MobilizeSD

AT&T and Roku are now giving customers Live TV on their terms. Starting this week, DIRECTV NOW customers will get a Roku Premiere when they prepay for 2 months of the service. Whether users are new to streaming live TV or looking for a different way to watch their favorite shows, events and sports, DIRECTV NOW is a chance to experience rules-free TV.

“Consumers want premium live TV with even more choice and flexibility, which DIRECTV NOW provides,” said Brad Bentley, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, AT&T Entertainment Group. “But those looking to cut the cable cord may not always know the best place to start. We’re making it easy by eliminating up-front cost and providing a cost effective solution to stream the content they crave from their living room couches.”

Users can choose any DIRECTV NOW package to fit their needs.

Live a Little: $35 / month (60+ channels)

Just Right: $50 / month (80+ channels)

Go Big: $60 / month (100+ channels)

Gotta Have it: $70 / month (120+ channels)

The Roku Premiere is a go-to option for many cord-nevers and cord-cutters looking for a quality live-streaming experience. It offers powerful performance and ultra-smooth streaming with stunning HD and 4K picture quality, night-listening mode and more.

“DIRECTV NOW and a Roku Premiere are an extremely compelling combination for customers,” said Steve Shannon, general manager, content and services, at Roku. “We’ve always concentrated on delivering the best streaming experience focused on convenience and choice. This all-in-one package accomplishes just that.”

With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s important to make sure that dad is celebrated for the great man that he is with the latest and best tech gear. Whether dad is looking for the latest speaker, a new phone, or fitness tracker, 

Cricket Wireless and AT&T have the coolest new tech for different types of dads and different budgets, and want to help you find the perfect gift for your favorite guy:

Samsung Galaxy S8 ($699.99): For the techie dad who has everything, but loves the latest and greatest. The Samsung Galaxy S8 has a lightning-fast octa-core processor that will never slow Dad down, a huge Infinity Screen that lets him see more, and the Bixby intelligent interface that helps him do more.

Fitbit Alta ($129.00): For the fit dad who is looking to be stylish while keeping track of his steps and daily activity. Currently on sale for $99 through AT&T, the Fitbit Alta offers a slim OLED display, giving dad instant access to his stats, the time and smartphone alerts. The fitness tracker comes in black, blue, teal and plum.

Nest Cam Security Camera ($199.00): For the protector Dad always looking out for his kids and home. The Nest Cam helps dads keep an eye on what matters – it looks for motion and listens for sound. And if something’s up, it sends an alert to his phone.

Trophy Gold Powerbeats3 ($199.00): For all of the trophy deserving dads. The Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless headphones, currently on sale from AT&T for $149.00, are ready for any challenge. With a cord-free design, powerful, dynamic sound, and up to 12 hours of battery, you can increase the intensity of your workouts and life. The headphones are also available in blue, yellow, black, and white.

According to AT&T research*, 57% of people are more likely to stop driving distracted if a friend or passenger pressures them to do so. That means, half of the people are just waiting for someone to tell them to stop! AT&T has kicked off a social media campaign during April Distracted Driving Awareness Month to get people to do just that.

The company is encouraging everyone to #TagYourHalf via social media channels, and urge them to take the It Can Wait pledge at www.itcanwait.com.

AT&T launched the It Can Wait campaign in 2010 to address the dangerous habit of texting and driving. But, as smartphones have evolved, drivers are doing more than just texting while driving; they're surfing the web, taking selfies, video chatting and more. The It Can Wait campaign message is now focused on this simple but vital message: Distracted driving is NEVER ok. You're never alone on the road, when you're alone in your car. 

To date, more than 14 million It Can Wait pledges have been made.

With San Diego schools on spring break this week, many families will either be heading out of town or making time for daily activities together. Last year, over 65.1 million people were expected to travel during spring break nationally, which means lots of planning and organizing!

To ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and safe break, AT&T San Diego has compiled a list of new tech product and apps, available at your neighborhood AT&T stores and online. Pick these up and enjoy the time off together!

LG Watch Sport—Concerned about missing your exercise with kids out of school? Pick up the LG Watch Sport before to track your exercise and see just how much you really do while on vacation or spending time with family. Hiking, biking, exploring, and all the fun things you do during spring break add up to lots of great activity.

While the stylish, sleek head-tuner helps you reach your fitness goals by tracking activity and coaching, it also connects to your mobile phone number to make and receive calls and texts without having your phone with you or powered on.

