Phandroid
Google’s upcoming smartwatch specs allegedly leaked
Android smartwatch concept
Our friend @evleaks is releasing a few new juicy tidbits on what is sure to be a hot item this year: the Google smartwatch. Sundar Pichai already mentioned that an Android SDK for wearables was soon on its way (for a debut at Google I/O 2014, perhaps?), and today, we might have a few key specs from the fabled Android-powered smartwatch.
According to the tip, the smartwatch will be manufactured by LG and come with a 1.65-inch 280×280 resolution LCD IPS display. Right off the bat, that leaves us a little worried about battery life (and size if they try to compensate), but nothings confirmed. Other specs include 4GB of internal storage, which, to us, sounds like a bit much for a watch meant to do little more than display the time, run a few apps, right? 512MB of RAM was also mentioned, which sounds like more than enough for multitasking on a tiny smartwatch.
By comparison, the upcoming Samsung Gear 2 which we saw unveiled only a few short weeks ago carriers a higher resolution 1.63-inch 320×320 display, but the same 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. While nothings confirmed, expect the Google smartwatch to offer compatibility outside of Samsung’s Galaxy devices.
Not included in this leak was the actual processor. Now, we don’t expect anything along the lines of quad-core, we’re just keeping our fingers crossed for something a little more up-to-date (and supported) than the TI OMAP found in Google Glass.
Maybe this is what that rumor was referring to when it said Google was going with LG for the next Nexus device. Nexus smartwatch?
[Twitter]
FCC gives AT&T the green light on purchase of Leap Wireless (Cricket)
After announcing their plans back in July to purchase Leap Wireless (also known by their subsidiary, Cricket) for $1.19 billion, AT&T’s deal has finally been given the FCC’s seal of approval. The deal doesn’t go completely unchecked, with AT&T agreeing to specific terms and conditions in order to gain access to Leap’s 5 million subscribers.
First off, AT&T will need to share some of their valuable spectrum with competitors in select markets. To ensure Cricket customers also get a little love, AT&T had to promise to deploy LTE service using Cricket’s unused spectrum within “90 days or 12 months” of closing the deal.
AT&T has also agreed to offer new lower-rate plans meant to target Cricket’s “value-conscious” customers (not everyone can afford AT&T’s higher rates). For areas where Leap Wireless’ CDMA network will be discontinued, AT&T will come up with device trade-in programs to ensure Cricket customers aren’t left high-and-dry without wireless service.
The FCC will also be keeping tabs on AT&T, requiring quarterly reports on the status of Leap Wireless customers (as well as all the commitments mentioned above) in order to ensure AT&T is keeping up with their end of the deal.
When all is said and done, AT&T will walk away with an even stronger network in larger markets, while Cricket customers gain access to AT&T’s superior 4G LTE footprint in more areas. Sounds like a win/win, right?
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