IntoMobile » Pantech

Pantech talking to Microsoft about licensing smartphone and tablet patents

Stefan Constantinescu — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:14:06 +0000

Microsoft owns quite a few patents, enough that they’re getting a check from 70% of the Android devices being sold in the United States. That’s right, for every 10 smartphones or tablets that get sold running Google’s operating system, Microsoft makes money on 7 of them. We don’t know the exact amount of money they’re making, but analysts much smarter that us assume that it’s in the $5 to $10 range. HTC, Samsung, LG, they’re all paying for Ballmer’s anger management courses, and rumors bubbling up say Pantech is about to sign a deal with the Devil. Now if you didn’t even know Pantech was selling Android smartphones and tablets then we’re not going to hold it against you. In today’s market with the Apple iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Motorola RAZR, and HTC Titan on sale, are people really paying attention to devices like the Pantech Pocket? Not really.

The bigger theme here is that Google conned everyone into thinking that Android was free, when in fact it isn’t. Several times a year Google throws Android’s source code over their campus walls and lets everyone run with it. There’s a lot of work that has to be done to get said code running on a retail device. Plus there’s the research that a company’s lawyers have to do so that said company doesn’t get sued. All that makes Android a rather expensive proposition. Isn’t developing an operating system from scratch, then all the services that need to tie into that operating system, a more expensive proposition? Yes, just look at the massive failure that is Symbian and was Ovi. Microsoft’s solution is to get people to make Windows Phones. The money that a company pays Microsoft per handset gives said company not only Microsoft’s OS, but drivers so that it runs with little to no effort. If you’re lucky then you may even get some cash to help you market your device. What’s not to like?

AT&T Intros three new LTE-enabled Android devices for people on a budget

Blake Stimac — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:55:32 +0000

AT&T has just announced a handful of new LTE Android phones for its new network but those who crave the speed of LTE but aren’t looking to spend too much money are in luck. Enter the Pantech Burst, Pantech Element, and Samsung Exhilarate.

Pantech Element

This $300 (on a two-year contract) Honeycomb tablet will give you the speeds you need without breaking the bank. The Burst sports a 8 inch touch screen, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor, and should be able to handle 100Mbps down and 50Mbps up. Hopefully the tablet will see some Android 4.0 action in the very near future. The Element will hit AT&T shelves later this month. Oh yeah, this tablet is waterproof, too.

Pantech Burst

This budget-friendly LTE device will only run you $50 on a new two-year contract and it you decide to grab both the Element and Burst, you can save $100 when signing a contact for both.

The Burst ships with a 4 inch Super AMOLED display, Android 2.3.x Gingerbread,

Samsung Exhilarate

The Samsung Exhilarate is made out of 80% recycled post-consumer materials and also offers up some more eco-friendly features like an Eco calendar and calculator. It’s 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display should definitely please those who pick it up and you’ll also have a front and rear camera to snap from any side.

This is AT&T’s second handset to receive a Platinum certification by UL Environment, which is its highest level of sustainability certification. Expect to see the Exhilarate pn AT&T shelves in the coming months for $50.

Press release below.

AT&T Unveils 4G LTE Android Smartphones and Tablet Planned for Early 2012

AT&T Goal is to Deliver AT&T Customers the Industry’s Best Mobile Broadband Experience With Leading 4G LTE Device Portfolio, Along with Best-in-Class Apps and Network

