Month: February 2019

Sprint announces commercial 5G Service coming in May

CompuScoop Staff February 25, 2019 1

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at MWC Barcelona, Sprint (NYSE: S) announced that standards-based 5G is now on-air, with commercial service expected to launch starting in May. Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and Kansas City are expected to be among the first cities to offer commercial 5G service; with Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix and Washington D.C. also slated to launch in the first half of 2019.

At launch, Sprint's highly mobile, on-the-go customers can expect mobile 5G coverage ranging from nearly 30 square miles covering Midtown and lower Manhattan, to approximately 230 square miles spanning the greater Dallas Fort Worth area, for a total initial 5G coverage footprint of more than 1,000 square miles across all nine cities.

"We're excited to play our part in advancing the next generation of wireless technology as we prepare to debut our mobile 5G service in nine markets," said Sprint CEO Michel Combes. "Even better, when combined with T-Mobile we will be able to roll out 5G in more places, more quickly, building an incredible nationwide 5G network that reaches underserved communities, accelerates competition, and drives new levels of U.S. innovation and progress."

Sprint 5G is currently on-air in downtown Chicago where the company is testing and optimizing its deployment of standards-based 5G software and hardware using Massive MIMO radios from Samsung Electronics America Inc. Initial drive tests show Sprint 5G is providing connectivity in the downtown area, from the Magnificent Mile and the Loop to University of Illinois at Chicago.

"Wireless customers are soon going to have their first mobile 5G experience with Sprint, and it won't be limited to their home or a millimeter wave hotspot," said Sprint CTO Dr. John Saw. "Real 5G is now on-air in Chicago, marking a major milestone for the commercialization of Sprint 5G using 2.5 GHz and Massive MIMO to provide fast speeds and true mobility."

Mobile Gaming on the First 5G Smartphone
Sprint 5G will power new experiences for wireless customers, from gaming and entertainment services, to IoT and business applications. As part of an agreement announced today with cloud gaming provider Hatch, Sprint customers will be able to experience mobile 5G cloud gaming with access to more than 100 premium games and cloud streaming of live games and tournaments.

Sprint customers will experience the power of 5G and its many applications this spring using Sprint's first 5G smartphone. Unveiled yesterday by LG Electronics at MWC, LG V50 ThinQ 5G boasts a new way to interact with the world using touchless control that lets users perform common tasks hands-free with just a wave. State-of-the-art security technology protects this phone with three forms of advanced ID, featuring Hand ID vein recognition technology. And the large OLED screen, which doubles as a speaker, provides an immersive entertainment experience.

This spring, Sprint customers can also kick their data speeds into turbo drive using HTC 5G Hub. As a first-of-its-kind dedicated 5G mobile smart hub, this versatile device enables smooth 4K video streaming and mobile gaming serving up to 20 users as a 5G mobile hotspot. A 5-inch HD touchscreen allows for ease of use and high-quality visuals, and long-lasting power makes for a travel companion that harnesses 5G speeds.

With Sprint's growing 5G device portfolio, customers this summer can also experience Sprint 5G on the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.

Massive MIMO the Foundation of Sprint 5G
In addition to deploying mobile 5G with Samsung in Chicago, Sprint is also field testing standards-based 5G in multiple markets, including in Los Angeles with Nokia and in Atlanta with Ericsson. In December, Sprint, with Nokia and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, completed its first over-the-air 5G data transmission using 2.5 GHz and Massive MIMO on its live network in San Diego.

Sprint's 5G build is well under way with hundreds of Massive MIMO radios deployed. Massive MIMO is a breakthrough technology that dramatically improves the capacity of Sprint's LTE Advanced network with equipment that is software upgradable to 5G. Sprint's 64T64R Massive MIMO radios from Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung support split-mode, enabling the company to offer LTE and 5G simultaneously on the same radio. With Massive MIMO at the foundation of its mobile 5G service, Sprint can keep meeting its customers' demand for unlimited data and high-bandwidth applications.

