AT&T’s two newest 4G LTE devices, the Pantech Burst Android smartphone and the Element Android tablet are now available for purchase. BGR exclusively revealed the Pantech Element ahead of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show and it features an 8-inch display with a 1024 x 768-pixel resolution, 16GB of storage, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and Android 3.2 (Honeycomb). It’s now available for $299 with a new two-year AT&T contract. The Pantech Burst smartphone is equipped with a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p HD video, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats and 16GB of storage. The phone is now available for just $49.99 with a new two-year AT&T contract.

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Microsoft is said to be close to finalizing a patent-licensing deal with Pantech. Microsoft already has similar agreements in place with Samsung, HTC, ViewSonic and other Android vendors; the company was aggressive in seeking patent-licensing deals with Android vendors in 2011 and is currently fighting to establish a licensing deal with Barnes & Noble, which has accused the company of charging “exorbitant licensing fees” and has even asked the federal government to probe Microsoft’s actions. The pending deal with Pantech was first published by Yonhap News and terms of the agreement were not revealed.

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Verizon Wireless announced on Monday the Pantech Breakout will launch on September 22nd for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and with a new two-year contract. The Breakout is the first sub-$100 4G LTE smartphone from Verizon and it is equipped with a number of features typically found in more expensive devices. The Breakout’s specs include a 1GHz processor, a 4-inch display with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution, a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p HD video, a secondary front-facing camera for video chats and 8GB of storage. The Pantech Breakout, which runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), is also capable of sharing its 4G LTE connection with up to 10 other Wi-Fi enabled devices. Read on for the full press release from Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless to Launch Pantech Breakout™

Pantech Breakout Combines Tremendous 4G LTE Speed and the Latest Features with Affordability

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless and Pantech today announced the Pantech Breakout™ will be exclusively available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Sept. 22.

The Pantech Breakout smartphone, brought to market by Personal Communications Devices, LLC (PCD), shines with super-fast downloads packaged in a slim and attractive design.  Customers will have access to custom Pantech widgets and can share media files between Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-enabled devices by using the Net Media app on their Pantech Breakout.

Additional features:

Powered by 4G LTE – customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G mobile broadband coverage areas
Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread
1 GHz processor
4-inch capacitive touch display (480 x 800)
Support for Google™ Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Search™ and Google Maps™, as well as access to more than 250,000 apps available to download from Android Market™
4G LTE mobile hotspot supporting up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices
Virtual QWERTY keyboard featuring SWYPE™ technology for quick and easy typing of messages and emails
5-megapixel autofocus rear-facing camera with HD video capture up to 720p
VGA front-facing camera for still shots and video chatting
Wi-Fi connectivity 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth® 3.0 support includes headset, hands-free, object push, advanced audio distribution (stereo), audio/video remote control, file transfer and phonebook access
8 GB pre-installed microSD™

Pricing and availability:

The Pantech Breakout will be available on Sept. 22 in Verizon Wireless Communication Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $99.99 after a $50 mail in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
Customers that purchase a Pantech Breakout smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

Pantech may be working on its first 4G LTE phone for Verizon Wireless. According to leaked images obtained by DROID-Life, the Pantech Breakout could launch as soon as September 22nd as an affordable 4G LTE option. The phone runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), is powered by a 1GHz processor, has a 4-inch display and is equipped with both rear and forward-facing cameras, although their megapixel counts are unknown. Verizon Wireless’ 4G shelves are currently dominated by high-end phones in the $300 price range, so the Breakout could turn out to be an attractive option for anyone wanting to get in on the carrier’s faster data network without breaking the bank. A second image of the Breakout follows after the break.

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The Samsung Illusion and the Pantech Breakout LTE have been leaked by Pocketnow. There is not much information about the Samsung Illusion aside from a single photograph, but the Verizon Wireless-bound Pantech Breakout LTE is equipped with a 4-inch WVGA display, a 5-megapixel camera, a front-facing camera for video chats, a 1GHz processor and 512MB of memory. Rumor has it the Breakout LTE will also be capable of sharing its 4G connection with up to 10 different Wi-Fi enabled devices at the same time. Prices and launch dates are still unclear but the Breakout could make its debut in the coming days and the Illusion may hit the market towards the end of September. Read on for an image of the Samsung Illusion.

