Samsung makes breakthrough in 5G technology but doesn’t expect commercialization until 2020

The good news: Samsung has made a breakthrough that inches us closer to having 5G mobile broadband technology at our fingertips. The bad news: it likely won’t be available to the public until around 2020.

According to their Samsung Tomorrow blog:

Samsung Electronics announced that it has successfully developed the world’s first adaptive array transceiver technology operating in the millimeter-wave Ka bands for cellular communications. The new technology sits at the core of 5G mobile communications system and will provide data transmission up to several hundred times faster than current 4G networks.

You read that right, “several hundred times faster than current 4G networks.”

“The millimeter-wave band is the most effective solution to recent surges in wireless internet usage,” said ChangYeong Kim, Executive VP and Head of Digital Media and Communications R&D Center. “Samsung’s recent success in developing the adaptive array transceiver technology has brought us one step closer to the commercialization of 5G mobile communications in the millimeter-wave bands.”

Hopefully data plans will have evolved by then to the point that we won’t be paying so much for overages. If not, one might blow their monthly allocation in seconds.

HTC Thunderbolt Strikes March 17, Brings LTE To Verizon Customers

The first LTE-enabled Verizon phone is official. The HTC Thunderbolt will strike Verizon Wireless stores on March 17 for $249.99 on a two-year contract. This phone marks the next evolution of mobile network technology for America’s most popular mobile carrier.

Thunderbolt is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Android 2.2. It has a 4.3″ WVGA screen, an 8 Megapixel rear-facing camera, and 1.3 Megapixel forward-facing chat camera, 8GB of onboard storage and support for microSD cards up to 32 GB.

But the biggest draw of this phone is the support for Verizon’s 4G/LTE network. While LTE access isn’t available everywhere, there are certain marketplaces that already have the infrastructure in place. The supported cities include Phoenix, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Washington DC, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauterdale, Miami, Athens, Atlanta, Chicago, West Lafayette, New Orleans, Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, St. Louis, Las Vegas, New York, Rochester, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Nashville, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Seattle.

Unlimited 4G data will cost $29.99 per month, and you better get it now before Verizon goes to tiered pricing this Summer.

Another Shocking Rumor Surfaces: iPhone 5 Will Be 4G

I might just be feeling nostalgic this morning, but I remember when Apple rumors used to be juicy. When Steve Jobs returned to Apple and announced the first iMac, rumors were taken to the next level.

Guessing what tasty hardware Apple would release next was a fine art, attempted only by the world’s greatest minds. Nowadays any fool with a blog can sling some mud at the wall with a reasonable chance that some will stick.

Take today’s shocker, for example. Ashok Kumar, analyst with Rodman & Renshaw declared yesterday that the iPhone 5 will most likely support 4G technology. In the same report, he also surmised that the sky might be blue.

More shocking than the fact that this guy apparently gets paid for this kind of deep thinking is his follow up statement that “Some vendors will attempt to leapfrog the iPhone through innovations such as larger or better screens, longer battery life, and more memory”.

So for now, the tradition of rumor-mongering lies in tatters. Come on, analysts, get back to making impossible, outlandish predictions!

Techi Reviews the HTC EVO 4G on Sprint’s Network

The HTC EVO 4G is one of few in a lineup of “superphones” that have hit the market recently with Android power behind it. But the EVO might just be the best of them all. So is this powerhouse by HTC the best phone that money can buy today? Well, you’ll have to read our review to find out!

Let’s kickstart this review with a bit of a shocker: this is the time in my life when I have actually said “wow” out loud from a first impression (and I am somewhat hard to impress). Soon after first experiencing this phone, I quickly realized that the EVO is what the future of mobile phones should look like, feel like, and be like. But the amazing part is that it is all right here in the palm of my hand.

Hardware

The 4.3-inch capacitive display of the EVO is the main attraction. While pumping out an impressive 480 x 800 pixels, the phone is exceptional for viewing photos, watching videos, playing games, and surfing the Web. A few moments in front of the screen and you’ll forget that there is even a thing called a “Retina Display.” And those with bigger hands will also thoroughly enjoy the increased size of the virtual keys on the touch-screen keyboard, thanks to the larger screen.

The EVO phone features a beastly design. It is one of the largest phones available today — measuring in at 4.80” x 2.60” x 0.50” — and yet it feels as close to perfect as can be. The phone also feels sturdy and has some weight to it: not too heavy nor too light. Sure, there are times when this phone can make you feel a bit uncomfortable while sitting down or walking up the stairs with it tucked away in a jeans pocket, but you learn to adjust. Some might complain that a phone this size is far too big (quite a few actually pointed this out to me when they were playing with my EVO), but you won’t hear any of that from me. In fact, the larger form factor is a welcome trend in mobile design and one that I hope continues.

There are plenty of other interesting features worth mentioning about the EVO 4G too. It has an 8-megapixel camera that also shoots 720p (1280 x 720 resolution) video with dual LED flash and autofocus. An HDMI-out port also allows you to play video content to an HDTV, although many have reported that it is a disappointing feature as far as quality and control is concerned. The EVO also has a cute little kickstand that pops out from the back if you want to sit back and enjoy media in landscape orientation on your phone, which is solid and cleverly integrated.

