HTC Hero S (Kingdom) Gets Official On US Cellular

The full picture of the HTC Hero S has been slowly coming together over the last couple weeks, first appearing as a name affiliated with the Sprint EVO Design 4G and Alltel's HTC Acquire – all three what we had been following as the HTC Kingdom. Last week, we finally got a look at the Hero S as it would be coming to US Cellular, but still hadn't learned any details regarding the phone's release. We were expecting it to launch in the relatively near future, and it turns out we didn't have much of a wait at all; US Cellular has officially announced the Hero S, set to hit stores in October.

Alongside the Hero S, US Cellular will be picking up the HTC Wildfire S and Flyer tablet. At this point, Kingdom/Hero S specs are nothing new, but US Cellular reassure us the smartphone will feature a 1.2GHz single-core Snapdragon, 768MB of RAM, a four-inch Super LCD qHD screen, and a five-megapixel rear camera with 1.3-megapixel front-facer.

After cashing-in a $100 rebate, you'll be able to take the Hero S home for just about $200 on-contract. As of now, no precise launch date has been provided, short of the note that the Hero S (along with these other HTC models new to US Cellular) will drop next month. 

Apple Inventory System Hints At New iPhone 4 Only

We finally know where and when we're finally going to get some definitive answers about Apple's nextiPhone, but despite a summer full of rumors, leaked case designs, and plenty of speculation as to Apple's plans, are we any closer to answering the iPhone 5 / iPhone 4S question? Apple's invitations certainly give the impression that there will only be one phone featured at its event, but would that be an all-new 5 or a hardware-refreshed 4? Some entries in Apple's inventory system have been uncovered that suggest the 4S might be the only new iPhone revealed.

According to reports, there are new SKUs depicting two additional iPhone models. Both are marked as device N90A, while the original iPhone4 is the N90. The reasoning goes, wouldn't Apple assign an all-new code number to a project as big as the iPhone 5? This inventory discovery still doesn't tell us what the changes are from the original iPhone4 (more affordable vs. more powerful), nor what the two entries represent; we could be looking at a couple storage or color options.

This find certainly implies that an upgrade to the iPhone 4 is coming, but does that mean that the iPhone 5 won't? Apple could be intentionally keeping it withheld from its system until the last moment. It looks like we just might have to wait a week in order to know sure. 

Samsung's Galaxy S II for T-Mobile proves that unicorns do exist (hands-on video)

After eluding our grubby little paws at its launch in New York and again this morning at Mobilize 2011, we're happy to report that we've finally caught up with T-Mobile's Galaxy S II. To recap, the carrier's permutation rocks the same WVGA 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus display as Sprint's Epic 4G Touch, but replaces Samsung's in-house 1.2GHz Exynos CPU with Qualcomm's dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S3 processor. T-Mobile tells us the brain swap was necessary as it wanted its variant to support 42Mbps HSPA+ on the network's AWS band (just like its cousin the Amaze 4G). Oh, and like AT&T's variant it comes with a little NFC glitter sprinkled on top. So is it the same delectable Galaxy S II as its European and Sprint counterparts? From our brief time with the handset, the transplant doesn't appear to have impacted performance at all -- it's just as snappy as ever. In terms of appearance, the phone sports a soft-touch matte black finish in back and its bezel is a lighter shade of chrome than used on its siblings. Check out our gallery below, and peek after the break for our hands-on video.
Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

T-Mobile Galaxy S II hands-on

See more video at our hub!

T-Mobile reveals HTC Amaze 4G, flaunts better camera and faster HSPA+

Europe may be enjoying the Sensation XE, but today at Mobilize, T-Mobile's announced that it's getting the exclusive on HTC's Amaze 4G ($259.99 on a two-year contract), while also confirming the hardware whispers we've heard. With its 4.3-inch qHD screen and 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, it's one of the first smartphones able to connect to T-Mobile's upgraded 4G (HSPA+ 42Mbps) network and is the first HTC phone featuring an NFC chip -- something we didn't gather from those early spy-shots, but the manufacturer promised a while ago.

Pushing its photography credentials, the Amaze 4G's eight megapixel shooter can record 1080p video, with a dedicated camera button (and even a direct-to-camcorder button) to make the most of the handset's promised "zero shutter lag." Its also got that backlit sensor found in its sibling, the myTouch 4G Slide, so we're expecting admirable low-light performance, too. On the software side, it's running Android 2.3.4, coated in the inevitable Sense veneer and supporting the likes of HTC Watch and T-Mobile TV. Will it be enough to steal the network's king of Android crown away from the Galaxy S IIwhen it ships October 12th? You tell us, as you check the PR after the break.

Keep up with our Mobilize 2011 coverage here!

T-Mobile announces Amaze 4G at Mobilize 2011

T-Mobile Unveils Its Fastest Smartphones: HTC Amaze 4G and Samsung Galaxy S II

T-Mobile USA CMO Cole Brodman details consumer adoption of 4G technology and unveils next-generation 4G devices

SAN FRANCISCO and BELLEVUE, Wash. - Sept. 26, 2011 - Today at GigaOm Mobilize 2011, T-Mobile USA Chief Marketing Officer Cole Brodman outlined the company's ongoing efforts to fuel consumer adoption of mobile data through increased speeds of America's Largest 4G Network®, rate plans that make mobile data more affordable, and new devices that take advantage of the company's faster 4G network and value.

