News

Galaxy S4 heads to T-Mobile for $150, Sprint for $250 this month

Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S4 will hit its stores later this month.

T-Mobile's Galaxy S4 will come out first on April 24 for $149.99 down and monthly service payments, which are likely to be $20. Sprint's Galaxy S4 will hit the market three days later, and will cost $249.99 with a two-year contract.

T-Mobile's and Sprint's prices for the Galaxy S4 can't exactly be stacked side by side because T-Mobile requires the monthly fees and Sprint requires a two-year service contract. Sprint said that new customers that switch … Read more

Cricket to offer Kyocera Kona, April 21 for $59.99 (hands-on)

The Kyocera Kona doesn't look like much, but for mobile users seeking a no-muss, no-fuss handset that can do the basics, this is a phone worth looking into.

The device is Cricket Wireless' latest offering, and will be available on April 21 for $59.99. It will have a few goodies aside from making calls and texts, including a 2-megapixel camera and 2G data connectivity.

Design The Kyocera Kona is a minimalistic, clamshell device that's simple and compact. It measures 3.94 inches tall, 2.05 inches wide, and 0.68 inch thick. When I held it in … Read more

LG Revere 2 and Cosmos 3 available on Verizon

Sneaking under the radar this week are two new feature handsets available on Verizon Wireless. Known as the LG Revere 2 and Cosmos 3, the devices are available for free under a two-year contract. Without one, however, they cost $199.99 and $189.99, respectively.

The LG Revere 2 is a sequel to 2011's Revere. In addition to its clamshell construction, it sports a 1.3-megapixel camera, a 1,000mAh battery that has a reported talk-time of about 7 hours, and Bluetooth 2.1.

Furthermore, it has an external, 0.98-inch display, as well as a 2-inch internal color … Read more

Facebook's iOS app gets stickers, Chat Heads

CNET Update starts a new type of sticker collection:

In this tech roundup, Google reveals the technical specs for Google Glass, and we also learn that it won't display ads in your eye (at least for now).

Only a select group gets the chance to buy this early version of Google Glass, but here's something Android fans can order now: The Samsung Galaxy S4. Preorders have begun for the smartphone at AT&T and U.S. Cellular, and the phones will ship on April 30.

Facebook found a way to bring Chat Heads to the iPhone, but … Read more

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update available for LG Escape

AT&T announced today that customers that own an LG Escape can update their devices to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean through a Wi-Fi connection.

A few changes in the new software version include grouping notifications that belong under the same app, and the ability to see the full text or photo of incoming messages in the notifications menu.

In addition, you can also get AT&T DriveMode with the update. Designed to keep drivers from using their phones, the app sends out automatic text responses to incoming texts, e-mails, or calls when it senses that it's … Read more

LG to hold 'Share the Genius' presser on May 1

In what can only be seen as one of the vaguest invitation ever, LG sent out a notice that it will be holding a press conference two weeks from now, on May 1.

Set for New York City, the event's headline reads, "Share the Genius," followed by the subhead, "Capture the Spotlight in True Brilliance." In the background is an image of a microphone.

Though there isn't any additional information about the event, I can only hope that it may be a press conference to announce a U.S. version of the LG Optimus G Pro, … Read more

Apple will replace faulty Apple TVs for free

9to5Mac is reporting that according to internal communications, Apple has implemented a new policy at its retail stores and support centers that a small number of its Apple TV media devices may be faulty and be eligible for a free replacement.

The applicable systems are third-generation Apple TVs that are experiencing network connectivity issues where they either cannot locate or are unable to join wireless networks, or they can only successfully connect part of the time.

This issue affects only a small number of devices that Apple has identified. To qualify, your Apple TV's serial number must meet the … Read more

WhatsApp CEO: We're bigger than Twitter's 200M users

WhatsApp is bigger than Twitter, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum boasted today.

Koum, speaking at AllThingsD's mobile conference today, wouldn't talk about specific figures when it comes to usage, but he confirmed that the mobile messaging service topped Twitter's usage. Twitter declared in December that it had exceeded 200 million monthly users.

WhatsApp boasts an average of 8 billion inbound messages and 12 billion outbound messages a day, he said.

Koum also addressed the rumors that WhatsApp would be acquired, reiterating that the company wants to remain independent and doesn't really think about acquisition as an exit … Read more

YouTube adds live streaming to iOS app

If you were hoping to watch last weekend's Coachella concert on your iDevice, you just missed your chance: although the event was streamed live on YouTube for free, the iOS YouTube app doesn't support live streaming.

It does now. (Cruel timing, Google!) YouTube 1.3 for iOS, released today, adds a handful of new features and fixes, not the least of which is access to live streams.

For those unaware, YouTube offers a variety of live content, everything from concerts (natch) to news and sports.

The iOS streaming feature joins a "Send to TV" option introduced back in February, … Read more

How Dish's deal could improve Sprint

CNET Update dishes the details:

Dish has made a $25.5 billion unsolicited bid to merge with Sprint. Today's video explains what this deal means for consumers and how it might improve Sprint's network.

Also in this tech roundup:

- Microsoft reportedly is considering making a smartwatch

- Windows 8 apps for news and maps get updates

- Electronic Arts will shut down Sims games on Facebook

- This 55-inch Panasonic plasma is the first television to get a 5-star rating from CNET

Watch CNET Update in the video above, and subscribe to the podcast via the links … Read more