Yet there are a few decisions that are questionable on HTC’s part. For one, the size of the buttons on the side of the phone leave much to be desired. They are hard to locate and press at times, and it becomes even more difficult if the phone is in, say, a rubberized case. The lack of a shutter button to operate the camera is also a huge disappointment, particularly for someone like me who likes to photograph everything.

We also have to talk about the battery (or lack of one). Even though the phone was used only modestly throughout the day in my regular testing (many times without GPS and WiFi enabled), the battery rarely went the distance. If the phone is being used heavily — which, admittedly, is something you might want to do with an impressive device like this — you can just forget about it. A few words of advice: be sure not to leave home without a car charger or a spare battery. Then, and only then, will you be able to truly love this phone.

Other than the battery and a few minor hiccups in the layout of the phone’s buttons, everything else is stellar as far as the hardware is concerned. But what about the software?

Software

The HTC EVO 4G comes pre-installed with Android 2.1 but I was also fortunate enough to be able to update the device to Android 2.2 (known as Froyo). Google’s Android operating system paired with HTC’s Sense UI is a great combination and truly allows the hardware to shine through. Everything runs smooth thanks to the 1Ghz Texas Instruments OMAP processor and 512 MB of RAM.

The pre-installed applications are interesting enough. Google Maps is, at least in my opinion, the most useful application on the phone, turning the EVO from a mere smart phone into a full-fledged GPS navigation device. The YouTube application displays high quality video. Video games display in beautiful 3D thanks to the dedicated video graphics. And everything else you know about Android applies here as well.

One application worth noting that comes pre-installed is Qik, a service that allows users to stream live video from their phone to the Web. It is interesting because Qik is a fairly data-intensive application that uses plenty of bandwidth to stream video. But if you thought that live video streaming is the only reason it comes installed, you would be wrong. There is a version of Qik created specifically for the EVO that will allow you to place video calls (similar to what you can do with FaceTime on Apple’s iPhone 4) with other users. It takes advantage of that front-facing camera on the EVO. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anyone to test the video calling feature with, but from what I gather online, it is decent at best — though it isn’t nearly as polished, refined, and integrated as the FaceTime experience on the iPhone.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a complete review if we didn’t mention the call quality. Rest assured that the EVO 4G gets the job done. I never had any issues with call quality when I had a decent signal. Callers informed me that my voice was very clear and I could also hear the other callers just fine. Unfortunately, if you live in a remote location that isn’t blessed with competitive coverage — just like I do — then dropped calls and very call quality can become a problem. This isn’t an issue with the HTC EVO 4G as much as it is a problem with the Sprint network, but it is worth noting if you are in a place that lacks Sprint coverage.

Unfortunately, this also meant that I was nowhere near a 4G service area. I could not test out the 4G coverage, speeds, and functionality, but from what has been mentioned on various reviews on the Web, it appears that the speeds are solid and that 4G is holding its own. Hopefully Sprint will roll out 4G coverage to many more markets in the near future. Also, the fact that you have to pay an extra $10 for 4G coverage even if you don’t have it is a bit of a bummer, even if it is still cheaper than some of the alternatives like AT&T and Verizon.

Overall, on the software side of things, the HTC EVO 4G is an amazing experience. Although some of the specific features created for the EVO and 4G network weren’t able to be tested and haven’t received the best reception, it certainly is a starting point, and it is the best alternative to an iPhone 4.

Summary

The HTC EVO 4G is one of the best phones available right now, and it is a must-have if you are a Sprint customer and want a smart phone:

Amazing 4.3-inch display
Easy to use keyboard (thanks to the large display)
Fast speed with 1Ghz processing power
Solid build that feels comfortable in the hand
Slick interface and UI with HTC Sense
Impressive photo and video quality

The HTC EVO 4G, while offering such an amazing package, isn’t without its own downsides:

Erratic behavior (e.g. crashes, freezes, and lagginess) from time to time should be resolved with a few software updates
Extra $10 charge per month for 4G access, even if you don’t live in a 4G coverage area
Very poor battery life
Somewhat awkward virtual keyboard (the directional keys and spacebar are too close together)
Difficulty focusing the camera, particularly in low-light conditions

The EVO 4G is not merely a smart phone nor “superphone.” If I had to describe it in my own words, I would simply call it a mobile computer. Because, at the end of the day, that is exactly what it is. It offers a perfect size screen to be used for long periods of times, typed on efficiently, and viewed for most media needs. It is nearly everything you want in a computer in the palm of your hand. If only it had more battery life and a better network to run on, it would be considered as close to flawless as a phone could possibly be.

So as it stands, the HTC EVO 4G is one of the best “superphones” that money can buy today, and it is the best phone that Sprint subscribers can buy — but beware as questions over that title will come into play as the Samsung Epic 4G lands on Sprint at the end of this month. But the HTC EVO 4G is surely a wise investment and I can’t imagine too many people being disappointed with this phone.

