WRAL Tech Wire

 T-Mobile parent confirms it's in talks to buy MetroPCS

Deutsche Telekom AG is nearing a transaction with MetroPCS Communications Inc. to increase the scale of its T-Mobile USA division, sources say.

 AT&T cuts price for prepaid smartphone service

The second-largest U.S. wireless-service provider unveils a $99 smartphone with a $65 a month pay-as-you-go plan, stepping up competition with prepaid carriers such as MetroPCS.

 Apple wages scorched-earth iPhone fight with Google

Analysis: Remember the Easter Islanders' incremental march toward disaster? This is an apt analogy for Apple's decision to keep Google Maps off the newly released iPhone 5. It's the latest of a series of steps toward control by powerful actors over users' online behavior. The question is whether the pattern is clear enough for regulatory authorities to take action.

iPhone 5's sharp, bigger display

 Apple CEO 'extremely sorry' for Maps application

Tim Cook: "At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."

Closeup of iPhone 5

 Touch screen choice is factor in iPhone 5 shortage

Apple used the technology in the first major iPhone overhaul since 2010 to make the device more svelte, an attribute that helped lure a record 5 million buyers in three days. Yet producing in-cell screens is also more painstaking than earlier screen types, contributing to bottlenecks.

iPhone 5's sharper 4-inch screen

 Cable operators plan to offer video games direct to consumers

AT&T, Verizon and Time Warner Cable are gearing up for a push to deliver video games directly to televisions, sources tell Bloomberg news. The strategy shift poses a threat to traditional consoles such as the PlayStation, Wii and Xbox.

 Verizon Wireless won't lock new iPhones to own network

It's the first time Verizon, the country's largest cellphone company, has sold a phone that works on competing U.S. networks with no complicated hacking, or "unlocking," procedures.

The new iPhone 5 in white and black

 iPhone sells out at 5M, but analysts expected more

Apple sells 1 million more iPhone 5s in the first thee days than it did iPhone 4s. But supply constraints held down sales considerably below what analysts had expected.

Closeup of iPhone 5

 Verizon pays $250M to settle TiVo DVR suit

The deal with Verizon is the latest in a string of patent settlements for Tivo. Last year it settled with satellite TV providers Dish and EchoStar for $500 million, and earlier this year resolved a lawsuit against AT&T for $215 million.

 New Verizon Wireless iPhones also work on AT&T network

As many stores sell out of iPhone 5s, The Associated Press found that the Verizon iPhone 5 accepts an AT&T "SIM card" -- a little chip that identifies a phone to a wireless network. The phone can then be active on AT&T's network.

Closeup of iPhone 5

 AT&T, Verizon Wireless stores to have iPhone 5s

The roll-out of 4G wireless broadband service across N.C. picks up pace as AT&T adds Fayetteville and Wilmington to its coverage area. AT&T and Verizon Wireless stores will have iPhone 5s to sell starting Friday at 8 a.m.

 Verizon can keep selling video-on-demand in mixed patent ruling

Verizon Communications Inc. must pay royalties to a California company whose patents it infringes, though it doesn't have to stop providing its FiOS TV customers with video-on-demand services, a U.S. appeals court rules.

 Wireless provider MetroPCS cuts unlimited service price

People will be able to sign up for unlimited data, calls and texting for $55 per month. Verizon Wireless and AT&T no longer sell unlimited data plans.

 Government OKs deal between Verizon, cable companies

However, the Justice Department said it will not allow Verizon Wireless stores to sell TV and broadband services from the cable companies -- Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Cox -- in areas where Verizon sells its own TV and broadband service.

 Phone companies lose broadband customers for first time

AT&T, Verizon and other landline service providers lose 70,000 subscribers in second quarter while top cable companies gain 290,000.

 Comcast debuts $300 Internet service in race with Verizon

Comcast introduced a new speed on Wednesday offering download speeds of up to 305 megabits per second for residential customers. For now, though, it will only be available in Northeastern cities.

 Verizon introduces official Summer Olympics mobile app

With the 2012 Olympic Games kicking off on Friday in London, Verizon Wireless has introduced the first-ever official Olympic app, The Official London 2012 Join In app.

Official London 2012 Join In app

 AT&T matches Verizon Wireless with own data sharing plan

The new AT&T Mobile Share plans include unlimited calling and messaging and let customers combine as many as 10 devices under one monthly data allotment for $85. Verizon started a similar plan starting at $90 last month.

 New AT&T data plans: By the numbers, what they offer

In late August, AT&T is introducing Mobile Share plans that let subscribers connect up to ten devices to a "pooled" data plan. Phones that are connected get unlimited calling and texting. The AP takes a look at the plans.

 Verizon Wireless expands 4G service in eastern N.C.

The broadband service will be turned on officially in Goldsboro, Kinston, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount and Wilson, the company said Wednesday.