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The Trend

Until now, bandwidth-hungry mobile apps often needed Wi-Fi to back up their connection. Now Verizon’s Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is setting devices free.

Why Now

Verizon is broadcasting its new 4G network at 700 megahertz, its own segment of the wireless spectrum. This space lets even large high-def files transmit quickly in two directions, perfect for video conferences. Currently in 38 cities, covering about one third of the population, LTE towers are expected to provide nationwide broadband by 2013.

How You’ll Benefit

You won’t need to hunt for Wi-Fi to video-chat or be at home to game with your friends, because LTE devices can send and receive live video anywhere there’s service. Plus, LTE’s speed may trounce other 4G wireless—and in some cases best home broadband.

A Mobile Home Network

Share the speed of LTE. Novatel Wireless’s palm-sized hotspot sends Wi-Fi to five devices 10 times as quickly as 3G, so your companions’ laptops can download a movie to watch on the flight home in four minutes instead of 40. Novatel Wireless 4G LTE MiFi 4510, Price not set; **novatelwireless.com**

Cross-Country Gaming

Having the bandwidth to trade live feeds allows real multiplayer gaming on mobile devices for the first time. Powered by Nvidia’s dual-core processor, the Bionic’s graphics-processing unit handles high-def rendering without hiccups. Motorola Droid Bionic 4G, Price not set; motorola.com

The Most Portable TV

LTE’s heaping bandwidth lets SlingPlayer Mobile mirror your TV, sans Wi-Fi. With the app loaded, Samsung’s 4G tablet will be able to pull live TV from a SlingBox at home, so you can watch your local news and sports from across the country. Samsung 4G-Enabled Galaxy Tab, Price not set; samsung.com
Corinne Iozzio
Corinne Iozzio

Corinne Iozzio is the former Editor-in-Chief of Popular Science. In that role, she oversaw an award-winning crew of science journalists—both editors and writers—who are obsessed with shining a light on the thousands of ways science and technology transform our lives daily. She lives in Washington Heights in New York City (or, as she affectionately refers to it, “Upstate Manhattan”) with her partner, an ever-expanding collection of vintage hand-blown glass, and a talkative tuxedo cat hellbent on knocking it all to pieces.