An internal document allegedly obtained from T-Mobile says the iPhone offers a “poor” customer experience on T-Mobile’s network. While it’s arguable that is a true statement since current iPhone models don’t support T-Mobile’s 1700MHz and 2100MHz 3G/4G bands and can only run on a second-generation EDGE network, there are now well over a million T-Mobile customers currently using unlocked iPhones on its network. The internal document instead asks customer service representatives to suggest customers buy T-Mobile’s 4G HSPA+ Android devices instead. We certainly understand where T-Mobile is coming from; obviously it wants to be able to control its customers’ experiences on its network. Plus, EDGE is far slower than the carrier’s HSPA+ network. As TMoNews points out, it’s more probable that customers find their data experience “limited” but not “poor,” given that some customers may argue that the iPhone itself offers a better hardware and software experience than several of T-Mobile’s 4G phones.

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Sony Ericsson announced on Tuesday that its Xperia arc S and Xperia neo V are now available unlocked in the United States from Sony Store locations. The Xperia arc S runs Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) and is equipped with a 1.4GHz processor, an 8.1-megapixel camera, a 4.2-inch “Reality” display and support for 3D and 2D sweep panorama photography. The Xperia arc S is available in white, black, blue and silver for $529.99 without a contract. Sony Ericsson’s Xperia neo V also runs Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) and has a 3.7-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera and a front-facing camera for video chats. It is available in white, silver and blue for $349.99 unlocked. Both phones will be available from other retailers, such as Newegg, beginning in early December. As a side note, Sony Ericsson also recently announced that its 2011 family of Xperia-branded smartphones will all be updated to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) at a later date, so both the Xperia arc S and Xperia neo V should receive the update at some point. Read on for the full press release from Sony Ericsson.

XPERIA™ arc S AND XPERIA™ neo V FROM SONY ERICSSON ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE U.S.

WHAT: The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V from Sony Ericsson are now available for purchase in the U.S. at the Sony Store. The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V showcase an enhanced entertainment experience with the latest Sony technology and Android™ operating system, version 2.3.4 (Gingerbread).

The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V feature Sony’s groundbreaking 3D sweep panorama technology, which enables image capture and viewing in 3D by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output, so you can show off those amazing pictures from your last vacation or that video of the flash mob you saw today to your friends and family.

This version of Android™ Gingerbread includes new functionality and features that allow you to benefit from improvements to Sony Ericsson’s unique Facebook inside Xperia™. Share, see, like and comment on all your favorite stuff – from tracks on your music player to photos from your gallery and even apps and games downloaded on your phone.

Xperia™ arc S Key Features and Pricing:

·         Android™ 2.3.4 operating system

·         1.4 GHz processor

·         8.1 megapixel camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor

·         4.2” Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine® Engine

·         3D and 2D sweep panorama photography

·         Available in Pure White, Gloss Black, Midnight Blue, and Misty Silver

·         MSRP $549.99, unlocked

Xperia™ neo V Key Features and Pricing:

·         Android™ 2.3.4 operating system

·         3.7” capacitive, multi-touch screen

·         5 megapixel camera with 16x digital zoom

·         Front-facing camera

·         Available in Pearl White, Silver, and Blue Gradient

·         MSRP $349.99, unlocked

Android™ 2.3.4 – At a Glance*

·         Xperia™ smartphones introducing world’s first 3D sweep panorama functionality powered by Sony

·         Updated Facebook inside Xperia™ functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities

·         Gesture input – text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next

·         New features including Google™ Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras

Availability:

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V are available unlocked, at Sony Store.  Additional availability can be found at other retailers such as Newegg.com starting early December.  Check for pricing and availability.

* The Android 2.3.4 upgrade is currently rolling out for select unlocked 2011 Xperia™ smartphones as an over-the-air update or through Sony Ericsson PC Companion

Apple on Friday began offering a factory-unlocked version of its popular iPhone 4S smartphone that will work on any GSM network in the world. The company now sells the unlocked phone in both black and white starting at $649 for the 16GB model. The 32GB iPhone 4S costs $749 unlocked, and the high-end 64GB model costs $849. No carrier contract is required with the purchase of an unlocked iPhone 4S from Apple’s online store, and the vendor is currently quoting shipping estimates of between 1 and 2 weeks. Apple also notes that while the device will work on a variety of GSM networks around the world, it will not work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon Wireless and Sprint.

