More wireless news from across the Web:
HTC on why 2016 is a 'critical' year for virtual reality http://t.co/zegnuGXU60 via @CNET
— FierceWireless (@FierceWireless) July 20, 2015
> Wireless device distributor Brightstar is partnering with Aquto to add sponsored data to its offerings to operators. Release
> AT&T Mobility is going to provide "Next Generation 911" capabilities across Kansas. Release
> A version of Microsoft's Cortana digital assistant for Android leaked online. The Verge article
> Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab S2, a new tablet that comes in 9.7-inch and 8.0-inch variants, set to launch in global markets in August. Release
> The LG Tribute and LG Tribute Du are two new smartphones available now for $99.99 (plus tax) at Sprint Prepaid and Virgin Mobile USA. Release
> Sprint's Boost Mobile prepaid brand is launching the Boost Max+, a 5.7-inch phablet from ZTE, for $200 without a contract. SlashGear article
> HTC is pushing back the launch of the HTC Grip, a wearable fitness devices it announced earlier this year. PhoneScoop article
> Cisco will reportedly lay off more than half of the staff it acquired through its 2013 acquisition of small cell vendor Ubiquisys. Light Reading article
> M City, a 23-acre mini-metropolis at the University of Michigan where automakers can test autonomous cars, is opening up today. Bloomberg article
> Avago is reportedly eyeing another chipset acquisition and could be going after Marvell. Light Reading article
Wireless Tech News
> Verizon Wireless and Qualcomm presented a technical briefing on LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U) to the IEEE 802.19 group at the IEEE 802 Plenary Session last week, the purpose of which was to provide detailed technical information to 802.19 about LTE-U and to assist 802.19 in its work to advance coexistence among wireless technologies. Article
> The global market for network functions virtualization (NFV) is expected to reach $11.6 billion in 2019, up from $2.3 billion in 2015, according to IHS. Article
European Wireless News
> Altice, the cable and mobile telecoms group controlled by billionaire Patrick Drahi, told a Dutch newspaper over the weekend that it has "no interest" in buying the 21 percent stake held in KPN by América Móvil. Article
> Telefónica Deutschland is transferring 7,700 redundant mobile-tower sites to Deutsche Telekom as part of the ongoing integration of the O2 and E-Plus networks in Germany. Article
Cable News
> Charter Communications is moving fast to bolster its Washington, D.C., influence by hiring a wide range of high-profile lobbyists as it looks to close two big pay-TV mergers. Article
> Cable companies and programmers will embark on a summer promotional campaign to push pay-TV customers to use TV Everywhere services, encouraging subscribers to "watch on the go." Article
Telecom News
> Zayo has taken over the responsibility of managing Colorado's beleaguered EAGLE-Net Alliance (ENA), an intergovernmental middle mile provider that provides fiber-based broadband services to the state's schools, libraries and other anchor institutions. Article
And finally... Will 2016 be the Snpachat election? Article