Mobile Miscellany: week of March 12th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we've seen T-Mobile expand its network coverage and take an argument to the FCC regarding interoperability requirements of the 700MHz band. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of March 12th, 2012.
HTC One X Deluxe Edition in Taiwan includes Beats headphones
How do you make one of the most desirable smartphones on the planet even more drool worthy? Would slapping "Limited Edition" on the packaging and including Beats Solo headphones do the trick? If your covetous nature just shot up a tick, you should know the bundle will be available for preorder in Taiwan at 24,900 TWD -- which translates to approximately $844 in "real" money. [Android Community]
T-Mobile expands 4G coverage in four states
Good news for those who like faster data speeds -- T-Mobile has installed or upgraded its HSPA+ network in the following communities: Bakersfield, Calif.; Port St. Lucia, Fla.; Joplin and St. Joseph, Mo.; Abilene, Amarillo, Odessa, and Victoria, Texas; and Eau Claire, Wis. Of the towns listed, those in California, Florida and Texas will each be happy to know that you're now swimming in 42Mbps of Magenta's airwaves. [CNET]
Nokia Maps for Android and iOS brings voice guidance to the web browser
Make no mistake, novelty and utility intersect in Espoo. Nokia has updated its online maps service to bring voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions to your mobile web browser for Android or iOS. Nokia states that it'll only work properly when you're on foot, but since it's a free service made available for competitor's handsets, it's not like there's much room to complain. [Nokia Conversations]
T-Mobile petitions FCC for 700MHz LTE interoperability
On March 21st, the FCC will hold an open meeting to discuss, among other topics, LTE device interoperability on the 700MHz spectrum. T-Mobile is concerned that much of the discussion will be limited to interference issues on blocks B and C alone. Instead, it's petitioned the FCC to broaden its focus and concentrate on how to best promote device interoperability across the entire 700MHz band. [Mobile Burn, FCC]
HTC One V slips into two new colors
Up until now, you could have HTC's latest entry level smartphone in any color that you wanted -- so long as that was gray. Now, the One V has been spotted in both black and purple garb, and they seem to make a fine pair, don't you think? [Pocketnow]
HTC One X for O2
Living in the UK and hoping to snag the HTC One X? Good news, because O2 has announced that it'll get the star of Mobile World Congress on April 5th. No word on its price, however, so stay tuned. [Coolsmartphone]
Verizon acquires Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania
Verizon Wireless snatched up some additional spectrum in Pennsylvania this week with its purchase of Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania -- yes, that's really the company's name. The license covers a population of roughly 114,000 throughout the northeast portion of the Quaker state. [The Verge]
Visualized: Virgin Mobile's LTE coverage in Canada
Living in Canada and want a clear picture of Virgin Mobile's (and similarly, Bell Mobility's) current LTE deployment? If so, the crew at Mobile Syrup have put together a fantastic collection of maps that depict exactly where the carrier stands. [Mobile Syrup]
Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus coming to UK on March 17th
Samsung's Galaxy Ace Plus will arrive in the UK on March 17th, but that's not to say it's a good thing -- our impressions of the device were downright miserable. So, unless you're into self-abuse, you should really avoid this one at all costs. Speaking of costs, its price has yet to be announced. [MobileBurn]
