16
May
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Sprint's version of the HTC One is about to receive a much-needed OTA update, albeit a relatively minor one, that promises to fix the rather annoying home and back button sensitivity issues that have been afflicting the handset. I commented on this issue in my review of the One, and while I called it minor then, the more I used the phone, the more annoying it become in certain situations - particularly when holding the phone while lying down.

The issue seemed to be that the touch targets for the capacitive buttons were set far too close to the display, and the pad of your finger would often need to hit the area between what you would expect to be the strike zone and the edge of the visible display on the phone in order to register a tap.

08
May
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Another day, another OTA, this time for Sprint's and AT&T's variants of the Galaxy S4. The updates – which are labeled as builds MDL and I337UCUAMDL, respectively - are beginning to roll out to all Ma Bell and Now Network owners of the GS4, and looks to include a few app, feature, and kernel changes.

Here's what the Sprint update includes:

  • SMS notification enhancements
  • S-Health enhancements

In addition, though not listed in Sprint's official announcement post, we believe this software contains a kernel patch that prevents unauthorized root access. More details can be found here.

Here's what the AT&T update brings:

  • Touch screen sensitivity improvement
  • Enhanced Multi window experience
  • New S-Health version

The updates weigh in at less than 50MB each.

06
May
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Update: Turns out this probably isn't the Optimus G Pro - it looks a heck of a lot more like what is being collectively dubbed the Optimus G 2. It seems an official Sprint page with build.prop info for the LS980 has been dug up (by our commenters), and it reveals a few tasty tidbits -namely, confirming Android 4.2[.2], and an MSM8974 chipset. That's no Snapdragon 600 - that's a Snapdragon 800. That processor isn't even out yet, so whatever phone this is, it's still a ways off. Our guess is the successor to the Optimus G.

While Bluetooth organization filings aren't always the most reliable way to identify a particular upcoming device, we're fairly confident in a filing that was made yesterday for a certain piece of LG hardware: the LS980.

03
May
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Samsung has just released the kernel source code for the Sprint and US Cellular versions of the Galaxy S4, models SPH-L720 and SCH-R970, respectively. The timing is likely due to the fact that both devices operate on relatively similar CDMA networks.

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The kernel source for these devices mark the first such release for American versions of Samsung's brand-new flagship. That means AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, C-Spire, and Cricket source code are still yet to come down the pike. And you can probably bet Verizon's will be last, too. Hit up the links below to get your hands on that sweet, delicious source.

29
Apr
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While Sprint has yet to announce it, an OTA update has begun pushing to its version of the Galaxy S4 (model SPH-L720), build number L720VPUAMDL. The version the device shipped with was L720VPUAMDC. There are no immediately apparent changes in the new build, though I do think the lockscreen animation is a little snappier than it was before. Then again, it's easy for that sort of thing to be placebo.

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The update is around 30MB in size, and the fact that it's already pushing out means most customers will probably receive a notification to install it the moment they power on their devices.

29
Apr
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After a short delay, Sprint is now ushering Samsung's highly anticipated successor to the popular Galaxy S III to store shelves, but how much does it cost? New customers can pick up the Galaxy S4 with a two-year contract for $149, but existing customers looking to upgrade must plop down $249 to bring home the same phone. This isn't the best of news for current Sprint customers, but there is now another option available.

Amazon-GalaxyS4

As of today, Amazon is allowing existing Sprint customers to upgrade for $50 less. This brings the price of upgrading an existing contract down to levels resembling the price of starting a contract anew.

27
Apr
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The day is finally here, boys and gals. The successor to the most popular Android phone to date is available online for those on AT&T and Sprint. For the small price of two-hundred dollars (with a two-year agreement), you can nab your very own Galaxy S4 on AT&T; if you're not into the idea of giving up on two Benjamins, however, you can score one on Sprint's network for $150... so long as you're willing to port your number in from another carrier. Existing Sprintsters get the shaft in that respect – you guys will have to shell out $250 for this flagship.

25
Apr
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Last Updated: April 26th, 2013

I know a few people who just love QWERTY phones, despite the fact that they're a dying breed. For those among you who happen to love QWERTYs and are on Sprint, there's a chance you're holding a Motorola Photon Q in your hand right now. And if that's the case, you should probably head into the Settings menu and check for updates – Jelly Bean is coming your way. Get excited.

The update brings a slew of enhancements along for the ride:

Enhancements/Fixes

  • Google OS upgrade to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
  • Google Now
  • Voice search enhancements
  • Camera includes improved image quality and more intuitive panorama mode
  • Ability to zoom out to filmstrip mode in the Gallery
  • Keyboard includes improved dictionary and text to speech capabilities
  • Notification enhancements
  • resolved Quick Office closing when reviewing a document
  • Improved GSM roaming connectivity for global use
  • Improved streaming of Sprint TV when location services are turned off
  • Enhanced security and ease of use on the face unlock feature
  • Removed Quick Views, Speed Dial, and MOTOPRINT applications
  • Improved accuracy and response of voice to text for texting, emailing, and web search

So, what are you waiting for?

23
Apr
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Sprint Galaxy SIII owners fire up your "check now" fingers – you'll be getting a software update to version L710VPBMD4 soon, bringing a home screen security fix and a few other changes.

Specifically, the update – slated to start rolling out April 24 – brings Multi-View functionality (by which you can split the screen for multi-tasking purposes), enhancements to the camera and gallery apps, the addition of Samsung's Paper Artist photo editing app, and unspecified bulk SMS enhancements.

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If you're the owner of a Sprint-bound Galaxy SIII and don't know the drill already, head over to Sprint's site for instructions on manually checking for your update, or simply wait for it to roll in.

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