Sprint Demos at MWC Barcelona
Attendees at MWC are getting a first-hand look at Sprint 5G. In the Ericsson booth (Hall 2), Sprint and Ericsson are demonstrating Massive MIMO 5G split-mode which simultaneously uses LTE and standards-based 5G NR. Attendees can observe the live 5G system showing end-to-end connectivity, eMBB and streaming video using the LG V50 ThinQ 5G smartphone. In addition, visitors will also find a demo of Sprint's Curiosity IoT platform.

In the Nokia booth (Hall 3), Sprint and Nokia are demonstrating split-mode LTE and standards-based 5G NR using Massive MIMO. Attendees can observe the live 5G system showing end-to-end connectivity and experience streaming video with the recently unveiled LG V50 ThinQ and Virtual Reality applications using HTC Focus VR headsets connected to Sprint's HTC 5G Hub.

At the Samsung Networks booth (Hall 2 - 2M20), the company will showcase its commercial 2.5 GHz 64T64R Massive MIMO unit, as well as a video of 5G field testing with Sprint in Chicago, IL.

Sprint's upcoming 5G devices will also be on display at LG (Hall 3), HTC (Hall 7) and Qualcomm (Hall 3). In addition, Sprint TREBL with Magic Box will be on display in the HARMAN Connected Services booth (Hall 2- 2L20).

#5GForAll
As Sprint works to bring 5G to nine U.S. markets, the company continues to advocate for a merger with T-Mobile, knowing that together the companies will build an incredible nationwide 5G network that neither company can achieve on its own. The combined company will have the resources and technology to build a 5G network that fuels innovation across every industry, dramatically increasing competition, unleashing new economic growth and creating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in U.S. economic value.

About Sprint:
Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 54.5 million connections as of Dec. 31, 2018 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Today, Sprint's legacy of innovation and service continues with an increased investment to dramatically improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its nationwide network and commitment to launching the first 5G mobile network in the U.S. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

Important Additional Information

In connection with the proposed transaction, T-Mobile US, Inc. ("T-Mobile") has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-226435), which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on October 29, 2018, and which contains a joint consent solicitation statement of T-Mobile and Sprint Corporation ("Sprint"), that also constitutes a prospectus of T-Mobile (the "joint consent solicitation statement/prospectus"), and each party will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. The documents filed by T-Mobile may be obtained free of charge at T-Mobile's website, at www.t-mobile.com, or at the SEC's website, at www.sec.gov, or from T-Mobile by requesting them by mail at T-Mobile US, Inc., Investor Relations, 1 Park Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or by telephone at 212-358-3210. The documents filed by Sprint may be obtained free of charge at Sprint's website, at www.sprint.com, or at the SEC's website, at www.sec.gov, or from Sprint by requesting them by mail at Sprint Corporation, Shareholder Relations, 6200 Sprint Parkway, Mailstop KSOPHF0302-3B679, Overland Park, Kansas 66251, or by telephone at 913-794-1091.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning T-Mobile, Sprint and the proposed transaction between T-Mobile and Sprint. All statements other than statements of fact, including information concerning future results, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, including anticipated future financial and operating results, synergies, accretion and growth rates, T-Mobile's, Sprint's and the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and the expected timing of completion of the proposed transaction. There are several factors which could cause actual plans and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain, or delays in obtaining, required regulatory approvals, and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction, or the failure to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all; the occurrence of events that may give rise to a right of one or both of the parties to terminate the business combination agreement; adverse effects on the market price of T-Mobile's or Sprint's common stock and on T-Mobile's or Sprint's operating results because of a failure to complete the proposed transaction in the anticipated timeframe or at all; inability to obtain the financing contemplated to be obtained in connection with the proposed transaction on the expected terms or timing or at all; the ability of T-Mobile, Sprint and the combined company to make payments on debt or to repay existing or future indebtedness when due or to comply with the covenants contained therein; adverse changes in the ratings of T-Mobile's or Sprint's debt securities or adverse conditions in the credit markets; negative effects of the announcement, pendency or consummation of the transaction on the market price of T-Mobile's or Sprint's common stock and on T-Mobile's or Sprint's operating results, including as a result of changes in key customer, supplier, employee or other business relationships; significant transaction costs, including financing costs, and unknown liabilities; failure to realize the expected benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction in the expected timeframes or at all; costs or difficulties related to the integration of Sprint's network and operations into T-Mobile; the risk of litigation or regulatory actions; the inability of T-Mobile, Sprint or the combined company to retain and hire key personnel; the risk that certain contractual restrictions contained in the business combination agreement during the pendency of the proposed transaction could adversely affect T-Mobile's or Sprint's ability to pursue business opportunities or strategic transactions; effects of changes in the regulatory environment in which T-Mobile and Sprint operate; changes in global, political, economic, business, competitive and market conditions; changes in tax and other laws and regulations; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in the Form S-4, as well as in Sprint's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "MD&A – Forward-Looking Statements," as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov and www.sprint.com. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Sprint assumes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this communication (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as required by applicable law.

