• Novatel Wireless MiFi 500 LTE – offers sleek and compact styling, and the ability to connect up to 10 devices with the same 3G or 4G LTE connection. It comes with a 1,800mAh battery with an average of up to 10 hours of use on a single charge; as well as GPS functionality over Wi-Fi, multiple security protocols and other advanced features required by many corporate customers.
• NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot – Sprint’s first CDMA/LTE mobile hotspot to boast international roaming capabilities via GSM, and also the first LCD touchscreen hotspot in Sprint’s portfolio. It has a 2,500mAh battery (good for up to 10 hours of operation) and the ability to connect up to 10 users on Wi-Fi capable devices.
• NETGEAR 341U USB Modem – with a built-in LCD screen display to monitor connection status, signal strength and data usage with a quick glance.

In addition, Sprint also said that smartphones from Samsung and LG with tri-band capability are expected to be available before the end of the year.

[Image from Engadget]

• BlinkFeed improvements
• New Sprint Zone client
• Improved Back and Home key sensitivity

The last mentioned is pretty much the only thing worth mentioning as it will address an annoyance users have been reporting for some time. The problem was that touch targets are seemingly not big enough, and this update will fix that by possibly increasing the size of the target.

In any case, we advise you to push the button the second your HTC One informs you about the new software waiting for download. Just make sure your battery has enough juice to complete the update process…

According to Path’s announcement, the social networking app will appear in Sprint’s Discover-It widget. This widget gives Sprint users a quick and easy way to install popular apps on their Android smartphone. This is only the beginning of a bigger collaboration between Path and Sprint.

“Sprint and Path are finding ways to collaborate to enhance our customers’ experience. This is a first step. We’re excited to work with a mobile-first, best-in-class design company like Path,” writes Sprint VP of product Kevin McGinnis.

Path will appear in the Discover-It widget on the Samsung Galaxy S4, the HTC One and Torque devices.

[Via Path]

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]

Since the filing refers to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processor running the show on the device, it may well be a new LG device, as the LG Optimus Pro runs on a Snapdragon 600 processor. It’s hard to tell at this point if Sprint is updating the Optimus G Pro for Sprint or releasing a new device entirely. But one thing is for sure, LG’s new device will be gracing Sprint’s network in the near future. And we won’t say no to a device that ships with the Snapdragon 800 anytime soon. 

[Via: Engadget]

According to a SoftBank statement,  the SEC has completed its review of the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the Sprint-SoftBank deal. Now that this milestone has been reached, the two companies are preparing for the next stage in the acquisition process. Sprint will be sending out the proxy statement to its stockholders starting May 3rd and will be preparing for the June 12th vote. At the same time, SoftBank will continue to petition the stockholders and promote the financial benefits of its deal.

[Via SoftBank and MarketWatch]

SoftBank Announces Registration Statement for Sprint Transaction Declared Effective by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Sprint Stockholder Meeting to Approve SoftBank Transaction Set for June 12 and Expectation to Close Transaction in Approximately 8 Weeks

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SoftBank Corp. (TSE: 9984) (“SoftBank”) today announced that the Form S-4 Registration Statement relating to its agreed transaction with Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE: S) (“Sprint”) has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Form S-4 contains Sprint’s definitive proxy statement related to soliciting the required approval of the SoftBank merger by Sprint stockholders. Sprint is expected to commence the mailing of the definitive proxy statement to its stockholders on May 3rd. SoftBank encourages Sprint stockholders to review the proxy statement and to vote FOR the adoption of the SoftBank merger agreement at the Sprint special stockholders’ meeting to be held on June 12, 2013 in Overland Park, Kansas.

With the SEC review of the proxy statement/prospectus now complete, another significant milestone to closing the Sprint-SoftBank transaction has been achieved. SoftBank continues to work closely with Sprint on receiving the remaining government approvals and anticipates closing on July 1, 2013 pending receipt of these approvals.

SoftBank Holdings Inc. President Ron Fisher said, “The successful completion of the SEC review and the commencing of the mailing of the definitive proxy statement demonstrate the continued rapid progress we are making in closing our transaction with Sprint. We are pleased with this progress and believe that our ability to fund our investment in Sprint within a matter of weeks will enable Sprint to continue and accelerate its capital investment plans in 2013 and beyond. Our investment will better position Sprint to win in the ultra-competitive U.S. wireless marketplace, drive subscriber growth, and create significant shareholder value.”

SoftBank continues to believe its agreement with Sprint creates significantly greater value for Sprint stockholders than the highly-leveraged preliminary proposal put forward recently by Dish Network Corporation.

The Registration Statement and proxy materials related to the merger agreement are available at Sprint’s website at www.sprint.com/investors. If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your shares, please call Sprint’s proxy solicitor and the information agent for the offering, Georgeson Inc., toll free at 1-866-741-9588 (banks and brokers call 212-440-9800). You can also contact SoftBank’s proxy solicitor Morrow & Co., LLC toll free at 1-800-662-5200 (banks and brokers call 203-658-9400).

Speaking to USA Today, Ergen said this about Japanese-based Softbank:

“We’re offering a higher price. That’s just math. We are an American company, and the modernization of Sprint’s network will have to be done from the U.S. You have to climb the towers here, and you’ll have to have U.S. employees who speak English. Operations command control will be in America. That’s good for jobs. It doesn’t mean that the other guys are bad. It’s just that we have an advantage.”

Ergen said SoftBank is just giving the deal lip service and will eventually raise its bid for Sprint. At this point, Sprint is entertaining a $20.1B offer from SoftBank and a $25.5B bid from Dish Network. The US carrier is examining both deals and has not hinted which one it is close to accepting.

There should be only a remnant of customers left on the iDEN network as Sprint has been transitioning them off thislegacy network and onto its CDMA network. Customers who need the walkie-talkie service can sign up for Sprint’s similar CDMA service called DirectConnect. Once its iDEN network is shuttered, the carrier will repurpose the spectrum for its 3G and 4G LTE network.

[Via Sprint]

Despite the fact that we’re talking about a small update with (likely) negligent enhancements, we advise you to get it. It’s a good practice to have your devices running the latest software versions at all times.

If your Galaxy S4 still hasn’t informed you about the new software, hop over to Settings -> More -> System Update and take it from there…

[Via: AndroidCentral]

“Our price offer is better than theirs. Our timing is one year quicker at least. Our leverage is much more healthy.”

Sun argued that the Dish deal will face additional regulatory scrutiny, potentially costly breakup fees, transaction costs and more. Sprint hasn’t commented on which deal brings more value to the company, but it has expressed in an interest in examining the Dish offer more closely.

[Via Reuters]

Sprint has held its cards close to its chest and has not hinted which way it is leaning. The Dish deal gives stockholders a bigger payback, but Softbank is known for its ability to make a struggling carrier successful through agressive pricing. It will be interesting to see what Sprint does with these two offers in the coming weeks.

[Via CNET]