Dallas, Texas, January 09, 2012

Key Facts

From the stage of the AT&T Developer Summit — one day before the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas — AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph de la Vega unveiled five smartphones and one tablet powered by 4G LTE and the Android platform that are planned for availability from AT&T* in early 2012.
- New LTE Samsung smartphones include the Samsung Galaxy Note™, a 5.3-inch device combining the benefits of various mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability, exhibited on stage by Dr. W.P. Hong, Head of Global Product Strategy Team, Samsung Electronics.
- Pantech Chief Marketing Officer S. Jay Yim also addressed summit attendees about the first LTE-connected Android tablet under $300, the Pantech Element™, planned for availability on Jan. 22.
- De la Vega announced the first 4G LTE smartphone from Sony®¹, the Xperia™ ionexclusively from AT&T, with availability planned for second quarter of 2012.
- He also introduced the Pantech Burst™, a consumer-oriented device for under $50 that is designed to help make 4G LTE devices more affordable to customers.
- For a limited time, customers may buy the Pantech Element and Burst together on contract and get the Element for $249.99 and the Burst at no cost.
- Additional Samsung smartphones unveiled at the AT&T Developer Summit included theSamsung Galaxy S® II Skyrocket™ HD, a 9.27-millimeter sliver of a smartphone with an HD Super AMOLED™ screen (1280×720), and the Samsung Exhilarate™, the first 4G LTE smartphone built to meet many environmental and sustainability standards. The Samsung Exhilarate will also be introduced at an affordable price, below $50.
The AT&T Developer Summit is a two-day event for software developers to participate in a Hackathon, hear the latest news on AT&T 4G devices and network and get technical news and marketing insights from industry experts. Over 2,000 developers are attending. AT&T remains focused on opening up its network to developers and creating opportunities for collaboration. The two-day AT&T Developer Summit underscores this commitment.
At the Developer Summit, AT&T also provided an update on its 4G LTE network build and outlined the benefits of its blended network technologies approach, which offers customers with compatible devices consistently fast 4G speeds in and out of 4G LTE areas.
All news release and related multimedia content are available in the AT&T online newsroom: att.com/aboutus. Customers can learn more about the devices previewed today at att.com/ces.
- Samsung Galaxy Note™. A task master’s dream, the Galaxy Note combines the best features of a smartphone with the larger viewing screen of a tablet and the convenience of a notepad — delivering all-in-one functionality to help users work more efficiently and maintain productivity while on-the-go. Featuring the largest screen on a smartphone, the Galaxy Note boasts the world’s first 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED™ screen (1280×800) for sharp, clear colors and readability – both indoors and out. Galaxy Note also features the S Pen™, the most advanced pen input technology, featuring an array of leading qualities including pressure sensitivity, preciseness, speed and more. With the S Pen, users can easily sketch drawings, jot down notes, or write emails and texts quickly and easily in free-form handwriting. An easy screen-capture function also allows users to instantly save any screen, and these screens can also be personalized with the S Pen before being saved or shared.The Samsung Galaxy Note is planned for availability in AT&T stores and online in the coming weeks.
- Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD. Planned for availability in the coming months, the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD is an elegantly designed and highly functional 4G LTE smartphone that features a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED screen, as well as a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor for ultra-smooth game play and video playback.
- Samsung Exhilarate™.Also planned for availability in the coming months, the Samsung Exhilarate is constructed from 80 percent recycled post-consumer materials and features eco modes and tools such as an Eco calendar and calculator. The Exhilarate also boasts a four-inch touchscreen Super AMOLED display, front and rear facing cameras, voice recognition and access to AT&T U-verse® Live TV. In addition, the Samsung Exhilarate was certified as Platinum by UL Environment – their highest level of sustainability certification. This is AT&T’s second device to receive this certification.
- Pantech Element™.This affordable tablet will be available exclusively in AT&T company-owned stores and online for $299.99 with a two-year contract, with planned availability on January 22. The Element is Pantech’s first LTE-connected Android tablet, and is waterproof², greatly improving portability and usability (see the Pantech website for full details). The Element runs on Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) and includes a crisp 8-inch display, front and rear-facing cameras, and a rich web experience with full HTML and PC-like tabbed browsing.
- Pantech Burst™. Also planned for availability on January 22 in AT&T company-owned stores and online, the value-oriented Burst will be the first 4G LTE smartphone from Pantech in AT&T’s device portfolio. The Burst combines 4G LTE speeds, a 4-inch Super AMOLED display and Android functionality in a slim, affordable package – just $49.99 with a two-year contract. It will be available in two color choices, titanium or ruby red.
- For a limited time, customers may buy the Pantech Element and Burst together on contract and get the Element for $249.99 and the Burst for free.
- AT&T will be the first carrier to offer Sony’s first-ever 4G LTE smartphone and first smartphone to be sold under the Sony brand in the U.S. Slated to launch in the second quarter, the Xperia ion from Sony is ideal for those looking for the ultimate smartphone viewing and listening experience.

Samsung Note™, Galaxy S II Skyrocket™ HD and Exhilarate™

Pantech Element™ and Burst™

Xperia ion from SonyXperia ion will support access to the richest entertainment experiences from Sony Entertainment Network. Music Unlimited offers a global catalog of more than 12 million unique songs, while Video Unlimited has the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows from all major studios. Xperia ion is also PlayStation® Certified, delivering a high quality smartphone gaming experience. Consumers will be able to access this content across Sony devices, including televisions, computers and tablets. Other features include Android 2.3, a 4.6-inch³ HD display, a 12-megapixel camera with Sony Exmor R™ for mobile, and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor for fast browsing.

Quote“Delivering a first-class mobile broadband experience to our customers is at the forefront of everything we do,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “To achieve this, we’re bringing together the industry’s best 4G smartphone portfolio, a blazing fast LTE 4G network, and innovative applications that stem from our collaborative relationship with the developer community.”

¹ For illustrative purposes only. Use of “Sony” brand subject to regulatory approval.

²Waterproof against incidental exposure to water when all ports (incl. USB and earphone ports) are tightly closed. NOT designed or intended for in water use. Submersible up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Waterproof based on IP57 rating.

³ Actual size of screen is approximately 4.55”.

