It appears that the LightSquared saga is one giant step closer to coming to an end. After recently requesting that the FCC become stricter on its GPS device standards, it’s reported that the FCC will be rejecting the company’s network application — inhibiting its ability to become a wholesale LTE network provider. This is all after the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) sent a letter to the FCC stating “LightSquared’s proposed mobile broadband network will impact GPS services and that there is no practical way to mitigate the potential interference at this time”, which directly contradicts the FCC’s conditions for approval of the application that LightSquared not in any way interfere with any other signal spectrum.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. On top of the billions of dollars and heaps of resources put into the LightSquared project, this will most definitely be putting LightSquared’s ability to comply with Sprint’s recent ultimatum. However the company doesn’t quite want to take no for an answer, and went on record stating that they disagree with the NTIA’s decision, and will remain committed to finding a resolution.

source: the wall street journal

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So my fiancée thinks I’m obsessed. First it was the android figurine I bought; then the key chain followed; it continued with the mouse pad, and now it finally culminating with the Andru phone charger by Power by Gen I just bought. When I first saw this power charger I knew I had to buy it. I was first miffed by the $25 price tag however now that I’ve bit the bullet and own one of these I am perfectly okay in saying that it’s well worth the price. Seriously.

The Review

Okay let’s break it down. It’s a basic phone charger at heart. While most people would scoff at the idea of paying $25 for a phone charger, we usually pay that much or more for a basic car charger. However unlike your basic car charger this accessory has a lot more to offer during your charging experience that makes it worth the $25. It boasts the following features:

• Input: 120~240V AC
• Output: 5V/1A DC
• Very low standby power
• Level V efficiency
• 1.2m Micro-USB data cable

This little Android charger is packed with other features that make it well worth the price. First of all, the micro USB cord that it comes with is green and white so it matches the little guy’s color scheme. His eyes light up a cool blue color (see below) when a device is charging. When I look at it, that blue color kind of reminds me of Ice Cream Sandwich’s blue color. When it’s in standby, or not charging a device, the eyes glow a cool white, which gives it even more of an Android feel.

If you have a device that isn’t standard mini USB it will allow you to use your own usb cord. For instance, I was able to hook up the charging cord to my OG Transformer and charge that without issue. Heck if you wanted to be silly you could probably even charge an iPhone on it. I wouldn’t but that’s not to say you couldn’t do so to ruffle a few iPhone fanboy feathers.

I didn’t notice any differences in charge times on my Galaxy Nexus but I didn’t mind because I got to replace the high pitched whistle of my OEM charger with the most awesome charger to date. When you’re done charging your device it comes with a little stand with legs that hides the plug prongs within (see below). When it’s not in use I have it sitting in that stand next to my other android figurine. Also as you can see the in the pictures through out this post is that the arms move so you can put them into whatever position you want.

The Conclusion

Honestly, you could probably do without this charger. But I ask, why would you want to? If you love Android, and let’s face it we all do, this charger is a perfect way to add a little Android flare to charging your device. The folks over at Power by Gen spent quality time in making a quality product with those android lovers in mind and their Andru charger does not disappoint. Seriously, it’s well worth the $25. Have I stressed that enough? If you would like to purchase one of these awesome chargers you can go to their web site with the source link down below. Seriously, don’t take my word for it, buy one of these for yourself and thank me, but mostly the awesome folk that made it, later.

Just FYI, the Power by Gen folks were also awesome enough to give us four of these chargers to give away so look for that contest here at the end of the week. I will finish this review with my little Andru in action charging my Nexus. Enjoy!

source: Power by Gen

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On February 16th, Verizon will expand its 4G LTE network. San Antonio, TX, Little Rock, Ark., Rapid City, S.D., and Clarkville, TN will have expanded coverage, while the folks in Cookeville, TN will have their first opportunity to try out Big Red’s 4G. This will bring Verizon’s LTE tally to 196 markets, and service to over 200 million people. Check out the full press release after the break.

Verizon Expands Its 4G LTE Network In Four Markets And Brings Service To One New Market On Feb. 16 

Customer Inquiries

For customer inquiries, please call 800-922-0204 or go to Contact Us

02/15/2012

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless, owner of the nation’s fastest 4G network, is expanding its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) in four markets and launching the service in one new market on Feb. 16. Following the launches on Feb. 16, more than 200 million people in 196 markets across the United States can take advantage of the blazingly fast speeds offered by Verizon’s 4G LTE network with a wide variety of 4G LTE devices, including the DROID 4 by Motorola and the DROID RAZR™ MAXX™ by Motorola.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, the company will expand its 4G LTE network in Little Rock, Ark.; Rapid City, S.D.; Clarksville, Tenn.; and San Antonio, plus turn on its 4G LTE network in Cookeville, Tenn.

“As the nation’s largest 4G LTE network, our focus remains on continuing to expand the network while providing our customers with an unmatched 4G experience,” said David Small, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. “We remain committed to offering the strongest service available with the same gold standards our customers have come to expect from our reliable 3G network.”

4G LTE Speed and Coverage

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.

4G LTE Markets

On Feb. 16, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network will be available in 196 markets. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte  for a full list of 4G LTE markets, and additional information about Verizon’s 4G LTE network.

About Verizon Wireless 

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 108.7 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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