Future users can look forward to mid-range specs including a dual-core 1.2GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage, and an 8MP primary camera. On the bright side, the camera is expected to be able to capture rapid burst of images, which should be an added bonus for any smartphone photographers out there. Additional spec highlights include 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, support for LTE, NFC and WiFi Direct.

We’re left wondering if this is what Verizon gets for the One S series from HTC? Here in the US we know that the HTC One X is getting LTE support and branded as the XL for AT&T, and even T-Mobile is slated to receive the HTC One S. So what’s left for Verizon hopefuls?

Exact launch details and pricing have yet to be confirmed for the Incredible 4G, however, we expect this handset to launch in the coming weeks with an affordable price tag.

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Here is what Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, had to say about the proposal:

“New technologies create new risks, and we wanted to find a way to reduce the value of stolen smartphones. It’s just too easy for a thief to steal a phone and sell it on the black market. This program will make it a lot harder to do that. And the police departments we are working with tell us that it will significantly deter this kind of theft.”

The explosion of smartphone sales has also brought a nationwide surge in cell phone theft as an unfortunate side effect. Thieves are able to easily sell stolen mobile devices on online sites like Amazon, Craigslist, or eBay where it is harder for law enforcement to manage these type of transactions. While the exact details of the database have yet to be ironed out yet, we can now look for its creation in the near future. What do you think? Do you think a central database like this will actually deter criminals from stealing and selling stolen devices? Let us know in the comments below.

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The Lucid will run consumers $80 (after a 2-year contract and a $50 mail-in rebate) and offers up decent specs for what Verizon considers to be a mid-range smartphone. Spec highlights include a 4-inch Gorilla Glass display, 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 5MP rear-facing camera with 1080p video capture,a front-facing camera for video chats, and of course, Verizon LTE capable.

Sadly, no Ice Cream Sandwich for this handset as the Lucid will ship Gingerbread ready. However, Verizon did mention that they’re working hard to bring the Android 4.0 upgrade to the Lucid shortly after it’s released. Interested consumers can score the Lucid from Verizon here or continue reading the full press release below.

STEP UP TO THE VERIZON WIRELESS 4G LTE NETWORK WITH LUCID™ BY LG

Affordability and Simplicity Combine for an Ideal Mobile Experience

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and LG Mobile today announced Lucid™ by LG, exclusively for Verizon Wireless, will be available starting March 29 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com.

Lucid by LG is designed to create an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use experience for first-time smartphone users. The slim and compact design features a stunning 4-inch touchscreen display protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass that gives customers superb brightness, enhanced clarity and readability, even while outdoors. Powered by America’s fastest 4G network, Lucid by LG customers have access to 4G LTE coverage in over 200 markets covering more than 200 million people.

Lucid by LG is packed with features to make the smartphone experience easy, while also increasing productivity. Customers can use the lock screen shortcuts to instantly access the phone, messaging, voicemail and camera application from the lock screen. Customers also no longer have to stop what they’re doing to reply to texts by using the Quick Reply feature, as text message notifications pop up on the screen and allow customers to reply directly from the Quick Reply notification. The Quick Dialer widget lets customers make calls directly from a home screen panel without having to open the phone application. Additionally, Lucid by LG has Guided Tours right on the device, which provides step-by-step tutorials for customers who want to learn more about their new phone.

Business professionals can take advantage of the Polaris Office app on Lucid by LG which allows customers to easily open, create and edit Microsoft® Office documents, including Word, PowerPoint® and Excel®. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network takes Lucid by LG to the next level, loading websites 10 times faster than 3G, making it that much easier for a professional to stay up to speed on recent news and keep in touch with colleagues. The mobile hotspot feature lets professionals connect to up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, making it easy for teams to work from a remote location.

Additional features:

· Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread, upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

· 5-megapixel rear-facing autofocus camera with flash and full HD (1080p) video capture

· Front facing camera for video chatting with friends and family

· Video Producer – create and edit HD videos right on Lucid by LG

· 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM for fast Web browsing and multitasking
· Virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype® technology

· SmartShare – share media with friends and colleagues wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices

Pricing and availability:

· Lucid by LG will be available starting March 29 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

· Customers who purchase a Lucid by LG will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

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Just one day after the GNex was released, Google announced that the 4.0.2 build it was running was already yesterday’s trash and that 4.0.3 would be the starting point for OEMs going forward. Ever since Nexus users have been plagued with a bug filled ICS device. Thankfully, users have been able to rely heavily on the developer community for a more reliable experience.

As April is a few short weeks away, let’s hope Mobile Panda is spot on with this projection.

Source Via DroidLife

Head over to AP for the complete changelog and download the version you want, as there is a non-rooted version which will break root if you already had it and a prerooted stock ROM that takes the hassle of rooting later out of the equation.  Be sure to back up your data before doing anything, as always.

New Markets:

• Dothan and Enterprise, Ala.
• Naples, Fla
• Greenville, N.C.
• Altus and Durant, Okla.
• Longview/Marshall, Texas.

Expansions:

• Washington, D.C.
• Elkhart, Ind.
• Baltimore, Md.
• Columbus, Miss.
• Northern N.J.
• Wilmington, N.C.
• Duncan, Okla.
• Allentown/Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa.
• Hilton Head, S.C.
• Cleveland, Tenn.
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
• Kenosha, Madison and Milwaukee, Wis.

Continue reading for the entire press release.

VERIZON TO LAUNCH ITS 200TH 4G LTE MARKET ON MARCH 15
Company Plans to Double 4G LTE Markets by End of 2012; Offers the Widest Array of Popular 4G LTE Devices, Including Tablets and Smartphones

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless, owner of the nation’s fastest 4G network, today announced its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network will cover 203 markets on March 15 when it launches service in seven new markets and expands in 17 markets across the United States. Following the launches on March 15, including the 200th market in Dothan, Ala., customers on the nation’s largest 4G LTE network can take advantage of the speed and connectivity with more than 20 4G LTE devices, including tablets and smartphones.

Verizon Wireless plans to more than double the number of its 4G LTE markets, bringing the total markets to more than 400, by the end of the year. With the additional new markets and continued expansions, the company’s 4G LTE network will cover more than 260 million people in the United States by the end of 2012.

“Our plans to double our 4G LTE network coverage from the end of 2011 to the end of 2012 align with the aggressive and rapid deployment strategy we have taken with our 4G LTE network,” said David Small, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. “Our commitment to expanding and enhancing our 4G LTE network is enabling more customers across the country to enjoy the benefits of the most popular wireless devices. We will continue investing in our 4G LTE network and working with key partners to ensure our customers have access to the best products and services available.”

On Thursday, March 15, the company will introduce its 4G LTE network in Dothan and Enterprise, Ala.; Naples, Fla.; Greenville, N.C.; Altus and Durant, Okla.; and Longview/Marshall, Texas. The company will also expand its 4G LTE network in Washington, D.C.; Elkhart, Ind.; Baltimore, Md.; Columbus, Miss.; Northern N.J.; Wilmington, N.C.; Duncan, Okla.; Allentown/Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Cleveland, Tenn.; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; and Kenosha, Madison and Milwaukee, Wis.

4G LTE Speed

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.

4G LTE Markets

On March 15, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network will be available in 203 markets. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for a full list of 4G LTE markets and additional information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.

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While we’re sure that most of our loyal readers are already in-the-know about the change, do your family, friends, and co-workers a solid by educating them on the change. While we understand where Google’s marketing strategy lies with the universal Google Play name, it appears it will take some time for everyone else to get used to the change.

So, if you see a fellow Android user looking dazed and confused, remind them that they can get all their media fixes from the Google Play Store as the Android Market is now a thing of the past.

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Verizon Wireless’ chief technical officer David Small explained that Alaska would be the only state that would not see Verizon’s 4G LTE coverage. Small continued to outline that by the end of 2012, Verizon plans to be in at least 400 markets across the country.

Currently there are only 200 4G LTE markets in the United States, which leaves Verizon with some very lofty goals and their work cut out for them in the months to follow.

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Verizon is widely expected to spend billions toward building out a high-speed, fourth-generation mobile broadband network over the next several years. With the astronomical cost involved, we’re left wondering if more “restructuring” lies ahead.

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To retrieve the OTA: Settings>About Phone>System Update

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