More wireless news from across the web:
> It was a little over two years ago when Lenovo announced it will release a phone running Windows Phone 8.1 by the end of 2014. Even though that self-given deadline came and passed, it is better late than never that Lenovo finally announced the SoftBank 503LV. Digital Trends article
> Mastercard and 17 banks teamed up Thursday to let customers pay for stuff using bank apps on their phones. Citi, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank and KeyBank are among the institutions adding mobile payments. CNET article
> Norway's Opera Software will say by early Monday whether all the conditions of a $1.24 billion takeover bid by a Chinese consortium have been met, the firm said on Friday. Reuters article
> Google paid search spend in the U.S. during Q2 2016 fell slightly year-over-year (YoY) among IgnitionOne customers, the company reported Thursday. A greater click share from mobile where cost per clicks (CPCs) are lower drove slower spend growth. Mediapost article
> More than 500,000 MetroPCS customers are now using iPhones. John Legere tweet
> Samsung Electronics Co. is introducing its mobile-payments app in Brazil, a bet that the Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro can be a springboard to more markets in Latin America where phones have become a key gateway to the web. Bloomberg article
> Following the attack in Nice, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile have all announced free calls and texts to France so those with loved ones in the region can check in. Android Police article
> Telefónica-owned O2 UK appointed Mark Evans as its new CEO, replacing Ronan Dunne, who is stepping down from the role. Article
Telecom News
> A free-market think tank argues that Sprint and other smaller players will gain an unfair advantage if the FCC enacts its proposed rules on the special access market. Article
Cable News
> Analysts are dismissing a report that Comcast may be looking to acquire Level 3 Communications. Article
And finally… The Keeko K1 is a smartphone targeted toward women with a hexagonal design to better fit in "small hands of women" and a front facing camera designed to automatically enhance the skin's appearance. It is also incredibly offensive to women everywhere. Engadget article