The HTC Evo Shift 4G is getting a security update, alongside an updated version of HTC Peep (the company’s built-in social networking client), as well as much needed battery life improvements. The update will make your Evo Shift 4G run software version 2.77.651.3. The Samsung Replenish, on the other hand, only gets some security patches brought to it by the FA19 update.

The update is already rolling out over-the-air for the Replenish. If your phone hasn’t yet received the notification that the update is available, then know that the rollout will take a few days to complete.

For the HTC Evo Shift 4G, the update notification will start showing up on February 7. However, if you’re impatient you can manually check for the update right now and it should be there waiting for you.

Full update instructions for the Evo Shift 4G are available here, and for the Samsung Replenish here.

Via Sprint here and here

• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G Android 2.3 Gingerbread update will be available on June 17
• Sprint Samsung Replenish Android 2.3 Gingerbread update now rolling out
• Sprint’s HTC Evo 4G, Evo Design 4G and Samsung Epic 4G are all getting software updates today
• Sprint’s HTC Evo 3D gets a software update that improves battery life and security
• Sprint Samsung Replenish will get a maintenance update on July 18

You’ll be able to get a ZTE Optik for $99.99 with a two-year service agreement. If you want to get one sans contract, you’ll have to shell out $349.99. Business customers may qualify for special pricing.

The tablet will be available on Sunday online, in Sprint stores, and through telesales. The ZTE Optik has a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of built-in storage space, a 5 MP rear camera, a 2 MP front-facing camera, microSD card support, Wi-Fi, mobile data connectivity, Bluetooth, GPS, a 3.5 mm headset jack, and a 4,000 mAh battery. It runs Android 3.2 Honeycomb.

• 7-inch ZTE Optik tablet now available at Sprint for $99.99
• ZTE Optik (V55) Android tablet to be launched by Sprint on February 5
• Toshiba Thrive now available at Newegg, $429.99 for the 8 GB model, $479.99 for 16 GB
• AT&T Pantech Element waterproof 8-inch Android tablet will be available on January 8 for $299.99
• Verizon’s ZTE V66 LTE Android tablet pictured

It adheres to Military Standard 810G for resistance to dust, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, humidity, rain, and immersion (up to 30 minutes in up to 1 m of water). The DuraPlus also comes with a LED flash that has its own dedicated power button, which may come in handy during power outages, or simply in unlit areas.

The Kyocera DuraPlus will become available on Sprint’s Direct Connect push-to-talk service in the first half of this year, with exact release info as well as pricing to be announced closer to the launch. Sprint is clearly positioning the DuraPlus for professionals who work in tough environments, this being a phone that can easily withstand anything you throw at it.

• Motorola Debut i856 launched by Sprint
• Sprint’s Motorola Admiral unveiled: Android, QWERTY, Direct Connect
• Sprint’s LG Marquee, BlackBerry Curve 9350, and Kyocera Duramax now available
• Motorola Admiral with Android and Direct Connect announced by Sprint
• Sprint launches NextMail Locator for Nextel Direct Connect

The Galaxy Nexus which is currently the top performer in the NenaMark benchmark has a PowerVR SGX544 GPU under the hood. Which is odd, because the Samsung Galaxy Nexus we know and love has a 1.2 GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4460 CPU that is paired with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU.

The SGX544, in fact, is the GPU that’s sold by TI with its OMAP 4470 platform, announced last year during Mobile World Congress. The OMAP 4470 is, like the 4460, a dual-core part. However, it can go up to 1.8 GHz clocks, as opposed to its predecessor which is limited to 1.5 GHz (yes, the CPU in the Galaxy Nexus is effectively underclocked – for better battery life, we assume).

But that’s not the best part about the OMAP 4470. The SGX544 graphics chip apparently delivers performance up to 2.5 times better than that of the SGX540. The model number revision might indicate otherwise, but this is one graphics powerhouse compared to its predecessor.

Which brings us back to the aforementioned benchmark. Now sure, someone may have spoofed that device’s name (and this isn’t really a Galaxy Nexus after all). There’s also a small chance that someone at TI is testing their new processor using Galaxy Nexus hardware. Or someone could have spoofed those GPU results (although that’s far less likely, for it’s quite complicated). So, keeping all of that in mind, whilst having your average grain of salt nearby… consider that this could mean we’re about to see a new Galaxy Nexus arrive on the market with upgraded specs.

We doubt anything but the processor and GPU will be changed, but even so this would clearly be a better performing device than the currently selling Galaxy Nexus. We don’t know what clock speed Google and Samsung will choose in this version, but it’s probably safe to assume it won’t be the maximum 1.8 GHz (just like with the OMAP 4460 they didn’t go for the maximum of 1.5 GHz). That said, we may be seeing a jump in clock speed to 1.5 GHz. That together with the major GPU peformance improvements means this prospective device will be a very fast one.

Interestingly, Sprint has omitted the CPU and GPU specs from all its mentions of its upcoming Galaxy Nexus. So could what we saw in this benchmark actually be Sprint’s slightly tweaked version of the new pure Google phone? Maybe. We just can’t be sure at this point. But if there is a new and improved Galaxy Nexus on its way to the market (be it to Sprint or elsewhere), we’re bound to see many more leaks regarding it very soon. So stay tuned.

Via Droid Life

• Samsung Galaxy S II Plus may be in the works
• Samsung Galaxy S II Plus press photo leaked, it’s running Ice Cream Sandwich
• Best Buy refers to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus as the Nexus Prime 4G LTE in flyer
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus to be launched in India only in March?
• New PowerVR chip could make way for HD iPhone in the future

As the Google webpage states, the Galaxy Nexus will be Sprint’s first LTE smartphone. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and features a 4.65 inch HD (1280 x 720) Super AMOLED display, Google Wallet, 5MP rear camera with 1080p video recording, 1.3MP front-facing camera, dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal memory.

Verizon is already selling the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in he US (since December 2011), asking $299.99 for it (on contract). It remains to be seen if Sprint is going to price the smartphone similarly. It probably will.

Via Android Central

• Sprint intros Samsung Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper LTE Android smartphones
• Google Nexus S 4G launched by Sprint for $199 on contract. Best Buy sells it for $149
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus to be launched in India only in March?
• Sprint’s Motorola Photon 4G now $49.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus to bring Android ICS to India this year?

That said, cheaper is always better, so how about getting the white Epic Touch 4G for 50% off? That’s exactly what you can do at Amazon today. The handset can be yours for just $99.99. You will of course still need to sign a new two-year contract with the carrier, but that’s just how things are.

This pricing applies to new customers only. Those who wish to upgrade will have to shell out $50 more, but $149.99 is still $50 less than what Sprint is asking, so that’s not a bad deal either.

If you’re interested, head on over to Amazon now and order yours. Or, if you’d rather grab the black version, it’s going for $79.99 instead.

