CTIA 2011 wrap-up: EVO 3D, G2x, skinny new Galaxy Tabs, and more

We just got home from this little massive US mobile industry event you may have heard about called CTIA Wireless. It took place in Orlando this year (instead of Las Vegas as usual) and we can definitely say that Sprint was the star of the show with its HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO View 4G, and Google Voice integration. Samsung also delivered some goodies with the Galaxy Tab 8.9, a redesigned Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Google Nexus S 4G for Sprint, and the Android-powered Sidekick 4G for T-Mobile. LG re-badged the Optimus 2x as the G2x on T-Mobile, and the Optimus 3D as the Thrill on AT&T. The HTC HD7 made a comeback as the Super LCD-equipped HD7S on AT&T, and Nokia gave us the Astound, nee C7, for T-Mobile. Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg -- so if you missed the action this past week, we've got you covered with all the nitty gritty in the links below.

Major news / product releases:

• AT&T agrees to buy T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom for $39 billion
• Google Nexus S 4G with WiMAX announced for Sprint: coming this spring for $200
• Sprint, Google Voice getting tight integration, will let you use your number without porting it
• AT&T launches HTC HD7S with WP7 and LG's 3D-enabled Thrill 4G Android phone
• Sprint's BlackBerry 4G PlayBook portal goes live, still on track for a summer release
• LG's T-Mobile G2x announced, available 'later this spring' (update: preloaded with Tegra Zone)
• T-Mobile's LG G-Slate priced at $529.99 with a two-year contract
• HTC EVO 3D officially announced for Sprint
• Sprint makes EVO View 4G tablet official: 1.5GHz, WiMAX, 7-inch screen, and a stylus to boot
• LG gets official with WCP-700 Wireless Charging Pad, fails to provide pricing
• Samsung's CTIA press conference posted online, skinny new Galaxy Tabs shown off (video)

Hands-on / previews:

• Nokia Astound for T-Mobile coming April 6th for $80 (hands-on with video)
• Sony Ericsson Xperia Play for Verizon hands-on (video)
• T-Mobile Sidekick 4G by Samsung priced at $99.99 with a two-year contract, we go hands-on
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and new Galaxy Tab 10.1 hands-on: thinner than the iPad 2, dual-core power, TouchWiz 4.0
• T-Mobile G2x from LG hands-on (video)
• HTC EVO 3D vs. EVO 4G... fight!
• HTC EVO 3D first hands-on! (video)
• Sprint's HTC EVO View 4G hands-on (video)
• HTC HD7S hands-on
• AT&T's LG Thrill 4G hands-on (video)
• T-Mobile G-Slate bundled apps tour (video)
  
• Cricket teases CDMA-only Samsung Indulge, Huawei Ascend 2 at CTIA (hands-on)
  
• T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot hands-on
• Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video)
• ZTE's Style S and LTE tablet coming to the US during the second half of the year
  
• Kyocera pictures a world of deeply understanding phones
• Google Nexus S 4G for Sprint hands-on (video)
• Google Voice for Sprint hands-on (video)
• Samsung's original Galaxy Tab 10.1 renamed the Tab 10.1V, thicker Galaxy Tab 8.9 no more than a trade show dummy

Everything else:

• LG's T-Mobile G2x spied at CTIA
• Cobra Tag Bluetooth key tagging system to ship in July, iRadar and PhoneLynx coming to Android
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 specs and Honeycomb UI tweaks leak out before its official launch
• EVO 3D specs confirmed: 1080p 2D video, 720p 3D, dual cameras, 1.2GHz dual-core CPU
• HTC EVO 3D and EVO View 4G tablet spotted -- on Sprint's website, where else?
• Live from CTIA's day one keynote with FCC chairman Julius Genachowski
• Live from Samsung's CTIA event!
• Live from Sprint's CTIA event!
• Verizon says 4G LTE network will cover 'at least' 147 US cities by the end of 2011
• HTC's WiFi-only Flyer launching exclusively with Best Buy 'this spring'
• Kyocera launches developer program for dual-screen Echo smartphone
• Best Buy signs up for LightSquared's wholesale LTE service
• Femto Forum publishes API specification for femtocell apps, places focus on 'awareness information'
• Blio e-reading software still alive, will come preloaded on T-Mobile Android devices
• Samsung's original Galaxy Tab 10.1 renamed the Tab 10.1V, thicker Galaxy Tab 8.9 no more than a trade show dummy

And if that's still not enough, be sure to listen to our CTIA 2011 podcast and take a look at our CTIA 2011 page right here.

Samsung's latest 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab teaser hints impressive slimness

Samsung hasn't been entirely shy about its forthcoming 8.9-inch tablet, though Mr. Blurrycam seems to be having some trouble getting on a plane in Seoul. Fortunately for us, today the Korean giant decided to give us mere mortals a sneak peek at said device, and it sure looks promising -- as you can see above, the bulge seems to imply that the tablet's general thickness almost matches the headphone jack's height. If true, this would put Samsung's 8.9-incher head to head with Apple's 8.8mm thick iPad 2 in a fitness contest. Bring on March 22nd!

