broadband experience, like T-Mobile’s webConnect.  Note: customers who intend to use their laptops to access the Web frequently, or use a high amount of data, should consider a webConnect plan.

Additional Details

• Customers who purchase a T-Mobile mobile broadband product like the upcoming Galaxy Tab should activate with a webConnect plan to ensure the best experience.
• The set-up process will be determined by the type of device customers own and will be different for every manufacturer.
• The data accumulated while tethering will count towards customers’ 5GB data speed reduction threshold limit.
• Because T-Mobile Terms & Conditions have not permitted tethering in the past, those customers who have configured their device for tethering will receive a message on their handset advising them they will need to add the new add-on feature to continue using their device as a modem.

Action

• Be aware dealers can begin selling the Tetherng/Wi-Fi add-on feature beginning November 3.
• Review the Grab & Go for additional information.
• Beginning November 3, refer to policy pages: T-MobileNews > In-Store Polices and Procedures

T-Mobile finally put a price tag and a release date on its upcoming LG Optimus T — the budget smartphone will be available on Wednesday, November 3rd, for $29.99 with a new 2-year contract. Featuring a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, a 3-megapixel camera and the Android 2.2 (FroYo) operating system, the Optimus T is a fairly solid buy for smartphone newcomers looking for a simple point of entry. Then again, third-party distributors such as Amazon.com typically offer a variety of more capable Android handsets for free, making the rationale behind a $30 Optimus T slightly less convincing. Those still interested, however, can hit the jump for T-Mobile’s full announcement.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Beginning Wednesday, 11/3 T-Mobile customers can purchase the LG Optimus T for only $29.99.* Talk about an affordable Android smartphone!

With Google services and a stylish design, LG Optimus T is the ideal device for first-time smartphone users ready to explore the Android world. The LG Optimus T comes equipped with the latest Android platform, features a responsive touch screen, and offers close integration with popular Google services, such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Talk™ and Google Maps™.

*After a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement and qualifying data plan.

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It looks like blog CellPhone Signal got their hands on several images of T-Mobile’s yet-to-be-released myTouch 4G HSPA+ set and all its color variants. As originally announced by T-Mobile, the device will be available in white, black, red, and plum. To be honest, we’re a little disappointed T-Mobile didn’t jazz up the color names — we were thinking abyss black, luscious lavender, $4-cabernet red, and lion’s tooth white… or something like that. Regardless, if you’re planning on picking up a myTouch 4G, and prefer a little color in your pocket or purse, have a look and let us know what you think.

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T-Mobile is really utilizing the “social networks” these days. Hours after lighting-up their Twitter feed with the release date and pricing for the Motorola DEFY, T-Mobile has done it again; this time announcing the release date and pricing for the HTC HD7 Windows Phone 7 handset. The HD7, which will be available in stores on November 8, will retail for $199.99 with a 2-year contract. For those that need a quick refresher, the HD7 packs a 4.3-inch screen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 16GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a 5 megapixel autofocus camera with flash. Any T-Mobile fans going after this sexy slab of glass?

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It’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything about the Motorola DEFY; a rough and rugged Android handset we first told you about in August that was announced just last month. But that all changes today. T-Mobile has announced, via Twitter, that the 3.7-inch scratch-resistant, touchscreen device — which also boasts a 5 megapixel camera with flash, DLNA support, FM radio, Wi-Fi Calling, and GPS — will be available for $99 with a 2-year contract starting on November 3. Not a bad little device for a c-note — especially if you’re one of those people who are unusually rough on electronics.

[Via TmoNews]

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Today, via a press release, T-Mobile USA announced the completion of its “senior leadership transition” and has introduce Philipp Humm as president and chief executive officer. Mr. Humm will replace current CEO Robert Dotson; who will become T-Mobile’s vice chairman of the board of directors. “This move allows the new team to prepare a strong foundation for 2011 and forward,” said René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekolm; T-Mobile’s parent company. T-Mo USA also announced that CTO Cole Brodman will assume the role of chief marketing officer and former chief network officer, Neville Ray, will assume the company’s CTO role. Hit the jump for the full press release.