Via The Mobile Fanatics

• Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G only $99 at Amazon
• Sprint Nexus S 4G now only $99.99 at Wirefly
• Confirmed: Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch to be out in white on January 8 for $199.99
• Samsung Epic 4G now available from Sprint
• White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint leaked

The Optik will come with a 7 inch display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 3G with mobile hotspot capability (up to 5 devices), Bluetooth, stereo speakers, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory, and a 4,000 mAh battery.

Starting March 11, the ZTE Optik should also be available in Sprint stores, not just online. It will be launched with Android 3.2 Honeycomb on board, and for now there’s no word on an eventual update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Via SprintFeed

• Sprint announces the 7-inch ZTE Optik, in stores on February 5, yours for $99
• 7-inch ZTE Optik tablet now available at Sprint for $99.99
• Huawei Honor now comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (but only in China)
• Huawei’s MediaPad available at AT&T today
• Sony Xperia S priced in the UK (£467.99 SIM-free), should be out in early March

Now SprintFeed has received Sprint’s latest EOL list, and it includes some big names from yesteryear. Alongside the less-known Samsung M360 and Samsung Trender Purple, the famous HTC Evo 4G will be discontinued sometime this week.

Next week it will be the turn of the HTC Evo View 4G, and the Wi-Fi-only BlackBerry PlayBook will join these devices into oblivion before the end of January. In early February, the Sanyo Innuendo Blue will have to go too.

That’s just the way the mobile world works, so don’t be quick to shed a tear for any of the aforementioned gadgets. They’ve had their moment in the spotlight (well, some more than others) and are now getting old and need to be replaced in the carrier’s lineup with younger, better performing offerings.

• Boost Mobile launches Sanyo Innuendo, $129.99
• Kyocera Sanyo Innuendo QWERTY phone launched by Sprint
• T-Mobile early-2009 roadmap leaked – BlackBerry Curve 8900 and Samsung Memoir on the list
• Sprint After Christmas Sale to include HTC Evo 3D, Evo Shift 4G, Evo View 4G, and BlackBerry Playbook
• UK: 16 GB BlackBerry PlayBook sees price cut to £249

Of course, Amazon is also selling the Photon 4G for just $49.99, so you may as well buy it from there. That, of course, if you don’t want to wait for Sprint’s newest smartphones – the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the LG Viper (which will be the carrier’s first two LTE handsets).

Launched by Sprint back in August 2011, the Motorola Photon 4G runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and features a 4.3 inch qHD (960 x 540) display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera with 720p video recording, VGA front-facing camera, 16GB of internal memory, and microSD card support.

Via Sprint Feed

• Sprint intros Motorola Photon 4G with Android Gingerbread
• Sprint Motorola Photon 4G available now (only online)
• Motorola Photon 4G will be just $99.99 at Sprint from January 15, it’s already $50 cheaper at Amazon
• Sprint’s Motorola Photon 4G and Samsung Conquer 4G to be out this month?
• Motorola Electrify is US Cellular’s first dual-core Android smartphone

The new software version for the Evo 4G is 4.67.651.3, and brings a security update, plus battery life improvements, and updated Peep client “to align with Twitter.” You can find out more here at Sprint.

The Evo Design 4G’s new software version is 2.12.651.5. It also brings a security update, battery life improvements and new Peep client, plus updated Sprint Zone client, and 3LM Enterprise Tool access. More details here.

As for the Samsung Epic 4G, the new software (version S:D700.0.5S.EL30) brings it a security update and speaker feedback fix. Also, the QIK and Asphalt 5 apps are no longer pre-installed on the device. More info here.

Each of the HTC Evo 4G, HTC Evo Design 4G and Samsung Epic 4G is currently sold by Sprint for $99.99 on contract.

Via Android Police

• Sprint’s HTC Evo Shift 4G and Samsung Replenish also get some update love
• Sprint’s HTC Evo 3D gets a software update that improves battery life and security
• Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Android 2.3 Gingerbread update finally rolling out
• Samsung Epic 4G, Sanyo Zio Updating to Froyo Feb 21
• Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Android 2.2 Froyo update starts on December 26

That’s down from $99.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) for the Marquee, and $79.99 (also after a $50 mail-in rebate) for the Transform Ultra. So depending on which device you choose, you may save almost a hundred bucks if you take advantage of this promo.

And if you don’t mind having Sprint as your carrier and you need a decent midrange Android device, you won’t go wrong with either of these, although the LG Marquee is a bit higher-specced (and has the larger screen). That said, the Transform Ultra comes with a full physical side-sliding QWERTY keyboard, which may make up for its smaller screen in the eyes of some.

If you’re interested in these phones, keep in mind that we have no idea how long they’ll still be free, so it’s best to grab one as soon as possible. To do that, head over here for the LG Marquee and here for the Samsung Transform Ultra.

Via Phone Arena

• Samsung Transform Ultra coming to Sprint
• Samsung Transform Ultra now available at Boost Mobile for $229.99
• Sprint announces the Samsung Transform Ultra for Boost Mobile, available on October 7 for $229.99
• Sprint may soon unveil a Samsung Android-powered QWERTY candybar
• Sprint intros Android-based Samsung Transform, LG Optimus S and Sanyo Zio

But what to do if your carrier of choice is Verizon, or even Sprint? Well, up until now you pretty much had to get used to the fact that you won’t ever be able to buy a Galaxy Note. However, that may not be true.

An analyst chimed in on the issue, and got quoted saying that the Galaxy Note is definitely headed to Sprint and Verizon as well. But, get this, it will be launched under a different name. The Samsung Galaxy Journal may be what it ends up being called. But it’s surely going to be in Verizon and Sprint stores in the first half of this year.

Now you should be wary of anything an analyst says. So be wary of this. Treat it as a rumor, and don’t run to your nearest Verizon or Sprint store to get in line for a Galaxy Note/Journal just yet. If this is in fact true, expect many more details to leak out slowly over the next few months.

Via Examiner Via Droid Life

• Samsung Galaxy Note gets leaked picture with AT&T branding, may be headed to Sprint too
• Sprint’s Samsung Epic Touch 4G (Galaxy S II) may be out on September 9
• Verizon confirms: Samsung Galaxy Nexus launches tomorrow
• Confirmed: Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch to be out in white on January 8 for $199.99
• Samsung already sold 1 million Galaxy Note units, may bring the device to AT&T in 2012

However, as it happens sometimes, exclusivities don’t last forever. In fact, we’re hearing that AT&T’s Lumia 900 exclusivity will end 45 days after launch (the launch is expected to take place on March 18).

According to WinSupersite and a “a source at a rival wireless carrier”, T-Mobile, “probably Verizon” and “possibly Sprint” could also introduce a version of the Lumia 900 – most likely in the second half of the year. Reportedly, the new version of the 900 should come with a 12MP camera (instead of an 8MP one, like AT&T’s handset).

Sure enough, since this isn’t confirmed by any official sources, we should take it as a rumor for now.

The Nokia Lumia 900 (pictured above) in an upgraded Lumia 800, coming with a 4.3 inch ClearBlack AMOLED WVGA display, LTE connectivity, 1.4GHz single-core processor, and 16GB of internal memory.

