Apple exec Phil Schiller has defended the dismayingly high price of the iPad mini, saying it’s cheaper than the hugely popular iPad, so it’s sure to be a hit. Speaking to Reuters, the senior vice president of worldwide marketing said, “The iPad is far and away the most successful product in its category,” going on …

Now playing: Watch this: Huawei Ascend Y: Uber-budget Android 1:31 Today, Huawei and U.S. Cellular announced the Huawei Ascend Y, a budget Android smartphone for first-timers. A few weeks ago, I got to briefly handle the Muve Music device. Related stories Global Chip Shortage and $53B Subsidy Boosts US Manufacturing Your Phone Screen Is Gross. Here’s How to Clean It …

Now playing: Watch this: CNET News SIM-free Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update 1:29 We made it, team Jelly Bean. If you’ve been waiting with baited breath for the Android Jelly Bean software update to hit your Samsung Galaxy S3 then you’re in luck — it’s now available for unlocked phones. The update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the latest version …

Now playing: Watch this: LG Splendor’s midrange specs impress 1:02 Boost announced today that it has begun offering the LG Venice, a variant of the LG Optimus L7 and U.S. Cellular’s LG Splendor, for $219.99. The handset has a 4.3-inch screen and runs on the Android 4.0 platform. Related Stories TV in the Bathroom: Technically Doable but a Very Bad …

Older Windows programs will have to be updated to incorporate touch capabilities, Qualcomm’s chief executive said. And that’s something that should help adoption of the newest version of the operating system. Paul Jacobs, speaking today during a small press roundtable in New York before tomorrow’s Windows 8 launch, said there will be “FUD” — fear, uncertainty, and doubt — around …

When it comes to Apple’s iPhone, AT&T remains its strongest U.S. partner. The Dallas-based telecommunications provider, second only to Verizon Wireless in wireless customers, said today it activated 4.7 million iPhones in the third quarter, with 18 percent new to the company. Still, that’s short of what analysts were expecting, with the company blaming supply constraints for the shortfall. Also …

Ladies and gentlemen, it is, officially, on. Google has enjoyed modest success with its 7-inch Nexus tablet, thanks mostly to its absurdly low price. Not to be outdone, Apple has stepped into the ring with a smaller tablet of its own. Is this a death match, or is there space for two pint-sized tablets? We take a closer look. Matters …

AT&T sold twice as many iPhone 5 smartphones as its main competitor, according to mobility chief Ralph de la Vega. AT&T’s closest rival, Verizon Wireless, said last week that it sold 651,000 iPhone 5 units in the third quarter. Based on de la Vega’s statement, this means AT&T rang up sales of roughly 1.3 million units. Sprint Nextel reports its …

One day after Apple finally announced new iPads that would run on Sprint’s network, the wireless carrier announced a set of new data plans it says offers up to 20 percent more data than Verizon or AT&T at the same price. Beginning November 11, Sprint customers will be able to choose among four no-contract rate plans for 4G LTE-enabled tablets, …

T-Mobile is aiming to fortify the Android smartphones and tablets it carries by offering users free protection against malware and viruses. The company announced today that it is partnering with mobile security company Lookout to help T-Mobile customers protect their devices with a product called Automatic App Security. The software will come preloaded on certain devices this year, and then …