Verizon

With no 4G LTE support, new Nexus devices irk early adopters

For all the wonderful hardware and software that comes with the new Nexus 4 and the rejiggered Nexus 7, there's one glaring feature that keeps them from being truly leading-edge: lack of 4G LTE support.

That means that as of today, early adopters who want the latest and greatest in Android will have to be content with an HSPA+ network. Yes, T-Mobile's HSPA+ can sometimes be as fast as LTE, but unlike with the iPhone, Android has always been good about including cutting-edge features. That's why this one hurts. Cue snickering from the Apple crowd.

Google did … Read more

LTE Spectrum 2 joins Verizon's $99 Android portfolio

Starting today, Verizon will offer the LG Spectrum 2, an LTE Android phone. Priced at $99.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate, the Spectrum 2 packs quite a punch for the money.

The phone boasts a 4.7-inch HD IPS display, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 16GB internal storage, and up to 32GB in microSD expansion. What's more, the Revolution 2 also comes with an 8-megapixel camera, NFC (near-field communication), Bluetooth 4.0, wireless charging capability, and a host of other Android requisites.

If there's one knock against the budget-friendly Android, it'… Read more

Verizon's Windows Phone 8X will get wireless charging

The Verizon Wireless version of HTC's Windows Phone 8X may have one advantage over the AT&T version: support for wireless charging.

Verizon confirmed to CNET that the Windows Phone 8X will indeed get wireless charging capabilities. The Verge first reported on the feature and that it would be exclusive to the carrier in the U.S. The wireless charging addition will be built into the phone, and wouldn't be noticeable to users.

Wireless charging, which has been sold through third-party retailers and famously touted in Palm's smartphones, is making a bit of a comeback. Nokia's Lumia 920, … Read more

Windows Phone 8 trio hitting Verizon for the holidays

Microsoft is getting a little cozier with Verizon, saying the nation's biggest carrier will offer three Windows Phone 8 devices for the coming holiday season.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, speaking during an event today, said Verizon will be offering the Nokia Lumia 822, and that the 8X by HTC will ship by Thanksgiving. Verizon also will offer the Samsung ATIV Odyssey in December.

The 8X will retail at $199 for 16 GB, while the Lumia 822 will sell for $99.

Meanwhile, AT&T will be selling the Lumia 820, Lumia 920, and Windows Phone 8X, while T-Mobile will … Read more

Verizon becomes sole home to Nokia Lumia 822

Nokia and Verizon have teamed up on an upcoming product launch.

The companies announced today that Verizon will carry the Nokia Lumia 822. The Windows Phone 8-based handset comes with a 4.3-inch display and the Snapdragon S4 processor. According to Nokia, users will have 11.7 hours of talk time and 62.1 hours of music playback time.

The Lumia 822 will work on Verizon's 4G LTE network and come with Nokia's Drive+ for turn-by-turn navigation. The handset will sell for $99 with a two-year contract.

Neither Nokia nor Verizon said exactly when the handset might … Read more

Verizon's Galaxy Note 2 preorders open for November delivery

Verizon has finally come forward with a release date for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, but for customers fervently waiting for the 5.5-inch "phablet," delivery is still several long weeks off.

Preorders begin today for $299 with a new two-year service agreement, but the huge handset won't ship until November 27, more than a month from today.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 features Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a quad-core processor, LTE and NFC support, Bluetooth 4.0, and an 8-megapixel camera. See photos, watch video, and read the full Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review here.… Read more

AT&T: Our iPhone 5 did twice as well as Verizon

AT&T sold twice as many iPhone 5 smartphones as its main competitor, according to mobility chief Ralph de la Vega.

AT&T's closest rival, Verizon Wireless, said last week that it sold 651,000 iPhone 5 units in the third quarter. Based on de la Vega's statement, this means AT&T rang up sales of roughly 1.3 million units. Sprint Nextel reports its results on Thursday.

AT&T further cemented its lead as the preeminent iPhone carrier in the U.S. with 4.7 million iPhones sold in the third quarter. But … Read more

AT&T sells disappointing 4.7M iPhones, customer growth slows

When it comes to Apple's iPhone, AT&T remains its strongest U.S. partner.

The Dallas-based telecommunications provider, second only to Verizon Wireless in wireless customers, said today it activated 4.7 million iPhones in the third quarter, with 18 percent new to the company. Still, that's short of what analysts were expecting, with the company blaming supply constraints for the shortfall.

Also disappointing was subscriber growth, with the carrier only adding only 151,000 so-called postpaid customers, who are seen as the most lucrative and loyal because they are committed for two years. That figure is … Read more

Droid Razr Maxx battery life still reigns supreme

If you own an old-school Razr Maxx and have been gazing longingly at Motorola's latest creation, the Droid Razr Maxx HD, here's a tidbit to consider. Its bigger screen and more robust processing comes at a price: a shorter run time. … Read more

iPad Mini won't be the only Apple news

Monday's CNET Update dusts off the crystal ball:

Everyone is eager to learn about the rumored iPad Mini, but today's tech news roundup looks at what else Apple will be announcing. We're expecting to see at least one new computer, such as an iMac or Mac Mini. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the Mac Pro will get an update in 2013, so it may be too soon to announce that. As for laptops, there have been reports that Apple will give the 13-inch MacBook Pro a retina display.

When Apple does unveil the iPad Mini, … Read more