• Nokia Lumia 900 to be launched by AT&T in March
• Nokia Lumia 900 with Windows Phone Tango to be launched in the US in early 2012?
• Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus, Nokia Lumia 710 and BlackBerry Bold 9790 coming to Vodafone UK in February
• Unlocked Nokia Lumia 800 with Windows Phone available at Amazon USA
• AT&T’s Nokia Lumia 900 can be pre-ordered in Microsoft stores now

It has three functions. It improves battery life, adds a needed security patch, and comes with an updated HTC Peep client (for social networking).

After applying the update, your phone will run software version 2.17.651.5. The update is available today if you manually check for it. If you don’t, your phone will notify you that the update has arrived starting on January 17, when the push rollout begins. However, keep in mind that it might take a few days from that point on for it to reach your device.

If you want to apply it now, just go to Settings > System updates > HTC software update > Check now and it should be waiting.

• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G Android 2.3 Gingerbread update will be available on June 17
• T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G receives software update which improves battery life and overall stability
• Sprint HTC Evo View 4G Android Honeycomb update now rolling out
• Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Touch gets an update that fixes its loss of signal issues
• T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G Android 2.3.4 update is rolling out

Starting on January 15, though, you’ll be able to get a Photon 4G from Sprint for just $99.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate). That’s according to the leaked info you can see below courtesy of SprintFeed. It’s certainly a good price for what’s still a plenty capable phone, however if you want to buy a Photon 4G you should probably do it at Amazon.

That’s because the well known third-party retailer has it right now for just $49.99 with the same two-year Sprint contract. Furthermore, there are no pesky mail-in rebates to fiddle with when buying from Amazon.

If you’re upgrading, Amazon’s price is $79.99, which is also very decent. If you’re interested in picking up a Photon 4G from Amazon, just go here.

The Motorola Photon 4G has a 4.3-inch qHD (960×540) touchscreen, a 1 GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, an 8 MP rear camera with 720p HD video recording, a VGA front-facing camera for video calls, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of built-in storage, microSD card support, and all the usual connectivity options.

• Sprint Motorola Photon 4G available now (only online)
• Verizon Motorola Droid X2 now just $59.99 with contract
• Motorola Photon 4G now available at Sprint
• Sprint intros Motorola Photon 4G with Android Gingerbread
• Sprint’s Motorola Photon 4G now $49.99 at Best Buy

Since the official unveiling was the first time we heard anything about the LG Viper 4G LTE, this is welcome news. We can now get to know this phone better before it arrives in the Now Network’s stores.

The LG Viper 4G LTE will have:

• 4-inch 800×480 touchscreen
• 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
• 4 GB of built-in storage space
• 512 MB of RAM
• 5 MP rear camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recording
• VGA front-facing camera
• DLNA, NFC (Google Wallet included), Sprint ID support
• 1,700 mAh battery
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread

This is going to be an eco-friendly device as well, being built from 35% recycled plastics. Unfortunately, no details about its pricing or release time frame have surfaced yet, so we’re still left wondering. That said, our bet is that the Viper won’t be out in the next few weeks, though, as Sprint still has some work to do on its LTE network. So if you crave this handset, hang in there.

• Sprint intros Samsung Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper LTE Android smartphones
• Sprint’s Motorola Photon 4G now $49.99 at Best Buy
• Google now lets you register for Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• HTC Hero 4G to be the final name of Sprint’s HTC Kingdom?
• Motorola launches MT870 in China, the first dual-core TD-SCDMA Android smartphone

As of yesterday, the Galaxy Nexus is featured on Sprint’s website (here), where we can see that it’s going to come with 16GB of internal memory.

However, according to Mobileburn, that’s not true. Reportedly, Sprint confirmed that its Galaxy Nexus would feature 32GB of storage space – just like Verizon’s version, which is available since last month.

Update: Sprint has confirmed via email that the Galaxy Nexus indeed has 32GB of internal memory. Now its 4G LTE landing page reflects this, too. The initial 16GB listing was due to “a mistake on our part”, Sprint said.

While Sprint didn’t disclose the price of its Galaxy Nexus, this will likely be $299 on contract. The Android Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone will be one of Sprint’s first LTE devices, alongside the LG Viper.

• Sprint intros Samsung Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper LTE Android smartphones
• Google now lets you register for Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus to be released in Japan on NTT DoCoMo December 2nd
• Sprint LG Viper 4G LTE specs leaked by internal document
• Sprint to launch the Samsung Galaxy Nexus as its first LTE phone

Already available at Verizon Wireless, the Galaxy Nexus is the world’s first smartphone to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It features – among others – a 4.65 inch HD (1280 x 720) Super AMOLED display, NFC, Google Wallet (only on Sprint), dual-core processor, and 16GB of internal memory.

The LG Viper will be launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, featuring a 4 inch WVGA Nova display, NFC, Google Wallet, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 5MP rear camera, and a VGA front-facing camera. The Viper is an eco-friendly handset – its “casing is made of 35 percent recycled plastics”, and there’s a “charger with a no-load consumption rating of .03W, which exceeds the EC Code of Conduct on energy efficiency.”

Sprint didn’t unveil when exactly the Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper would be released, but it should happen before mid-2012. At about the same time, customers will be able to buy the Sierra Wireless Tri-Network Hotspot, which provides access to 3G, 4G WiMax, 4G LTE and Wi-Fi networks. Sprint didn’t say anything regarding the prices of these new devices.

You can find out more here at Sprint’s LTE webpage.

Via Press release

• Google now lets you register for Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• Sprint LG Viper 4G LTE specs leaked by internal document
• Sprint Galaxy Nexus will have 32GB of internal memory, just like Verizon’s version
• Sprint’s Motorola Photon 4G now $49.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung Nexus S 4G for Sprint officially announced

An official Sprint ad seen over at Cnet (check the right side of the page) clearly says so. The ad doesn’t say when Sprint will launch the Galaxy Nexus, and if you click on “Learn more” you get an unfriendly 404 on Sprint’s website.

Anyway, earlier today, Sprint announced that it would roll-out LTE services in Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and San Antonio “before middle of year” – so that’s when the Galaxy Nexus will most likely be introduced.

Update: the ad no longer appears online.

Verizon Wireless is already selling the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in the US, asking $299 for it (on contract). I assume Sprint will price the handset similarly. But let’s wait for the carrier to officially unveil more details on this (maybe at CES 2012 next week), shall we?

Via Engadget

• Verizon Galaxy Nexus software update coming soon to adjust signal strength indicator
• Sprint Galaxy Nexus will have 32GB of internal memory, just like Verizon’s version
• Sprint announces the Google Nexus One, might unveil the HTC Supersonic at CTIA
• Google now lets you register for Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• Samsung Nexus S 4G for Sprint officially announced

Turns out that was right, for today Sprint itself made the white Epic 4G Touch official. And indeed it will be in stores on January 8 (that’s this Sunday). If you’re interested in getting one, know that you’ll need to shell out $199.99 for the privilege. And, naturally, you’ll have to sign a new two-year contract to get that price.

