We met up briefly with HTC on Tuesday to check out all of the company’s latest smartphones and had a chance to snap a few photos of the Sensation XL, one of the most attractive devices in the bunch. The Sensation XL has a massive 4.7-inch display, which was excellent for viewing photos and browsing the web. We also love the overall design of the phone; it is built with glossy white plastic and aluminum. The metal definitely adds a premium feel and certainly kicks the overall build quality up a notch. The Sensation XL is powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, supports HSPA networks, has an 8-megapixel camera and is loaded with 16GB of storage. Music fans will also love the Beats technology under the hood that enhances audio playback, and the set of Beats earbuds that come in the box. Unfortunately, HTC confirmed this phone will never land in the United States in its current form, but we definitely can’t wait for future iterations that might. Be sure to check out the gallery below.

AT&T senior vice president of mobility and consumer markets Pete Ritcher took the stage during the Oppenheimer Technology and Communications Conference on Wednesday, where he confirmed that AT&T will launch its first 4G LTE smartphone by the end of this year. Ritcher reaffirmed AT&T’s intention to deploy its LTE network in 15 markets covering 70 million people by the end of 2011, and it hopes to continue its roll-out on a market-by-market basis, Fierce Wireless reported. AT&T will initially only offer laptop cards alongside the new LTE network, and AT&T is expected to launch 4G LTE in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio this summer. “We are the only carrier with LTE and HSPA+,” Ritcher said. “When you don’t have LTE you will fall back to faster speeds than our competitors,” he added, noting that Verizon’s 4G customers fall back to the slower EV-DO network when LTE is not available.

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Verizon Wireless and American Express announced on Monday that Verizon Wireless will begin to integrate American Express’ “Serve” mobile payment solution into its phones and tablets. The agreement will allow Verizon Wireless customers to make mobile payments from their phones, provided that they have an existing Serve account. “Our collaboration with Verizon highlights the speed at which Serve is evolving to reach a wide audience,” said Dan Schulman, group president, Enterprise Growth, American Express. “Verizon Wireless customers will soon be able to complement their busy lifestyle with a trusted payment platform that delivers a fast, flexible and secure way to manage their day-to-day mobile purchases, and together we’re taking the necessary steps to make mobile commerce a reality.” Serve is similar to PayPal and allows users to send or receive money for goods and services. American Express announced the service in March in tandem with Serve apps for Android and iOS. Read on for the full press release.

Verizon to Integrate American Express’ Serve on Wireless Phones and Tablets

Verizon Wireless customers to have access to simple and easy mobile payments powered by Serve, American Express’ new digital payment platform

NEW YORK & BASKING RIDGE, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Express (NYSE: AXP) and Verizon Wireless today announced they will integrate Serve, a next-generation digital payment and commerce platform, on many Verizon mobile phones and tablets. Over the coming months, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to establish Serve accounts that will enable them to make payments and redeem offers for goods and services directly from their mobile phones and tablets using Serve.

“Serve provides a quick and intuitive way for our customers to use their mobile service in a refreshingly convenient way. Our commitment to building the entire mobile payments ecosystem, through our Isis joint venture and now with Serve, gives customers incredible new ways to use their mobile devices.”

Serve simplifies the online checkout experience by authenticating a mobile number, then allowing a customer to make a purchase on-screen. Verizon Wireless customers who use Serve can expect to buy goods and services on their mobile phone in just a few clicks. Merchants who accept Serve mobile payments will enjoy a streamlined option for processing and settlement. The Serve card is currently accepted by the millions of merchants in the United States who accept American Express.

American Express and Verizon Wireless will also collaborate to source, distribute and simplify redemption of online and mobile offers with participating merchants through the use of the Serve account. For example, as customers redeem certain offers or coupons using their mobile phones, the credit may automatically appear in their Serve account.

The two companies are also working with Payfone to support Serve checkout on Verizon Wireless devices. Payfone’s pre-authorization and intelligent routing features will help Verizon Wireless customers who use the Serve application make mobile payments simply and securely.

“Our collaboration with Verizon highlights the speed at which Serve is evolving to reach a wide audience,” said Dan Schulman, group president, Enterprise Growth, American Express. “Verizon Wireless customers will soon be able to complement their busy lifestyle with a trusted payment platform that delivers a fast, flexible and secure way to manage their day-to-day mobile purchases, and together we’re taking the necessary steps to make mobile commerce a reality.”

