Dialed In

Samsung is launching a new Android smartphone this month with lower-end features but with a dual-SIM option that lets users access two different SIM cards.

The new Galaxy Core will be available in two versions -- a single-SIM model that won't be available until July and the dual-SIM model that will debut this month in certain markets.

Powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, the Core includes 1GB of memory, 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD slot that can handle up to a 64GB card. Outfitted with a 4.3-inch WVGA (480x800 pixel) screen, the phone comes … Read more

Clearwire told shareholders in a letter sent on Monday that its best path lies in an acquisition by Sprint Nextel.

The letter laid out in extensive detail why Sprint's offer of $2.97 a share provides the best value for shareholders. Nowhere in the letter does it reference Dish Network's rival bid for Clearwire, which is actually higher at $3.30 a share.

According to Clearwire's board, Sprint's offer is the only legitimate one. The wireless broadband company said Sprint's offer represents "fair, attractive and certain value." The deal represents the culmination of … Read more

Sid Meier is not a fan of "freemium."

The model of giving a game away only to charge for extras such as new levels, features, or power-ups, has swept up the mobile gaming industry, much to the chagrin of gamers who would prefer to pay once for the complete experience.

Meier, a legend in the gaming business thanks to his beloved "Civilization" franchise, couldn't agree more.

"It's about designing unhappiness," Meier told CNET in an interview on Friday. "You have to design a game so not fun that people will pay … Read more

Maybe it's time to hold off on the Apple negativity.

The iPhone franchise captured 39 percent of the U.S. smartphone market in the first quarter, extending its lead over Samsung, which garnered 21.7 percent of the market, according to research firm ComScore.

Interestingly, Apple's iOS took market share away from Google's Android, which traditionally has seen more rapid growth.

Apple saw its smartphone market share rise by nearly 3 percentage points in the quarter, while Samsung's share inched up slightly. The next three largest handset vendor, HTC, Motorola, and LG, all lost market share … Read more

AT&T announced on Friday that it's rolling out an Android 4.1.2 software update for the Samsung Galaxy Note.

The Jelly Bean update for the first-generation phablet will be installed through Windows and Mac computers via the Samsung Kies software application. Once complete, the Samsung Galaxy Note will register as Baseband version I717UCMD3.

Included in the Android 4.1.2 update are the standard Jelly Bean goodies: Google Now, richer notifications, and an enhanced keyboard. The handset also benefits from a premium suite of features and behaviors, like notes, videos, and browser windows that pop up … Read more

BlackBerry's Q10, which features a QWERTY keyboard and operating system BlackBerry 10, has had a strong showing in the U.K. and Canada, according to one analyst.

According to Reuters, which obtained a note from Jefferies analyst Peter Misek, checks across the U.K. and Canada "indicate broad sellouts with generally limited stock otherwise."

"Based on our store checks, the BlackBerry Q10 has been selling extremely well and has been sold out or seeing limited availability in Toronto and across the U.K.," Misek said.

The BlackBerry Q10 launched earlier this week in the U.… Read more

After months of speculation, LG confirmed on Wednesday that its Optimus G Pro will be available exclusively on AT&T on May 10 for $199.99 after contract, with preorders beginning May 3.

Equipped with a 5.5-inch screen, the phone marks LG's second attempt at a "phablet"-size handset in the U.S., with Verizon's LG Intuition being the first. While the Intuition didn't quite take off, the G Pro is a much better device. It performs well, and the G Pro is one of the first U.S. handsets to feature the … Read more

LG and Google are partnering up on a new Nexus handset, according to a new report.

Google and LG executives met recently to discuss a host of topics, including the development of a new Nexus handset, the Korea Times reported, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the matter. LG worked with Google on the Nexus 4, which has proven to be one of the more popular Android handsets on the market.

Each year, Google places its special Nexus branding on certain devices. The company has used it for devices from other vendors in addition to LG. According to … Read more

Samsung is now clear to start pitching its new flagship phone to the government.

The handset maker announced Friday that its Knox-enabled mobile devices have been approved by the Pentagon for government use. Samsung's Knox software offers high-level encryption, a VPN feature, and a way to separate personal data from work data. The software also enables IT administrators to manage a mobile device through specific policies.

For now, the Galaxy S4 is the only Samsung device equipped with Knox. But the company promises that other smartphones as well as tablets will receive the security software.

The thumb's up … Read more