The Epic 4G Touch in ‘frost white’ is identical to its black sibling in all respects but the color. Oh, and, as you can see, this is no partial paint job, for the entire device is clad in white. So a treat for white lovers. If the white Samsung Galaxy Nexus isn’t your cup of tea, of course.

Via Engadget

• White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G for Sprint is now only $99.99
• White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint will be available on January 8
• White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint leaked
• Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Touch pre-orders start for $149.99, shipping on September 16
• Sprint drops Samsung Epic 4G price to $199, but Amazon has it for $99

The update’s software version is EK18. It brings with it the usual Gingerbread bits and blobs, most notable of which are the increased overall operation speed and smoothness, one-touch word selection and copy/paste, better power management, and the new Downloads manager. Sprint has also packed an SMS messaging fix alongside everything listed above.

The update will reach your device over-the-air, and your Replenish will notify you when it’s available. You might not get it immediately though, for the rollout is staggered and will take 10 days to reach all Samsung Replenish units. The estimated download and install time is 10 minutes. Full instructions for performing the update are available here.

Via Sprint

• Sprint’s HTC Evo Shift 4G and Samsung Replenish also get some update love
• Sprint LG Optimus S gets updated to Android Gingerbread too
• Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Android 2.3 Gingerbread update finally rolling out
• Verizon Samsung Fascinate Android 2.3 Gingerbread update finally rolling out now
• AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread update rolling out now

The Evo Shift 4G is no new device, in fact it’s around its one-year birthday already. And during its lifetime it has been free before (though from Amazon and Wirefly). As of now, you can get it from Wirefly for $0.99, which is also basically free – if somehow you have something against purchasing directly from Sprint.

If you’d rather get one from Amazon, know that the price being asked there is $29.99. Again, a new two-year contract is mandatory in order to get these prices.

The HTC Evo Shift 4G may not be a high-end device, but it’s a decent midranger, and it’s the only Evo handset to sport a full physical QWERTY keyboard. If you’d like to get one for free from Sprint, this is the link to click.

Via Phone Arena

• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now free with new two-year contract
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now only $39.99 at Amazon
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now only $69.99 at RadioShack
• Verizon Motorola Droid 2 Global and Droid X now free at Wirefly with contract
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now available, Amazon has it for only $119.99

But while back then this was a mere rumor, today we get a kind of confirmation that that will happen via a leaked photo showcasing the AT&T-bound Galaxy Note, complete with branding. Here it is, courtesy of SamMobile:

Apparently AT&T’s version of the Galaxy Note, which will have the model number SGH-I717, will feature NFC support, something that the international version lacks. One past rumor also claimed that the Galaxy Note for AT&T will have a different processor than the already available SKU. Unfortunately this latest leak doesn’t confirm nor deny this detail, so we still have to wait and see if it was true.

In the meantime though, it looks like the Samsung Galaxy Note is also on its way to Sprint. At least if a “proven source” of SprintFeed‘s isn’t wrong. There are no other details as of now, but the fact that the phone/tablet hybrid will also be available at the Now Network sometime soon. It’s unclear if it will arrive with WiMax support or not, so stay tuned for that information.

• Samsung Galaxy Note may be launched by Verizon and Sprint as the Galaxy Journal
• AT&T announces the Samsung Galaxy Note and Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD, both with 4G LTE support
• Samsung already sold 1 million Galaxy Note units, may bring the device to AT&T in 2012
• Samsung Galaxy Tab officially coming to all major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile)
• Samsung confirms AT&T’s Galaxy Note at CES

The Connect 4G hasn’t been officially announced, and we don’t know when it could hit the market, but photos of it have appeared over at PocketNow.

Reportedly, the new handset features a 4 inch WVGA Nova display, 5MP rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory, and MicroSD card support.

Interestingly, the Connect may also be launched by Verizon (with the model number LG VS840), as well as by Sprint (as the LG LS840) – hence it could be one of Sprint’s first LTE devices. More on this as we get it.

• Sprint intros the HTC Evo 3D and HTC Evo View 4G
• Sprint’s Motorola Photon 4G now $49.99 at Best Buy
• Sprint intros Samsung Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper LTE Android smartphones
• Verizon Motorola Droid 4 available now
• LG Connect 4G and Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G announced by MetroPCS

What, you ask? Well, a BOGO (Buy One Get One free) sort of thing. The Now Network will be offering you, in effect, two Samsung Conquer 4G smartphones for just $49.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate). You’ll obviously have to sign two new two-year contracts to get that price. But you should probably take the fact that this phone usually sells for $99.99 under consideration. Because you’ll get two handsets for half the normal price of one.

That’s a pretty good deal. And the Conquer 4G is a pretty good phone. Just don’t expect it to outperform the best out there. Or turn heads. Yet if the highest-end features aren’t interesting to you, don’t forget about this offer when January 8 comes.

The Samsung Conquer 4G has a 3.5-inch 320×480 touchscreen, a 1 GHz processor, a 3.2 MP camera, a secondary 1.3 MP front-facing camera, 4G WiMax support, and a full physical side-sliding QWERTY keyboard.

Via SprintFeed

• Sprint Samsung Conquer 4G can be pre-ordered for just $19.99 at RadioShack
• Sprint Samsung Conquer 4G now free with contract, $79.99 for renewals
• Sprint Samsung Conquer 4G will be only $69.99 at RadioShack
• Samsung Conquer 4G now official on Sprint
• Samsung Conquer 4G launch date unveiled by Sprint: August 21

The white Epic 4G Touch first surfaced exactly ten days ago, when we saw some leaked press shots of the device.

In case you were wondering, there’s nothing else different in the white SKU compared to the black one already on sale. It’s identical, save for the paint job.

And if you love white phones, you’ll have one more choice starting in ten days.

Via SprintFeed

• Confirmed: Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch to be out in white on January 8 for $199.99
• White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint leaked
• Samsung Galaxy S II LTE gets a white paint job too
• White Nokia Lumia 800 now up for pre-order in the UK, yours for £429.95
• Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Touch pre-orders start for $149.99, shipping on September 16

Verizon, for example, will give you a Motorola Droid Bionic for $199.99, or the midrange Pantech Breakout for just $49.99. And the carrier’s ’2x data’ promotion is still going, so if you sign up for a data plan (which you must in order to get these smartphones anyway), you’ll get double the ‘advertised’ data traffic each month.

Verizon has even put out a commercial for this sale. And here it is:

Sprint also has some neat cut prices for some products. Its promotion is available until January 7. You can get a Samsung Replenish for free, HTC Evo 3D for $99.99, and the HTC Evo Shift 4G for $49.99.

There are also a couple of tablets on offer. Both the HTC Evo View 4G and the BlackBerry PlayBook can be yours for $199.99.

