Microsoft and AT&T have announced that they will be working together to deliver a more secure and reliable cloud solution to enterprise customers. The new solution will connect clients to a Windows Azure based cloud platform through virtual private networking, to deliver a new level of security to businesses around the world.

In addition to enterprise-grade security, Microsoft claims that customers will be able to access the cloud platform with “as much as 50 percent lower latency than the public internet”.

While many of us at home feel secure enough using SkyDrive, Dropbox, or one of the many other cloud services available today, enterprises and corporations with large amounts of confidential data are looking elsewhere.

Microsoft and AT&T claim to have that answer with their new partnership that will address existing “concerns about security and reliable performance.” The two companies will work together to enable “enterprise customers to quickly and reliably connect applications and services from their own datacenters to the Windows Azure cloud service.”

The new service will use “protective confines and high transmission speeds of a highly-secure virtual private network” to deliver an experience unlike consumer services.

Andy Geisse, CEO of AT&T Business Solutions made a statement about the future of business computing in the cloud:

AT&T states that they plan to use their cloud technology, NetBond, to allow network and compute resources “to flex in tandem to support the fluctuating demands on systems.” The result is a high-speed network that can adapt to changes and provide top-notch service.

Vice President of Cloud and Enterprise for Microsoft, Satya Nadella, also made a statement in regards to the company’s new partnership with AT&T:

While Microsoft has yet to comment on how exactly they will provide a more secure experience to enterprise customers, AT&T is very open on their approach to delivering high-speed connections to those who need it. Microsoft’s secure Azure platform coupled with virtual private networking is the first step towards a more secure computer cloud experience, but we expect more details about how the company plans to keep their service “enterprise-grade secure” in the upcoming future.

The new cloud service is aimed to launch in the first half of 2014. There is no word yet on pricing or when the service will be available to all and not just a select few corporations.

What do you think about Microsoft teaming up with AT&T – what do you think they will name the new cloud service?

Source: Microsoft

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AT&T caught a lot of flak over the weekend regarding their semi-public announcement to not support the 8107 OS update for their current Windows Phone lineup. That update, as many of you know, is critical for security fixes as much as for fixing the famed disappearing keyboard bug.

We just spoke with AT&T on the situation and we can confirm and clarify a few things on the record. First, it is true that they have passed on 8107 or what they referred to as "Windows Phone Mango Commercial Refresh 1" or just CR1. They've also passed on CR2, which is what the Lumia 900 and Titan II are running (that's build 8112). That update brings LTE and Visual Voicemail support for AT&T with the first aspect obviously being pointless for current Mango phones.

So that's the bad news.

The good news is they have not shut the door on OS updates for their current lineup including the Samsung Focus S, Focus Flash and HTC Titan.  Stacey Harth, a spokeswoman for AT&T, told us this morning "AT&T plans for a Windows Phone update that will contain the improvements in the 8107 update and more" with no commitment to a time-frame.

So what does that mean exactly? It means "Tango", which goes by the alternate name CR3, is something that they are looking to evaluate for an OS update. While they did not want give any time-frames they are definitely committed to updating those devices with a post-8107 OS update from Microsoft. "Tango" (or a build post-Tango) is certainly the most viable candidate for such an update.

Of course what you want to know is why are they passing on 8107? It's a bit complicated and you don't have to agree with their position but they do have a rationale (and it's not to get you to buy a new phone). In short, each update comes with a corresponding OEM firmware update which also fixes hardware bugs and/or optimizes the software (these are often at the request of AT&T). Those updates need to be scheduled with the "bits" from Microsoft and it does take a bit of coordination to get that to happen. Moreover, while 8107 does fix a pretty annoying bug, the updates in CR3 (aka "Tango") brings that fix and even more . For example, AT&T very much likes the idea of multiple-photos in MMS, voice notes, etc. that Tango brings to the table.

And that's the crux of the matter: AT&T is admittedly conservative on OS updates and would prefer to not certify every single one that Microsoft releases for evaluation. Instead, they prefer the method where you can pack numerous bug fixes and new features into a single, bigger update. It's similar to the "do I buy this phone now or wait 3 months for a better one?" scenario that many of you face when you follow technology. For AT&T, the question is do we push this update or do we wait for that even better one just a few weeks away?

