Mobile Miscellany: week of August 6th, 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, Sprint began testing its LTE network in Boston and we've come across a QWERTY slider from LG that'll be hitting a convenience store near you. 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 August 6th, 2012.
Telus snaps up 4G mobile hotspot from Sierra Wireless
Telus customers in need of data on the go will now find a new mobile hotspot from Sierra Wireless. The AirCard 763S 4G LTE runs $200 outright and $50 with a two-year contract. The mobile hotspot supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, and in addition to LTE connectivity, also brings the ability to connect to 42Mbps HSPA+ networks. [Mobile Syrup]
Sprint LTE makes surprise appearance in Boston
Testing. Testing. That's exactly what Sprint is doing in Boston (and San Francisco) right now, as reports are coming in of LTE connectivity within Beantown. Data speeds are said to average 6Mbps down and 8Mbps up, which is a bit on the slow side -- but then again, the network remains in testing phase. [PhoneArena]
BlackBerry Curve 9320 arriving at O2 in red
Just last week, we told you about the new blue and purple variants of the Curve 9320 over at Vodafone, but wouldn't you know it, O2 is looking to hog some of the attention with its announcement of the same phone in red. Those of you who are content to choose your smartphone based on its color will be able to pick one up later this month. Pricing has yet to be announced, but if it's anything like the other 9320's, you can expect it to run £130 without contract. [SoMobile]
LG Optimus Zip aims low at TracFone, features Android 2.3 and sliding QWERTY keyboard
New in the realm of gas station smartphones is the Optimus Zip from LG, and believe it or not, it's a QWERTY slider. The device packs an 800MHz CPU, a 3.2-inch display, a 3.2-megapixel camera and Android 2.3. Unfortunately, pricing from Tracfone has yet to be announced, but we're holding out hope that it'll be a good value proposition for those in a pinch. [Phandroid]
Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile out two new promotional smartphone plans
The pricing structure at both Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile are receiving a bit of a temporary makeover, as both providers are now offering two promotional smartphone plans that go for either $50 or $65 per month. Each is said to be available "until further notice" and provides 200 anytime minutes, unlimited evening and weekend calling after 6:00PM, unlimited messaging and unlimited calling to 10 select individuals. The less expensive plan brings a mere 100MB of data, whereas the more costly counterpart allows for 1GB of data usage. Specific to Bell, the $65/mo. plan also includes ten hours of mobile TV. [MobileSyrup]
