Items tagged with Verizon
We reported last month that Verizon's nationwide 5G network isn't all it's cracked up to be. While it’s true that Verizon's mmWave 5G network (which it dubs UWB 5G) is among the fastest around offering speeds that can approach 1Gbps in some instances, it has limited range, has trouble penetrating buildings, and is available in relatively few locations. The company's nationwide 5G network -- which uses low- and mid-band spectrum -- is what most customers will be accessing daily, and it leaves much to be desired. New testing from PC Magazine confirms the previous assessment of Verizon's nationwide 5G network, and its test results shows that customers should probably go...
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Hey, good news everyone, 5G has arrived and every major carrier in the US offers it, to some extent. Pop the champagne, right? Not so fast. Why? Because the 5G we are getting is, by and large, not so fast compared to what has been hyped. That is true even of Verizon's 5G network, despite its collaboration with Apple touting "5G just got real" with the roll out of the iPhone 12 series. 5G will eventually get us to the Promised Land of game-changing connectivity. But as it stands, 5G speeds in many parts of the country are not blowing away what people are already getting on 4G networks. That is because when it comes to 5G, it is all about the spectrum and frequency bands. The fastest 5G speeds...
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At first glance, it may seem like a decoder ring is needed to decipher TCL's new 10 5G UW handset, but the model name actually makes sense (even though it is also a bit goofy). It is the latest in TCL's 10 series, hence the 10, and is a 5G handset that can deliver those delightful ultra-wideband speeds that are a potential game changer. But best of all, it's only $399.99. That makes it the cheapest 5G handset around that I am aware of (if you know of one that costs less, feel free to splash it into the comments section below). It undercuts Motorola's One 5G by $45 (it's priced at $444.49 at Best Buy), and is a few hundred bucks less expensive than Apple's recently launched iPhone 12 mini at $699....
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Google announced the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 yesterday after months of leaks. The smartphones share the same processor -- the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G -- the selfie and rear cameras, and display resolution. However, they differ with regards to screen size, battery capacity, and in many other details. But the biggest difference between the two is with regards to price. The Pixel 4a 5G is priced at just $499 unlocked, making it a pretty good bargain in the mid-range 5G market. The Pixel 5, on the other hand, is priced at $699, putting it higher than some of the cheaper Snapdragon 865 flagships on the market like the OnePlus 8 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition. However, there is a new...
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While we are still in the early stages, more and more PC manufacturers have jumped aboard the Windows on Arm train. First we had Microsoft's initial offering, the Surface Pro X. Then Samsung joined the fray with the traditional-looking Galaxy Book S, with battery life that lasted for days. Now Lenovo has crashed the party with the Flex 5G, a machine with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8cx 5G system on a chip (SoC) stuffed inside a versatile, a do-it-all convertible 2-in-1 design. Reviewing an Arm-based Windows PC every few months gives us a glimpse into the evolution of the Arm ecosystem. At first, there weren't many production-ready apps—even Microsoft's Edge web browser was in its beta infancy...
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Typically, when a smartphone maker builds a mobile phone, it makes a device that may have slightly different hardware inside for some carriers, but is physically the same on the outside. That means any case designed for the phone will fit all carrier versions. However, that's not the case with the OnePlus 8 5G sold at Verizon, known as the OnePlus 8 5G UW. Verizon's version of the OnePlus 8 is physically different on the outside compared to versions of the smartphone available from other carriers. The external differences are significant enough that Verizon's device won't fit in cases made for any other version of the smartphone, because this particular version places the volume buttons in a...
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The launch of the OnePlus 8 Pro is getting off to a bit of a rocky start. On paper, it's certainly a worthy successor to previous OnePlus handsets, and is priced competitively for a premium phone. However, display and compatibility woes have marred the release. As it pertains to the latter, apparently the OnePlus 8 Pro has not yet been fully validated for Verizon's wireless network. OnePlus 8 Pro owners have posted various complaints on the OnePlus forums, in regards to getting their handsets working correctly on Verizon's network. Some claim they are having trouble sending and receiving SMS text messages, while others say they are unable to make or receive phone calls. So, what's going on? The...