Via VzBuzz and SprintFeed

• Sprint After Christmas Sale to include HTC Evo 3D, Evo Shift 4G, Evo View 4G, and BlackBerry Playbook
• Verizon to offer two BlackBerry Storm2 phones for the price of one?
• Verizon introduces prepaid data packages for Droid Incredible, Droid X, Droid 2 and other smartphones
• Sprint’s HTC EVO 3D and HTC EVO View 4G officially arriving on June 24
• Sprint raises unlimited smartphone data plan cost by $10

Sprint’s HTC Evo View 4G is now getting updated to Android 3.2.1 Honeycomb. The rollout has started today, and since the update comes OTA, it may be staggered. So your tablet may not have gotten it yet. But fret not, for it will soon. If you’d like to manually check for the update, just go to Settings > System updates > HTC Software update > Check now.

Because of the differences between Honeycomb and previous versions of the operating system, you’ll have to re-add all your homescreen shortcuts and widgets after the update. Alongside the usual Honeycomb bits, this update also packs in fixes for Google video chat and Bluetooth support in Airplane mode.

Via Sprint

• Sprint Samsung Galaxy Tab Android 2.3 Gingerbread update now rolling out
• HTC Flyer Android 3.2 Honeycomb update starts rolling out in the US for both Wi-Fi and 3G units
• Motorola Atrix Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread update now rolling out in Europe
• Verizon Samsung Fascinate Android 2.2 Froyo update begins tomorrow, April 21
• Android 3.2 may become available for the Motorola Xoom in a few days

While Sprint hasn’t confirmed the white Epic 4G Touch yet, press images of it have appeared over at PocketNow. Most likely, the third largest US carrier will launch the new version of the handset in early 2012.

Just like the black Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch, the white one should be sold by Sprint for $199.99 on contract. I assume the white Epic 4G Touch will come with Android Gingerbread on board – however, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich should be released for both versions later in 2012.

• Confirmed: Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch to be out in white on January 8 for $199.99
• Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Touch (Galaxy S II) press photos leaked
• White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint will be available on January 8
• White Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G for Sprint is now only $99.99
• Samsung Galaxy S II now comes in pink (only in Korea for the moment)

For example, the HTC Evo 3D will be only $99.99 on contract (down from $199.99). Other devices included: HTC Evo Shift 4G ($49.99), HTC Evo View 4G ($199.99), BlackBerry PlayBook ($199.99), and Samsung Replenish ($0 – although this one is already free on contract).

Sprint’s “After Christmas Sale” (yeah, that’s what it’s called) will last from December 26 to January 7 2012, so you’ll have plenty of time to decide if any of the included devices are worth the signing of a new 2-yr contract agreement (required for the discounts to be applied).

If you’re looking to grab something before Christmas, though, head over to Amazon. You’ll find the EVO 3D for $49.99, EVO Shift 4G for $29.99 and Replenishfor a penny.

Via SprintFeed

• All Verizon phones (Droid Bionic included) offered for $0.01 at Amazon until October 17
• Verizon Droid Razr, Droid Bionic, HTC Rezound, AT&T Atrix 2 4G, Sprint EVO 3D and more – now $0.01 on Amazon
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now only $39.99 at Amazon
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now only $69.99 at RadioShack
• Sprint EVO 4G White on sale at Amazon for $89.99

After having this update applied, your Epic 4G Touch will be on software version D710.0.5S.EK02. The update fixes the loss of signal issues which always required a reboot to get the radio running again. It also makes the 4G hotspot functionality not disconnect while you’re in a phone call. Minor things, you may say. And indeed they are. That is, until your phone starts randomly losing signal with rebooting being the only fix.

As this is an OTA update, your phone should notify you when it’s available. If it hasn’t done so yet, you can manually check for the update by going to Settings > About phone > System updates > Update Android. However, do note that the update’s rollout will happen in stages, with all devices expected to have received the update within ten days. So if it’s not there for your handset yet, don’t panic. Just try again later. Full information and installation instructions are available here at Sprint.

If you’re interested in getting an Epic 4G Touch, grab one here at Amazon (currently $100).

• T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G receives software update which improves battery life and overall stability
• Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 receives a minor software update
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G Android 2.3 Gingerbread update will be available on June 17
• Sprint HTC Evo View 4G Android Honeycomb update now rolling out
• Sprint’s HTC Evo 4G gets a minor update too

And in case you’re wondering when Sprint will have LTE phones, the answer is: sometime in the second half of 2012.

According to Fierce Wireless, Sprint CFO Joseph Euteneuer declared during the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference that their LTE network would be “”very competitive to what’s out in the marketplace.”

For the moment, there are no specific details on Sprint’s first LTE handsets. But it makes perfect sense to assume that at least one of them will run Android. After all, every single LTE handset sold today in the US is Android-based. Windows Phone is also a possibility, since we’re hearing Nokia and AT&T are already in talks for an LTE-capable Lumia 800. And, of course, we could also see an LTE iPhone 5 on Sprint – assuming Apple finally includes LTE support in its smartphone.

• HTC Mazaa leaks on its way to Sprint, may be the first WP7 world phone
• Samsung Epic 4G Touch, HTC Evo Design 4G and Motorola Admiral headed to Sprint
• iPhone Coming To Sprint This Year?
• Verizon is testing CDMA iPad
• Google Nexus S 4G launched by Sprint for $199 on contract. Best Buy sells it for $149

Unfortunately, other than the fact that it’s a “CDMA tablet with Bluetooth wireless technology”, the SIG doesn’t provide too many details on the new V55. But at least we can take a proper look at it, and see its Android Honeycomb interface:

There’s no word on when Sprint may want to launch the ZTE V55, but we’ll let you know as soon as we’re hearing anything about this.

Sprint has already announced an Android smartphone from ZTE (the ZTE Warp – available only via Boost Mobile for now), and should also introduce the ZTE N860 (most likely under a different name).

• Boost Mobile now offers the ZTE Warp for just $199.99
• Sprint intros HTC Evo Design 4G and ZTE Warp (for Boost) Android phones
• HTC Flyer Android 2.3 tablet coming in March, Honeycomb upgrade to be offered later
• LG Optimus Black and Samsung Replenish for Boost Mobile pictured
• ZTE Optik (V55) Android tablet to be launched by Sprint on February 5

Starting today (November 21), Amazon will offer many high-end, mid-end and low-end devices for just $0.01 (new service line required). The offer will end on November 28 – a few days after Black Friday.

The Verizon smartphones that are part of the deal include: Droid RAZR, HTC Rezound, Droid Bionic, Droid 3 Global, Droid X2, Droid Incredible 2, Samsung Stratosphere, HTC Rhyme and so on.

AT&T’s handsets that will be 1 cent ‘til November 28 include: Motorola Atrix 2, HTC Vivid, Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket , Samsung Focus S, Focus Flash, and the HTC Titan.

If you are (or want to be) on Sprint, here’s what Amazon has for you at only $0.01: Samsung Epic Touch 4G , Motorola Photon 4G, HTC EVO Design 4G, Nexus S 4G, HTC EVO 3D, HTC Arrive, LG Marquee, and so on.

To see every single handset included in this new sale, head over to Amazon.