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Sprint and Verizon Wireless will both offer iPhone 4S handsets that will be GSM-unlocked, a new report states. Macworld on Tuesday confirmed that iPhone 4S units sold by Sprint will be GSM-unlocked out of the box, while handsets sold by Verizon Wireless will come locked, but a user can call Verizon asking for an “international unlock” and the carrier will oblige provided the user’s account has been in good standing for 60 days. Customers who plan to roam internationally or use an unlocked iPhone 4S in the U.S. should note that the handset requires a micro-SIM rather than a standard SIM card.

UPDATE: A Sprint spokesperson told Ars Technica that it will not, in fact, be selling GSM-unlocked iPhones.

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Sony Ericsson announced on Friday that its Xperia ray Android smartphone is now available unlocked in the United States for $429.99. It is equipped with Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), an 8.1-megapixel camera, a VGA front-facing camera for video chats, a 3.3-inch Reality Display with an 854 x 480-pixel resolution, 512MB of RAM, a 4GB microSD card, an aluminum frame and a 1GHz processor. The Xperia ray can be purchased from Newegg’s website as well as through other online retailers. It is available in gold, black, white and pink. Sony Ericsson’s press announcement follows below.

SONY ERICSSON UNVEILS THE XPERIA™ ray TO THE U.S.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ ray is now available unlocked in the U.S. for $424.99.

Sony’s award-winning mobile imaging technology and rear-facing 8.1 Megapixel camera set a new standard for low light pictures and video. Think birthday dinners at your favorite dim Italian restaurant or capturing your favorite undiscovered band at a local dive.

With Sony’s Reality Display and Mobile BRAVIA® Engine, you get exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image, enhancing the overall entertainment experience of the device.

The sleek and slim Xperia™ ray design will have friends asking “What is that?” – and you can share your response socially using Facebook Inside Xperia™, a unique experience for greater social interaction available only from Sony Ericsson.

Additional Features:

• 1 GHz processor
• Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) platform
• 3.3 inch scratch resistant screen (measured diagonally) and integrated touch keys
• Weight: 100 grams & Size: 111 x 53 x 9.4 mm
• Aluminum frame
• Available in 4 different colors: gold, black, white and pink
• More than  200,000 apps available for download via Android Market™

Pricing and Availability:

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ ray is available now unlocked for $424.99 at newegg.com and other online retailers.

It has been more than six months since HP officially took the wraps off of the Pre3 and it looks like the company is finally getting ready to bring the phone to market. Pre-orders for an unlocked model of the Pre3 have started on HP’s official German website, but don’t get too excited: the German variant has a QWERTZ keyboard instead of the QWERTY layout we’re accustomed to. Other specs include a 1.4GHz Qualcomm processor, a 3.6-inch 800 x 480-pixel resolution display and a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording HD video. The German Pre3 is priced at €349 ($500) and HP expects the phone to ship within one to two weeks. We expect to hear more about U.S. availability shortly now that the device is launching in other parts of the world.

[Via Engadget]

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T-Mobile now offers micro-SIM cards for subscribers with unlocked iPhone 4 smartphones who want to use its network. The SIMs are listed at $9.99 but are currently available for free online. T-Mobile confirmed last month that its network is now home to more than 1 million iPhone handsets, though the bulk of them are older models that accept full-sized SIM cards. The carrier also said at that time, however, that it would soon offer micro-SIM cards for iPhone 4 users. While subscribers with unlocked iPhone 4 handsets will not be able to utilize T-Mobile’s 3G or 4G HSPA+ networks, GSM and 2G EDGE services will work fine. The move could also partially be preparation for Apple’s next-generation iPhone 5, which some believe will launch from T-Mobile and Sprint this fall in addition to AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

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HTC has issued a statement naming the first phones that will receive unlocked bootloader updates this coming September. In a statement to BGR via email, the company said that the international version of its Sensation smartphone, T-Mobile’s Sensation 4G, and Sprint’s EVO 3D will be among the first phones to receive a patch that enables bootloader unlocking.”While we wish we could flip a simple switch and unlock all bootloaders across our device portfolio, this is actually a complex challenge that requires a new software build and extensive testing to deliver the best possible customer experience,” HTC said in a statement. “We’re in the testing phase for the unlocking capability now, and we expect it to be fully operational by early September for devices that have received the software updates. We’ll continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments.” HTC noted that it is continuing its commitment to unlocked bootloaders in an effort to support the developer community, and said that it will issue updates on its progress every few weeks. An unlocked bootloader will allow users to customize their devices more easily. Read on for the full statement from HTC.