Source: Sprint

How to enable Screentime as a parent on an iPhone or iPad

Dan Uff February 25, 2019 0

ScreenTime is meant to keep everyone’s time on an iOS device in check. But did you know that you, as a parent, can also use this feature to limit your child’s time on the device, as well as iOS apps.

Here’s how:

On your child’s phone, go into Settings > Screen Time.

* Tap “Set up as parent.

* You’ll be guided through three categories. The first is Downtime, which means when the device will not be accessible. Always allow, this section gives you choices as to which apps the child will always be allowed to access (for example, an educational app).

App Limits allows You to specify time limits for app genres, rather than specific apps — say, 2 hours per day for games.
The last section is Content and Privacy, which allows you to block explicit and mature content from the iOS App Store.

* You’ll then be asked to enter a passcode. This passcode will restrict anyone (except you) from changing the above settings. Choose wisely, or you may not be able to change these settings again.

One final note: if your child is lucky enough to have multiple iOS devices, Screen Time limits apply to any device linked to the same ID, and cumulatively — meaning that a child can't hit a limit on their iPad then continue unimpeded on their iPhone, or vice versa.

CNBC: Netflix’s Roma could be a turning point for movie theaters

CompuScoop Staff February 25, 2019 0

“Roma” is a heavy favorite to win best picture at Sunday’s Academy Awards. It would be the first time a streaming platform, Netflix, earns a best picture win.

It’s almost certainly not going to be the last.

A “Roma” victory on Sunday will further legitimize Netflix, and streaming platforms in general, as venues for the highest-quality movies. It could also help destroy the decades-only exclusive theatrical window that movie theaters rely on.

Netflix and Amazon’s Prime Video have been buying up potential Oscar-winning movies for several years -- Amazon’s “Manchester By The Sea ” was the first movie from a digital giant to be nominated for the best picture Academy Award in 2017. Each service has more than 100 million subscribers globally. Those massive audiences carry increasing clout with moviemakers, who may come to view the theater experience as less important.

“Movie theaters are not going to go away, but there’s going to be a lot more of this direct release to the home type of windowing,” said Tom Rogers, former CEO of TiVo, on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Friday. “I’m not long on movie theaters over the next five years.”

Netflix has actually tried not to rock the boat too much with “Roma”: It made the film available to theaters across the country and set a release date like typical Oscar fare.

“Roma,” which depicts a family’s life in Mexico City in the early 1970s, debuted on Netflix on Dec. 14, a standard first-run date for movies with Oscar ambitions. Netflix released the film in a handful of theaters weeks before it became available on the streaming platform, though wide release was tied to the day it appeared on Netflix.

Yet even this modified roll-out plan ruffled some feathers. Mexico’s Cinepolis, AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas have all balked at screening “Roma” because Netflix didn’t honor the traditional first-run 90-day cinema window.