T-Mobile USA Completes President and CEO Transition to Philipp Humm

Senior Leadership Team for T-Mobile USA Confirmed

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Oct. 19, 2010 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the completion of its senior leadership transition by confirming Philipp Humm as president and chief executive officer. Humm succeeds Robert Dotson, former president and CEO, who moves to vice chairman of the T-Mobile USA Board. The company also re-aligned several executive leadership roles, with all transitions effective Nov. 1, 2010. Cole Brodman, formerly T-Mobile’s chief technology officer, steps into the role of chief marketing officer. Neville Ray, formerly T-Mobile’s chief network officer, becomes chief technology officer for the company.

“T-Mobile has grown into a strong consumer brand known for great value and recognized as a leader in customer service,” Humm said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead T-Mobile toward future growth and plan to continually improve the way we serve our customers.”

René Obermann, CEO, of Deutsche Telekom said, “Philipp and Robert have chosen the right timing for this change. This move allows the new team to prepare a strong foundation for 2011 and forward. I hereby would like to thank Robert who has done an amazing job on bringing Philipp quickly up to speed on the critical issues and strategies facing the U.S. market. His commitment to a smooth transition will help ensure Philipp’s success.”

Humm is an experienced Deutsche Telekom executive and former CEO of T-Mobile Deutschland. He was previously responsible for sales and service in Europe as chief regional officer (CRO) Europe. Humm also brings significant U.S. market experience having 10 years of senior-level experience at U.S.-based companies including McKinsey & Company, Procter & Gamble, and Amazon before joining Deutsche Telekom.

Humm served as CEO of T-Mobile Deutschland from 2005 until 2008. He took over a company in a declining market and successfully turned it around during his tenure to become Germany’s leading mobile operator in both subscribers and service revenues. Humm was also responsible for the successful market introduction of the iPhone^® in Germany in 2007.

T-Mobile’s executive leadership team reporting to Philipp Humm includes the following:

• Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA
• Jim Alling, chief operations officer, T-Mobile USA
• Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile USA
• Brian Kirkpatrick, chief financial officer, T-Mobile USA
• Larry Myers, chief people officer, T-Mobile USA
• Dave Miller, general counsel and chief legal officer, T-Mobile USA
• Peter Ewens, chief strategy officer, T-Mobile USA

The company remains focused on delivering innovative wireless products and services that help empower people to connect to those who matter most.

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When a ROM for an unreleased handset leaks, sometimes the most valuable thing they contain are images and videos of the device, and the ROM for the myTouch 4G — coming to T-Mobile — is no different. The mT4G will be an HSPA+ handset that packs a 3.8-inch WVGA display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS, rear-facing 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p video recording, front-facing camera, DLNA support, micro-SD card (support for 32GB card), and Android 2.2. The device will be preloaded with software titles Rock Band, Asphalt 5, and Monopoly and support: Wi-Fi calling, video calling, and T-Mobile TV. T-Mobile’s specification sheet says the device should be available in time for the holidays.Sounds like a pretty solid set. Hit the jump to check out a video that was included in the ROM and the full myTouch 4G spec sheet. Enjoy!

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When AT&T revamped its data plans this past summer, feelings were mixed to say the least. While the Internet erupted with opinions on both sides of the fence, T-Mobile seemingly sat back and made notes. Letting AT&T take the heat appears to have been the right move, as rumors suggest that the carrier intends to do data right. In addition to T-Mobile’s standard $30 unlimited smartphone data plan, TmoNews reports that a new cheaper option will become available next month. According to the report, $9.99 will afford less active smartphone users 200MB of data per month. While there is no word on what data overages might cost, customers will supposedly have the option to upgrade to the $30 unlimited plan at any time. If this rumor holds true, expect the new cheaper option to become available toward the end of November.

