AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless have all annoucned that they will begin offering the LTE-capable iPad mini and fourth generation iPad. The carriers will offer no-contract data plans for the new Apple tablets. The iPad mini features a 7.9-inch display, FaceTime HD and 5 megapixel iSight cameras, and 10 hours of battery life. The fourth generation iPad features a 9.7-inch Retina display, and a new Apple-designed A6X chip.
Virgin Mobile USA will now offer the Samsung Galaxy S II from Samsung. Virgin Mobile pairs the device with its Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans that start at $35 per month. Available in Titanium and White, the Samsung Galaxy S II is available today for $369.99 at online and in stores.
Sprint is celebrating America Recycles Day by raising awareness of the importance of recycling old cell phones as electronic waste continues to be the fastest growing waste stream in the country. Last year alone, Sprint recycled more than 11 million wireless devices, over 211,000 on average per week.
Vringo has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vringo Germany, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against the ZTE Corp., China and its German subsidiary, ZTE Deutschland (ZTE). The lawsuit, filed in the District Court of Mannheim, alleges infringement of the German part of European Patent 1,212,919. Declarations have been filed at the European Telecommunications and Standards Institute (ETSI) that cover the patent. ZTE’s accused devices are believed to fall within the scope of the patent. Vringo’s complaint brief is to be served on ZTE.