Greg Haller, president, Enterprise & Government for Verizon Wireless, said, “Serve provides a quick and intuitive way for our customers to use their mobile service in a refreshingly convenient way. Our commitment to building the entire mobile payments ecosystem, through our Isis joint venture and now with Serve, gives customers incredible new ways to use their mobile devices.”

Merchants who are interested in accepting mobile payments through Serve and Verizon can learn more at www.serve.com/billmyphone.

Verizon Wireless announced a new partnership with Payfone on Monday that will soon allow its customers using phones, tablets, and PCs to make online purchases easier. Once the partnership’s new service is deployed, customers will be able to make more secure purchases online and charge them to their Verizon Wireless bill or use other standard forms of payment. “Our relationship with Payfone complements the part of the mobile payments equation we’re already working on with our Isis joint venture,” said Greg Haller, marketing vice president, Verizon Wireless. “We approach the mobile payments arena from a customer’s perspective. As we move forward, the most important goals will be security, privacy and simplicity. Through our relationship with Payfone, we will be able to quickly offer value to our customers by offering them greater choice and a simple, safe and secure purchasing experience when shopping online from their smartphones, tablets and PCs.” Hit the jump for the full press release.

VERIZON WIRELESS AND PAYFONE POWER NEW MOBILE PAYMENT SOLUTION

New Service Will Allow Verizon Wireless Customers to Make Mobile Payments for Online Purchases from Smartphones, Tablets and PCs

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and NEW YORK – Verizon Wireless and Payfone, a leading mobile payment processing service, today announced the companies are working together to bring a new mobile payment system to Verizon Wireless customers.  When available, the service will allow Verizon Wireless customers to make online purchases from their smartphones, tablets and PCs using numerous payment methods, including charging purchases to their monthly wireless statements or using traditional payment methods through financial institution partners.

“Our relationship with Payfone complements the part of the mobile payments equation we’re already working on with our Isis joint venture,” said Greg Haller, marketing vice president, Verizon Wireless.  “We approach the mobile payments arena from a customer’s perspective.  As we move forward, the most important goals will be security, privacy and simplicity.  Through our relationship with Payfone, we will be able to quickly offer value to our customers by offering them greater choice and a simple, safe and secure purchasing experience when shopping online from their smartphones, tablets and PCs.”

With Payfone’s unique approach to mobile payments, operators and merchants are able to complete transactions securely and accurately.  Payfone also provides other features important to consumers and merchants, including intelligent routing, pre-authorization and authentication designed to reduce the friction and fraud that affect sales conversion and revenue yield for merchants and operators.

“We are pleased to be working with Verizon Wireless to deliver a new level of convenience, security and flexibility to their customers and to boost revenue and conversion for operators, merchants and publishers,” states Rodger Desai, chief executive officer, Payfone. “This underscores Verizon Wireless’ dedication to cutting-edge innovation as it stays ahead of the mobile payments curve.”

HP is working on phones and tablets with built-in near-field communication (NFC) technology for mobile payments, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Much like Google Wallet, which will soon launch for the Nexus S and eventually other Android devices, HP hopes its customers will be able to use the company’s products to make mobile purchases in retail outlets. Similarly, HP has a plan to create an entire ecosystem where users will be able to to receive coupons or other benefits, such as loyalty points, from NFC-enabled advertisements. While sources told Bloomberg the products could launch by year-end, HP hasn’t been known to deliver new mobile devices to the market very quickly in the past. It’s also still unclear who the company’s mobile payment partners will be.

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Motorola has produced several iconic handsets during its storied existence. The DynaTAC, the Vader, the v60 and of course, the Motorola RAZR. What Nokia did for the candy bar-style mobile phone in the 1990′s, Motorola did for the flip phone in the early 21st century. Thin, sleek and stylish, the RAZR was initially brought to market in early 2005. The handset was light, easily fit in the pocket and packed a flat, backlit keypad that proved itself to be a formidable text messaging obstacle. The device was so popular, in fact, that just over 1-year ago we were still talking about the handset — the RAZR3 — before it was scrapped by Moto in favor of Android-based smartphones. During its four year reign of terror, where it retailed for nearly $200 on-contract, over 110 million RAZRs were sold by dozens of carriers the world over. We still have an AT&T V3 lying around BGR HQ for posterity sake, and although its utility is diminished, the handset’s mystique remains. How about it: how many of you cell phone junkies were proud RAZR owners?