The fight between media companies that want to shorten or eliminate that period of exclusivity has been going on for years. In 2011, Universal Pictures pushed to release the unheralded Eddie Murphy caper film “Tower Heist” on the same day as its theatrical release to about 500,000 Comcast cable subscribers for a whopping $59.99. Universal actually backed down, even from that high price, because of theatrical pushback to the idea. (At the time, Comcast was part-owner of NBCUniversal, which includes Universal Pictures as well as CNBC; Comcast now owns NBCUniversal outright.)

The tensions between Netflix and the theater chains may be so great that it could deny “Roma” of a victory, said Rogers.

“I don’t think it’s going to win,” Rogers said. “It’s such a disruptive pick for the Academy to end up embracing something that’s really going to go to the heart of movie theatrical distribution and the whole windowing system it has. Netflix came up with a better way to watch television. Consumers have voted. It’s a great way to get what you what, when you want, and how you want it. And they’re doing the same thing with movies.”

Disney could break the dam

Another reason “Roma” hit theaters first was the recommendation of the filmmakers: Alfonso Cuaron, the film’s director,

the ideal way to see the movie was with 4K Atmos sound projection.

A still from the Netflix film Roma.

Source: Netflix

That’s likely to happen again. Many directors will still want their feature films seen in a traditional widescreen setting, broadcast to a large room of people with a communal experience.

But Disney may be the catalyst that alters the balance permanently, said BTIG media analyst Rich Greenfield.

Disney’s upcoming streaming product, Disney+, is slated to debut later this year. It could entice millions of new subscribers if it offers blockbuster movies at the same time as, or shortly after, their theatrical debuts. Disney will be starting from scratch as it tries to compete against Netflix, Amazon, HBO and others for streaming customers. Narrowing or eliminating the theatrical window on its biggest films could go a long way toward propelling their subscriber base.

“Disney’s current strategy of having movies flow through the current sequential release pattern before getting to Disney+ is sub-optimal and puts a heavy burden on new original programming,” Greenfield wrote in a Feb. 22 note to clients. “Disney and other legacy studios should be leaning into the future and be willing to disrupt their legacy business models.”

For about a century, movie theaters have been the mecca for film goers. But streaming is built not only for people watching at home on their couches, but also for mobile users who want to watch video wherever and whenever they like. Netflix has already overturned one industry by launching entire seasons of TV series at the same time. It seems only logical that the elimination of theatrical windows is the next shoe to drop.

Offering a better audio-visual experience -- huge screens, thumping bass -- will keep movie theaters around. Then again, vinyl offers a better listening experience than digital. For most people, convenience trumps quality.

Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC and Universal Pictures.

Via: CNBC.com

Intel Modem announcement likely means NO 5G iPhones until 2020

CompuScoop Staff February 25, 2019 0

Apple is currently believed to be leaving out 5G connectivity as a feature of the 2019 iPhones, in favor of waiting another year before adding support for the wireless technology,” Malcolm Owen reports for AppleInsider. “While speculation and analysis indicates that is likely to be the case, Intel has seemingly confirmed it won’t be able to help Apple if it decided to add 5G to the iPhone this year.”

“Intel executives advised to Reuters on Friday devices using its 5G modems won’t go on sale until 2020,” Owen reports. “While Intel does not name specific companies that are affected by the announcement, as it is a major supplier of modems to Apple, it effectively infers this year’s iPhone models won’t be 5G-enabled if they use Intel’s modems.”

“Intel is not the only company to have created a 5G-capable modem. On Tuesday, Qualcomm revealed the Snapdragon X55 5G modem with the potential to offer download speeds of up to 7 gigabits per second and support for ‘all major frequency bands,’ but the ongoing legal battle with Apple means it won’t be making an appearance in an iPhone anytime soon,” Owen reports. “The 2020 iPhones may not even use a modem designed by Intel or anyone else at all, as Apple is believed to be working on bringing the design of the component in-house…”

Read more in the full article here.