This should come to no one’s surprise considering the scathing reports that were suggesting pedestrian sales numbers, which made AT&T drop the price of the phone to a meager $0.99 — beginning the whispers of the HTC First being the social giants first official flop. In turns out that those reports might have been correct given how true this BGR source is.

The second largest wireless provider in the U.S. will drop the device and return all unsold inventory back to HTC. Ouch. The site didn’t give any specifics on how much unsold inventory was left over, but their source confirmed that AT&T sold fewer than 15,000 units nationwide. So we’d expect a hefty amount of handsets still sitting around in stores.

In fact, these sales figures are so bad, the First has outdone 2011’s HTC Chacha. The phone hasn’t been well received from customers nor AT&T employees. Apparently, no one cares for the handset. AT&T won’t pull the phone from its display until HTC’s in-store display contract for the First expires.

This is a bad sign for Facebook and HTC as both companies try to jock for its place in the lucrative mobile device market. Facebook will have to go back to the drawing board to make Facebook Home more compelling for Android, while HTC has to come out with that next impressive device to go along side the One.

[via bgr]

Besides physical resemblances, this latest spotting at the FCC also jives with earlier reports that the XFON handset may be slated for AT&T. The latest information on the XT1058 reveals that it includes support for AT&T’s flavor of LTE as well as its 2G, 3G and HSPA networks. Patience is a must as we likely won’t find out more about the XFON at Google I/O and will have to wait until later this year for additional details to emerge.

[Via AndroidGuys]

Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, the LG Optimus G Pro rocks a gorgeous 5.5 inch 1080p HD display, 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 13 megapixel camera, IR blaster for TV control, and just about anything one could want from a high-end 2013 smartphone.

We recently reviewed the Optimus G Pro, and walked away more than impressed. Not only does the phablet build upon the strengths of the original Optimus G, but it surpasses its biggest competition today, the Galaxy Note II. While we’re still waiting to see what the Samsung Galaxy Note III will bring to the table, the Optimus G Pro stands on top and remains one of our favorite phablets on the market today.

If you haven’t had a chance to, be sure to check out our official LG Optimus G Pro review here!

[Via: AT&T]

We haven’t spent much time with the new update, so we haven’t noticed if anything has dramatically been changed around. After the update was completed, a notification saying that the camera firmware is being updated, and given that we’ve yet to notice any tweaks in the camera software, the changes are likely just on the back-end. In either case, it’s still pretty awesome.

Outside of the bump to Android 4.1.2, the update itself looks to be mainly bug fixes and provides improved stability for the device. We’ll have to wait and see if anything else is different if/when Samsung or AT&T releases the official changelog.

And just for the hell of it:

[Via: Droid-Life]

According to CNET, analyst Maribel Lopez at Lopez Research stated, referring to the installation of Facebook Home, “Frankly, I’m surprised they did so well given that it’s not easy for the average user to figure out how to do this.”

Facebook is also planning on fixing some of the bugs that are in the Facebook Home software suite, such as the ability to arrange apps to a users’ liking. Facebook did not comment on when these changes may take place, but with Facebook focusing a lot of attention on their new software, we will likely see those changes coming soon.

Are you a Facebook Home user? What do you like/dislike about the software? If you’re not yet a Facebook Home user but would like to be one, be sure to enter our contest where we are giving away a HTC First from AT&T!

[Via: CNET]

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and AT&T and IntoMobile are going to help out one lucky reader by giving away a new HTC First! To celebrate the woman who gave you life, we ask that you join in on the contest and try to win the HTC First for your Ma’!

You might have seen a few of the ” It’s Not Complicated” TV ads from AT&T, featuring candid responses from children, often resulting in hilarious answers. Well, AT&T’s latest ad is no different, and it’s focus is on none other than mothers.

AT&T is offering consumers the chance to send an e-card that features the video you see above, along with a personalized message to your mom. There’s never too many ways to show that you care, so while you’re waiting for us to choose a winner for the contest, be sure to head over to ATTMothersDay.com and send this over to your mom!

On to the contest!

We’re going to keep the rules plain and simple. In the comments below, simply tell us why your mom would enjoy the HTC First and why she deserves to win. While all moms deserve to win, there can only be one winner, so get creative with your response!

The winner will receive a brand new HTC First, which features Facebook Home. The custom user interface is Facebok-centric, allowing you to keep up with those who you care about right from your homescreen.

