Leaked S-Voice App Being Blocked on None Galaxy S 3 Phones
Well it was fun while it lasted. Looks like requests being sent to Vlingo (folks who power S-Voice) using the leaked app are now being blocked. When you use the app it sends your device’s ID and if it’s not a Galaxy S 3, it returns with a network error. In other words, becoming more like Siri everyday.
Via [XDA]
Verizon to Kill Unlimited Data Plans for Grandfathered Customers
According to PhoneArena, Verizon plans to force current customers, with unlimited 3G data plans, who transition to an LTE device to a new tiered data plan. Big Red will be releasing new shared data plans this year and want to move everyone off unlimited data.
What’s not clear, is if customers that have already made the switch to an LTE device will be forced off unlimited on their next upgrade. I’m sure this is a preemptive strike against iPhone users, as the next version will have LTE and VZW will want to limit those users who currently have unlimited 3G plans.
T-Mobile Working Through a Rebuilding Year
This has been a tough year for T-Mobile, bleeding customers because of the possible merger with AT&T this year, not having the iPhone, and the lack of LTE, when compared to the other carriers. Recently, they announced that they are building a LTE network to compete with the other carriers, which is a big part of the rebuild.
After losing almost 1000 employees in March due to cut backs, another warning memo was issued to employees today. With their new structure, there will be some difficult decisions. They will be notifying some employees this week that they will be laid off in this second round of layoffs. CEO Phillip Humm says that additional details on the matter will come this following week. Hopefully T-Mobile can refocus and get back on track this year for a solid 2013 year, allowing them to get back in the competition strongly.
Source The Verge
Google to Open Nexus Program to Multiple Manufacturers
According to the WSJ, Google is in talks to bring five manufactures on board with their Nexus program. Typically all the OEMs compete to build Google’s flagship Android device for the year, but that might be changing soon. The devices wont just be phones either, tablets will be included and all the devices will be sold directly from Google via the Play Store. With the purchase of Motorola, this could be a peace offering in order to show OEMs that they are not playing favorites. Either way this is good for consumers, as they will have a choice of multiple devices directly from Google and injecting the market with more “pure Google” devices. The move will position Google in a new direction, one that could potentially anger carriers, very similar what Apple has done with the iPhone. No word on which manufactures will be included, but one would assume HTC, Samsung, LG, and maybe even Sony are involved. Stay tuned!
The Gadget Gurus Podcast Ep 161 – EXTERMINATE!!
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