There were many ends and new beginnings announced today that were too short to report. News stories included Google Wi-Fi, Google Sync, Samsung, NEC and Microsoft.
Dual LTE 4 GS 4 -Samsung reported that it will release a Samsung GALAXY S4 and Samsung GALAXY S4 mini with TDD-LTE (Time-Division Duplex) and FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplex) seamless handover technology. There will be no reboot required to switch networks and voice and data communications will not be interrupted. Most of the LTE market is FDD-LTE, however,TDD-LTE is increasing in parts of the world. Samsung is the first player in the global mobile industry to provide dual-mode (TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE) smartphones.
AT&T Wi-Fi Ousted at Starbucks for Google Wi-Fi: One of the perks of owning an AT&T smartphone was that you could connect to Wi-Fi at any Starbucks for free. The plan has changed. Google has partnered with Starbucks to bring faster, free WiFi connections to all 7,000 company-operated Starbucks stores in the United States over the next 18 months. You'll know Google has arrived when you see the “Google Starbucks” SSID.
Google Sync Sinks 4 Windows Phone 2Day: Today is the last day that Windows Phone users can link to Google Sync until the GDR update later this summer.
Google Play Plays More than iTunes: According to AppAnnie the Google Play Store bested iTunes for quarterly app downloads in Q2 2013 due to increasing presence in emerging markets and other countries. The iOS App Store, however, generated more revenue.
NEC Smartphones Dumped: NEC announced that is will stop development, manufacturing and sale of its smartphones but continue support existing phones and will still make tablets and basic mobile phones.
Microsoft Office Mobile Androided: Microsoft is now offering Office Mobile for Android, free to Office 365 subscribers. An iPhone version was launched earlier this year. Office Mobile has been optimized for the small screen. If you want to try Office Mobile for Android phones, but don't have an Office 365 subscription, you can sign up for a free 30 day Office 365 trial at http://www.office.com/.