• AT&T’s HTC Vivid and Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available. Plus new Windows Phones and BlackBerries
• Amazon starts AT&T winter sale, many free or very cheap smartphones on offer until February 14
• AT&T announces BlackBerry Bold 9900, Torch 9860 and Curve 9360 pricing, availability
• All Verizon phones (Droid Bionic included) offered for $0.01 at Amazon until October 17
• Verizon Samsung Droid Charge and LG Revolution now also $0.01 at Amazon

The Express is Sprint’s fifth Android-powered QWERTY candybar this year. It sure seems like the carrier is in love with this form factor. The Express is the lowest-end of the bunch, though, hence the price. Still, for those looking to buy their first smartphone and for whom the BlackBerry-esque form factor is a must, this may just be the device to fit the bill perfectly.

The Sprint Express has a 2.6-inch 320×240 touchscreen, a 3.2 MP camera, 512 MB of RAM, 512 MB of ROM, microSD card support (with a 2 GB card preinstalled), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, and a 1,500 mAh battery. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and has support for Sprint ID packs.

Via DroidDog

• Sprint Express is an Android-powered QWERTY candybar, out on November 18 for $19.99
• Samsung Galaxy M Pro (Android QWERTY candybar) pre-orders start in the UK for £339.49
• UK: Orange Rio II is a touchscreen + QWERTY candybar that costs £69.99 on Pay as you go
• Sprint may soon unveil a Samsung Android-powered QWERTY candybar
• Samsung E2222 Ch@t 222 is a dual-SIM phone with QWERTY keyboard headed to India

Sprint is getting ready to release its fifth Android-powered QWERTY candybar this year, and it’s called the Express from Sprint. According to a leaked image of a flyer sent to Android Central, this handset will become available on November 18. As expected, it will be quite affordable at $19.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) with a new two-year contract.

It’s unclear at this point which OEM actually makes this phone, but we’ll let you know when we find out. The Express from Sprint has a 2.6-inch touchscreen, a 600 MHz processor, 3.2 MP camera, and a 1,500 mAh battery. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and supports Sprint ID.

Since the Express is due to be in stores in little over a week, we’re expecting the Now Network to officially announce it pretty soon.

• Express from Sprint now available for $19.99, it’s a QWERTY candybar and runs Android
• Sprint Motorola Titanium will be available on July 24 for $149.99
• Sprint HTC Evo Design 4G now just $29.99 with contract
• Rugged Motorola i886 Android smartphone with two keyboards now available at Sprint
• Sprint’s Samsung Intercept to launch July 11, $99 on contract

So here we go again. But there’s some good (if very late) news. Sprint has officially announced that Gingerbread is on its way to an Epic 4G near you. The rollout has started today. The update comes over-the-air, and as such your phone should notify you when it becomes available. The rollout may be staggered, so it may take a few days for the update to reach your particular device.

Aside from the platform upgrade to Gingerbread, this update also brings HTML support for Exchange ActiveSync email, Bluetooth headset sound improvements, and the date now being visible on the lockscreen.

After the update is performed, your Epic 4G should run software version EI22.

Via Android Central

• Sprint Samsung Replenish Android 2.3 Gingerbread update now rolling out
• Verizon LG Revolution Android 2.3 Gingerbread update on its way
• Verizon Motorola Droid Pro software update now rolling out
• Virgin Mobile Samsung Intercept Android 2.2 Froyo update starts rolling out today
• T-Mobile G2 Android 2.3 Gingerbread update OTA rollout starts today

But that’s not all. The retailer wasn’t content with just launching a new color scheme for the superphone, it had to come with a price cut too. So the plum Evo 3D can be yours if you agree to part with just $49.99. Yes, you’ll need to sign a new two-year contract with Sprint, but that’s pretty much a given if you need low prices regardless of where you get your gear from.

Except the color, this is the exact same Evo 3D we all know and love (or think it’s gimmicky). If you’re interested in adding a bit of color to your life, Amazon is waiting for your order.

The HTC Evo 3D has a 4.3-inch 540×960 3D capacitive touchscreen, a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, a 5 MP camera capable of recording 3D pictures and videos and 1080p HD 2D videos, 1 GB of RAM, 4 GB of internal storage space, microSD card support, 4G WiMax, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a 1,730 mAh battery. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

• Sprint HTC Evo 3D now just $49.99 with a new two-year contract
• Sprint HTC Evo 3D now just $149.99 at Amazon
• Sprint HTC Evo 4G now free with two-year contract
• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now free with new two-year contract
• Motorola Photon 4G will be just $99.99 at Sprint from January 15, it’s already $50 cheaper at Amazon

And here we are, one day later. In case you’ve already bought an Evo Design 4G from Sprint, please stop reading now. If you wanted to get one, but for whatever reason didn’t, you should know how lucky you were.

See, Sprint charges $99.99 (and after a $50 mail-in rebate) for this smartphone, but if you get it from Amazon, it can be yours for $29.99. Yes, that’s 70% off the price in just one day. And a cool $70 left in your pocket. Sure, you have to sign a new two-year contract, but that’s true regardless of where you purchase the phone from.

It’s not clear how long this offer will last, so if you want a decently-specced midrange Android smartphone and your carrier of choice is Sprint, hop over to Amazon now and place an order for the HTC Evo Design 4G.

• Sprint HTC Evo Shift 4G now only $69.99 at RadioShack
• AT&T HTC Inspire 4G only $59.99 at Amazon
• LG Marquee and Samsung Transform Ultra now free at Sprint
• AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G now only $89.99, Motorola Atrix 4G just $0.01 with contract
• Verizon LG Spectrum with 4G LTE already just $79.99 at Amazon, six days after its release

Although Sprint says the Samsung Transform Ultra is a “premium Android device”, it’s just a non-4G mid-end handset. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and features a 3.5 inch HVGA display, sliding QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi, GPS, 3.2MP rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, and a 1GHz processor.

Sprint will sell the Samsung Transform Ultra starting November 13 for $79.99 on contract (after a $50 mail-in rebate).

Via Sprint (although the carrier’s Newsroom is down for the moment)

• Sprint intros Android-based Samsung Transform, LG Optimus S and Sanyo Zio
• LG Marquee and Samsung Transform Ultra now free at Sprint
• Sprint announces the Samsung Transform Ultra for Boost Mobile, available on October 7 for $229.99
• Samsung Transform Ultra now available at Boost Mobile for $229.99
• Samsung Moment and Sanyo SCP-3810 now available at Sprint

So the good news is that the new Nexus phone, complete with 4G LTE connectivity, is going to be sold by Verizon. That said, it remains to be seen whether the carrier will go ‘all in’ marketing-wise for the new Google phone, or if it will prefer Motorola’s Droid RAZR as its flagship Android smartphone for the holidays (which ironically can also be called a Google phone to some extent since Google acquired Motorola). The fact that the Galaxy Nexus wasn’t announced in the US (as initially planned) and that Verizon wasn’t at the launch (or even mentioned by Google then) does suggest the latter.