Snoop Dogggg goes 4G to celebrate launch of Samsung Galaxy Indulge, was probably paid more than 4Gs to do it

You laugh, but D-O-Quadruple-G does have a certain ring to it. In fact, it sounds a little like the ringing of Samsung's Galaxy Indulge, which is tucked inside the pocket of MetroPCS' CEO right about now. You see, the aforesaid carrier has presumably paid Snoop Dogg (or Snoop Dogggg, as he'll be known until he scurries outside of a 4G coverage area) to change his name in order to celebrate the commercial launch of the world's first LTE Android smartphone. The Froyo-based phone is just barely beating out LG's Revolution and HTC's Thunderbolt, and you can bet that MetroPCS is doing everything it can to let the world know about it. Taking things one step further too far, Snoop's also appearing in a new series dubbed "The G-Connection," and you can peek the first episode just after the brizzle. For rizzle, homedizzle.

Snoop Dogggg goes 4G to celebrate launch of Samsung Galaxy Indulge

Show full PR text

METROPCS ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATION WITH ICON SNOOP DOGG

Superstar adds more Gs to his name to help introduce the Samsung Galaxy Indulge, the world's first commercially available 4G LTE Android smartphone, available exclusively from MetroPCS

DALLAS, February 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Snoop Dogggg has doubled down on his G's through his new collaboration with MetroPCS to introduce the new Samsung Galaxy Indulge™, the world's first commercially available 4G LTE Android™ smartphone offered only with 4GLTE service from MetroPCS.

"It feels good to be working with MetroPCS and Samsung for the launch of the Galaxy Indulge. I'm stepping it up to 4G's so my phone can keep up with my demanding, always-connected lifestyle," said Snoop Dogggg.

Fortunately, any consumer can indulge in the 4G lifestyle like Snoop Dogggg because MetroPCS offers 4GLTE smartphone service plans at about half the cost of other carriers' 4G smartphone service plans today. With $50 and $60 plans, including all applicable taxes and regulatory fees, MetroPCS delivers unmatched value with unlimited talk, text and 4GLTE Web page browsing, along with data access to streaming audio, video and gaming content, downloads and Android applications on the Galaxy Indulge.
"Indulge With Snoop Dogggg" Sweepstakes

The superstar's fans can win a rare chance to meet Snoop Dogggg up close and personal by entering the "Indulge with Snoop Dogggg" sweepstakes exclusively at any MetroPCS retail store through March 31 (no purchase necessary to win). One winner will walk away with a VIP trip for two to a Snoop concert this summer, including airfare and incidentals, front-row tickets and backstage passes, as well as two Samsung Galaxy Indulge smartphones with MetroPCS 4GLTE service. More details are available at http://www.metropcs.com/snoop-dogggg-vip-rules.
Video Series

The collaboration also features Snoop Dogggg starring as several characters in the online video series called "The G-Connection," which is based on popular dating game shows from past decades. The videos also feature rapper and producer Warren G, model Brittany Dailey, and the man with the "Golden Voice," Internet sensation Ted Williams. The videos were directed by Estevan Oriol, partner at SA Studios. The first of three episodes premieres today at www.youtube.com/MetroPCS.
Additional Chances to Win

In addition, MetroPCS and Samsung are offering more chances to win autographed Snoop Dogggg gear, Samsung Galaxy Indulge smartphones and MetroPCS 4GLTE service on MetroPCS' Facebook page at www.facebook.com/metropcs (no purchase necessary to win). MetroPCS is also offering prizes through giveaways in many of its home metropolitan area markets, including signed "The Doggumentary" CD's (in stores March 29th).

"We are very excited about teaming up with Snoop Dogggg to show consumers that they can have it all with MetroPCS 4GLTE services and the vast possibilities of the Samsung Galaxy Indulge Android smartphone," said Phil Terry, senior vice president, corporate marketing, MetroPCS. "Snoop is a great match for our brand and appeals to all of our customers, who want the latest high-end Android smartphones with 4G services at the best value."
About the Samsung Galaxy Indulge

Powered by the Android version 2.2 (Froyo) operating system (OS), the Galaxy Indulge delivers quick access to more than 200,000 applications from the Android Market™ and complete access to Google Mobile Services, as well as a combination touch screen/QWERTY keyboard, 3 megapixel camera and camcorder with auto-focus, music player, Stereo Bluetooth® capabilities and expandable memory storage up to 32GB. The Samsung Galaxy Indulge costs $399, plus tax, and is available at all MetroPCS stores and online at www.metropcs.com.

Verizon now offering 7-inch Galaxy Tab for $300 on a two-year contract

Verizon is bringing a nice bit of consistency to its tablet offerings today by introducing a new two-year deal on the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The 7-inch tablet was previously available only on an unsubsidized basis, however now that the Motorola Xoom has become purchasable with a $200 subsidy in exchange for a 24-month commitment, Verizon is extending the same courtesy to potential Tab buyers as well. That means you now have a choice between the $500 strings-free Galaxy Tab or a $300 version that binds you to Verizon for a good little while.

[Thanks, Austin and Mario]

Samsung Galaxy S 4G will actually cost $200, unfortunately

Here's a quick heads-up, if you had your heart set on Samsung's Galaxy S 4G: T-Mobile says it'll actually cost $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. That means you're paying $250 out the door for an HSPA+ capable Vibrant, not counting taxes and related fees. T-Mobile says the original $150 price was a mistake on its part, and while you're welcome to bring as many false advertising lawsuits as you'd like, we doubt you'll get very far.