iOS 5.1 Update Adds 4G To AT&T iPhone 4S, Improved Battery & More

Apple has released iOS 5.1 software update today for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The update brings Japanese language support for Siri and one significant change to the iPhone 4S on AT&T. iOS 5.1 has updated AT&T network indicator to show the "4G" status symbol instead of '3G' when ever your iPhone 4S is hooked up to AT&T HSPA+ 4G network. Although you'll likely be seeing that 4G status all the time, you're internet speeds won't actually be any faster then they are now.

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including: 

- Japanese language support for Siri (availability may be limited during initial rollout) 
- Photos can now be deleted from Photo Stream 
- Camera shortcut now always visible on Lock Screen for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (4th generation) 
- Camera face detection now highlights all detected faces 
- Redesigned Camera app for iPad 
- Genius Mixes and Genius playlists for iTunes Match subscribers 
- Audio for TV programs and films on iPad optimized to sound louder and clearer 
- Podcast controls for playback speed and a 30-second rewind for iPad 
- Addresses bugs affecting battery life 
- Fixes and issue that occasionally caused audio to drop for outgoing calls

AT&T Removes T-Mobile Application From FCC

Following the FCC’s decision to request a formal administrative hearing into AT&T’s planned acquisition of T-Mobile, AT&T has announced that they are withdrawing their pending approval applications with the FCC. They are not giving up hope on the deal as they specifically say that they are “continuing to pursue the sale” of T-Mobile.

In case of failure, AT&T has decided to take a $4 billion pretax charge on its 4th Quarter 2011 accountancy sheet. This includes a $3 billion pay out to Deutsche Telekom in the event that the sale doesn’t go through.

Android 2.1 Update Now Available for Xperia X10

Sony Ericsson has announced back in March that the Xperia X10 will finally see the light of day this summer with an Android 2.3 update. Well today, AT&T Xperia X10 owners will still be glad to know that they can now update their Android 1.6 software to Android 2.1 starting today. To learn how to update to Android 2.1, head on over to Sony Ericsson's update page. The bad news is that you can only updgrade using a PC at this time.

AT&T Purchasing T-Mobile

AT&T announced that it would be acquiring T-Mobile USA for $39 billion. This will further improve network quality for both AT&T and T-Mobile customers as well as bring a wide variety of phone selection in the future like the iPhone for current T-Mobile customers.

Amazon Kindle 3G E-Reader Coming To AT&T Stores Nationwide

AT&T today announced it will begin selling Amazon's bestselling Kindle 3G in AT&T retail stores nationwide beginning March 6. The Kindle 3G will sell without a contract and wireless fees for $189. There isn't any special pricing compared to Amazon's online price but you will be able to test one out for yourself at an AT&T retail store. I say buy straight from Amazon and save on tax.

AT&T Allowing Mobile Hotspot for iOS 4.3 Users

 

The Verizon iPhone has one amazing distinguishing feature over the AT&T iPhone and that is the 5 person Mobile HotSpot. Any WiFi capable device will be able to connect to the iPhone and share the data connection. AT&T has not said any word on whether or not they will be allowing this feature, but in iOS 4.3 beta this feature just works. Users have been reporting it works directly with their current tethering plan, and the fee's for the AT&T mobile hotspot on other phones are exactly like the AT&T iPhone tethering plan. Hopefully this will be accessible on the AT&T network when iOS 4.3 is released.