Apple Looking Into A Telephonic MacBook – That Even SOUNDS Retro

Even I have to admit that wandering around town looking for an unguarded WiFi signal blows, and I’m not about to drop the cost of a USB internet stick. My laptop cost enough on its own, thanks.

Luckily, it would seem Apple’s looking into it, recently filing patents for a telephonic laptop featuring a magnetically coupled antenna. Mobile communications being what they are, this would only seem to make sense, and in terms of tech, is a great step forward.

But on the other hand, as a designer, I’m left wondering. If Apple has a commitment to one thing, and one thing only, that is form factor. An Apple product has to be pretty. But looking at this diagram… how do you make an extendable antenna look pretty in 2010? That’s so 80s. I don’t care how you slice it. But then again, maybe Apple won’t either, and usher in an age where everything gets all boxy and cumbersome again. Maybe the iPhone 5 will be absolutely enormous on purpose.

Oh, wait, the iPad’s out already.

Never mind.

HTC’s EVO 4G Goes On Sale Today

The HTC EVO 4G goes on sale today, earning the honor of becoming America’s first 4G smartphone.

Running the Android 2.1 platform with an impressive set of features including both front-facing and an 8 megapixel back-facing camera, GPS, a 1GHz CPU and the ability to output to 720p HD.

The EVO is an impressive device, a sign that HTC and Google’s Android platform are deservedly gaining ground against Apple’s iPhone. But it might be a little early to celebrate.

According to Electronista, the team that first gained root access to the HTC EVO have announced that Sprint’s customizations of Android have been poorly handled.

“Sprint’s customizations of Android are so bad that an Android application could get access to all of your data with very little work. You are putting your data at risk of theft from not just one vulnerability, but a whole suite of vulnerabilities.”

It remains to be seen how the EVO functions out in the wild, but it’s only fair to assume that 4G will face a rocky start in terms of coverage, speed and battery life.

Source: BGR

Another Day, Another Video Of The Supposed iPhone 4G Casing

Am I the only one who is actually bored of seeing videos and posts containing parts and casings from the alleged next iPhone due out in June?

When it comes to fanboyism, I’m a card-carrying member of the church of Jobs, but I’m actually fed up of reading about this stuff. At this point there has to be more iPhone 4G parts out in the wild than in Apple’s inventory.

This latest yawnfest comes from iphoneportugal.com, reported without the broken English on Boy Genius Report.

Does it not seem strange to anyone else that the iPhone 3GS was launched with almost no information beforehand except Apple’s approved communications, whereas there are more iPhone 4G prototype parts out in the wild than iPads?

I’ve said for a long time that I’d love to see Apple pull some kind of massive publicity stunt that pokes fun at the rumor sites and gossip blogs by releasing a load of fake and misleading information, then releasing an entirely different device. I doubt that’s the case (pun absolutely intended).

The more boring, yet more plausible explanation might be that Apple uses controlled leaks to test market reaction and root out untrustworthy employees.

Either way, we’ll see for sure on June 11th at WWDC.

Source: BGR

Apple Has Two 4G iPhone Prototypes for June Launch

There have been many rumors and leaks surfacing over the past few months leading up to the launch of the iPhone 4G. Well, there is another little snippet of info for fanboys, and this time it comes straight from the source.

In an interview with Digitimes, Apple’s senior analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple has two next generation iPhones in development; one of these phones being the iPhone 4 prototype whose pictures were released prematurely on Gizmodo, the other being a less updated version to play backup to the latter.

“Apple actually has another product codenamed N91 for the project, which offers less change from previous iPhones compared with the N90,” says the senior analyst. “It’s a parallel product to back up the N90 in case there are major delays due to significant modifications in casing, display resolution, digital camera support and so forth.”

If our mad counting skills are correct, 90 comes before 91 which causes us to wonder if the N91 model is the more upgraded model after all; if that is the case maybe there are still some surprises in store for us at launch time.

Kuo explained why the AMOLED display panels were never implemented into the design of the 4G iPhone (an early incorrect claim of re resolution) apart from the cost factor.

“Apple had spoken with Samsung Mobile Display (SMD) about the possibility for AMOLED panels since the development of the iPhone 3GS, but production capacity remains a big issue. SMD only has the capability to fulfill 50-60% of iPhone orders at the moment even if it dedicated all AMOLED capacity to Apple, ” said Kuo.

Kuo also gave a shout out to future iPhone generations:

“Apple has been planning the iPhone 4G since the end of 2008, so it wouldn’t surprise me if the company already has more modifications or more advanced products planned for 2012 and beyond.”

Source: Digitimes, 9to5Mac

Apple to Ship iPhone 4G in Early June

We have lift-off. After months of drooling over leaked prototype photos and speculating on what the new features will be, Boy Genius Report reported today that the new iPhone 4G will launch and be ready for purchase in early June. July was its expected arrival date prior to the announcement.

Many iPhone hopefuls have been eagerly awaiting the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 7 to find out the dates for the launch and to find out more about iPhone 4.

Early projections are showing that Apple is expected to shift 24 million units of the iPhone 4G before the end of the year.

Source: 9to5Mac, BGR

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