Verizon may be planning an HTC Desire 4G LTE

Here's an interesting revelation: we just received an image of Verizon's internal device management system that indicates the carrier may be collaborating with HTC on another handset. The smartphone -- dubbed the Desire 4G LTE -- has left us without any details or specs, but it appears to be completely different than the Droid Incredible 4G LTE launched in July. We find the lack of Droid branding slightly curious (and perhaps indicative of a low-end device), though there's no guarantee that this will be the phone's final name. Is this Big Red's version of the Desire X? Perhaps the Desire C? Or is this an exclusive device that won't be offered elsewhere? We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Verizon may be planning an HTC Desire 4G LTE originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 19:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners now have direct access to Google Wallet

Nobody puts Google Wallet in the corner for long, not even Big Red. Though the carrier courted controversy late last year by withholding support for the burgeoning NFC-based platform amidst security concerns, it appears to have finally changed tack. Owners of that LTE Galaxy Nexus variant are now reporting the ability to access the app from the Play store, no workarounds necessary. Though we weren't able to verify the success of that particular method -- no results surfaced during a quick store search -- we did have success downloading the application to our stock, unrooted device using a direct market link. We've since reached out to Verizon for official comment on the matter, but have yet to hear back. In the meantime, if you've been itching to give Mountain View's brand of mobile payment a go, hit up the source link below and let us know how you fare in the comments.

[Thanks, Keith]

PSA: Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners now have direct access to Google Wallet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon to stop blocking tethering apps, settles with FCC for $1.25 million

In May of last year, our free ride came to an end. US carriers started blocking third party tethering apps in the Android Market. Not long after, the built in feature was turned off on most phones. Our fortune may be reversing, however. The FCC has ruled that Verizon violated the rules governing the C Block of LTE spectrum by preventing consumers from using any application of their choice. The end result: Big Red will have to open up its airwaves and allow customers to circumvent its $20 a month tethering plan using apps from the Play store -- so long as you're on a "usage-based pricing plan." Though it's not explicitly stated, we assume that means those of you lucky enough to be grandfathered in to the unlimited data plans are left out. In addition to unblocking apps such as PdaNet and Barnacle, Verizon must pay a $1.25 million settlement to put an end to the investigation. For a few more details of the plan put in place to ensure compliance with the ruling, check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Verizon to stop blocking tethering apps, settles with FCC for $1.25 million

Filed under: Wireless, Software

Verizon to stop blocking tethering apps, settles with FCC for $1.25 million originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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