Powerbeats3 Wireless Bluetooth Headphone—If you’re looking for premium and clear sound quality for a variety of purposes, the Powerbeats3 Wireless Bluetooth headphones are just the right tech accessory.

Whether you opt for an audiobook while relaxing poolside, listening to music to propel your workout, or making calls, the Bluetooth connection lets you keep your phone in your beach bag, safely tucked away from sun, sand, or water.  

Mophie Juice Pack Charging Case—No matter where you are, it’s important to have a charged phone in case you get lost or split up from the group. The Mophie Juice Pack is protective, yet lightweight, making it easy to travel with and charges your phone on-the-go.

With a charged device, you can find the best restaurants, get directions, call for help, and of course upload and share your pictures via social media.

Airbnb App – What better way to take in a few neighborhood than staying and living like a local? Use the Airbnb app from your smartphone to rent out someone’s place for a couple of days and truly experience the community.

Already booked a place to stay? Airbnb also offers experiences led by local experts, whether it’s for multiple days or just an afternoon.

DriveMode App – You may have heard about AT&T’s It Can Wait Campaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. If you’re behind the wheel this spring break, use the free DriveMode app to keep yourself and others on the road safe.  

The app silences text message alerts so users can stay focused—and safe—while driving. Keep your eyes on the road, not your phone this spring break, and always.  

AT&T FamilyMap App – Track your family while on vacation by using AT&T FamilyMap.

“America’s Finest City” is also becoming the smartest. The City of San Diego recently announced a $30 million investment to deploy the world’s largest smart city IoT sensor platform in partnership with Current, powered by GE. Transforming 3,200 street lights into a connected digital infrastructure, San Diego will collect real-time sensor data across the city that can be used to develop applications that benefit the community. From directing drivers to open parking spaces to help first responders during an emergency, the open data platform offers limitless opportunities to increase safety, optimize municipal systems and create real-time environmental awareness.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said that fostering innovation and improving infrastructure are important to enhancing the lives of all San Diegans. “This new technology will give the City and developers the opportunity to make our neighbors safer and smarter,” added Faulconer.

In addition to the intelligent sensor installation, approximately 25 percent of San Diego’s outdoor lights will be upgraded as part of the solution. Current will install 14,000 new LED fixtures across the city, which is expected to save San Diego an estimated $2.4 million per year in energy costs.

Current is working with AT&T, Intel, ShotSpotter, CivicSmart and Proximetry to deploy the intelligent network across the city. AT&T is the wireless data carrier for the project. All the sensors used will be powered by the AT&T LTE network, providing the secure, reliable connectivity that cities need to become smarter, safer and more sustainable.

David Graham, San Diego Chief Deputy Officer, added that, “We’re making the future a reality in San Diego. Our city is home to an incredible group of leaders, thinkers and innovators who can be proud of the strides we are making toward tomorrow.”

AT&T has launched a new AT&T Unlimited plan which is available to all consumer and business postpaid AT&T wireless customers. Whether you love to stream your favorite shows, play games, video chat or simply surf the web, the AT&T Unlimited Plan provides access to what matters most to you.

“We’re offering unlimited entertainment on the nation’s best data network where and when you want to enjoy more of what you love,” said David Christopher, Chief Marketing Officer of the AT&T Entertainment Group.

The new AT&T Unlimited Plan will include unlimited talk, text and data on 4 lines for $180 and business customers can also take advantage of their additional corporate discount.

Starting Friday, AT&T is making it easier to stay connected when travelling abroad. AT&T is launching International Day Pass, a new service that will allow customers to talk and text all they want, as well as use their data plan in over 100 countries, for just $10 per day. Instead of being charged per minute, message, or megabyte while traveling, customers will pay just $10 a day per device for any 24-hour period you use your device in an International Day Pass country.

 Here’s how AT&T International Day Pass works:

Add IDP to each device one time and it’s available whenever you travel within the 100+ countries until you remove the feature

Use in our most popular destinations in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean – like the U.K., France, Italy, China, India, Jamaica and the Bahamas – as well as all of Central and South America.

Access your plan data and get unlimited calls within International Day Pass countries and back to the U.S., as well as unlimited texts to the world at no additional charges

APCA (Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional and Community Advancement) a non-profit organization that’s focused on representation of Asian Pacific Islanders employed by AT&T, has announced that it will award 21 or more national scholarships worth $2,000 each to high school seniors in California (and other states with local APCA chapters) planning to attend college in the fall of 2017. Participating APCA chapters are also offering state scholarships worth either $1,000 or $2,000 each.