The contest will be open to the US only. Since Mother’s Day is this Sunday, we’ll only be running the contest until tomorrow, where a winner will be chosen at 1PM Pacific time. After we’ve chosen the winner, they must respond within the hour or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck to everyone!

Be sure to check out AT&T’s Consumer Blog for more tips for Mom!

The pre-paid plans, which closely resemble the recent T-Mobile Simple Choice plans. The plans offer unlimited talk, text and data, with data speeds being throttled after a certain amount of usage. The plans are as follows:

Aio Basic- $40.00 per month, only available for feature phones

• Unlimited Data (includes high speed access for the first 250MB of data)
• Unlimited Talk (includes voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, and 3-way calling)
• Unlimited Messaging (includes short messages, pictures, and videos)
• Maximum data download speeds reduced when usage exceeds high speed allotment

• Unlimited Data (includes high speed access for the first 2GB of data)
• Unlimited Talk (includes voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, and 3-way calling)
• Unlimited Messaging (includes short messages, pictures, and videos)
• Maximum data download speeds reduced when usage exceeds high speed allotment

• Unlimited Data (includes high speed access for the first 7GB of data)
• Unlimited Talk (includes voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, and 3-way calling)
• Unlimited Messaging (includes short messages, pictures, and videos)
• Maximum data download speeds reduced when usage exceeds high speed allotment

Aio Wireless™ Announces New Nationwide Voice and Data Service

No-annual-contract wireless provider kicks off new service with launch in first three markets
Alpharetta, Georgia, May 09, 2013

Today Aio Wireless announced the launch of a new nationwide wireless service for consumers interested in a first-class wireless experience at a value price, without an annual contract. Aio provides new choices, seamless customer experience, and simplified service and offerings to value-conscious customers interested in an unlimited talk/text/data plan with no annual contract.

Aio expects the service to roll out in multiple markets across the U.S. over the next year, with an initial launch today in select stores in Houston, Orlando and Tampa, and with additional stores in these three markets opening in the coming weeks. Store locations and Aio information will be available starting later this morning atwww.aiowireless.com. Aio (pronounced “A-O”) is a brand name that encapsulates Aio’s brand promise: simply, delightfully, more.

“We talked with no-annual-contract customers and created our service around what they want. They want simple, easy plan choices with unlimited offers; first-class service at affordable prices; great devices; nationwide voice and data coverage; and no annual contracts. Today’s wireless customers don’t want to compromise,” said Jennifer Van Buskirk, president of Aio Wireless. “We are set up to win over value-conscious customers who are increasingly moving towards smartphones and mobile broadband.”

Aio makes prepaid wireless easy for customers with a friendly in-store and on-line experience, three simple rate plans to choose from, and an attractive portfolio of devices that include smartphones, tablets, and feature phones from a variety of manufacturers, including Samsung, Nokia, ZTE and others. Aio’s

unlimited talk, text, and data rate plans range from $35 to $70 per month, with pricing varying by market, and will offer 4G download speeds of up to 4Mbs per second. Customers will also have the opportunity to bring a compatible, unlocked device for activation on the Aio network. Aio will delight customers with an attitude of gratitude, easy pre-payment options, and an involvement in the local communities in which we serve.

Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. AT&T does not expect this announcement to change AT&T’s January 2013 financial guidance.

Aio’s plan pricing includes applicable state and local taxes, and fees. Each unlimited plan includes a pre-established amount of high speed data access, and service is subject to Aio’s Terms and Conditions of Service and Unreasonable Use Policy. Coverage and services are not available everywhere. Restrictions apply. © 2013 Aio Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Aio, Aio Wireless and the Aio logo are trademarks of Aio Wireless LLC.

About Aio Wireless

Aio Wireless (pronounced A-O) was created for today’s value-conscious connected consumers who want it all. We created a new class of service for individuals who expect a first class wireless service at a value price – one with no-annual contract, friendly service, uncomplicated plans and the mobile phones and tablets you love. All of Aio’s phone plans include unlimited talk, text and data, with taxes and fees included – the price you see is the price you pay. Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Visit www.aiowireless.com to find out more.