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AT&T’s purported fall and winter roadmap was recently leaked by Pocketnow and there are a number of devices to get excited about. The Samsung Kupua and HTC Bunyip, two Windows Phone Mango devices, will make their debut during the fourth quarter and will each pack an 8-megapixel camera and an 800 x 480-pixel display. RIM’s full-touchscreen Torch 9860 is also due out during the fourth quarter. It offers an 800 x 480-pixel display, a 1.2GHz processor and a 5-megapixel camera. AT&T will launch a handful of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) devices, too, including the Pantech Nulu, the Samsung Singa SGH-i777, the Huawei Jengu, the Motorola Fuath MB862 (possibly the LTE-packing ATRIX 2), the Pantech Onza and the Samsung Gidim SH-i927. Finally, RIM’s freshly announced Curve 9360 will hit AT&T store shelves in time for the holidays.

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AT&T confirmed on Monday that its entire 2011 Android smartphone lineup will receive the latest Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) update in the future. AT&T will push the OS to the HTC Inspire 4G, the LG Phoenix, the Pantech Crossover, the Samsung Infuse 4G and the Samsung Captivate. Oddly, the LG Thrill 4G is missing from that list, but we suspect that it will also receive the software patch following its release. Motorola released its Gingerbread update to the ATRIX 4G over the weekend. AT&T did not announce a specific timeline in terms of when the devices would receive Android 2.3, and the company said that the upgrade process and release dates will vary by device. Read on for the full press release.

AT&T Customers to Enjoy Gingerbread

Android 2.3 Debuted in the AT&T Portfolio with HTC Status, All Post-paid Android Smartphones Released in 2011 Planned to Receive 2.3 Upgrade

DALLAS, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

Key Facts

• AT&T* confirmed that upgrades to the Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread) platform are planned for all post-paid Android smartphones already introduced this year.
• Motorola ATRIX™ 4G users will receive an update to Android 2.3 beginning today and HTC Inspire™ 4G users will receive the update in the coming weeks.
• Motorola ATRIX 4G update will also provide the ability to download applications from third-party stores.
• HTC Status™ arrived in stores July 17, the first AT&T smartphone running Android 2.3.

Upgrade Details

Customers who purchased an Android smartphone from AT&T introduced in 2011 can expect to receive an update to Android 2.3. All of these devices are planned to be upgraded from Android 2.2 to Android 2.3, also referred to as Gingerbread. In addition, Samsung Captivate™ owners will be able to upgrade to Gingerbread.

Delivery methods will vary by device. Whenever possible, upgrades are delivered over-the-air (OTA), however in some cases the size of the file needed to install the update will require the user to connect via Wi-Fi or connect the phone to a PC to install the update. Factors such as manufacturer-defined software and other device performance improvements result in each device requiring a separate update which will vary in timing.

Beginning today and continuing over the next few weeks, Motorola ATRIX 4G users will be prompted to install the update. To download the update, users must be connected via Wi-Fi. In August, HTC Inspire 4G users will be notified that the update is available and can be downloaded when connected to a Wi-Fi network. AT&T smartphone users can access at any one of the company’s more than 26,000 Wi-Fi hotspots at no cost.

The AT&T smartphones planned for a Gingerbread update are:

• HTC Inspire™ 4G
• LG Phoenix™
• Motorola ATRIX™ 4G
• Pantech Crossover™
• Samsung Captivate™ 4G
• Samsung Infuse™ 4G

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Gingerbread delivers a number of improvements, such as user interface refinements, refined copy/paste functionality and speed enhancements. The upgrade offers improved power management that offers a more active role in managing applications in addition to an improved on-screen keyboard with multi-touch support that makes typing faster and more accurate.