One way or the other, if your carrier of choice is Verizon and you’re craving a Galaxy Nexus, you just have to be patient and your wishes will come true.

In other Galaxy Nexus-related news, Sprint may launch the device too. A couple of days ago we were a bit baffled by the fact that on Samsung’s official registration page for the Galaxy Nexus, you had to pick your ‘carrier preference’, which listed all the ‘big four’, alongside smaller carriers too. While that was in no way a definite indication that the Galaxy Nexus might make it to carriers other than Verizon, it still was a bit odd.

And so is what you see in the image above. This was sent to BriefMobile, and as you can see it’s a packing list for Nexus Prime posters. Now before you shout Galaxy Nexus back at us, know that Nexus Prime was the phone’s codename, according to a Samsung developer who worked with the device. So all those times we heard it was going to launch being called Nexus Prime were just times when we actually heard its codename.

First things first. The packing list may be fake. Something like that would definitely not be hard to make. Even if it is real, it’s only about posters, not actual products. For all we know, those posters may contain a message such as “Want a Galaxy Nexus? We have better options for you” or something like that aimed at the competition (cough, Verizon, cough).

Still, we’d like to consider that there’s now at least a 1% chance that the Galaxy Nexus will make it to the Now Network. One can hope.

• GSM Samsung Google Nexus Prime GT-I9250 hits the FCC. Headed to Europe?
• Verizon Galaxy Nexus (Prime) won’t have OEM customization
• Google Nexus Prime and Samsung Galaxy S II LTE announced by NTT DoCoMo in Japan
• Verizon may release the Samsung Prime on October 27
• Rumor: Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus delayed until December

The Admiral runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and is Sprint’s first smartphone to feature Sprint Direct Connect for “instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling nationwide.”

The handset also features a full QWERTY keyboard, 3.1 inch VGA Gorilla Glass touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, 3G Mobile Hotspot capability, GPS, 1.2GHz single-core processor, 5MP camera with 720p video recording, 4GB of internal memory, and MicroSD card support (up to 32GB).

Sprint will offer the Motorola Admiral online for $99.99 on contract starting October 23. The handset will be available in all channels starting November 13.

Via Sprint

• New photos of the Motorola Admiral surface, heading to Sprint soon?
• Sprint’s Motorola Admiral unveiled: Android, QWERTY, Direct Connect
• Sprint intros Motorola XPRT and Motorola Titanium QWERTY Android phones
• ZTE Optik (V55) Android tablet to be launched by Sprint on February 5
• Sprint intros the HTC Evo 3D and HTC Evo View 4G

Already available at US Cellular (where it’s called HTC Hero S), the Evo Design 4G is presented by Sprint as “the first EVO family member touting World Phone capabilities.”

The new handset runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with Sense UI, and features a 4 inch qHD display, 4G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, 5MP rear camera with 720p video recording, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 1.2GHz single-core processor, and an 8GB memory card pre-installed.

Sprint will sell the Evo Design 4G starting October 23 for only $99.99 on contract (after a $50 mail-in rebate).

Sprint has also announced the ZTE Warp, a handset that’s going to be available via Boost Mobile.

The Warp also runs Android Gingerbread, and features a 4.3 inch WVGA display, GPS, Boost Zone, Boost Mobile ID, 5MP rear camera, 1GHz single-core processor, and a 2GB memory card pre-installed. You can check out the ZTE Warp here at Boost Mobile – it’s not available yet, but it will be starting November 2 for $249 (off contract).

Via Press release and Press release

• Boost Mobile now offers the ZTE Warp for just $199.99
• HTC Hero S, HTC Wildfire S and HTC Flyer announced by US Cellular
• Samsung Transform Ultra coming to Sprint
• Sprint intros the HTC Evo 3D and HTC Evo View 4G
• Samsung Epic 4G Touch, HTC Evo Design 4G and Motorola Admiral headed to Sprint

When it unveiled the Lapdock 100, Moto gave us the release date on AT&T, which is today (although it’s not out yet), but stayed mum on precise details about when it will make it to Sprint and Verizon, only saying that it would happen this year.

That’s obviously not good enough for those of you who for some reason need to get their accessories from either Sprint or Verizon. And while we still have no news for those in the latter camp, Sprint fans take note. According to Engadget, the Lapdock 100 will be sold by the Now Network starting on October 21. That’s this coming Friday, so it’s almost here.

Unfortunately, we still don’t know how much this new Lapdock will cost. Hopefully we’ll find out later today when it goes on sale at AT&T. The old Lapdock, limited to the Atrix 4G only, still goes for $299.99 at AT&T, which is a bit much for a shell with a screen, keyboard, and battery. And therein lies the key to the success of the Lapdock 100, or lack thereof. If it’s going to be priced affordably, it’s going to be a neat accessory to have. If not, it probably won’t do any better than its predecessor.

The Lapdock 100 comes with a 10.1-inch screen, and once it’s connected to a compatible phone you can use the Firefox Web browser, Adobe Flash, a PC-like file manager, and Quick Office on it, taking full advantage of its screen size which is considerably larger than any smartphone’s.

• Motorola announces the Lapdock 100, compatible with the Atrix 4G, Photon 4G, and Droid Bionic
• Motorola Atrix 2 specs and press shots leaked
• Motorola ATRIX 4G is Now on Sale at Amazon for $149.99
• Sprint launching Motorola Atrix and Motorola Xoom?
• AT&T Motorola Atrix 4G only $129.99 at Walmart until Thursday

Specs wise, the iPhone 4S spots that same 3.5-inch Retina display we saw on the iPhone 4, but with better hardware this time around. It has a better 8 megapixel camera with 1080p HD recording and the same dual-core A9 processor found in the iPad 2. The iPhone 4S runs on Apple’s latest mobile OS, iOS 5.0. Probably one of the coolest new features is Siri, your own personal assistant. Basically, you give Siri a task and she completes it. You can check out our in-depth look at Siri by our own Staska here.

If you were lucky enough to be one of the many who pre-ordered their iPhone 4S through Apple or through a carrier, congrats. If you weren’t as lucky, we have a full list of the places you’ll be able to go and grab an iPhone 4S . The obvious choice would be the Apple Store, although we don’t know how long it will take until they are sold out. Your next best bey is the carrier of your choice, although all three have been sold out online, they have all stated that they will carry some stock. RadioShack, BestBuy, Sam’s club, and Target are all good retail alternatives. If you plan on getting your iPhone 4S today or already pre-ordered yours, let us know how long it took you to get it and what your initial thoughts are on the device.

• Sprint starts taking pre-orders for the iPhone 4
• All iPhone models (4S, 4 and 3GS) will be available at Best Buy
• Apple iPhone 4S pre-orders have started in the US and Canada, unlocked or with contract
• iPhone 4S on its way to C Spire (Cellular South)
• Sprint will offer unlimited data for the iPhone

The new update brings a series of enhancements, including: support for Google Talk with video chat, improved audio quality with car speakers, improved camera Panorama Mode, “international roaming 3G UMTS hotspot functionality for a single Wi-Fi enabled device”, and a bug fix related to forwarded messages.

