It’s still unclear how much the Galaxy S III will cost sans any long-term commitments, with Sprint wowing to release pricing information at a later date. We do, however, know that interested users will be able to get it in June with Boost Mobile’s no-contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinking Payments; or Virgin’s Beyond Talk monthly no contract plans which offer unlimited data and messaging starting at $35 per month.

Those who grab the Galaxy S III from either Virgin or Boost will be able to use it on 4G network in 88 markets to get the “real” (as in – fast) experience.

If you do fit in the group eligible for participation, we say – give it a shot. Nothing to lose, only a free phone to get. Hit this link to proceed to the page at Virgin Mobile Canada’s website where all the details are. Good luck!

Anyhow, if you live in Canada and are already using Virgin Mobile’s services, feel free to proceed to this page to get additional information and eventually submit your bid. Good luck!

[Via: MobileSyrup]

“A significant number of consumers are using smartphones running a version of the Android operating system with known, exploitable security vulnerabilities for which fixes have been published by Google, but have not been distributed to consumers’ smartphones by the wireless carriers and their handset manufacturer partners,” the text of the complaint states, “There are millions of vulnerable Android phones in the hands of consumers today because wireless phone carriers and phone hardware makers refuse to transmit existing software security fixes to phones in a timely manner, according to a security researcher.”

The security concerns are absolutely real and an increasing concern for Android users. But I have to say anything that forces carriers to get out the updates in a more timely manner is great news for all customers since so many folks are still running outdated versions of the OS. Gingerbread is still on a majority of devices and it’s two years old!

The ACLU complaint ends with a “Request for Relief” that outlines the way it feels carriers should address the alleged grievance. Whatever comes of this, hopefully it will lead to faster updates for everyone!

“REQUEST FOR RELIEF
The ACLU requests that the Commission investigate the major wireless carriers and enjoin
their unfair and deceptive business practices. Specifically, the ACLU requests that the
Commission:
A. Compel the major wireless carriers to warn all subscribers using carrier-supplied
Android smartphones with known, unpatched security vulnerabilities about the
existence and severity the vulnerabilities, as well as any reasonable steps those
consumers can take to protect themselves, including purchasing a different
smartphone.
B. Compel the major wireless carriers to permit consumers under contract who are
using carrier-supplied Android smartphones which have not received prompt,
regular security updates to end their contracts early, without any early termination
fee.
C. Compel the wireless carriers to permit consumers who are using carrier-supplied
Android smartphones less than two years old which have not received prompt,
regular security updates to either:
1. Exchange, at no cost, their existing device for another phone that will
receive prompt, regular updates directly from Apple, Google, Microsoft or
another mobile operating system vendor.
2. Return the phone and receive a full refund of the original purchase price”

[Via: Wired]

Under the deal, 5 lucky subscribers will get to test out HTC’s flagship device and submit their reviews.

In order to participate, you should a) be one of Virgin Mobile’s customers; and b) tell them “why you’d be an awesome Virgin Mobile phone tester.” It’s that easy and we wish you good luck.

And in case you wonder, the carrier will start selling the HTC One on April 19th. If you “win,” you may get it few days earlier. Check out Virgin’s website for all the details…

[Via: MobileSyrup]

To install this update on your device, simply download the Samsung Simple Update Tool and follow the instructions here. The install is fairly painless, and definitely worth the effort. After the install, head to Menu > Settings > About phone on your device and look for Baseband Version, which should be GB28.

Happy installing, and don’t forget to back up your data!

[Via: Samsung]

To take advantage of Virgin’s $100 credit, T-Mobile customers must choose from one of Virgin’s phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S II 4G or the Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE, pick one of Virgin’s pre-paid plans and make a payment by May 31, 2013. Customers will receive the $100 credit within the first 30 days of switching their mobile number to Virgin.

Where Virgin shines in their pre-paid offerings is in the data department. After customers have used up their allotted 4G data stipend, Virgin will drop data from 4G to 3G speeds, whereas T-Mobile drops customers to 2G speeds after the allotted 4G data has been consumed. Virgin is also offering its handsets at a lower price than T-Mobile, with the Samsung Galaxy S II being offered for $299.99 on Virgin as compared to T-Mobile’s $413.99 for the same handset.

Unfortunately, Virgin is only offering the $100 rebate to those customers who purchase a new phone, leaving customers who would like to switch and already own Sprint compatible handsets in the dark. But if you need to purchase a new phone and are looking for a cheaper option to T-Mobile’s pre-paid service, Virgin is worth a gander.

[Via: Virgin Mobile]

We hope you’ll find yourself “covered” if you’re still lacking the LTE signal in the city where you live and/or work. If not, well, you can always pick another mobile operator which can provide you with faster mobile Internet speeds. It’s your call…

[Via: MobileSyrup]

The commercial, which was created by Mother NY is titled “Retrain Your Brain” came to be after focus group findings showed that people wouldn’t switch mobile plans just by being shown how much money they could potentially save if they did. With T-Mobile reportedly dropping contract obligations soon and focusing more on pre-paid plans, it makes sense that Virgin released this brain melting ad.

Virgin Mobile is a worldwide pre-paid mobile provider, and operates as an MVNO over Sprint’s network in the U.S. Virgin is unique from other MVNO’s in that each Virgin Mobile branded entity functions independently from one another, meaning that service plans, handsets and network interfaces all vary based on location.

In the United States, Virgin Mobile offers a bevy of smartphones, most of which are Android powered handsets, but the iPhone 4 and 4S are available as well. Some of the 4G Android devices Virgin offers are the Samsung Galaxy Victory, HTC One V, Samsung Galaxy S II and the LG Optimus Elite. Virgin Mobile also offers mobile broadband service. Virgin’s Beyond Talk plans start at $35 a month and include 300 minutes of talk, unlimited messaging and data. The $55 a month plan offers unlimited messaging, data and anytime minutes.

So without further ado, here’s the new Virgin Mobile ad. Enjoy the weirdness and salivate over Wayne’s awesome brain chair! Just make sure you’re sober before you watch it. Trust me.

[Via: Stereogum] [Image: The Current]

The device itself is available in gray for $299.99 (excluding taxes) only at virginmobileusa.com, with plans to hit national retail and participating dealers in mid-March.

Aside from supporting 4G LTE connectivity, the Galaxy Victory 4G LTE also comes with a 4-inch screen, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing one, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and a microSD memory card slot. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is running the show right from the get-go…

And that’s about it. Now the question is – do you think this phone is worth 300 bucks sans any strings attached. And do you like relying on Virgin Mobile USA for your mobile needs?