AT&T officially announced the Pantech Crossover on Tuesday, Pantech’s first Android smartphone. The Crossover is powered by a 600MHz processor, runs Android 2.2 (Froyo), sports a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 3.1-inch touchscreen display, support for 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi networks, a 2GB microSD card, a 3-megapixel camera, and a 1,500 mAh battery good for up to five hours of use. It may not offer the best specs, but it does come with an affordable price tag. You’ll be able to pick up the Pantech Crossover on June 5th for just $69.99 with a new two-year A&T contract. Hit the jump for the full release.

AT&T to Offer the Sporty Pantech Crossover

New Android 2.2 Smartphone Available to AT&T Customers June 5

AT&T Inc.

DALLAS, May 31, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ –

Key Facts

• Perfect for first-time smartphone users, the Pantech Crossover™ is the first Android™ smartphone from Pantech in the U.S.
• Crossover boasts a slide out full keyboard, a 3.1-inch touchscreen display, 600 MHz processor, 3-megapixel digital camera with camcorder, the popular AllSport GPS™ app and Mobile Hotspot support.
• Pantech Crossover will be available from AT&T* at company-owned stores and online at www.att.com on June 5 for $69.99 with a two-year contract and minimum monthly data plan.
• Pantech Crossover will be one of the premier phones promoted this summer on the Dew Tour, a major coast to coast action sports tour, of which Pantech is the official handset sponsor.

Customer Benefits

The Pantech Crossover™ makes it seamless for active people to stay connected through messaging and social media. Ideal for customers looking for additional features, personalization and convenience in their next phone, Crossover runs the Android 2.2 platform, has a side-sliding, full QWERTY keyboard, a five screen customizable interface, and an easy-to-use 3.1″ touch screen to access apps, widgets and more. For users ready to make the switch from a messaging phone to smartphone, Crossover is a simple take on the popular Android operating system.

Crossover’s durable design means it can go wherever you go. With a textured back cover and rubberized corners, it’s not afraid of a little action and is packed with features customers use most. The full QWERTY keyboard makes it a breeze to text, email and surf the web, and from the touchscreen, AT&T customers can use Android Market™ to grab the latest apps for social networking, games and more. Crossover is preloaded with AllSport GPS™, an application that offers workout tracking, maps, a calorie counter and more features for your active lifestyle. Sporty good looks and durable design come together to make Crossover a perfect fit for any active lifestyle.

In addition, Crossover also offers AT&T Mobile Hotspot to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices for customers who choose a tethering plan. Customers can also enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi usage on the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network with qualifying data plans.

Key Specifications

• Android™ 2.2 (Froyo)
• 3.1″ Full Touchscreen Display with Full Keyboard Slider
• HSPA Tri-Band 850/1900/2100 MHz; Quad-Band GSM850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
• 2GB card preinstalled
• microSD™ Memory Card Supports up to 32GB
• 4.45″ (L) x 2.28″ (W) x 0.56″ (D), Weight: 5.15 oz
• 3-megapixel camera with camcorder, fixed focus, 4x zoom
• 600 MHz processor
• Micro USB and 3.5mm headset jack
• 1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery; Up to 5 Hours, Standby Time: Up to 360 Hours
• Voice Recognition
• Accelerometer

To learn more about the Pantech Crossover, visit www.att.com/mobilephones-news.

“Our Android portfolio continues to grow with unique options for customers of all types,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Device Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “The Pantech Crossover with its unique finish and full keyboard will introduce new and existing customers to smarthphone features for the first time.”

“Crossover is the latest addition to our popular lineup of AT&T mobile phones,” said Wyatt Whaley, vice president of product planning for Pantech Wireless. “As our first Android™ smartphone for AT&T customers, we’ve made sure that Crossover has all of the features our users consider indispensible and more – a full keyboard for messaging, a touchscreen for apps and games, easy access to favorite social media pages and many others. Crossover is a simple, sporty Android device for people on the move and it will be a central part of this year’s exciting Dew Tour.”