Photon 4G users can check manually for the update in Settings / About phone / System updates. You can find out more here at Motorola.

The Photon 4G is currently offered by Sprint for $199.99 on contract. The smartphone is also sold by US Cellular under the name of Motorola Electrify.

Via Android Central

• Sprint’s HTC Evo 4G gets a minor update too
• Sprint Motorola Photon 4G gets a small software update
• Motorola Photon 4G now available at Sprint
• Bell Motorola Atrix 4G gets a minor software update to improve performance
• Vodafone UK’s HTC Sensation gets a small reliability fix

That was an interesting concept, and we’re always happy to see manufacturers try to innovate by doing more than cramming more MHz into their processors. It’s impossible to tell whether the Lapdock was really a success sales-wise, though we assume it wasn’t – especially thanks to it being grossly overpriced at least at launch.

Now Motorola has unveiled yet another Lapdock, this time called the Lapdock 100. Unlike the one which was sold for the Atrix, this dock is compatible with three Motorola smartphones, the Photon 4G for Sprint and the Droid Bionic for Verizon featuring alongside the Atrix 4G.

The Lapdock 100 has a 10-inch screen and weighs less than 1 kg. Motorola claims its battery will last for up to five hours, and, like its predecessor, it will charge your phone while it’s connected to the dock.

The Lapdock 100 will be available at AT&T on October 17 (so less than a week from now), and it will also be sold by Verizon and Sprint before the end of this year. Unfortunately the most important detail, pricing, was left out of Moto’s press release. We’re hoping it’s learned from past mistakes and the Lapdock 100 will be affordable, but we’ll have to wait and see.

• Motorola Lapdock 100 will be available at Sprint on October 21
• Motorola Atrix 2 specs and press shots leaked
• Motorola ATRIX 4G is Now on Sale at Amazon for $149.99
• AT&T Motorola Atrix 4G ships on March 6, will cost $199.99, laptop dock $499.99
• Motorola Atrix 4G will be available from Bell in Canada on March 17

Pre-orders for the iPhone 4S will start on all three carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint) tomorrow. But Sprint won’t only be selling the iPhone 4S. It will also have the iPhone 4 ready for its customers. And for that model, the Now Network has already started taking pre-orders.

The price is exactly what Apple announced: $99 with a new two-year contract. The only version available comes with 8 GB of internal storage space. Sprint would have sold the iPhone 3GS as well, but that is still exclusive to AT&T for technical reasons – Apple never made a CDMA variant of it (that would work on either Verizon or Sprint).

If you pre-order at Sprint today, you’ll be charged immediately and your brand new iPhone 4 will arrive in your hands on October 14 or 15.

So if you’re interested, go get yourself an iPhone 4 from Sprint right now.

• CDMA iPhone 4 (for Verizon?) to come in Q4
• Verizon iPhone 4 pre-orders available starting tomorrow
• Rumor: Apple places orders for 10 million CDMA iPhones. Verizon impatiently waiting
• Sprint iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 expected to be released in October
• Apple iPhone 4S pre-orders have started in the US and Canada, unlocked or with contract

Because it agreed to that, Sprint obviously needs some kind of unique selling point for its iPhones, to incentivize people not to go to either AT&T or Verizon for their new iPhone fix. Last month we told you that the carrier may offer unlimited data for the iPhone, something that neither AT&T nor Verizon provide their customers right now.

And it turns out that Sprint will do just that. The carrier apparently confirmed the news for AllThingsD today. So if you’re what is referred to as a data hog, Sprint may be your new best friend. Actually, scratch that. If you’d like to not worry about hitting overages for your iPhone data consumption, Sprint is basically your only choice, although the hotspot feature will be limited to 5 GB per month according to Phone Scoop.

You’ll be able to pick a $79.99 per month plan that includes unlimited data, unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling, and 450 minutes, or a $109.99 per month plan that features unlimited calling and data. Not cheap, but hey, unlimited is unlimited, right?

One of the caveats here is that the iPhone won’t be using Sprint’s WiMax network, so it won’t be a 4G device and thus will be stuck on 3G EVDO speeds. Whether or not that really matters remains to be seen. As will whether this move by Sprint will be enough to persuade many Americans to switch networks and join the country’s third biggest carrier.

• Sprint may offer the iPhone 5 with unlimited data plans, unlike Verizon and AT&T
• Verizon may soon introduce a $50 per month unlimited prepaid plan
• T-Mobile’s Full Monty is the UK’s first true ‘unlimited everything’ plan, available from February 1
• Apple iPhone 4S now available for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon
• AT&T to launch Mobile HotSpot app for Android on February 13, upgrades tethering plan

The newly available handsets are the LG Marquee, the BlackBerry Curve 9350, and the Kyocera Duramax. And one of them can already be found heavily discounted at an independent retailer. Read on for more details.

The Kyocera Duramax (seen in the picture above on the left) is a rugged flip phone that comes with support for Sprint’s Direct Connect Push-To-Talk service. Suffice to say that its ruggedness is this phone’s main feature. Aside from that though, it’s also got a 3 MP camera with LED flash and video recording support, a microSD card slot, and a non-slip surface.

Sprint will now give you a Duramax if you part with $69.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) and you sign a new two-year contract. If you’re interested, here’s the link to Sprint’s dedicated Web page.

The BlackBerry Curve 9350 (in the center of the picture above) is one of the most affordable devices to come out of RIM, and after being delayed at least once it’s finally out at Sprint too. The carrier charges $49.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) for the Curve 9350, and again a two-year service agreement is required to get this price. If you want to dive into the BlackBerry world but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, get a 9350 from Sprint now.

The BlackBerry Curve 9350 has a 2.44-inch screen with 480×360 resolution, an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot, a 5 MP camera with LED flash and VGA (640×480) video recording, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 1,000 mAh battery.

Finally, Sprint has also made the LG Marquee (seen on the right side of the image above) available for purchase. This is the carrier’s very own version of the internationally-launched LG Optimus Black. It’s an Android smartphone running Gingerbread, and coming with a 4-inch 480×800 touchscreen, a 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash, a 2 MP front-facing camera, a 1 GHz processor, 2 GB of built-in storage, Wi-Fi, GPS, a 3.5 mm headset jack, and it’s only 9.2 mm thin.

It can be yours for $99.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) if you get it directly from Sprint and you sign a new contract. But there’s a much better deal waiting for you at RadioShack. The well known retailer offers the LG Marquee for just $29.99 with new Sprint accounts. That’s a $70 discount from day one. An amazing deal, so make sure you take advantage of it if you want to buy a Marquee.

• Sprint’s BlackBerry Curve 9350 will be available on September 9 for $79.99
• Rugged Kyocera Duramax flip phone arrives on Sprint’s Direct Connect on October 2
• Sprint’s BlackBerry Curve 8530 available now, only $49.99
• BlackBerry Bold 9650 coming to Sprint on May 23 for $200
• BlackBerry Curve 8350i finally launched by Sprint