Unveiled during the T-Mobile keynote address at Mobilize 2011, the HTC AmazeTM 4G and Samsung Galaxy STM II will be T-Mobile's fastest smartphones and the first smartphones to take advantage of T-Mobile's faster 4G (HSPA+ 42) network technology. The new smartphones will allow customers to browse the Web faster than on the average home Internet and are showing average download speeds approaching 8 Mbps with peak speeds around 20 Mbps on T-Mobile's 4G network1. Both smartpthones are expected to be available next month.

In addition, T-Mobile today announced the T-Mobile® SonicTM 4G Mobile HotSpot, the company's fastest 4G (HSPA+ 42) mobile hotspot, providing customers with access to T-Mobile's fastest 4G speeds on up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices. America's Largest 4G Network, which is now faster than ever with the 4G technology of HSPA+ 42, reaches more than 170 million Americans in more than 150 markets throughout the United States.

"These new products unlock the full potential of our faster 4G network and deliver the best experience yet for watching video, surfing the Web, and creating and sharing content on the go," said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. "A 4G connection delivers a much improved experience, which entices consumers to do more with the devices they carry. We've seen that first hand; customers with 4G devices on our network consume roughly three times as much data compared as those with 3G devices. Smartphone buyers are increasingly looking for built-in 4G capability, and we're offering what we believe is the best 4G product portfolio in the industry."

HTC Amaze 4G
Exclusively available from T-Mobile, the HTC Amaze 4G features the most advanced camera experience of any smartphone and is the latest in T-Mobile's family of advanced camera smartphones. The HTC Amaze 4G is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera and 1080p HD video recorder, a backside illuminated sensor for improved low light performance, zero shutter lag and a dual LED flash, as well as advanced digital camera features, including:

- SmartShot, which captures five photos and creates the best shot using clear faces with smiles and no blinking.

- PerfectPics, which is a separate album in the gallery created by scoring and filtering the best photos to the surface. PerfectPics prioritizes photos by using criteria such as important calendar events, the presence of faces, and overall picture quality.

- Additional innovative camera features first introduced on the T-Mobile myTouch® 4G Slide such as SweepShotTM, ClearShot HDRTM and BurstShotTM.

The HTC Amaze 4G also enables high quality video recording with a full HD 1080p camcorder and an embedded video editor. Customers can instantly capture quality photos and videos with a dedicated camera button and T-Mobile's first direct-to-camcorder button. Sharing photos is easy with one-touch access to post to Facebook®, Picasa® or Flickr® - all at 4G speeds.
The device runs on AndroidTM 2.3.4, features a Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM S3 Processor with a 1.5 GHz dual core CPUs, and offers the HTC Sense user experience. With support for T-Mobile TV, HTC Watch and additional apps and services, the HTC Amaze 4G is excellent at keeping customers informed, connected and entertained using its gorgeous 4.3-inch qHD super LCD multi-touch display. The powerful handset will also include NFC capabilities for wireless searching, information sharing and, in the future, mobile payments.

Samsung Galaxy S II
T-Mobile today also revealed additional details about the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 Processor with 1.5 GHz dual CPUs, running on Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) and NFC enabled, the Galaxy S II will offer T-Mobile customers speedy access to their favorite movies, TV shows, websites, games, applications and more.

The smartphone also acts as a mobile entertainment center with quick and easy access to thousands of premium movies and TV shows through Netflix®, T-Mobile TV in Mobile HD2, Samsung Media Hub and YouTube®. The Galaxy S II rich entertainment features and experience are further enhanced with a 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus touch screen -the largest screen available on a T-Mobile smartphone. With DLNA compatibility and HDMI out, this media powerhouse also offers the ability to view content on a compatible HD TV.

T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot
The Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is T-Mobile's fastest mobile hotspot, providing access to T-Mobile's 4G (HSPA+ 42) network for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices including iPads, music players, gaming consoles, laptops, cameras and eReaders, among other devices, all from virtually anywhere. Manufactured by Huawei, this sleek and ultra-portable on-the-go network hub weighs just 3.88 ounces, making it easy to slip into a pocket, backpack or purse. Whether staying connected on the go with colleagues and clients or providing a family Internet hub at a vacation spot or in the car, the T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is a device that uniquely complements the company's existing lineup of mobile broadband devices on America's Largest 4G network.
As an added benefit, the Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot comes equipped with an SD card slot that accommodates up to 32GB of expandable memory, enabling customers to share and save photos, documents, videos and more with their family and friends also connected to the Mobile HotSpot. The Sonic 4G also features an OLED display to show signal strength, number of devices connected, number of unread text messages, connectivity to the internet, battery level and network connection type.

Availability
The HTC Amaze 4G and Galaxy S II are expected to be available in an exclusive online pre-sale via www.T-Mobile.com beginning Oct. 10 and are expected to be available at T-Mobile retail stores and select dealers nationwide starting Oct. 12. The HTC Amaze 4G is expected to cost $259.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan. The Galaxy S II is expected to cost $229.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan.
The T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is expected to be available in October at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.T-Mobile.com.