That does raise a larger, ongoing issue, which is why can't Microsoft just push out mini-bug fixes to the OS without interference by AT&T, especially if it does not touch the radio firmware? It's certainly a very valid point and the reason seems to be a combo of "this is how carriers operate" and Microsoft has not made "patching" as easy (or perhaps they've just conceded too much power to the carriers).

Regardless, the take away point is that AT&T is planning to update your phones and that update will be a larger, post-8107 update which will include that keyboard fix and even more features. We can disagree on what makes an update imperative and yes, we consider the keyboard fix to fall into that, but that is the current situation.

In the end, it may not be the answer you want to hear but we think it is a lot more palatable than the perception left from this weekend.

In an open letter to customers, AT&T has announced they will be increasing Early Termination Fees (ETF) on smartphones and decreasing them slightly on other phones. AT&T will raise the fee from $175 to $325 on contracts for smartphones as well as netbooks. The ETF will be reduced for non-smartphones to $150 from $175.

These changes will only take effect for new and renewing customers. The ETF will be prorated $10 a month for each month ($4 for non-smartphones) that passes in the two year agreement.

AT&T is stating this increase had no relation to any specific phone and instead states the modifications are in response to the overall cost of smartphones that require a larger subsidy.

You can find the complete letter over at AT&T's website.

So now the info has dropped on Windows Phone 7 Series and without rehashing all that information, it seems to have raised more questions than answered.

One of these is where does 'Turtle' and 'Pure' fit into all of this new strategy?  Are they the first phones to run WP7? Are they just next-gen Sidekicks? 

While we can't answer all of those now, we do know from the FCC documents that the 'Turtle' is at least real and probably the 'Pure' too.

Conflipper, famous for his in-depth knowledge of all things Microsoft and Windows Mobile, has managed to get his hands on the firmware for said device(s).

While he can't run any of those files for obvious reasons, a good ol' Hex editor can reveal a lot and indeed this is what he has found thus far ....after the break!

• 'Turtle' = GSM version; 'Pride' = CDMA
• 'Pure' = GSM version; 'Lion' = CDMA
• 'Turtle' = 320x240 resolution
• 'Pure' = 480x320 resolution
• Strong connection to Nvidia Tegra
• Looks to be CE6
• References to 'PMX' (“Premium Mobile Experiences”) throughout

He also concluded with "With reference to Silverlight and Visualizer feeds with a heavy background to social networking I don't think these phone are all that "dumb".

Whatever these are, they seem to be aiming for a widespread launch with both CDMA and GSM versions. However, the resolutions hint at a more low-end, entry level type device and not the higher resolutions we are now accustomed too.

Let's flash back a few months ago and check out the original info we on the Project Pink phones. Assuming that info is correct (and it sure seems to be now), we can now fill in the other half of the information presented above.

From September '09:

• Running the show has been Microsoft's "PMX" team -- Premium Mobile Experience -- which includes the assets gained from the purchase of Sidekick-maker Danger.
• Verizon's the main carrier on board, though other agreements are in place.
• The "Turtle" sports a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 5-megapixel camera. The "Pure" camera is 8 megapixels.
• Both devices are dual branded with Microsoft and Sharp.
• The OS has the same kernel as Windows Mobile 7, but won't look or feel like WM7. The UI is written in Silverlight and uses Seadragon. Looks kinda familiar.

• Zune HD software and Xbox integration are on board.
• As these are targeted toward the mass market, parental controls are on board.
• There is a unified messaging experience. (Should be interesting to see how it matches up against the Palm Pre.)
• Turtle and Pure will get their own launch party, not at CES.

Now it is starting to make more sense, though until we actually see these devices and their UI/UX, a lot still remains a mystery. Stay tuned as we expect some more info to appear.

[Thanks Conflipper]

Hot on the heals of Verizon's recent rate changes, AT&T has announced matching rate changes. Effective Jan. 18, smartphone users can enjoy a new $99.99 unlimited voice and data plan. The new plan doesn't include texting, which will still cost an additional $20 a month for unlimited SMS.