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Verizon has updated its Emergency Management policy to help eliminate worry for customers during the coronavirus pandemic. The wireless carrier has announced that it is reinforcing its pledge to keep Americans connected and to protect those who are most vulnerable. Verizon says that it will waive overage charges and late fees to support customers who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The carrier is also offering two months waived internet and voice service charges for current Lifeline customers along with rolling out a new affordable internet option for low-income households. An additional 15GB of high-speed data has been added for wireless consumers and small business customers;...
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Motorola has officially announced its new Edge+ smartphone, and it has nearly everything you’d expect from a 2020 flagship. After a few years of ignoring the flagship market with devices like the Moto Z3 and Moto Z4, the Edge+ is a true return to high-end form for Motorola. For starters, the obvious talking point of the Edge+ is its new Waterfall Display, which measures 6.67 inches across and includes a hole punch cutout for the 25MP selfie camera. The display features dramatic wraparound curves on its left and right edges. Samsung popularized this type of display curvature with its Galaxy “Edge” smartphones, but has toned down the effect with its most recent Galaxy S20...
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While 5G coverage certainly isn't widely available from major carriers around the United States today, many people looking to upgrade to a new smartphone want one that is 5G compatible. One of the most recent 5G-compatible smartphones that has been announced is the LG V60 ThinQ 5G with dual screens. This isn't a folding screen smartphone like the Galaxy Fold or Motorola Razer. Instead, it has two separate screens on each side of a smartphone that opens like a book (when using the Dual Screen accessory). Three of the four major carriers have announced that they will be selling the LG V60 ThinQ 5G. On AT&T, the device will be available starting on March 20, and will be offered for...
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Pressure on ISPs is building as a result of the coronavirus and the glut of people who are moving to online work and learn. The problem that many consumers are having is their Internet service has data caps. Presumably, the data caps will be hit quickly with the increased demands from remote workers and from people in high school and universities who are trying to learn remotely. Some believe that the coronavirus may be the push that finally eliminates these data caps. ISPs don’t want to fall into the trap that Verizon tripped in the past when it throttled the connectivity of first responders for going over caps during an emergency. As a result, many ISPs and wireless carriers are preemptively...
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Yahoo is getting into the business of mobile phone service as an MVNO, which stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. MVNOs piggyback on the networks of major wireless carriers—in this case, Yahoo Mobile operates on Verizon's network—and they often charge cheaper rates than going through one of the big four directly. Some of the more popular MVNOs include Cricket Wireless (AT&T), Metro (T-Mobile), Straight Talk (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon), and Virgin Mobile (Sprint), to name just a few of the many offerings. More recently, ISPs have been joining the fray. Charter Communications, for example, sells a Spectrum Mobile service and Comcast offers Xfinity Mobile, both...
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A little over a week ago, Samsung went official at its Unpacked event with the Galaxy S20 range of smartphones. Samsung also promised at the time that preorders would kick off on February 21, which is today. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are all talking about some of their special deals offered to lure customers into buying the smartphones on their service. For Galaxy S20 fans who prefer T-Mobile as their carrier, it is offering up to $500 back with a qualifying trade-in on the purchase price of Samsung's latest smartphones. Buyers will be able to get that full $500 trade-in if their trade device is an Apple iPhone down to the iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S9 or newer, Google Pixel 3 family or 4...
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A new report is claiming that Verizon is very unhappy with the current deal it has in place with Google to sell Pixel smartphones. The Pixel series of devices hasn't been a strong seller for Verizon, according to reports. A source claiming knowledge of the carrier's plans says that Verizon has put any plans to sell new Google Pixel smartphones on hold. The source gave no specific reason why Verizon was canceling the deal, but the sales issue is the leading assumption. The source, cited by Android Police, said that the chance of the rumored Pixel 4a coming to Verizon is zero. The source claims it's far too late for Verizon to change its mind on that device at this point. There is a chance,...