T-Mobile's HSPA+ 4G network, including increased speeds, not available everywhere. See coverage details at http://www.t-mobile.com.

1 Based on average download speeds on T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ 42 Mbps network in four major markets.
2 Mobile HD TV can deliver a bit rate of 800kbps and 16:9 resolution; the bit rate and resolution you experience will vary based on many factors, e.g., programming, network connection, and device.

About T-Mobile USA:
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the second quarter of 2011, approximately 128 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group - 33.6 million by T-Mobile USA - all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42. T-Mobile USA's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit www.telekom.de/investor- relations.

For more information about T-Mobile's 4G products, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

Samsung announces Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy S II HD LTE handsets for Korean market

There's some pretty big news coming out of South Korea today, where Samsung has just announced theGalaxy S II LTE handset, along with its even more alluring cousin, the Galaxy S II LTE HD -- the first member of the Galaxy S family to rock an HD display. The new device, pictured on the right, boasts a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD screen with 1280 x 720 resolution, which translates to about 316 pixels per inch. Other than that, its specs are identical to those of the Gingerbread-laced S II LTE, which is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and features 16GB of internal memory, an eight megapixel camera that supports 1080p HD video and the usual collection of WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC capabilities. No word yet on pricing or availability, but the Galaxy S II LTE will be available exclusively on SK Telecom, while the HD variant will be available on all three Korean carriers -- SK Telecom, LG U+ and KT. Full PR after the break.

Samsung opens the door to the high speed, high resolution 4G era by unveiling new LTE smartphone line up in Korea

SEOUL, Korea, September 26th, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of 'GALAXY S II LTE' and 'GALAXY S II HD LTE' in Korean market.

On September 26th, Samsung Electronics holds a Media Day event in Seoul, hosted by JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business. At the event, Samsung Electronics set to launch GALAXY S II LTE, its first LTE smartphone in Korean market.

"Using the advanced technologies it has as the leader of the domestic smartphone market, Samsung Electronics will enable consumers to enjoy a truly smart life with the LTE smartphone. The company will continue to release innovative LTE smart devices in the domestic market, thereby leading the LTE market", said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business.

GALAXY S II LTE

The GALAXY S II LTE is Samsung Electronics' first LTE smartphone launched in Korean market, showcasing LTE communication technology on top of the cutting-edge smartphone features offered by GALAXY S II, the company's global hit model.

The portability has been enhanced with a slim design (9.5mm), while offering powerful smartphone performance, including Android 2.3, the latest version of the Android platform, 4.5-inch WVGA (800×480) SuperAMOLED Plus, and 1.5GHz dual core AP.

The GALAXY S II LTE supports LTE with transmission five times faster than 3G, allowing the user to download 138 music files (4MB), 110 eBooks (5MB), and six HD games (90MB) in a minute.

Multimedia functions have also been substantially improved including the 8 megapixel camera, 1080p-level full HD video, and TV-OUT function based on the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) adapter.

The phone also supports other cutting-edge smartphone functions. They include embedded 16GB memory, large battery capacity of 1850mAh, NFC (Near Field Communication), WiFi a/b/g/n support, and Bluetooth 3.0＋HS.

GALAXY S II HD LTE

Samsung Electronics declared the launch of the Mobile HD era by unveiling the world's first LTE smartphone with the HD Super AMOLED GALAXY S II HD LTE.

With HD (1280X720) resolution, the HD Super AMOLED is the first AMOLED display to feature 316 pixels per inch (ppi), higher than the standard 300ppi, resulting in substantial improvements in screen sharpness and readability.

A wide variety of high-resolution content services that are provided via the LTE communication network, such as high-resolution video telephony, real-time VOD services, and network games, can be enjoyed more vividly thanks to the HD SuperAMOLED.
The GALAXY S II HD LTE will serve as an 'HD theater in hand' by offering an optimal environment for watching films, including the large 4.65-inch screen, screen ratio of 16:9, 110％ natural color reproduction, and 180-degree viewing angle that ensures a clear image from far left or right.

The phone supports multiple modes including LTE, HSPA＋ (for SKT and KT) and Rev.A (for LGU＋), and WCDMA/GSM (roaming), enabling a domestic user to seamlessly access the fastest high speed wireless Internet.

Substantial improvements were made to the design as well. The narrow bezel technology was employed for the front to make the frame of the 4.65-inch AMOLED display as thin as possible. Emphasis was thus placed on a slim, refined design. The slim feature (9.5mm) ensures a more comfortable grip.

Other cutting-edge smartphone functions are provided, including a large battery capacity of 1850mAh, NFC (Near Field Communication), flash support, 8 megapixel camera, WiFi a/b/g/n support, and Bluetooth 3.0＋HS.

※ The LTE speed specified above is based on theoretical value (LTE bandwidth of 10MHz each). The actual speed may differ according to the LTE bandwidth, communications standard, and usage environment. Areas where LTE services are provided may differ among operators.