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Recently, T-Mobile released a statement detailing how it would handle customers who utilize more than 5 GB of data per month on their mobile devices. The statement reads:

Beginning on October 16, T-Mobile will begin to reduce data speeds when a customer reaches 5GB of usage in a billing cycle, in accordance with T-Mobile terms and conditions. This change should only affect extreme data users (less than 1 percent) and is being made to ensure that all subscribers receive the best Web performance available by limiting the number of extreme data users on our network.

The majority of T-Mobile customers should not be affected by this change. The new 5 GB threshold limit, which is equivalent to approximately 125,000 yahoo.com page visits, is enough bandwidth to satisfy most customers’ Web and data needs.
If a customer happens to reach the 5GB limit, they will receive a free text message informing them their data speed will be reduced. Customers will continue to have Web browsing capabilities but at slower speeds, which will be determined by their device type. Once their new billing cycle begins, data speeds will no longer be restricted.

Customers can track their data usage through My T-Mobile, MyAccount, or the SIVR.

Any T-Mobile users out there eclipse 5 GB of data per month on a regular basis?

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About one-week ago, information on T-Mobile’s prepaid phone and data plans leaked… and the information was dead on. Today, T-Mobile officially announced the new prepaid monthly plans that will be available on October 18. The plans looks like this:

Prepaid Monthly Phone Data Plans

• $70/month Unlimited Talk and Text with 2 GB of Data
• $50/month Unlimited Talk and Text with 100 MB of Data
• $30/month 1,500 Talk and Text (mix and match voice and text messages) with 30 MB of Data
• Unlimited Text and $0.10/minute
• $1.49/day Web DayPass

Prepaid Mobile Broadband

• $10 week pass (100 MB)
• $30 month pass (300 MB)
• $50 month pass (1 GB)

The prepaid mobile broadband plans will be available on a new “Jet USB Laptop Stick” that is “pre-packaged with a prepaid SIM card, user guide, and plug & play connection manager software” — the device will be available online on October 18th and in stores on the 20th. “T-Mobile’s prepaid mobile broadband plans have no annual contract, no credit check, no overages and can be used with any of the company’s mobile broadband products,” explains the press release. The prepaid voice plans look pretty attractive… but $50 for 1 GB of data seems pretty steep.

Yesterday, news broke that T-Mobile would be releasing an update to their G2 handset; bringing Wi-Fi Calling and mobile hotspot creation to the Android 2.2 device. Today, T-Mobile has released a statement that doesn’t exactly refute the rollout of said update, but it certainly doesn’t make us confident that it will be hitting the G-Deuce today. T-Mobile wrote:

Wi-Fi Calling and tethering/Wi-Fi sharing are not currently supported on the T-Mobile G2. T-Mobile knows these features are important to consumers and we’re working to deliver them to G2 users in the future. We have nothing further to announce at this time.

If you’re a G2 user, it looks like you’ll just have to wait and see if the Software Update Fairy pays a visit to your device.

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In short — according to TMoNews — yes. The T-Mobile-centric blog has acquired a document that seems to indicate that the myTouch3G handset from HTC will be getting Android 2.2 — Froyo — beginning tomorrow. The update, which should be rolling out between tomorrow and October 25, brings the following improvements:

New Fully Integrated Exchange Client

• Improved security: Numeric pin and alpha-numeric password options have been added to unlock the device. Exchange administrators can enforce password policy across devices.
• Remote wipe: In the event a device is lost or stolen, Exchange administrators can remotely reset the device to factory defaults to secure data.
• Exchange calendars: Exchange calendars are now supported in the Calendar application.
• Auto-discovery: With just a user name and password users can easily set up and/or sync an Exchange account (available for Exchange 2007 and higher).
• Global Address Lists look-up: This functionality is now available in the E-mail application, enabling users to auto-complete recipient names from an entire directory.