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available. Deployment ongoing. Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network

Pantech Element with 2-yr agreement and minimum $35/mo 3 GB DataConnect Plan is $299.99. If you exceed your initial 3GB allowance, you will automatically be charged an overage of $10 for each additional GB provided. All data allowances and overages must be used in the billing period provided or they will be forfeited – details att.com/dataplans. Coverage not avail everywhere. Credit approval req’d. Geographic, usage, and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Early Termination Fee (ETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to 10% of sales price may apply. Equipment Fee may apply if service is canceled within 30 days of purchase – details att.com/returns. Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge up to $1.25/mo. is chrg’d to help comply with gov’t obligations and chrgs; it is not a tax or gov’t req’d chrg. Taxes and other charges apply. See store or visit att.com for complete details and coverage maps.

Limited-time offer. Pantech Burst with new 2-yr wireless agrmt with qualifying voice plan and data plan is $49.99. Wireless Service: Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Credit approval req’d. Activ. fee $36/line. Geographic, usage, and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. See store or visit att.com for complete details and coverage maps. Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge up to $1.25/mo. is chrg’d to help comply with gov’t obligations and chrgs; it is not a tax or gov’t req’d chrg. Early Termination Fee (ETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325 based on device (details att.com/equipmentETF). Restocking fee up to $35. Taxes and other charges apply.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

AT&T announces six new Android-based 4G devices

Kelly Hodgkins — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:56:49 +0000

AT&T rounded out its CES presentation with the announcement of six new Android handsets including the:

Sony Xperia Ion: a high-end handset that’ll launch in Q2 2012
Samsung Skyrocket HD: another high-end handset in the Galaxy S2 lineup
Samsung Galaxy Note, the phone-tablet with a custom stylus/pen. The Note will be available in blue or white.
Pantech Element: a budget 4G tablet.
Pantech Burst: Available for less than $50.
Samsung Exhilarate: a sustainable handset that’ll retail for less than $50.

For a limited time, customers can get the Pantech Element tablet and the Burst handset for $249 with a two-year customer agreement. We will have hands-on and detailed information on this group of Android devices, so please check back soon.

AT&T’s Pantech Element is splash resistant, 8-inch LTE Android tablet

Dusan Belic — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:25:18 +0000

Another AT&T device has been leaked before its official announcement at the CES. It’s the splash resistant Pantech Element, an 8-inch Android Honeycomb tablet that also comes with a 1.5-GHz dual-core processor, LTE connectivity, 16GB of built-in storage, 5-megapixel camera on the back, 2-megapixel front-facing camera (for 720p video calls), and advanced “Piezo Motor” haptic feedback. It will sell for $299.99 with a two-year customer agreement or for $449.99 sans any contracts signed.

My first reaction was – wow, I can use this thing in a bathtub. Well no – I’m sad to say “splash resistant” doesn’t mean the tablet can be submerged into water, meaning any accidental drops while taking a long bath will pretty much kill the device.

As for the OS itself, we’re pretty confident the Ice Cream Sandwich update will be released shortly though at the moment we’re not sure when that will happen. First we have to see the Pantech Element officially announced and as I said – that will happen next week at the CES…

[Via: BGR]

LTE-enabled Pantech P9070 hits the FCC on its way to AT&T

Dusan Belic — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:44:17 +0000

It seems AT&T is becoming cozy with Pantech, having recently launched their Pocket Android smartphone. Apparently the mobile operator is working with the South Korean company on additional models as we speak. One such device, marked as P9070, has been caught at the FCC all in its LTE glory. Unfortunately, aside from the fact that it’s 4G-ready, we don’t have any other information to sure. Sure it will use AT&T’s HSPA network in areas where there’s no LTE signal around, but that’s about all we have at the moment.

If I had to guess, Pantech’s upcoming baby will be an Android smartphone most likely with a dual-core processor. Hopefully it will be as powerful as that Vega device we’ve seen 2 months ago, though we can’t say anything with certainty. That said, it’s like that AT&T will use the CES in Las Vegas to unveil this and many other devices. We’ll see…

[Via: Unwired View]

Pantech Pocket coming to AT&T

Charles West — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:48:42 +0000

Over the weekend, Pantech announced its latest Android handset and the Pocket is headed to AT&T with a 4-inch touchscreen display with an old school 4:3 ratio aspect, which the company claims it will give users a 20 percent larger viewing area compared to other devices.

Other features include a 5MP camera with HD video recording capabilities, Bluetooth, and Google’s Android Gingerbread 2.3 operating system. Also, the Pocket comes pre-loaded with Kindle by Amazon and Google Books.

Discussing the company’s newest offering, Lim Sung-jae, director of the strategy marketing team at Pantech stated:

“We will continuously lead the mobile phone industry both locally and abroad by introducing various consumer-satisfying mobile handsets carrying outstanding technical performances and being extremely appealing on the emotional side.”

The Pocket is covered in rubber and has little rubber trims which facilitate the users’ grip, which is great for accidental drops. All in all, this device seems like a pretty cool pickup for those out there seeking their first Android smartphone, as new price-friendly mid-range phones release at a head spinning rate almost daily. The Pantech Pocket is available now for $49.99 with a new two-year service agreement.

[via]