We wanted to provide an update on HTC’s progress with bringing bootloader unlocking to our newest phones. We know how excited some of you are for this capability, and we’ve put significant resources behind making this change as soon as possible. While we wish we could flip a simple switch and unlock all bootloaders across our device portfolio, this is actually a complex challenge that requires a new software build and extensive testing to deliver the best possible customer experience.

We’re thrilled to announce today that software updates to support bootloader unlocking will begin rolling out in August for the global HTC Sensation, followed by the HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile USA and the HTC EVO 3D on Sprint. We’re in the testing phase for the unlocking capability now, and we expect it to be fully operational by early September for devices that have received the software updates. We’ll continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments.

HTC continues its commitment to unlocking bootloaders and supporting the developer community. Because of the importance of this community to us, please expect an update on this about every few weeks as we make progress toward launch. Thank you for your patience and continued support!

T-Mobile USA has gone on record in stating that its network is now home to more than 1 million unlocked Apple iPhones. While the figure is not incredibly surprising considering the massive popularity of Apple’s smartphone line, it certainly reaffirms the fact that T-Mobile subscribers are itching for an iOS option. Though the overwhelming bulk of iPhones being used on T-Mobile’s network are 3G and 3GS models, unnamed T-Mobile spokespeople also confirmed that the carrier has micro-SIMs in development. For the time being, iPhone 4 owners who want to use their devices on T-Mobile’s network have to perform a bit of surgery on their T-Mobile SIM cards. Of course, we doubt the carrier would adopt micro-SIM cards without actually selling a device that can make use of them, so this little snippet may add a bit more credence to rumors of a T-Mobile-ready iPhone 5 that may launch in August or September.

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Apple on Tuesday began selling unlocked iPhone 4 handsets in the U.S. a day earlier than expected. The smartphone is now available in 16GB for $649 or 32GB for $749, and both models come in black or white. Other manufacturers, most notably Nokia and Sony, have sold unlocked smartphones in the U.S. for quite some time. Neither company has seen much success with unlocked handsets thus far, though Apple’s approach is somewhat different. Apple’s primary sales channels in the U.S. are undoubtedly carriers, and the availability of unlocked smartphones simply addresses the needs of a small secondary market that is willing to pay for phones outright rather than spreading the cost of their devices over two years. As an added benefit, buyers of unlocked iPhones will be able to switch freely between GSM carriers, though some surgery may be involved with carriers that do not offer micro-SIM cards. With just a few months between the start of the summer and the expected launch of Apple’s fifth-generation iPhone, the availability of unlocked devices will allow also users to purchase iPhones now and then make a subsidized purchase in September, or whenever Apple finally does release the iPhone 5.

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With rumors of something new being cooked up at U.S. Apple Stores later this week, widespread speculation swept the Web suggesting Apple would finally take the wraps off its updated Sandy Bridge-powered MacBook Air notebooks. According to well-known and well-sourced iOS developer Chronic, that won’t be the case. Instead, for the first time, Apple plans to offer unlocked iPhone 4 models directly to consumers beginning Wednesday. Part numbers break down as follows: MC603 (16GB, Black) MC604 (16GB, White) MC605 (32GB, Black) MC606 (32GB, White). While pricing has not yet been confirmed, expect to pay a pretty penny for the new contract-free iPhones.

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“It is our intention to enable the unlockable/relockable bootloader currently found on Motorola XOOM across our portfolio of devices starting in late 2011, where carriers and operators will allow it.” Those were the words of Motorola in response to a very persistent customer. Irwin Proud, an Australian national, purchased a Motorola Atrix 4G during a recent trip to the United States. Proud acquired the handset hoping that Motorola would follow through on its promise to provide an unlocked-bootloader solution for developers — a promise that has yet to be fulfilled. One letter, a handful of emails, and an online petition later, the company responded to Proud’s request for more developer-friendly boot firmware, and it seems as though some users — pending carrier approval — may be getting their wish later this year. Hit the jump to see Motorola’s full response.

In terms of your question – we completely understand the operator requirement for security to the end user, and as well, want to support the developer communities desire to use these products as a development platform.  It is our intention to enable the unlockable/relockable bootloader currently found on Motorola XOOM across our portfolio of devices starting in late 2011, where carriers and operators will allow it.