A Family Unlimited Talk plan will also be available for $179.99 (for the first two phones) per month with unlimited voice and data. The cost of additional phones was not mentioned and we can only assume it will stay at $9.99 per line. Adding unlimited texting will run you $30 per month on the Family plan.

AT&T will also offer unlimited talk plans for Feature Phones ($69.99 individual/$119.99 family) and Quick Messaging Devices ($89.99 individual/$149.99 family). As with smartphones, texting plans will run $20 for unlimited individual plans and $30 for unlimited family plans.

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Somehow, I don't see Luke Wilson spinning it that way in the commercials that are sure to follow this announcement.

Via The iPhone Blog

We've mentioned home signal extenders such as Verizon's Network Extender and Sprint's Airave and now it appears AT&T is joining the femtocell bandwagon with their 3G MicroCell. While pricing and availability aren't indicated on AT&T's site, we do know that it will cover up to 5,000 square feet, allow up to four simultaneous, secure voice or data connections, and will require a broadband connection to operate. It is also only compatible with 3G phones. This may end up being an advantage because similar cells offered by Sprint are limited to 2G coverage.

Another feature, according to the AT&T site is "Unlimited nationwide calling: With the 3G MicroCell, you have the option of unlimited minutes in the home or on any 3G MicroCell* with a 3G MicroCell service plan." We don't know if this is an additional cost feature or if the MicroCell will require a monthly fee to use period. Sprint charges for the Airave device ($99.99) and also charges a $4.99 monthly fee. Verizon eliminated the monthly fee but their Network Extender is a more costly device ($250).  It will be interesting to see what the final pricing details for AT&T turns out to be.

[Read: Engadget.com]

We've been hearing rumblings that AT&T has restructured data plans and believe we have finally deciphered things where it's understandable. If you are currently using a MediaNet plan, they are being discontinued and replaced with an Unlimited Data/Messaging Plan that will run $30 a month. Instead of having a variety of MediaNet flavors to choose from (Basic, the Works, MediaNet 200, MediaNet 1MB), you have one data package. The common line of thinking is that this move was done to compete with Verizon's data plans. It appears that there are some additional incentives for customers on AT&T's Family Plan as well.

There is one word of caution, these plans are intended for use with non-PDA phones (Motorola Razor, Samsung A737, etc.) that have internet and messaging capabilities. For Windows Mobile devices, AT&T requires their PDA Data plan which, coincidentally, also runs $30 a month. We bet that some of you may be paying more than $30 for the AT&T PDA plan (heck, some of us are!). In other words, it might be worth a call (and some savings) to AT&T and see if you are on the current $30 PDA Data plan and if you're not -- get on it.

[Read: Engadget Mobile]

Speaking of the AT&T Samsung Epix, we now bring you the manual of the i907, courtesy of CellPhone Signal. The additional details, some of which are pretty standard, plus one biggie at the end:

• 320x320 touchscreen.

• 2MP camera. (See more below.)
• WiFi.
• GPS.
• Stereo Bluetooth
• Customized themes.
• AT&T Navigator.
• It does have a stylus.
• Silent mode: "Press and hold to place your device in silent mode. (About time someone other than Palm has hopped onto that train.)
• No dedicated audio jack. (Boo.)
• Beaucoup choices for text entry. You have the physical qwerty keyboard, an on-screen keyboard, or gesture-based text entry which "allows you to enter characters using single strokes."
• While the camera may only be 2MP, you've got a number of options. Single shot, multishot, mosaic, night shot and panorama. Resolution up to 1600x1200. A 10-second time. White balance. Sepia/green/aqua/negative effects. Video sharing.
• And the coup de grace: Ms. Pac-Man. Say no more.

Marco, you're the man.

AT&T has flipped the switch on its Autonomous GPS service, which should help your aGPS enabled phone connect to the satellites much more quickly. (Surprisingly, AT&T hasn't had this enabled until now.)

"But Phil," you ask, "I already have GPS on my phone. What's aGPS going to do for me?"

To answer that question, we return to everyone's favorite WM Expert, Malatesta, who in January brought us a great tutorial on the kissin' cousins of the Global Positioning System.

Read GPS vs. aGPS: A Quick Tutorial.

Then step outside, fire up your favorite mapping app, and let us know in the comments if you can see a difference.