APCA makes a difference in communities by supporting graduating high school seniors with their college education through its scholarship awards. APCA awards national scholarships to students residing in any state with a local APCA chapter. All students who apply are considered for the national scholarship awards, and students who are not awarded national scholarships are considered for state scholarships as supported by local APCA chapters.

Applications are being accepted through January 31.

New year. New you!

January is the time of year when people make resolutions and wish lists for the coming year. Whether you’re planning to lose weight, get more active, save money, increase productivity, relax more, or learn something new, there are many tech products and apps that can support you in achieving your goals. How much gets accomplished will ultimately depend on self-discipline, but everybody can use a little help!

AT&T San Diego compiled their picks for top tech products and mobile apps that to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions all year long. 

Fitbit Alta Fitness Wristband— January is the month where everyone has fitness on the mind. Reach your fitness goals and stay motivated with the Fitbit Alta fitness tracker, which tracks your steps, calories burned, workouts, and more, while sending friendly reminders to keep you moving all day. The Alta has a slim OLED display and gives instant access to stats, the time, and smartphone alerts.

Mophie Juice Pack Charging Case—Staying connected to the people you love shouldn’t have to depend on the life of your phone battery. The Mophie Juice Pack charges your phone on the go, allowing you to stay connected to what’s important to you, while also keeping it stylish and protected. 

UE Boom 2 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker—Get outside, adventure and explore with those you love, and bring the party with you! The UE Boom is a must-have accessory, whether you’re going hiking, biking, or exploring the great outdoors, especially for music lovers. The UE Boom 2 Wireless Bluetooth 360-degree speaker blasts loud sound with deep, powerful bass. The speaker is waterproof, durable and pairs with your mobile phone, and a second UE Boom 2 for an epic music experience. 

Headspace App—Meditation is made simple with the Headspace app. It provides guided meditations suitable for all levels. Meditation can help improve focus, exercise mindful awareness, relieve anxiety and reduce stress.

 DriveMode App—Talking on the phone, or texting while driving is dangerous, and when a text or a call comes in, it is difficult to not respond. In 2017, start the year by taking the pledge to not text and drive, and download the free DriveMode app. The app silences text message alerts so users can stay focused—and safe—while driving. Keep your eyes on the road, not your phone, always.  

Cricket Wireless and The Salvation Army donated thousands of toys to children across the country, including children in San Diego county, during the 2016 holiday season as part of the ‘Likes for Tikes’ campaign. From Nov. 4–Dec. 4, Cricket Wireless donated $1 worth of toys to the Salvation Army for every ‘Like’ the company received on a local participating store Facebook pages. Nationally, Cricket Wireless received 40,906 likes during the ‘Likes for Tikes’ campaign, bringing in $40,906 worth of toys to children across the country.

All proceeds raised in San Diego were used to purchase toys that went to children all over San Diego county. Just before the holidays, Cricket Wireless “elves” delivered the toys to The Salvation Army San Diego Citadel distribution center and also helped sort other toys and canned goods to help get them ready for drop-off to local families.

The partnership between Cricket Wireless and The Salvation Army was created to support The Salvation Army’s giveback efforts around the holiday season give back to the local community.

AT&T made a number of announcements at CES 2017 last week—from automated driving advances to assistive technology support and other IoT solutions. 

Below is a recap of the top at-show news.

AT&T and the American Center for Mobility Fuel the Future of Automated Driving

AT&T teamed with the American Center for Mobility to speed the development of self-driving vehicles. Working with the Center gives AT&T the space to explore, create and safely test driverless technologies. AT&T will also serve as the Center’s exclusive cellular network provider through 2020. LINK to press release

AT&T, Delphi, and Ford Debut V2X Advanced Vehicle Communications

AT&T, Delphi and Ford are developing a new capability to enhance Vehicle-to-Anything (V2X) communications. The platform is designed to help vehicles “talk” with each other and smart cities infrastructure to improve safety and vehicle security, reduce traffic congestion, save money and protect the environment. LINK to press release.

AT&T to Provide Wireless Connectivity for Aira’s Devices that Enhance Access to Information for Blind and Visually Impaired People

AT&T is providing wireless connectivity to startup Aira to support their innovative technology platform that assists the blind and visually impaired. The platform will blend wearables, connectivity and Aira’s human-assisted artificial intelligence to give blind and visually impaired customers information about their surroundings akin to sighted people. And do it quickly and efficiently.  LINK to press release. 

AT&T Introduces New Starter Kits for Developers

In August 2016, AT&T* introduced an all-in-one IoT Starter Kit to help developers jumpstart their Internet of Things (IoT) projects. The AT&T IoT Starter Kit, which provides tools and services to quickly prototype new IoT solutions, bundled with an a la carte data plan gave developers a one-stop shop to bring their ideas to life and to market. Now AT&T is making it even easier to connect any USB-based device with a lighter version of its original Starter Kit. LINK to press release.

AT&T Details 5G Evolution

AT&T announced its 5G Evolution plans for 2017 and beyond, and highlighted its other initiatives to expand and enhance ultra-fast internet access for millions of customers. LINK to press release.

AT&T and Honda Enter Connected Car Agreement

AT&T and American Honda Motor, Co. Inc. are bringing 4G LTE connectivity to Honda vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. This is a part of an exclusive multi-year agreement. LINK to press release. 

AT&T and Emerson Team Up to Reduce Methane Emissions

Emerson has turned to AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to advance its innovative Grind2Energy food waste recycling system. With these new capabilities, Emerson will provide near real-time environmental sustainability information, performance data reporting and data analytics to its customers. LINK to press release. 

This week AT&T launched AT&T Call Protect--a free network-based service that gives eligible AT&T wireless customers with HD Voice more control over unwanted calls on their smartphones.This innovative solution harnesses the power of the AT&T network to give customers automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam call warnings.

Customers can simply add the feature through the myAT&T account or the AT&T Call Protect app to get these benefits:

Automatic fraud blocking which helps reduce the chances that a customer will become the victim of a phone fraud or scam by stopping these types of calls in the network before they even reach the phone.

Suspected spam warnings on the incoming call screen which let customers choose whether or not to answer calls that originate from a suspected spam source. (Must be in HD Voice coverage area)

“Nuisance calls are an industry-wide problem that unfortunately affect many people,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Device and Network Services Marketing, AT&T. “We’ve listened to our customers and know they want a network that provides tools to proactively assist in blocking nuisance calls. AT&T Call Protect, along with others, will help put customers more in control of the calls they receive.”

Extend this innovative network-based service and get more optional features, including temporary call blocking, by downloading the complementary AT&T Call Protect mobile companion app.

The anticipation is over! Starting today, in celebration of Taylor Swift’s birthday, fans can binge watch new and never-seen content on Taylor Swift NOW – only from AT&T.

Taylor Swift NOW is a new video experience created exclusively by AT&T and Taylor. The Video On Demand content is organized in 13 themed chapters, and showcases videos, concert performances, behind-the-scenes footage and more from the Taylor Swift archives.

AT&T video customers can catch Taylor Swift NOW on all our video platforms – DIRECTV NOW, DIRECTV (Channel 1113) and U-verse (Channel 1501).  Taylor Swift NOW will also be available through those platforms’ apps for streaming on-the-go. Eligible AT&T wireless customers can stream the content data free in-app

Taylor Swift NOW is hand-curated by Taylor and its themed chapters give fans a look at her career and life. In chapters like “That One Time…I Was Nostalgic” fans will hear about the people that have been there from the start of her career. Surprising her fans is something Taylor loves to do – whether it’s sending them gifts or showing up when they aren’t expecting her. Watch all the fun in the chapter, “That One Time…I Surprised My Fans.”

Taylor Swift NOW comes packed with loads of content, including original features with commentary from Taylor herself.  New videos and special chapters will be regularly added to Taylor Swift NOW so fans should check back each week.

“Taylor Swift NOW puts unique content right in her fans’ hands whenever they want it,” said Brad Bentley, executive vice president, AT&T Entertainment Group.  “This is exactly what we had in mind when we launched DIRECTV NOW— a video destination that’s TV your way.  We’re excited to work with Taylor as we regularly add new and never-seen content to Taylor Swift NOW.”

Taylor Swift NOW is one of many pieces of our exclusive multi-year, multi-faceted deal with the 10-time Grammy winner. 

Swift will headline the DIRECTV Super Saturday Night in Houston Feb. 4, the night before the Big Game. Portions of this concert will air on Taylor Swift NOW at a later date.  Fans can enter to win concert tickets or limited Flyaway trips to Houston at www.ATTSwiftstakes.com until Dec. 31.     

Learn more about the AT&T and Taylor Swift relationship by going to www.ATT.com/TaylorSwift. You can also follow AT&T, Taylor Nation and Taylor on social media for updates.

AT&T and Reese Witherspoon plan to create a new entertainment destination featuring high quality and exclusive content, especially for fans of female-driven stories.

