MetroPCS merging with T-Mobile
T-Mobile targets prepaid with MetroPCS deal, Microsoft may launch its music service this month, and Logitech unveils the new Harmony Touch remote.
- Bridget has spent over 18 years as a consumer tech reporter, hosting daily tech news shows and writing syndicated newspaper columns. She's often a guest on national radio and television stations, including ABC, CBS, CNBC and NBC.
Wednesday's CNET Update shakes up your prepaid world:
T-Mobile USA announced it will merge with the prepaid regional cellphone carrier MetroPCS. If the deal is approved, there will be no changes until the first half of 2013. The CEO of T-Mobile said this merger will make the company a leader in no-contract offerings. That's a direct challenge to Sprint, which has its prepaid business with Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Assurance Wireless.
October 26 looks like a busy day for Microsoft. Not only is that the day that Windows 8 and the Surface tablet arrive, but Microsoft may also launch its Xbox Music service, according to a report from The Verge. It may also be similar to Spotify where users can stream music for free or pay for a version without ads. Microsoft has not confirmed this report, but when Xbox Music does launch, it looks like it will be taking on Sony's Music Unlimited service, which starts at $5 a month.
This week, Google will be adding Street View images to the mobile Web version of Google Maps, according to All Things D. Google is just adding fuel to that Apple Map fire.
Redbox DVD-rental kiosks are selling event tickets at its Philadelphia machines. I'm sure many are hoping this test is rolled out to more areas, because these tickets are being sold at-or-below face value, and there's only a $1 processing fee.
Logitech's latest universal remote is the Harmony Touch. Be sure to check out CNET's First Look of this high-end clicker. This new design has fewer buttons and users can control devices with a swipe of a finger on the touch screen. It's also easier to make changes to the setup with this model. It'll need to be charged in a cradle every two or three days. Our editors are putting it through the tests in the CNET Lab, so you'll have to come back to find out if its worth the $250 price tag.
Subscribe: