AT&T to Throttle Heavy Data Users

Any AT&T users who still have an unlimited data plan soon may see their bandwidth speeds drop if they use too much data, the carrier said today. AT&T says it will begin throttling -- or slowing down the connection speed of -- its heaviest data users beginning on October 1.

AT&T discontinued its unlimited data plans last year, switching to a tiered model instead, but did give current customers (at the time) the option of continuing their unlimited plan if they already had one. Now, the top five percent of those users may see their connection speeds slow down.

AT&T isn't the first carrier to throttle connection speeds. T-Mobile recently announced new data plans that do the same thing. While T-Mobile calls its plans unlimited, they do restrict users' speed once a certain amount of data is used. Verizon Wireless, meanwhile, recently discontinued its unlimited data plans, but tells CNET that the company does use any "network management practices."

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Apple iPhone 4S Pre-Orders Smash Records

Well, that was fast: Pre-orders for the new iPhone 4S surpassed the 1 million mark in just 24 hours, Apple says. According to Apple, that's a new record, topping the 600,000 pre-orders received for the company's iPhone 4 in one day last year.

"We are blown away with the incredible customer response to iPhone 4S," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said in a statement issued Monday. "The first day pre-orders for iPhone 4S have been the most for any new product that Apple has ever launched and we are thrilled that customers love iPhone 4S as much as we do."

The iPhone 4S will be available on Friday, October 14 in Apple stores and at carrier locations. For more information about ordering the new phone, see How to Pre-Order the iPhone 4S.

And for more information about Apple's new smartphone, see Apple iPhone 4S: A Complete Overview and How Much Does the iPhone 4S Cost?.

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BlackBerry Music Service Coming Soon?

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion is preparing to launch a music service for its smartphones, multiple reports say. The new service, which reportedly will be offered as part of the BlackBerry Messenger instant messenger service, could be available as soon as early September.

The new service is not intended to be a full-scale music service to compete with the likes of Apple's iTunes and Spotify, a streaming music service recently launched in the U.S., the Wall Street Journal says. Instead, it will offer subscribers 50 songs for $5 per month, and is designed to attract younger users who want to customize their BlackBerry devices, the report says.

RIM itself has not confirmed the reports.

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Quick and Easy Texting Tips

These days, people are more likely to use their cell phones to send text messages than to make calls. That's because texting offers a quick, easy way to get in touch with someone, and it can be done when you need to communicate but can't talk.

If you're new to texting, it can be a little intimidating. From the speed of the communication to the lingo that many texters use, the whole experience can be overwhelming. But don't worry: we can help.

These two videos will help you learn the ins and outs of text messaging, and will help you get texting in a flash:

And if you're looking for a chuckle, check out this New Yorker piece, Text Slang for Baby Boomers.

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Google's Nexus S Comes to AT&T

Google's Nexus S smartphone has come to AT&T's network. An AT&T-compatible version of the Android-based device is now available from Best Buy, but is not being sold directly from AT&T at this time.

The Nexus S, which is manufactured by Samsung, debuted on T-Mobile's network last year and landed on Sprint's network this spring. The AT&T version features the same specs, which include a 4-inch touch screen, version 2.3 of the Android OS, a 5-megapixel camera, and an NFC chip, which will allow the phone to support the Google Wallet mobile payment service.

The Nexus S for AT&T is available from Best Buy for $99.99 when you sign a two-year service contract.

For more Android phones, see Today's Best Android Phones. And to find out which phone is best for you, take my Cell Phone Buying Guide Quiz.

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What Are Today's Best BlackBerry Phones?

It's easy to overlook BlackBerry phones. After all, they're usually not as flashy as the newer, speedier Android devices. And they don't get all the hype reserved for Apple's iPhone.

But BlackBerry phones are some of today's best smartphones. Find out which models have earned a spot on my newly-updated list of Today's Best BlackBerry Phones.

And if you're interested in the BlackBerry Torch, find out more about it by reading my complete review of the BlackBerry Torch 9810.

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What Are Sprint's Best Smartphones?

Shopping for a smartphone that runs on Sprint's network? You've made a wise choice: this carrier is one of the few that still offers an unlimited data plan. Sprint was also the first carrier in the U.S. to offer a high-speed 4G network.

If you want to take advantage of all of that unlimited, high-speed data, you'll need one of the carrier's best phones. So, which model should you choose? I can help: see my list of Sprint's Best Smartphones to find out.

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Review: Samsung's Affordable 4G Phone

If you're itching to get your hands on a smartphone that supports today's high-speed 4G networks, you should be prepared to shell out big bucks, right? Not necessarily: the Samsung Conquer 4G is now available from Sprint for less than $100 when you sign a two-year contract.

You will make some trade-offs to get this phone at a bargain price. It lacks the big screen and the top quality camera that other 4G phones, like the HTC EVO 3D and Motorola Photon 4G, offer. But the Samsung Conquer 4G does pack in plenty of cool features, including the latest version of Android, plenty of multimedia options, and an attractive design.

For more information, see my full review of the Samsung Conquer 4G.

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Pantech Crosses Over Into Smartphones

It's official: Pantech truly has crossed over into the smartphone arena. The company, best known for its excellent line of feature phones, is preparing for the launch of the Pantech Pocket. This Android smartphone (pictured here) will be released by AT&T on November 6.

The Pantech Pocket will feature a 4-inch SVGA touch screen and an unusual square shape. Additional features include Android version 2.3, 4G support, and a 5-megapixel camera. Pricing for the Pantech Pocket has not yet been revealed.

With those specs, the Pocket is a step up from the Pantech Crossover, which was the company's first Android phone for the U.S. market. The Crossover's specs are decidedly less flashy, as it runs an older version of Android, features a smaller touch screen, and sports a 3-megapixel camera. But the Crossover is available for free when you sign a two-year service contract with AT&T. For more information, read my full review of the Pantech Crossover.

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HTC Status: A Facebook Phone You Might Like

If you simply cannot stand to be away from Facebook, no matter where you are, well, then, I have a phone for you. Meet the HTC Status, an Android-based smartphone that is all about Facebook. In fact, it's been referred to as the Facebook phone.

The Status, which features a 2.6-inch touchscreen and an excellent full QWERTY keyboard, is linked to Facebook both through its hardware and its software. It features a dedicated Facebook button on the front of the phone, which lets you post status updates, check into Facebook places, and post photos and links. It also features on-screen widgets that display the status updates of your Facebook friends.

The HTC Status is available from AT&T for $49.99 when you sign a new two-year service contract. For more information, see my full review of the HTC Status.

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Review: The Slick HTC EVO 3D

3D technology has come to your home, in the form of 3D TVs and Blu-ray players. Now, 3D technology is making its way to your pocket, thanks to 3D smartphones, like HTC's EVO 3D.

This Android-powered smartphone was the first 3D phone to hit store shelves in the U.S., and I'm not really sure you need -- or even want -- 3D technology on a smartphone. But using this device sure is fun. The glasses-free 3D technology on the HTC EVO 3D is pretty darn cool, even if it's not entirely practical.

For more information, read my complete review of the HTC EVO 3D.

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What Are Today's Best Smartphones?

New smartphones hit the market almost every day, it seems. Keeping track of all these devices can be a full time job, as can figuring out which ones are worth your time -- and which ones aren't. I can help.

Check out my newly updated list of Today's Best Smartphones to find out which handsets made the cut.

And if you're still not sure which phone is right for you, take my quick cell phone chooser quiz. Answer a few quick questions and you'll be on your way to finding the perfect phone for you.

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Review: The Pantech Pursuit II

When Pantech unveiled the original Pursuit messaging phone a few years back, I was hooked. I liked its unusual shape and colorful design. And I liked its unique shake feature, which let you control some of the phone's functions just by shaking it.

So I had high hopes for the next generation of this phone, the Pantech Pursuit II. This messaging phone for AT&T shares some of the same features as the original Pantech. But overall, it simply lacks the pizzazz and punch of its predecessor. Find out more in my full review of the Pantech Pursuit II.

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Review: The Truly Smart Motorola Photon 4G

There are plenty of smartphones available today, but not all of them truly deserve to be called smart. But the Motorola Photon 4G certainly does: it's one impressive smartphone.

The Photon 4G packs in a dual-core processor, a big, bright HD touch screen, and the very latest version of Android, an 8-megapixel camera. And that's not all: this slick smartphone also features enterprise-level security and email features. It's one of the best smartphones I've tested in a long time. Find out more in my full review of the Motorola Photon 4G.

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What Is Your Best Cell Phone?

Not sure if you need a cell phone or a smartphone? A feature phone or a messaging phone? Don't worry: I can help.

Answer ten quick questions to find out which phone is the best cell phone for you. My cell phone chooser quiz will point you in the direction of your perfect cell phone.

And if you're looking for more cell phone shopping help, see:

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Steve Jobs, iPhone Creator, Dies at 56

Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs has died at the age of 56, Apple said in a statement on Wednesday. Jobs, who was the tech visionary behind devices such as the iPhone and the iPad, resigned from Apple in August, citing health issues.

To read more about the life, career, and death of Jobs, see:

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Sprint Employees: No Comment on iPhone 5 Rumors

If you're wondering whether Sprint will be among the carriers to offer Apple's highly anticipated iPhone 5, don't bother asking one of the company's employees. New reports suggest that Sprint's employees have been instructed not to comment on recent rumors to that effect.

According to an internal memo from Sprint, which was obtained by SprintFeed.com, Sprint has instructed its employees to "simply state 'no comment'" if they are asked about iPhone 5 rumors by customers, friends, or family members.

The rumors arose last week when the Wall Street Journal reported that Sprint would be among the carriers offering the iPhone 5 when it launches in mid-October.

For more information about Apple's next-generation smartphone, see iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

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Apple Introduces the iPhone 4S

If you were expecting the iPhone 5 -- as many people were -- then you might be disappointed by the phone that Apple announced today. Instead of a radically redesigned iPhone 5, Apple instead unveiled the iPhone 4S.

It's not the drastic overhaul that some folks expected. But the iPhone 4S is a thoughtful update to Apple's impressive iPhone 4. It keeps the same excellent design and the same pricing, but adds a more powerful processor, an improved camera, and a new carrier option.

For more information about Apple's new phone, see my complete overview of the iPhone 4S.

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How to Get Apple's iOS 5 Update

Apple has released the next version of its iOS software, version 5. iOS 5 will ship on the upcoming iPhone 4S, and is now available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch owners.

To get the software on your device, you'll need to connect it to iTunes. For complete instructions, see How to Update Your iPhone's Software.

And make sure you have a compatible device. iOS 5 works with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, and both versions of the iPad.

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Deutsche Telekom Accepting iPhone 5 Pre-Orders

If you're sure that you want to get your hands on Apple's next-generation smartphone -- even without knowing its features, availability, price, or even its name -- you can pre-order one starting today from Deutsche Telekom. The company, which is the parent of T-Mobile worldwide, is beginning the pre-order process "in anticipation of supply bottlenecks" a spokesperson tells Bloomberg.

Bloomberg's report says that the carrier will hand out coupons to folks who want to reserve an iPhone 5, but does not offer any details about the upcoming phone. Deutsche Telekom previously was the exclusive German carrier of the iPhone, but rivals Vodafone and O2 began offering the device last year. Bloomberg's report doesn't say whether T-Mobile branches in the U.S., which have not carried past versions of the iPhone, will be offering the next version of Apple's smartphone.

For more information about the upcoming iPhone, see iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

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Apple Testing 4G iPhone?

As we wait (and wait) for Apple to unveil its latest iPhone, rumors continue to swirl about what the smartphone will feature. Now, new reports suggest that Apple is testing a 4G-capable iPhone, but no one knows for sure whether this high-speed capability will in fact be available on the forthcoming iPhone 5.

According to a story on Boy Genius Report, "Apple's carrier partners are testing iPhone models with LTE capability." Verizon Wireless is the only U.S. carrier to currently offer a 4G LTE network, but AT&T has tested the technology and plans to launch its own 4G LTE network sometime this year. For more information about 4G technology, see 4G Wireless: Everything You Need to Know.

The iPhone 5, meanwhile, is expected to be unveiled in the next month, with many reports suggesting it will be available in October. To stay on top of all the news related to Apple's next iPhone, see iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

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iPhone 5 to Debut Today?

At long last, it's iPhone day: Apple reportedly will unveil its next-generation iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone 5, at a press event to be held this morning in San Francisco.

We don't know for sure what the phone will look like, what kind of features it will offer, what it will be called, or when it will be available. So, now is your last chance to get your guesses in. And if you're looking for a little inspiration, check out iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

And, after Apple's event, check back for all the details about the new iPhone.

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T-Mobile Makes "Unlimited" Data Even More Affordable

It's about to get even cheaper to use your smartphone on T-Mobile's network. The carrier unveiled its new Value plans, which offer unlimited talk, text, and data (albeit with some caveats) for less than the company's current plans. The Value plans, which will be available on any of T-Mobile's phones, will be available starting July 24.

The new value plans come just two months after T-Mobile announced its unlimited "Even More" individual and family plans. Like the new Value plans, the Even More plans announced in May offered unlimited data, but cap data speeds once you use a certain amount of data. The Value plans offer the same service for less money, though.

For example, the Even More Individual Plan that offers unlimited talk, texting, and data, but reduces data speeds after 2GB of data used, costs $79.99 per month. The new Value plan offering the same service will cost $59.99, a savings of $20 per month.

T-Mobile's move follows Verizon's recent decision to discontinue its unlimited plans. AT&T also stopped offering unlimited data plans last year. Sprint continues to offer them.

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Apple to Unveil iPhone 5 on October 4?

Apple plans to unveil its long-awaited iPhone 5 in early October, multiple reports suggest, including one published on the Wall Street Journal's AllThingsD blog.

Citing sources "close to the situation," AllThingsD reports that Apple's new CEO Tim Cook, who replaced Steve Jobs after his high-profile departure from the company, will unveil the new iPhone. The report also says that the new phone will be available "within a few weeks" of the announcement.

While we await the official confirmation of that news from Apple, rumors are again swirling that Apple may unveil more than one new iPhone model next month. These rumors, which have surfaced in the past, gained momentum last week when former Vice President and Apple board member Al Gore said that the company would be unveiling the "new iPhones" next month. Gore did not elaborate on why he used the plural form, but news reports were quick to jump on his choice of words.

For more information about what to expect from the next-generation iPhone, see iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

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