US wireless industry group CTIA has announced that a stolen phone database launched last year by T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon is now final, including integration with international carriers. That'll let foreign operators block stolen US device activations, a bone of contention for law enforcement officials stateside. They complained that the list was having no impact on thefts, since organized crime groups were simply dumping devices overseas where their serial numbers couldn't be detected. Police would prefer to also see kill switches installed in handsets to truly put a dent in phone-knapping, but carriers have strenuously objected to that idea -- strictly out of self-interest, according to some. For its part, the CTIA said that the completed database at least means there are fewer countries where gangs can hawk their stolen wares. Still, as the carrier group pointed out, if a stranger asks to "borrow" your phone for directions, just, don't.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
The VergeSource: CTIA
Google is looking to make the task for schools looking to cash in on Google Play for Education a bit easier with a bit of mobile software. The Google Edu Device Setup app (for Android, natch) allows administrators with a proper account to activate tablets purchased through school-themed store in bulk. Once the app is downloaded from the regular Play Store and the slates are activated, age appropriate settings -- like disabling location sharing -- can be configured and when complete, only the Education Store can be accessed. As you might expect, this tool only works with Nexus tablets procured through the proper scholastic portion of Google's online shop.
Filed under: Tablets, Software, Google
Via: SlashGear
Source: Google Play
Oh the ever-so-wonderful activation fees. For some lucky folks in The True North, however, these one-time, undesired carrier tolls will be a thing of the past very, very soon. Today, Canadian carrier Telus announced it's taking a cue from Consumer Cellular and waving goodbye to those activation fees you so love; meaning it'll no longer charge the accustomed $35 to new customers or even the $25 for current subscribers who have just recently snagged a new device. Still, the nice gesture doesn't come without a cost, as the carrier has also said it plans to start charging $10 for SIM cards in order to "cover the product cost that was previously included in their renewal and activation fees " -- that's if you don't already have a compatible one, of course. Regardless, the plan is set to go into full effect come the first of November, with Telus noting it is all part of its plan to continue the "journey to be fair and transparent and help customers understand when they are paying for tangible products or value-added services."
Continue reading Telus nixing activation fees for new and current subscribers
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile
Telus nixing activation fees for new and current subscribers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |
Telus | Email this | Comments 
It's been awhile since we learned how many unique Android devices were switching on every day; the last time was at Mobile World Congress, when Google's senior mobile VP Andy Rubin confirmed 850,000 activations a day just as we were fruitlessly practicing our Catalan. He's now chiming in with word that the daily rate is up to 900,000 cellular-enabled phones and tablets as of June. That's a ways off from the breakneck pace of growth in 2011, but it certainly shows that Android is no shrinking violet just yet. Rubin's answer is ostensibly prompted by a need to debunk a rumor that he might be leaving Google -- there's "no plans" for that, he says. All the same, we're sure he doesn't mind ever-so-slightly deflating Apple's balloon before WWDC 2012 kicks off tomorrow.
[Image credit: Jon Fingas, Flickr]
Google's Andy Rubin: Android activations up to 900,000 a day, I'm staying put thank you originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 22:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink
Android Police | Andy Rubin (Twitter), Robert Scoble (Google+) | Email this | Comments 
Now here's a trend we can really get behind. Consumer Cellular, the "exclusive wireless provider for AARP members" (and a company that caters to the 50+ crowd), has announce that it will no longer be gouging charging its customers the dreaded activation fee. New and current customers looking to procure a phone qualify for the waiver and CC is extending the free activation offer to SIM-only patrons as well. Hopefully, this is the start of a grassroots movement in the wireless industry. The full press release is after the break.
Continue reading Consumer Cellular axes activation fees, retirees rejoice
Consumer Cellular axes activation fees, retirees rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 03:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PermalinkPhoneScoop | | Email this | Comments