PhoneTalk

Looking for a new Android tablet? Consider the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 that will work on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. The tablet is running the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS with 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and is loaded with ways to watch videos on it including apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Samsung’s Media Hub. The tablet only has 8GB of memory on board -- not a lot if you want to save movies on it, but you can always add more storage space with an optional 64GB microSD card. In addition to working on Verizon’s 4G LTE network, it also has WiFi connectivity. For those who want to participate in video chats or take some pictures there’s a rear-facing 3.2-megapixel camera and front-facing VGA camera.

The desire to get a new phone tends to get stronger as manufacturers and carriers bring new models with advanced features to market. LetsTalk has launched a new feature on its Facebook page to help customers quickly and easily find out if they are eligible for an upgrade. Simply visit LetsTalk’s Facebook page and select the purple upgrade button under the Liked sign or go directly to the Upgrade Eligibility app by clicking this link, select your carrier, fill out the required information and in seconds you can find out if you’re ready for an upgrade. If it turns out your ineligible, no worries just use the app to create an event in your Facebook calendar to help remind you when you will be eligible for an upgrade. If you like the app, share it with friends on Facebook.

Later this week, Verizon will be adding the Pantech Marauder cell phone to its 4G LTE line-up. The new Android smartphone features a 5-line slide-out tactile QWERTY keyboard that has dedicated number keys and a tactile touchscreen. The cell phone also sports a 1.2-GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM making it responsive. The 5-megpaixel camera that can be used to capture HD video, while it's 4G LTE data connection can be shared with up to 10 other WiFi-enabled devices via the Mobile HotSpot feature.

Are you looking for an Android smartphone with a slide-out tactile QWERTY keyboard? Let us know in the comments below.

In the market for a new BlackBerry? Verizon will be offering the BlackBerry Curve 9310 later this week. The newest Curve will be running the BlackBerry 7.1 OS, sport a tactile QWERTY keyboard with optical trackpad, and easy access to social media accounts via the Social Feeds 2.0 app. Also on board is a 3.2-megapixel camera, VZ Navigator, an FM radio (that can be accessed via headphones), and will accept up to a 32GB microSD card. Although, the phone won’t feature a touchscreen like the latest BlackBerry Bold, it does have a vibrant QVGA display. The phone will require one of Verizon’s Share Everything plans.

The long awaited DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC is now available with Verizon service. The latest member of the DROID INCREDIBLE family features loads of upgrades including a spacious and vibrant 4-inch Super LCD qHD display, 4G LTE connectivity, and runs Android 4.0 OS. The smartphone also features a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera that can shoot 1080p HD video, a front-facing VGA camera, the latest HTC Sense, and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. All of these specs and features make for a solid smartphone with tons of extra features to keep you connected on-the-go.

The latest version in the Samsung Intensity line of cell phones is aptly named the Samsung Intensity III. The new model still sports both a numeric keypad and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The phone also has a 2-megapixel camera, 2.4-inch QVGA screen, Bluetooth, the ability to share status updates on Facebook and Twitter, and a microSD slot that can accept up to a 32GB microSD card. This phone is rugged as well, built to meet Military Specifications 810F so it should do well in different temperatures, humidity, and high-dust areas.

Update: Verizon's New Share Everything plans are now available. Interest in making the switch? Here are more plan details.

This month Verizon announced a new type of plan that’s all about sharing the data. The new plans are called “Share Everything Plans” and up to 10 Verizon Wireless devices can be on the plan. That includes tablets, smartphones, Jetpack mobile hotspots, basic phones, and netbooks/notebooks. The idea is simple: Pay a monthly fee for each device on a plan and then an additional fee for the amount of data (1GB, 2GB, etc.) those devices will share a month.

The plans also include unlimited voice minutes, unlimited text, video and picture messaging for all devices on the Share Everything Plan. Plus the Mobile HotSpot feature, which is an additional fee to activate on other plans, is included as well. Just be aware that the data used with the Mobile HotSpot feature will come out of the shared data pool. If this is a feature that will be used a lot, keep that in mind when selecting a data option. Here’s the breakdown of the cost of each device on the plan:

Smartphones - $40
Basic Phone - $30
Jetpacks/USBs/Notebooks/Netbooks - $20
Tablets - $10

Here’s what data will cost:

1GB - $50
2GB - $60
4GB - $70
6GB - $80
8GB - $90
10GB - $100

To get an idea of what the monthly fee looks like, here’s an example:

2 Smartphones ($80) + 1 Tablet ($10) + 2GB of data to be shared ($60) = $150

For $150 (before monthly fees) service includes unlimited text, calls, and picture messaging, with the ability to use the Mobile HotSpot feature, and 2GB of data to be shared among all devices. Is it a great deal? It really depends on how much data you use monthly and that can be found out by looking at the monthly bill. Plus, Verizon includes a data usage meter on its devices that’s worth checking out to see how much data is actually being used by each individual device on the plan. For even more help check out this tool from Verizon.

The plans will be available on June 28th; however, there’s no requirement to switch from a family plan to a Share Everything Plan. There are no additional fees to switch to the new plan and switching also won’t extend an existing contract.

In March, we found out which Motorola phones will be updated to Android Ice Cream sandwich. Starting today owners of Verizon’s DROID RAZR and the DROID RAZR MAXX should start receiving an over-the-air update that will include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS and the ability to use the phone when traveling overseas. If you plan on using the former feature abroad just be sure to get an international plan. There will be a few other enhancements as well including some improvements to the voice input technology. To learn more about the upgrade, visit Verizon’s News Center.

LetsTalk's latest sweepstakes will award three lucky winners one of the newest HTC Android smartphones to hit the market. Winners will have a choice of selecting Verizon’s upcoming DROID Incredible 4G LTE, Sprint’s newest HTC EVO 4G LTE, or the HTC One S for T-Mobile. All you have to do to enter the sweepstakes is visit LetsTalk’s Facebook page and click this link to enter. While you’re there, don’t forget to “Like” the company’s Facebook page. We should note that you only need to enter once to win and selecting/deselecting "Like" on Facebook will not increase your chances of winning.

The sweepstakes lasts through June 22, 2012. Becoming a fan of LetsTalk’s Facebook page will help keep you informed about the latest cell phone news, let you know when the most popular phones are available, and more. So, be sure to spread the word.

This week owners of the Motorola Xoom will start receiving the update to Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. The update will feature apps management, an improved photo editor, and speech-to-text technology.

Wondering when or if you’re Verizon Android device will be getting the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update? Check out Verizon’s list of products scheduled to get the upgrade.

Last month in London, Samsung unveiled the latest model in its Galaxy line of products. Today, word is out on when we can expect to see it in the states and which service providers will be offering it. All the major carriers will be offering the latest Android 4.0 smartphone. That includes T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T. Not all carriers are mentioning an availability date, but Sprint and T-Mobile say it will be available later this month.

The Galaxy S III will sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of internal RAM, and work on 4G networks so it should offer a speedy user experience. The phone will be a bit large with a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen display covered with Gorilla Glass 2.0 that will help protect the phone from the elements and accidents that can happen in everyday use. As expected, the phone will sport a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera that can record 1080p HD video. It will include quite a few photo features such as Burst Shot for capturing three images in a row with no shutter lag time. The phone will be available in White or Blue with either 16GB or 32GB of internal memory, and it can accept a microSD card for more storage space.