Intel CEO to FCC: Softbank is the best buyer for Sprint

In a letter to chairman of the FCC Julius Genachowski, CEO of Intel Paul Otellini has expressed that he believes Softbank is a better choice than Dish to buy Sprint. Following a trip to Asia where he met with Softbank, which an Intel spokesperson refers to as "a business partner", Otellini chose to write to the FCC to encourage the company's bid for Sprint regardless of the fact that Dish is offering a higher amount. Otellini's recommendation is one based on competition, he says:

"Son-san’s vision to build a high speed competitive third national network is very compelling. We need this competition in the wireless space as the ATT/Verizon model is not giving that to consumers at this time."

No further explanation is given as to why Softbank would provide a better competitive chance for Sprint than Dish, but CEO of Softbank Masayoshi Son has proven in the past to be a bit of a mover-and-shaker in the industries his company is a part of. That may not be enough for Sprint to consider its offer, however, as the bid from Dish is still over $5 billion higher. Sprint is expecting to vote on its current deal with Softbank on June 12th.

Source: Reuters; FCC

View the original article here

Read more »

Sprint version of the Samsung Galaxy S III gets update to add Multi-View, Paper Artist and security fix

If you are the proud owner of the Sprint version of the Samsung Galaxy S III, an update has been sent out that adds some new features to the device. The update is coming OTA, so you should be on the lookout for it, or you can reach into the settings of your phone and try to pull it out manually. The update brings Multi-View to the phone. This is the application that allows users to split the screen on the phone in half, so that two different apps can run at the same time. In other words, it is a multitasker's delight.

Another feature added to the phone with this update is Paper Artist. This allows you to take an ordinary photograph and turn it into a paper sketch and then edit it using the S Pen. The finished picture can be shared via your social networks, via email or by SMS message.

The update also brings enhancements to the camera and improves the ability to send bulk SMS messages. The new software version is L710VPBMD4 and it includes a security fix for the home screen that you probably didn't even realize was needed.

source: Sprint

View the original article here

Read more »