Hello Sunshine is Witherspoon and Otter Media’s cross-platform brand and consumer-facing content company. It will launch an ad-supported video on demand (VOD) channel in 2017 that will only be available for customers of DIRECTV and DIRECTV NOW. The new multimedia brand  will also develop a series featuring Witherspoon that will debut exclusively on the VOD channel.

“As we continue the journey of creating engaging entertainment for and about women at Hello Sunshine, it's exciting to have a partner in AT&T who shares that commitment with us. We can't wait to bring the Hello Sunshine channel to life with DIRECTV and DIRECTV Now customers in 2017,” said Witherspoon.

“We are committed to giving strong, creative voices a platform to reach millions of viewers through unique distribution channels. Reese is a champion of women in entertainment. We look forward to bringing her distinctive brand of content to our customers,” said John Stankey, CEO, AT&T Entertainment Group.

The Hello Sunshine VOD content offering will focus on positivity, humor and inspiration for women. Witherspoon and the Hello Sunshine team will also curate a selection of acquired programming, including movies, TV series, short-form and made-for-digital content.

Hello Sunshine will continue to operate under Otter Media’s growing portfolio. Otter brings expertise in content, distribution and monetization, as well as a strong track record in investing, building and scaling content brands and OTT video services.

AT&T and The Chernin Group formed Otter Media in April 2014 with more than $500 million in funding to acquire, invest in and launch global OTT video services.

Fans have a new destination for unique and never seen Taylor Swift content, Taylor Swift NOW – only with AT&T.

Taylor Swift NOW is a video experience created exclusively by AT&T and Taylor. It will showcase unique videos, concert performances, behind-the-scenes footage and more from the Taylor Swift archives. This is our first-ever specially curated video catalog.

Launching soon, Taylor Swift NOW consists of themed chapters and packed with special glimpses into Taylor’s life and work spanning her entire career. This will include original content with commentary from Taylor herself.

After its launch, Taylor Swift NOW will get regular updates with new videos and chapters for special events. This includes select songs from her upcoming performance at DIRECTV’s Super Saturday Night concert.

AT&T customers can get Taylor Swift NOW exclusively across all of our video platforms later this year: DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW and U-verse. This puts Taylor Swift NOW in the hands of more than 25 million video customers – and that will grow with the launch of DIRECTV NOW. Taylor Swift NOW will also be available through those platforms’ apps for streaming on-the-go. AT&T wireless customers can stream the content data free.

“Taylor Swift NOW is one of many exciting initiatives we have in store for Taylor’s fans and our customers as part of our exclusive multi-year deal,” said John Stankey, CEO, AT&T Entertainment Group. “We’re looking forward to working with Taylor as we develop exclusive original content that inspires her and her fans. We can’t wait to get Taylor Swift NOW into the hands of fans to stream everywhere.”

In the coming weeks, fans can get a sneak peek of the channel. Follow AT&T, Taylor Nation and Taylor’s social media handles for the latest news and information.

On Nov. 30, AT&T begins offering three video streaming services – DIRECTV NOW, FreeVIEW and Fullscreen--offering customers their favorite TV networks and made-for-digital video content with more choice and flexibility than ever.

This is rules-free TV for anyone in the U.S. who wants to stream shows and movies anytime, anywhere. For the more than 20 million U.S. households who have dropped cable or are flirting with cutting the cord, we’re now delivering video over a technology platform that will have multiple product capabilities, the first of which we’re unveiling today.

“We’re extending our entertainment portfolio for those who value premium content but also want more TV freedom suited for their lifestyle, whether watching at home or on their mobile devices. This is TV your way,” said John Stankey, CEO, AT&T Entertainment Group.“Our new customer-centric offers show that mobility and entertainment are better together,” added Stankey.

With DIRECTV NOW or Fullscreen, users can stream content over a U.S. internet connection on a variety of devices all over the U.S. No set-top-boxes, satellite dishes, annual contracts or credit checks required.

DIRECTV will pick up the data tab for all AT&T Mobility customers to help them achieve all their binge-worthy goals. Data Free TV means users won’t use their AT&T mobile data for watching DIRECTV NOW or FreeVIEW in the App. Fullscreen will also cover data for streaming in the Fullscreen App on the AT&T mobile network.

Cricket Wireless kicks off Black Friday offering the recently launched ZTE Grand X 4 for just $49.99, with activation on a smartphone plan.  This offer starts today, and is only good through Sunday, November 27, so find a Cricket store near you and join Cricket's reliable nationwide 4G LTE network.