PhoneTalk

In addition to adding another Android smartphone to its line-up with the LG Motion, MetroPCS also unveiled a new plan. First, more details on the phone. The LG Motion is a high-end Android 4.0 phone sporting a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 5-megapixel camera with the ability to record 1080p HD video, and the ability to take photos while recording video. It also works on the 4G LTE network and offers the users the ability to talk and surf the web over the network.

The new plan announced has a lot to offer and helps take the guess work out of monthly bills. That’s right, it’s an unlimited plan. For $55 a month users with this plan get unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data. Those with family plans can get the plan as well, but it will cost $50 a month on the account’s second, third, and fourth lines. The plan will only be offered for a limited time.

Looking for a cell phone with the latest technology? Check out the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G available with MetroPCS service. The new smartphone runs Android 2.3, sports a 1GHz processor, and a spacious and crisp 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen. All of this will come in handy when using the Dyle mobile TV app that can be used to watch live TV found on your local TV stations. There's no need to worry about using 4G LTE data or finding a WiFi connection because the app actually provides mobile TV reception. The technology is fairly new so the service isn’t available everywhere. When you’re not watching TV on the phone, there’s also a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera for capturing pictures or shooting HD video.

Do you want to watch live TV on your cell phone? Let us know in the comments below.

Those looking for an affordable Android smartphone with a prepaid plan will be happy to learn that MetroPCS ZTE Score M is now available. The phone runs the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, sports a snappy 600MHz processor, comes with 4GB of internal memory for storing music, and pictures taken with the 3.2-megapixel camera, and adding apps. While not as large as some of the other Android smartphones currently available the ZTE Score M does have a 3.5-inch touchscreen. You can learn more about the ZTE Score M by clicking this link.

During CES, MetroPCS announced it would be adding the 4G LTE compatible Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G and the LG Connect 4G to its line-up. The Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G will run the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, sport a 1GHz processor, a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 3.5-inch display. Users will be able to use Google Talk to make video calls. While the LG Connect 4G is a bit more high-end featuring a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 4-inch touchscreen display featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Screen Protector making it durable. It will also run Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, but the phone’s 5-megapixel camera will be able to record 720pHD video. Music lovers will appreciate that the LG Connect 4G will also come pre-loaded with Rhapsody Unlimited Music service. Both phones will require one of the company’s smartphone plans.

This week we cover Amazon’s announcement of its new Kindles including the Kindle Fire, new phones coming to Virgin Mobile, MetroPCS, and T-Mobile. We also tell you Motorola Xoom owners how to get the 4G LTE update and discuss the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango update. The test drive is of a product focuses on Privacy ScreenGuardz.

The latest phone to join MetroPCS’ line of 4G LTE phones is the LG Esteem Android 2.3 smartphone with a 1GHz processor. This slim handset is geared for people who want a rich multimedia experience with its spacious 4.3-inch WVGA display, microHDMI port, 8GB of onboard memory, and the ability to record 720p HD video and then stream it to DLNA-capable devices. The LG Esteem also sports Google Talk that can be used for video chat via the front-facing camera.

When purchasing the LG Esteem, MetroPCS customers get an added bonus. They can add access to unlimited music via Rhapsody free for 90 days with a $50 4G LTE plan. In addition to the cost of the phone, users will need to purchase a 4G LTE data plan that costs either $50 or $60 a month depending on features. That said, there’s no contract required. The phone will be available this week.

Before you get to excited the update is not an upgrade to Android 2.3, but the update will fix some bugs on the LG Optimus M. If your model is freezing up a bit, then definitely get the update. It should fix stability isssue, phone freezes, and add some application updates. You can’t get the update over-the-air. Instead, you need to visit the MetroPCS site for more upgrade information. Before you start any upgrade be sure that the phone is fully charged.

Scheduled to be released in time for back to school shopping, MetroPCS will be offering the Samsung Admire. The smartphone will run the Android 2.3 OS and have five home screens that can be customized. Students can further customize the phone by adding apps from the Android Market. This cell phone doesn't require a contract and will be available with a $40 a month plan that offers unlimited talk, text, and Web access.

In this edition, we cover new features coming to Apple's iOS 5, Sprint's Motorola XPRT and Motorola PHOTON 4G phones, the Motorola TRIUMPH for Virgin Mobile, and tablet news about the HP TouchPad and Toshiba Thrive. Watch the video below to get the full scoop.

Prepaid plans offer an easy way to keep cell phone bill costs from rising monthly since you pay a set amount for the type of service you need. LetsTalk has recently added a slue of prepaid phones and plans to its offerings, so there are plenty of models and price points from which to choose. When you get a prepaid phone there are no activations fees or contracts. These days, you don’t have to sacrifice features to get a cell phone with a prepaid plan.

Prepaid carries like Boost Mobile, MetroPCS, and Virgin Mobile are all offering BlackBerry and Android smartphones. MetroPCS has 4G LTE models like the Samsung Galaxy Indulge and Virgin Mobile will be offering the Motorola TRIUMPH. The Triumph is a high-end smartphone with a slim profile and a spacious 4.1-inch touchscreen display. It also has a zippy 1GHz processor, HDMI out so you can hook it up to a HDTV, and two cameras (rear-facing 5-megapixel camera that can also capture 720p HD video and a front-facing VGA camera for video chat).

If you're not interested in contracts or activation fees why not check out a prepaid phone and plan. They offer a lot of features. Let us know what you think of prepaid plans and phones by leaving a comment below.

You may have a few questions about 4G and if the service is right for you. We tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about the new service offered by carriers. Have more questions? Submit your question here or leave a comment below.

What’s the difference between 4G and 3G?

In the simplest terms 3G and 4G are the third and fourth generation mobile data networks, respectively. Just as 3G was much faster than 2G and 2.5G, 4G is a lot faster than 3G. The speed difference can be compared to the difference between low-end DSL speeds and basic cable speeds, which for arguments sake are essentially 768Kbps to 1.5Mbps vs. 4Mbps to 6Mbps, respectively. In short, 4G data networks are a lot faster than 3G data networks. You can learn more about 3G vs. 4G by reading this blog post.

Can I use any 4G product with the service?

There are different networks that offer 4G services so not all 4G products will work on all 4G networks. For example, Sprint uses WiMAX to offer 4G service, while Verizon uses a technology called LTE that requires a SIM card for use, and T-Mobile and AT&T use a technology called HSPA+. This means a Sprint 4G device would not be compatible with Verizon’s, T-Mobile, or AT&T’s 4G networks. That said, you could use any 4G device offered by a carrier on their network. For example, you could use both the Motorola Xoom and ThunderBolt by HTC with Verizon’s 4G service, but neither device would work with Sprint’s, AT&T’s, or T-Mobile’s 4G service.

Do I need a new phone to use 4G service?

If you don’t already have a 4G phone, then you will need to get a 4G compatible phone from a carrier that offers 4G. You’ll also need to be in a 4G area to use the service. (See previous question for more details).

What if I have a 4G product and I’m not in a 4G market? (Read more)