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Motorola Razr mania has reached a fevered pitch, and customers will begin receiving their preorders (and devices will be available to purchase at physical Verizon Wireless retail locations) stating tomorrow, February 6th. With that in mind, a new finish that was previously announced for the Razr has been revealed. The leak comes from Evan Blass, who has been relatively quiet on the leak front in recent weeks. Instead of the "Noir Black" finish that we've previously seen on the Razr, the phone is finished in gold which covers the back and extends down to the "chin" that houses the fingerprint sensor and small 2510 mAh battery. There's even a gold ring around the single camera below the...
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Verizon has announced that it has teamed up with Google to give its Fios Gigabit internet customers the ability to play games on the Google Stadia gaming service. Verizon will offer new Fios Gigabit internet customers Stadia Premiere Edition at no cost starting on January 29th. The Stadia Premier Edition includes a controller, three months of Stadia Pro subscription service, and a Chromecast Ultra. Verizon brags that Fios has "long been" known as the leading internet service for console gaming and streaming content. It says that with the surge in cloud gaming, thanks to Stadia, Fios will serve as the "backbone" for the best cloud gaming services. Google adds that Verizon's commitment to "deliver...
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One of the most frustrating aspects of cable bundles is paying for a bunch of channels you do not need. Verizon wants to turn this traditional system on its heads nd has just introduced their Mix & Match on Fios. These plans will allow customers to mix and match internet and television plans. According to Frank Boulben, Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Products at Verizon, “Customers are tired of having to buy a bundle with services they don’t want to get the best rates, and then discover that those rates didn’t include extra fees and surcharges. We’re putting an end to the traditional bundle contract and putting customers in control.” Their main...
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It appears that Motorola may have a potential hit on its hands with the upcoming Razr smartphone. The new Razr represents a new take on the nascent folding smartphone market with a portrait-style display and a horizontal hinge. Motorola has now announced that it has to delay both the start of pre-orders and when the device will actually launch. The company had previously stated that pre-orders would commence on the day after Christmas (December 26th), with an official launch to occur in January. The company issued the following statement about the status of the smartphone's arrival: Since its announcement in November, the new Motorola razr has received unparalleled excitement and interest...
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The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are the latest flagship smartphones from Google, and there are plenty of deals to be had if you're looking to make an upgrade. One especially hot deal is coming from Verizon, which is the largest wireless carrier in the United States. Verizon is piling on the discounts and even giving out freebies to customers, including up to $750 in discounts/credits and free Amazon hardware. The first part of the deal comes with a $200 prepaid Mastercard that is given to new customers that switch to a Verizon Unlimited plan with a new line of service when purchasing a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL. Once you checkout with your new smartphone and service, Verizon directs you...
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Verizon Wireless is teaming up with The Walt Disney Company to offer subscribers of its unlimited wireless plan a free year of Disney+, the upcoming streaming service that goes live on November 12, 2019. The freebie perk also extends to new Fios Home Internet and 5G home Internet customers, Verizon announced today. No small perk, an annual subscription to Disney+ runs $69.99. Alternatively, users can sign up for a monthly plan priced at $6.99 per month (which comes out to $83.88 per year). "Giving Verizon customers an unprecedented offer and access to Disney+ on the platform of their choice is yet another example of our commitment to provide the best premium content available through key partnerships...
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Report Shows Wireless Carriers Are Cheaping Out And Throttling Your Video Streams Whenever They Want
We all know that wireless carriers throttle data. After all, throttling has been commonplace ever since carriers moved from their "buckets" of data in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB sizes, for example. Once carriers started fully embracing unlimited data, they started implementing policies where they would throttle data once customers reached a certain threshold (usually around 20GB) if cell towers are overloaded. But now new research shows that carriers are throttling video streams even when customers have not reached the carrier-set threshold or when "data congestion" isn’t a serious problem on the network. This information comes from Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts Amhert,...
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Verizon is touting a new lineup of 'Unlimited' plans designed to give customers more options to fit their needs, and on the plus side, they are all $5 less expensive than its current lineup. However, confusion still looms for the average user trying to wade through it all. On top of that, this really serves as a reminder that wireless carries like to play fast and loose with the term "unlimited." According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of unlimited is "lacking any controls." It can also mean "boundless" and "not bounded by exceptions." None of those definitions really apply to Verizon's plans, however, because there are controls. Let's break it down, shall we? Here are the new Unlimited...
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