During a recent interview, AT&T’s senior vice president of mobile devices, Jeff Bradley, shed some light on what his company’s future handset plans look like. Speaking with PCMag, Bradley had several interesting things to say — specifically concerning the Android and Windows Phone platforms. First, the company plans to launch a new, ruggedized Pantech Android handset in the beginning of June. The VP noted that it was a “cool little device” and resembles a “[Casio] G-Shock” that is “more durable than a classic side-slider.” Second, and perhaps more interestingly, Bradley stated that AT&T will remove its third-party app store restrictions — allowing users to download applications hosted outside of the official Google Market. Moving on to Windows Phone, Bradley said that HTC’s HD7S would be “coming soon” and that the next round of Windows Phone handsets would be based on Microsoft’s updated chassis requirements. The next-wave of hardware is also slated to ship with the Mango software update, which will be known as Windows Phone 7.5. “We’re working very, very actively with the ecosystem and Microsoft,” quipped the VP.

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Trying to save a few bucks for your summer vacation? Today, Verizon Wireless officially launched “Unleashed,” the carrier’s own unlimited prepaid service. A spokesperson told Fierce Wireless that the service is available in parts of Florida and Southern California, to start. Customers can choose between four different plans — including daily and by-the-minute — but the most attractive offering is a $50 monthly option that provides unlimited calling, texting, and web browsing. There are only three feature phones available from Unleashed right now, including the LG Accolade ($39.99), the LG Cosmos ($99.99), and the Pantech Caper ($79.99). By contrast, Boost Mobile, which offers a similar $50 monthly unlimited plan, has 18 different phones including a few that are powered by Android. If you’re looking to save some cold hard cash without sacrificing cell phone minutes or text messages — or Verizon’s coverage — then Unleashed should do the trick.

[Via CNET]

Read [Verizon Wireless] Read [Fierce Wireless]

Verizon Wireless on Tuesday updated its “VZAccess Manager” software to add Mac support for the Pantech UML290 LTE modem. The new update — VZAccess Manager version 7.2.4 (2534b) — adds support for Apple computers running OS X 10.4 and later. Pantech’s UML290 is a USB dongle that allows laptops to connect to Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Until now, the broadband modem could only be connected to Windows-based computers. The new software is available immediately from Verizon’s website as a free download. The carrier’s other 4G LTE modem, the LG VL600, does not yet support Mac computers.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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Just in time for the holidays, Verizon Wireless has announced the addition of the Pantech Crux, LG Octane, and Samsung Zeal to its list of supported Skype mobile phones. As the press release reads: “Skype mobile, now available on more than 20 Verizon Wireless phones, including select prepaid smartphones, makes celebrating the holidays simple especially for customers who are far away from their friends and families.” Those interested can text SKYPE to 2255 or visit the Get It Now application on your handset.

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Verizon Wireless today announced the upcoming availability of two new feature phones, the Pantech Crux and the LG Octane. The former, a full touchscreen offering from Pantech, features a 3-inch display with a virtual QWERTY keypad, a variety of widgets, mobile IM and email support, a 1GB microSD card with support for up to 32GB, integrated social networking features and a full HTML Web browser. The LG Octane sports a landscape-oriented clam shell design and features dual displays, a physical QWERTY keypad, a 3.2-megapixel camera, up to 16GB of microsSD storage, email support, Visual Voicemail and a full HTML Web browser. The Pantech Crux will cost $49.99 with a new 2-year agreement after a $50 mail-in rebate, and the LG Octane will be $99.99 on contract after a $50 mail-in rebate. Both devices will be available online and in stores starting tomorrow, October 28th.

Read (Pantech Crux) Read (LG Octane)

Today, AT&T introduced the Pantech Laser handset, a device the company is billing as the “thinnest full sliding keyboard phone” on the market. The handset, which measures 9.95 mm in thickness, will have a 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, full QWERTY keyboard, and 3 megapixel camera. The feature-phone quick-messaging device (sorry, no Android) will be available starting October 17 and will retail for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and 2-year agreement. Hit the jump for the full press release.