BGR’s Throwback Thursday is a weekly series covering our (and your) favorite gadgets, games, and software of yesterday and yesteryear.

In an interview with Reuters, Verizon Communications’ chief financial officer, Fran Shammo, reaffirmed several details about his company’s next iPhone offering. “Verizon’s [next iPhone] version will also work in as many countries as AT&T’s iPhone, which has global coverage,” writes Reuters, paraphrasing Mr. Shammo. The executive also noted that the inclusion of LTE in the next CDMA iDevice is not something Verizon has control over. “I think it’s a bigger issue for Apple than it is for us,” said Shammo speaking about the need for an LTE iPhone. “Depending on where Apple plays, that’s where we’ll sell.” The latest rumors have Apple releasing a refreshed version of its smartphone product later this fall. Most pundits agree that the update wil not include a Verizon-compatible LTE radio.

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On Tuesday T-Mobile introduced its ‘Trade-in Program’ that will allow users to take used handsets to T-Mobile stores and exchange them for credit towards a new device. Potential customers can offset the price of a new phone by as much as $300, T-Mobile said, although devices will need to be fully functional, have an intact and working display, and be free of any liquid damage or corrosion. To participate, simply head over to your nearest T-Mobile store and a representative will provide you with a quote for the trade-in value of your device. T-Mobile wasn’t clear on how long the trade-in process takes, but said that after mailing in your used phone, you’ll receive a check from The Wireless Source — a T-Mobile partner. A website has been setup at http://www.mytradeins.com, although it doesn’t appear to be fully functional just yet. Hit the jump for the full release from T-Mobile.

T-Mobile USA Launches Trade-In Program for Used Handsets
T-Mobile Trade-In program enables customers to save on new device purchase whether opting for the latest messaging device or trading up to one of the fastest smartphones running on America’s Largest 4G Network

BELLEVUE, Wash. — May 17, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today introduced a retail Trade-In program, aimed at giving customers a cost-effective way to purchase a new phone and upgrade to America’s Largest 4G Network. T-Mobile’s Trade-In program provides customers with the ability to trade existing mobile devices for money that could be used toward the purchase of a new handset — including any new smartphone running on
T-Mobile’s 4G network.

T-Mobile is dedicated to making the latest wireless devices and mobile Internet services more affordable to more people. Through the Trade-In program, customers can offset the cost of a new phone purchase by up to $300 with the trade in of their old device. Even devices from other wireless carriers are eligible as long as they meet the minimum criteria, i.e., being fully functional, having an intact and working display, and being free of liquid damage or corrosion.

Customers can take advantage of the Trade-In program at any T-Mobile retail store. In partnership with The Wireless Source (TWS), a leader in consumer electronics collection programs, a trained T-Mobile representative will determine the trade-in value of each device and a check for the quoted amount will be given to the customer via a mail-in rebate process. Customers receive a voucher, shipping label and bubble pack mailer and simply ship the old phone to TWS at their convenience. They will then be sent a check from TWS in the amount of the quote once the device is received in good working condition.

“T-Mobile is committed to providing the latest, most innovative and affordable technology to new and existing customers,” said Ami Silverman, senior vice president of sales, T-Mobile USA. “If device purchases can be made even more affordable through the value offset of T-Mobile’s Trade-In program, we want customers to have that option. We encourage them to take advantage of it so they can stay connected no matter what their budget, current device or mobile provider.”

Customers have the ability to check the estimated value of their device before going to a T-Mobile retail store and learning more about the T-Mobile Trade-In program at http://www.mytradeins.com/.

A Verizon Wireless spokesperson has shed some light on the fate of the HTC Merge — an Android 2.2 handset first discovered last September. The device, which was officially announced by HTC in February, has fallen in and out of obscurity for months. Now, according to the latest report, users may finally get a chance to purchase the handset. Speaking with blog Phone Scoop, a Verizon representative explained, “The HTC Merge was approved for use on the Verizon Wireless network and is being sold by third party distributors, but not in Verizon Wireless stores.” The full-QWERTY smartphone also contains a SIM card slot — for use overseas — making it one of Verizon’s “world phones.” The company did not indicate if the handset would eventually make its way to Verizon’s retail outlets.

