Cricket Launches 4G LTE Network in One Market Today, No Phones to Take Advantage of it Yet

Those of you on Cricket will be happy to know that the budget carrier has launched their 4G LTE network today. Most of you probably won’t be drenched in 4G goodness as they’ve only launched in one market starting out – Tucson, AZ. And they don’t even have phones to take advantage of the network right now as their lone capable device is the Huawei Bolt, a USB modem. It’s still good news to hear that they’re at least beginning a rollout, though with just one market to speak of we’re not sure how long it’ll take for them to get coverage out to everyone. [via Electronista]

Read more »

Cricket announces Huawei Mercury smartphone

Cricket has announced the launch of the Huawei Mercury, a new Android smartphone that promises to be its most powerful yet. The Mercury sports a 4-inch display and is powered by a 1.4GHz processor.
The Mercury is a variant of the Huawei Honor, and Cricket is the first carrier in the U.S. to release a version of it. The Mercury's display is a 4-inch, FWVGA (480 x 854 pixel) touchscreen unit, and the 1.4GHz processor is a single-core chip. There is an 8 megapixel camera on the back complete with autofocus, flash, and HD video capabilities, while a VGA camera on the front provides video chat capabilities. The Mercury supports stereo Bluetooth streaming of audio, and can act as a mobile hotspot for up to 5 devices simultaneously.
Cricket does not clarify which version of Android is found on the Mercury, but the Honor launched with Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, so we will assume that the Mercury has a similar Gingerbread build on it. Cricket says the Mercury will be available today for $249.99, and can be used on Cricket's $55 per month unlimited plans.

Read more »

Cricket Debuts ZTE Chorus as New Muve Music Android

Cricket is continuing their lineup of Muve Music-enable Android smartphones with the ZTE Chorus. Most notable for it;s low cost of $40 after rebates and inexpensive month-to-month service options, the Chorus won’t turn any heads with what it packs within its plastic shell. A meager 600MHz CPU, 3.2-inch resistive touch display, and 2MP camera all amount to something decidedly entry-level, but for those unwilling to sign away the next two years to a carrier to maintain subsidized pricing on more powerful hardware, it could be an option.

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 23, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ — Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP), and ZTE, a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today announced availability of the ZTE Chorus™ featuring Cricket’s Muve Music service.
The ZTE Chorus is ideal for value-conscious consumers looking for a single device to simultaneously manage their mobile and music needs. The bar-style feature phone delivers high functionality with 3G web browsing capabilities and 600 megahertz of processing power while serving as an ideal platform for Cricket’s innovative and unlimited Muve Music service. The ZTE Chorus incorporates SRS WOW HD technology for advanced audio playback quality and a dynamic 3D entertainment experience with a deep, rich bass and high-frequency clarity. Users can customize their sound preferences with SRS sound settings that complement popular music styles including acoustic, blues, hip hop, pop and rock.
The ZTE Chorus provides a robust multimedia experience with its vibrant 3.2-inch WQVGA TFT display with resistive touch screen, 2.0MP camera/camcorder, music and video players, stereo Bluetooth™, and speech recognition capabilities. XT9 Trace technology and a virtual keypad provide a convenient messaging experience with fast and easy text entry. In addition to Muve Music, the ZTE Chorus comes preloaded with Mobile Web, MyBackup, MyAccount, Cricket Storefront and three customizable idlescreens.
“We are excited to bring the ZTE Chorus to our line-up of Muve Music enabled phones,” said Matt Stoiber, senior vice president, devices for Cricket. “With the enhanced audio features, it’s like having your music library with you wherever you go. The quality music experience of Muve Music and the great value the ZTE Chorus offers offer an unbeatable combination for our customers.”
“ZTE is again pleased to work with Cricket to bring consumers an affordable device with unique features that enhance the mobile experience,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA and President, North America Region, ZTE. “The ZTE Chorus was designed to enrich users’ interaction with their music without sacrificing the functionality of a well-built phone.”
The ZTE Chorus, with an MSRP of $119.99, is available for as low as $39.99 for a limited time at www.mycricket.com, Cricket branded retail stores and dealers.
With the $55 per month Muve Music plan for the ZTE Chorus, Cricket Wireless customers will enjoy unlimited song downloads, ringtones, and ringback tones, as well as unlimited text, picture, and video messaging, 3G mobile data, mobile video, data back-up, and 411 assistance.
Muve Music is the first unlimited music service to be included as part of a wireless rate plan and now has more than 270,000 customers. By applying its philosophy of unlimited services and value innovation, Cricket and Muve Music have given their customers a new music experience that ranks high in customer satisfaction.
For more information about Muve Music, visit www.muvemusic.com, and for Cricket’s dynamic device lineup, visit www.mycricket.com. For the latest Cricket news and updates online, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Read more »