[Via Engadget]

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Motorola definitely hasn’t won over the hearts and minds of the most hardcore Android tinkerers — thanks in large part to the company’s locked-down hardware and software. But Moto is showing signs of life. In a recent tweet, Motorola quipped that:

The XOOM will have an unlockable/relockable bootloader that will enable developers to access hardware for development

Not a bad starting point, and certainly a great way to get developers excited about the world’s first Android 3.0 tablet. Now… who do we talk to about custom ROMs?

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We’re still waiting on a formal announcement, but considering the Nexus S has already been shown off by Google CEO Eric Schmidt, why not just put it up on the site? Google’s much rumored Nexus One sequel is now live on the company’s site, along with complete specs that include Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) — which also hasn’t yet been formally announced. T-Mobile is listed as the device’s carrier, and integrated VoIP/SIP support is listed as well. Other notable specs include a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 16GB of internal storage, a 4-inch WVGA touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera, a secondary front-facing VGA camera for video chat, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, software-based noise cancellation, NFC support and an anti-fingerprint coating on the display. While the Nexus One helped usher in the next generation of Android devices when it launched earlier this year, the Nexus S features specs that are anything but impressive considering the coming onslaught of dual-core devices.

UPDATE: The Nexus S is now official — it launches in the U.S. online and at Best Buy on December 16th, and in the U.K. at Carphone Warehouse on December 20th. Pricing is set at $199 with a two-year T-Mobile contract or $529 unlocked. Hit the jump for the full press release.

SAMSUNG AND GOOGLE TO DELIVER NEXUS S, THE FIRST MOBILE PHONE IN THE WORLD POWERED BY ANDROID 2.3

Nexus S offers the latest version of the Android platform, Gingerbread, 4” Super AMOLED touch screen with curved design, Near Field Communication (NFC), front and rear-facing cameras and 1GHz application processor

SEOUL, Korea,  and DALLAS, US December 6, 2010 — Samsung Electronics,  a leading mobile phone provider and the  No. 1 mobile phone provider1 in the U.S., and Google™ today announced Nexus S™, the world’s first handset to feature the latest version of Google’s Android™ platform. Powered by Android 2.3, Samsung and Google have packed Nexus S with powerful technology and the latest in hardware features.

JK Shin, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “Samsung and Google have worked together closely to deliver the best Android smart phone experience for consumers. It has been our ambition in working with Google to continue to push the Android platform forward and create a smart phone that has both superior functionality and a stunning user-experience. It is extremely satisfying to see this partnership again bear tremendous fruit.”

“Samsung was thrilled to work with Google to create the first device featuring the much anticipated Android 2.3 OS. Nexus S is powerful proof of Samsung and Google’s commitment to bringing technology firsts to market and launching products that utilize the open and innovative Android operating system,” said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer of Samsung Telecommunications America. “Nexus S integrates Samsung’s best-in-class hardware and technology with the exciting new features and upgrades of Android 2.3 Gingerbread to give consumers a breakthrough smartphone experience.”

“Google is excited to co-develop Nexus S with Samsung, ensuring solid integration of hardware and software to deliver the lead device for the latest version of Android, Gingerbread,” said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering at Google.

Nexus S is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more ergonomic style and feel when held to the user’s face.  Nexus S also features Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which allows you to read information off of everyday objects like stickers and posters that are embedded with NFC chips. Powered by a 1 GHz Samsung application processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content.

Nexus S is equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right. Nexus S also comes with 16 GB of internal memory.

Android 2.3, Gingerbread, is the fastest version of Android yet. It features support for Near Field Communication (NFC), a new and improved keyboard with multi-touch support, Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support), and a clean new user interface. Nexus S also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking, access to Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Voice Actions, Google Voice™ and YouTube™, and access to over 100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market™.

Nexus S can be purchased (unlocked) online and in-store from Best Buy retailers in the U.S. starting after December 16 and at Carphone Warehouse retailers in the U.K. after December 20.

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Dell announced in a blog post Tuesday morning that its supersized Dell Streak is now available in two new colors. Additionally, the device is now being sold unlocked and contract-free directly from Dell.com. Dell’s 5-inch smart-tablet-phone can now be had in “Pure White”, as seen above, or “Cherry Red.” These two new colors are in addition to the black model that has been available since the summer, and they will be available exclusively through Best Buy in the U.S. While these two new color options will both be sold running Android 1.6, Dell is also now offering an unlocked Streak for $579 that will ship with Android 2.2 (Froyo). Current Streak owners aren’t being left in the dust, of course — the Froyo update is also currently rolling out to European Streaks, with all U.S. versions set to be updated some time in December.

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