AT&T Introduces Thinnest Full Sliding Keyboard Phone From Pantech

Pantech Laser hits AT&T Stores Nationwide October 17.

DALLAS, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/

Key Facts

• AT&T* announced today the latest addition to its portfolio of quick messaging phones – the Pantech Laser – will be available exclusively through AT&T beginning October 17.
• Pantech Laser is the thinnest, full sliding keyboard device (9.95mm) AT&T has ever offered.
• Pantech Laser will be available in AT&T company owned stores nationwide and online for $99.99 after $50 mail-in rebate (pay $149.99 and after mail-in rebate receive $50 AT&T Promotion Card. Two-year agreement and $20 a month messaging or combination of messaging/data plan required).

Customer Benefits

The Pantech Laser, an ultra-slim and stylish quick messaging phone that features a vibrant 3.1″ AMOLED touchscreen and a full sliding QWERTY keyboard, allows for access to email, social networking and messaging. From the touchscreen, users can activate Drawing Commander, a feature that allows for calls to be made, messages to be opened or favorite apps to be accessed by simply tracing a shape with a finger. Laser further prioritizes the personal experience by allowing voice memos to be recorded on the Voice Memo app and shared via text, or the 3MP camera to be used for updating social media statuses with pictures and videos. Pantech’s latest quick messaging phone proves that functionality doesn’t have to be sacrificed for a thin phone.

In addition, the Pantech Laser boasts:

• AT&T Address Book –syncs contacts to an online address book so customers can access and manage their mobile contacts from their handset — or their PC. Synchronization occurs automatically when any change is made, so contact information is always backed up.
• AT&T Navigator – offers turn-by-turn voice and onscreen driving directions, automatic rerouting, real-time traffic monitoring and more. AT&T Navigator is available for $9.99 per month, and new subscribers receive their first 30 days of their subscription for free.
• AT&T Social Net – provides easy access to all your social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter and MySpace in one easy-to-use interface.
• AT&T Mobile Share – helps customers quickly transfer photos and videos captured on their mobile phone to other destinations and allows customers to manage that content across the mobile and PC screens.

(1) Limited-time offer. Other conditions & restrictions apply. See contract & rate plan brochure for details. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T’s owned wireless network coverage area. Up to $36 activ. fee applies. Equipment price & avail may vary by mrk & may not be available from independent retailers. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to equipment returns; thereafter up to $150. Some agents impose add’l fees. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

(2) AT&T Promotion Card: Allow 60 days for fulfillment. Card may be used only in the U.S. is valid for 120 days after issuance date but is not redeemable for cash & cannot be used for cash withdrawal at ATMs or automated gasoline pumps. Card request must be postmarked by Nov. 6, 2010 & you must be a customer for 30 consecutive days to receive card.

(3) Messaging charges apply to voice memos sent via text.

(4) Mobile Share-Requires a data plan. Monthly Recurring Plan includes 50 transfers. The overage rate and Pay-per-use rate is35 cents for each transfer. You are charged for each transfer to or from your device. Transfers exceeding 2 MBs will be charged for each additional 2 MB increment or fraction thereof. Normal data charges apply when browsing your online locker or other sites from your Mobile device

(5) Pricing established by AT&T for AT&T-owned retail outlets.

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After releasing the Razzle last year, Verizon Wireless is teaming up again with Pantech to launch another entry-level messaging handset. Touted as the successor to the Razzle, the Pantech Jest is a standard slider with QWERTY keyboard, 1xRTT connectivity, 2MP camera with camcorder, Bluetooth, up to 16GB microSD expansion, GPS, 2.5mm headset jack, dedicated messaging key, and oh-so-important vanity mirror. The Jest is expected to launch in all channels via direct fulfillment with the launch coming as soon as Razzle supplies are depleted, which may be as soon as next week. Hit the jump for a full rundown of specs and a few more slides from the deck.

Thanks, anonymous!