Faves

• Faves Gallery gives customers quick access to the 20 people who matter most.
• Customers can scroll through their Faves Gallery and instantly see the most recent communication from their top 20 Faves – calls, texts, emails, instant messaging, and social networking updates – and respond in a flash.

New Home Screen Features

• Home screen Tips widget provides tips on how to configure the home screen with shortcuts and widgets and how to make use of multiple home screens.
• Market widget lets you keep on top what’s hot on Android Market, showing featured apps right on the home screen.
• Live wallpapers are available on Android Market, such as Aquarium, Google Maps and many others.
• Phone, All Apps and Browser now have dedicated shortcuts on the home screen, making it easy to access them from any of the five home screen
• panels.

Improved Communication Features

• Gmail app enhancements:

• • Include quoted text from the body of an e-mail message Navigate quickly using on-screen previous/next buttons Identify e-mails using colored labels See inline images in messages
• Calendar app now supports multiple Google and Exchange accounts
• Google Talk app lets users search for buddies from the Search key
• Google Voice app now uses Inbox Synchronization so new messages are received in a matter of seconds
• Quickcontact is now available in Gmail, Google Talk, and Google Voice, right from your device. Users tap on a contact image to access various ways to reach that person, such as call, SMS, e-mail, etc.

Other

• Improvements to the camera and camcorder, ability to add multiple languages to the keyboard, enhancements to Google Maps, YouTube app, Facebook app, and Twitter app.

TMoNews is also reporting that the update will be available for the original myTouch3G only; not the Fender Special Edition or myTouch3G Slide.

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It looks like T-Mobile is pushing out an over-the-air update to their recently released G2 handset that packs a couple of handy features. According to users over at xda-developers, the update brings Wi-Fi Calling, mobile hotspot creation, an update to the radio code, and several other performance tweaks. We’re sure the new code will be welcomed with open arms by those of you who have already picked up a G2. If you’re rocking said handset, and install the OTA update, let us know what you find!

[Via AndroidPolice]

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Just as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was taking the stage in New York City, T-Mobile sent out a press blast to let us know that they too will be releasing a Windows Phone 7 device — the HTC HD 7 — in “mid-November.” The HD7 will have a 4.3-inch screen complete with 1GHz processor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 5 megapixel autofocus camera, and 16GB of internal storage. There is also mention of a Netflix app that sounds promising. The end of the press release also reads: “In addition to the HTC HD7, T-Mobile plans to offer an additional Windows Phone 7 smartphone option in the Dell Venue Pro, a stylish full-QWERTY slider featuring a 4.1-inch screen, 5 megapixel camera and a Qualcomm 1 GHz Snapdragon processor. The Dell Venue Pro is expected to be available in the U.S. in time for the holidays directly from Dell and select retailers with service from T-Mobile.” Hit the jump for the full release.

T-Mobile Introduces the HTC HD7, With the Largest Screen
Available on a Windows Phone 7 Smartphone in the U.S.

T-Mobile to deliver rich entertainment experience with pre-loaded
Netflix, T-Mobile TV, Xbox LIVE®, Zune and Slacker Radio applications

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Oct. 11, 2010 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the upcoming launch of the HTC HD7, one of the world’s first smartphones using the Windows Phone 7 operating system. Pairing rich mobile multimedia features with a 4.3-inch touch display — the largest screen available on a Windows Phone in the U.S. — the HTC HD7 promises to keep customers entertained and connected on the go.

“By delivering the largest screen available on a Windows Phone, T-Mobile is offering a top-notch smartphone entertainment experience,” said Paul Cole, vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “With deep integration of entertainment brands, social networking capabilities and rich Microsoft services, the HTC HD7 intelligently brings together information and experiences that matter to customers all in a bold, sophisticated design.”

Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas said, “With its huge, vibrant display, high quality sound and built-in kickstand, the HTC HD7 smartphone is the ultimate device to enjoy the outstanding entertainment services made possible by Windows Phone 7. With the HTC HD7 smartphone, HTC and T-Mobile are once again coming together to deliver an outstanding smartphone experience to wireless consumers looking for both entertainment and productivity.”