[Via: AT&T , GigaOm]

• New start screen experience with resizable tiles
• New theme colors
• Lock screen improvements with Bing photo of the day as wallpaper, and accidental input protection for the security code
• Fix for functionality issues with Live Tiles, such as Live Tiles not updating

In addition, you’ll be able to get newer version of apps from Nokia Collection after the update. Simply fire-up Windows Marketplace and look for Nokia apps…

[Via: WMpoweruser]

The HTC First features Facebook Home, which is Facebook’s software suite that runs over an almost stock version of Android. The device touts a 4.3-inch 720p display, a dual-core 1.4 GHz Qualcomm 400 processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and a 5 MP rear facing camera.  The HTC First has been marketed heavily, with Zuckerburg himself popping up in the television ads. The unit has received less than favorable reviews, with the only caveat being that the phone runs an almost stock version of Android, and has some decent specs for the price.

This would not be the first time that Facebook has had trouble breaking into the mobile market. In 2011, the company teamed up with HTC to create a few handsets, the Cha Cha and the Salsa. Both handsets quickly faded into obscurity, and if this price cut is any indicator, the HTC First may well be headed that way.

[Via: BGR]

As noticed by Droid-Life, AT&T recently rolled out LTE in 20 new cities that span 9 state and one territory. The full list is available below:

• Beeville, Texas
• Saginaw, Michigan
• Bay City, Michigan
• Monroeville, Alabama
• Evergreen, Alabama
• Vieques, Puerto Rico
• Aberdeen, Washington
• Hoquiam, Washington
• Ocean City, Washington
• Ocean Shores, Washington
• Huntington, WV
• Ashland, KY
• Cookeville , Tennessee
• McMinnville, Tennessee
• Frankfort, Kentucky
• Sedalia, Missouri
• Manhattan, Kansas
• Palestine, Texas
• Jacksonville, Texas
• Warrensburg, Missouri

You can find about future expansions by following AT&T’s press room.

[Via AT&T]

Currently, Sprint’s version of the Galaxy S4 can be purchased online, and the Verizon version of the device is available for pre-order, and will be available in-store or online on May 30th. The T-Mobile version is available in stores now, and the AT&T version will also be available in stores, although availability has yet to be announced. Staples will also be offering Galaxy S4 accessories, such as cases, screen protectors, docks and chargers.

So if you’re interested in the Galaxy S4 and don’t want to purchase it directly from your carrier, check out Staples retail locations and website to grab your Galaxy S4.

Press release follows below.

Staples Announces Availability of Samsung Galaxy® S 4

Leading-edge smartphone with innovative features available from all the major carriers

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Staples, the world’s largest office products company and second largest internet retailer, today announced the availability of the Samsung Galaxy® S 4, an innovative smartphone that lets users navigate their screen without even touching it, scroll through content simply by tilting it, and pauses recorded video when viewers look away from the screen.

“The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is a cutting-edge smartphone with truly original features which customers can experience for themselves at Staples stores, with the help of our Staples EasyTech associates,” said Mike Edwards, executive vice president, merchandising. “It’s also the latest example of Staples continually expanding our technology assortment and commitment to offering every product you need to succeed.”

The Samsung Galaxy S 4 takes photos so amazing it’s hard to believe they came from a smartphone, with the ability to take multiple exposure Motion Shots, erase unwanted elements with one-touch, apply live filters to photos and create a Story Album. Additional features of the Galaxy S 4 include WatchON™ from Samsung, which turns the phone into a universal remote control and lets users search on-demand video services, and Samsung Hub™, which provides access to movies, shows, music and e-books in one place with one sign-in.

Staples’ customers can purchase the Samsung Galaxy S 4, retailing for $199.99 with a two-year activation plan, in one of Staples’ 500 select mobile phone store locations, or on Staplesmobile.com. Customers visiting a non-mobile Staples retail location can still order the Galaxy S 4 online through Staples’ in-store kiosk. Online orders ship free and the Galaxy S 4 is activated as soon as it arrives at the customer’s doorstep. Staples will have the Galaxy S 4 models for all the major carriers, including:

• Sprint, available now, online only
• Verizon, available for pre-order, and in-store and online May 30
• T-Mobile, available now in-store, TBD online
• AT&T, in-store only, availability TBD

With an upgrade eligibility tool that lets users check instantly if they are eligible for an upgrade, a data usage calculator and the ability to compare mobile plans, Staples makes buying a new mobile phone easy. Staples also offers all the must-have Galaxy accessories, including cases, screen protectors, chargers and docks.

About Staples

Staples is the world’s largest office products company and second largest internet retailer. For 26 years, Staples has served the needs of business customers and its vision is to provide every product businesses need to succeed. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples offers office supplies, technology products and services, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, copy and print services and a wide range of other product categories. With thousands of associates worldwide dedicated to making it easy for businesses of all sizes, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

[Via: Business Wire , Android Community]