Tag: 3g

Categories
Apple Gadgets iOS

iOS 4.2.1 Bugs – iPad Not Connecting To 3G Network

Reports are coming in that iPad 3G users who have upgraded their tablets to the new iOS 4.2.1 platform have been noticing slow or broken 3G connection since the update. While some users seem to have problems with connecting to their 3G SIM card, others users complain about their tablet frequently switching to the slower Edge network. The issue appears to be coming from several countries and is not restricted to any particular geography.

(Also read : List of all iOS 4.2 bugs known – slideshow)

Here are some comments from affected users

“I am in the US and after update 4.2.1 my ipad cannot connect with valid 3g sim card that i have been using for 4 months on ipad. i took the sim card out of the ipad and tested it on my iphone 4 and it works fine. the ipad is telling me that my cellular data plan usage has expired. i am using my sim that is unlimited.”

“After upgrade to the new OS 4.2.1 last night, I lost the 3G connection with the iPad. only Edge Connection.”

“My iPad 3G signal at work has gone down the pan since the 4.2.1 update. Instead of 3-5 bars depending on where I am in the office it has dropped to 1 or 2 bars in the best locations and if I move around too much I lose the the signal completely.”

Are you seeing similar issues since the upgrade?

Categories
Gadgets Verizon

No Skype Over 3G On Verizon Samsung Galaxy Tab

Those of you in the US who want to go with Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Tab do take note. Your tablets will not come with the ability to use Skype’s voice calling facility over 3G. A recent report on PC Mag notes that the Skype app will come pre-loaded on Verizon’s Galaxy Tab; but this application will only work over Wi-Fi and will not consume any 3G data.

This is interesting from more than one perspective. Firstly, Skype and Verizon have been partners for sometime now after the companies signed a deal last year that brought Skype’s 3G calling feature pre-installed on Verizon phones. The move was to counter the influence of AT&T iPhone that had, at that time, prohibited the use of 3G data by third party VoIP services. Secondly, though Verizon is only selling Wi-Fi versions of the iPad on its stores, these tablets are bundled with a Verizon MiFi device that makes use of the carrier’s 3G network to offer a wireless hotspot for mobile surfing.

Interestingly, other VoIP clients like those from Fring, Nimbuzz and Qik are expected to work over WiFi as well as 3G on the Verizon Galaxy Tab. That makes the absence of 3G Skype on the Verizon Tab all the more intriguing.

Categories
Mobile Verizon

Verizon 3G Network Extender To Turn Home Internet Into Mini Cell-Site

Are you from one of those familiar localities where it is a pain to make calls or send text messages from inside your homes? Verizon has launched their new 3G Network Extender that will help turn your home internet connection into a mini cell-site thereby letting you make calls and download apps from inside your home even when the 3G signal is poor.

“The Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender, a “mini-cell site” manufactured by Samsung Mobile, is about the size of a wireless router box or woman’s purse and routes Verizon Wireless calls through the customer’s home broadband Internet connection. Up to six Verizon Wireless customers can use their phones and monthly plans to place calls and access data using the Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender.

The Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender is easy to set up and can provide coverage within 40 feet of the Network Extender device.”

This is pretty similar to the 3G Microcell offered by rival AT&T. However, unlike their foe, Verizon has decided not to charge users a monthly bill for routing calls over their home internet. Quite sensibly, the device will be available at a one-time price of $249.99. That’s expensive but that’s the price for not being able to make calls from inside your homes.

Categories
Google Mobile

Google Nexus One 3G Connectivity Issues

Several Nexus One users had complained of 3G issues over the past few weeks and while Google might have fixed several of the issues that had persisted so far, few users still seem to have been facing them.

However, in a new note on the Google Support forums, the company has announced (informally though) that they shall no longer be investigating 3G connectivity issues since any persisting issues are likely to be with users with weaker 3G coverage in their area.

Here is a transcript of the message posted by a Google employee

“Hey guys,
I’ve seen some recent speculation on this thread about an OTA to improve 3G connectivity and I want to give you an update on the situation.
While we are continuing to monitor user feedback regarding the 3G performance on the Nexus One, we are no longer investigating further engineering improvements at this time.
If you are still experiencing 3G issues, we recommend that you try changing your location or even the orientation of your phone, as this may help in areas with weaker coverage.
-Ry Guy”

[Google Support Forums via Engadget]

Categories
Gadgets Samsung

Samsung Tablet On Android OS With 4G Connectivity

Late last week, Philip Newton, the director of Samsung Australia’s IT division had hinted at the possibility of a Samsung Tablet PC launch later this year. While no specs were offered then, we are now hearing fresh rumors that the slate could be truly revolutionary with several interesting features on offer.

First thing : The Samsung tablet could run on Android OS powered by an ARM architecture. Also, there are possibilities that the new Samsung tablet device may come with a headset that supports calling via VoIP, 3G or even 4G technology.

Other details are sketchy though with whatever information is available, we think the game is on to out-do the iPad in every possible way.

[Tweakers via BGR]