The HTC HD7 is the first phone from T-Mobile built on Windows Phone 7, Microsoft’s new mobile platform designed to bring together what customers care about most. Instead of the common icon displays on the screen, Windows Phone 7 uses Live Tiles, which allow customers to find out what’s going on, what’s happening next, and what they’ve missed without having to open an application.

Windows Phone 7 also delivers an integrated experience on the HTC HD7 through Windows Phone Hubs. Hubs bring together a related set of applications, services and content into a single view to simplify common tasks. Your contacts, music, games and work can be shared, synced and accessed virtually wherever you happen to be.

“T-Mobile has been a strong supporter of Windows Phones and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Windows Phone 7,” said Andy Lees, president of the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft Corp. “T-Mobile has a deep understanding of its customers, and we’re thrilled to bring Windows Phone 7 to market on its network.”

With the new HTC HD7, customers can access their favorite movies, TV shows, games, music and more on a large 4.3-inch screen. The HTC HD7’s top pre-installed entertainment applications include the following:

·         Netflix for streaming thousands of movies and TV shows for Netflix members to watch instantly on the HTC HD7’s large, crisp screen.

·         T-Mobile TV, offering consumers access to live and on-demand TV, including free programming from ABC News NOW, FOX Sports, PBS Kids, Azteca America, family holiday movie favorites and more.

·         Slacker Radio for listening to free, personalized radio with over 130 genre stations and the ability for customers to create stations of their own.

·         Xbox LIVE unlocks a world of games and fun, connecting  customers to a global community of more than 25 million active Xbox LIVE members and offering easy access to Xbox LIVE features such as Friends, Avatars, Achievements, Messaging and more.

·         Zune for loading people’s favorite media — music, movies, TV shows and podcasts — and taking it wherever.

In addition to rich entertainment, the HTC HD7 also keeps customers connected throughout the day with a best-in-class productivity experience featuring the largest virtual keyboard available on a Windows Phone in the U.S. The HTC HD7 includes fully integrated Microsoft Exchange e-mail and calendar as well as Office Hub, which offers customers mobile versions of popular productivity programs, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, OneNote and SharePoint Workspace.

Running on T-Mobile’s super-fast mobile broadband network, the HTC HD7’s 4.3 inch capacitive screen with built-in kickstand is ideal for watching the latest movies and other video entertainment or experiencing a large selection of games and applications. The device also comes equipped with a blazing-fast Qualcomm® 1 GHz Snapdragon™ processor for a fast mobile data experience.

In addition to the comprehensive entertainment features of the device, the HTC HD7 delivers advanced phone features including GPS functionality with access to turn-by-turn navigation from TeleNav GPS Navigator™, Internet Explorer 8, 16 GB of internal memory, HD video recording, and an advanced 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash.

The HTC HD7 is also the first device to offer T-Mobile® Family Room™, a new application exclusively from T-Mobile that helps families keep in touch and manage their busy lives. Customers can write a note on a virtual chalkboard and add shared calendar events for their Family Room group to coordinate get-togethers. Sharing pictures and interacting is easy, with real-time notifications alerting users when any family member posts something for everyone to see.

Availability

The HTC HD7 is expected to be available in the U.S. exclusively to T-Mobile customers in mid-November. More details will be available at http://htc.t-mobile.com/hd7.

In addition to the HTC HD7, T-Mobile plans to offer an additional Windows Phone 7 smartphone option in the Dell Venue Pro, a stylish full-QWERTY slider featuring a 4.1-inch screen, 5 megapixel camera and a Qualcomm 1 GHz Snapdragon processor. The Dell Venue Pro is expected to be available in the U.S. in time for the holidays directly from Dell and select retailers with service from T-Mobile. More details will be available at http://www.dell.com.