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Famed Russian technology blogger and analyst, Eldar Murtazin, thinks he has a beat on global Windows Phone sales figures, and the results are grim. Murtazin notes that although the company has shipped 1.5 million handsets worldwide, it has only sold 674,000 to end-users. The article’s author never indicates where his information originates from, but Murtazin has a proven track record when it comes to providing accurate insider information in the mobile space. Selling 674,000 smartphones certainly isn’t anything to to be ashamed of, but we’re not sure it is cause for celebration either.

[Via Phone Arena]

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Reuters is reporting that Verizon Wireless is still debating whether or not to distribute Research In Motion’s new tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook, via its sales channels. “We’re still evaluating the BlackBerry Playbook and have not made a determination as to whether we’re going to distribute it,” said a Verizon Wireless spokesperson speaking to the publication. The new tablet, which runs RIM’s QNX-based software, launched in U.S. and Canadian markets yesterday. The Waterloo mobile devices company had originally indicated that Verizon would be a distribution partner.

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Nokia on Wednesday released an update to its Nokia Software Updater client for the Macintosh platform via its Nokia Beta Labs portal. The new bits will allow Mac users to update their Nokia phones’ firmware directly from their computers — as opposed to over-the-air. Nokia warns that the software is still in the development phase and that it will keep the trial going until further notice. The company hopes that users will provide feedback as they use the software, paving the way for future optimizations and updates. Other details on the software are slim, but hit the jump if you’re a Mac user looking to get the latest software goodness on your Nokia phone.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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In response to last week’s tsunami, AT&T has announced that its wireless customers, in the United States and Puerto Rico, can call or text Japan for free through March 31st. AT&T has also said it will not charge its wireless postpaid customers for international long distance calls or texts to Japan that were placed after March 11th.  Similarly, AT&T wireline customers can seek credit for up to 60 minutes of direct calls placed to Japan during the March 11th to March 31st time period. Anyone who wishes to donate $10 to the Red Cross can do so by texting “redcross” to 90999.

DALLAS, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* today announced it has implemented international calling and texting support efforts for U.S. residential wireless and wireline consumers trying to connect with loved ones in Japan, following last week’s tragic earthquake and tsunami.

Effective beginning last week, March 11, and continuing through March 31, AT&T wireless postpaid customers will not be charged for:

• International long distance usage from the United States and Puerto Rico to Japan
• Text messages to Japan, originated from a U.S. wireless number

In addition, and also effective March 11 through March 31, residential wireline customers can seek credits for up to 60 minutes of direct dial calling to Japan:

• Upon receiving their wireline bill, customers may call AT&T to receive adjusted calling for up to 60 minutes. In other words, no charges for up to 60 minutes of call time from the United States to Japan between March 11 and March 31.

For any of the above activity, customers will either see no charges reflected on their monthly statement, or they will see a full credit applied to their statement for activity between March 11 and March 31.

“We want to help our customers connect with loved ones in Japan in anyway we can,” said Mark Collins, senior vice president, Voice and Data Products, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Connecting with family and friends is most important at times like this— we want to make it as easy and worry free as possible for our customers.”

Still available, AT&T wireless customers can text “redcross” to 90999 to give a $10 donation to help the Red Cross with disaster support efforts in the area.  No text message fees apply.

And, TV Japan – the 24 hour Japanese news channel – is available for free through March 17 to all U-verse® TV subscribers, allowing viewers to follow the news and recovery efforts. TV Japan can be found on channel 3680.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

U.S. wireless carrier Sprint has launched a new promotion that aims to ease the financial pain of cellular defectors. Through April 16th, the company will offer a $125 service credit to users that port their number to Sprint from another carrier and sign a two-year smartphone contract. If a smartphone is not in your future, Sprint will offer a $50 service credit to those users porting to a non-smartphone plan. After moving your number over, apply for the credit, and 60 days later an service credit will appear on your wireless statement. The offer is available to those that migrate a line of service from another carrier via Sprint’s online store, phone sales team, or retail locations.

[Via Engadget]

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A few days ago Google was made aware that there were over 20 apps in the Android Market that were up to no good. These malicious apps gained system-level access to your handset when downloaded and would intercept and covertly transmit private data to 3rd party servers. Some of these apps have been downloaded more than 50,000 times. To try and fix the problem, Google has started using a remote kill switch feature in Android to wirelessly nuke those installed apps on user’s handsets. That’s not the entire story, though, as Google is actually installing new code in the process. The new code undoes the exploit and prevents your data from being shared, and it’s kind of creepy to plainly see how much control Google has over your Android phone from afar. Affected users have started receiving emails that the process has been completed.

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