Boston, MA 07/10/2014 (wallstreetpr) – AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and rival T-Mobile US Inc (NYSE:TMUS) have become the first among the four leading carriers in the U.S. to accept pre-orders of the much touted smartphone, LG G3, from LG Electronics Inc.
Although T-Mobile was the first to start accepting pre-orders for the 5.5-inch-displaycreen smartphone, AT&T will be the first to launch the device on its network starting July 11. On the other hand, T-Mobile will start offering the device in its stores starting July 16.
Other providers of later dates
The other carriers namely Verizon Communication Inc (NYSE:VZ) and Sprint Corporation (NYSE:S), will start offering the device later this month. For example, Verizon is expected to start receiving pre-orders on July 10 for in-store availability on July 17. Sprint is expected to begin pre-orders on July 11 with in-store availability on July 18.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) observes a price of $199.99 for the LG G3 handset. The offer also comes with a two-year contract on the network. LG G3 features a Qualcomm chipset and 5.5-inch displayscreen that puts it in the range of phablets as phone manufacturers continue to put more emphasis on bigger screens and higher power.
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also expected to launch a phablet-ranged iPhone 6 later this year.
LG G3 runs on Google Inc’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android operating device, a platform that has been known to offer a range optional modes to support longer battery hours.
AT&T pitch on wearable
Besides LG G3, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) may also debut this year a wearable device that works without a phone. At least if a comment this week from the company’s head of partnerships is anything to consider.
According to Glenn Lurie, the president of emerging enterprises and partnerships at AT&T, there is need for an independent device that will do more for different users to encourage mass adoption.
Without giving away any secrets on the matter, Mr. Lurie simply promised that standalone wearable devices can be expected from AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) this year.
Mr. Lurie’s comment on wearable comes ahead of the anticipated launch of iWatch from Apple Inc.
