SoftBank will combine with Sprint to become one of the world’s largest carriers.

SoftBank, Japan’s third-largest carrier, has this morning announced that it will acquire Sprint in a deal worth $20.1 billion. The company will purchase $8 billion in newly-issues shares from Sprint, in addition to $12.1 billion in existing shares — giving it a 70% stake overall.

Verizon has come out and confirmed an October 18 launch date for the Motrola DROID RAZR HD and RAZR MAX HD. I’m expecting a full onslaught of marketing to accompany these devices as Verizon seems partial to the RAZR line. The next iteration of the RAZR line will feature similar specs, with the only distinguishable advantage being the larger battery and storage available in the RAZR MAXX HD (which I find lame of Motorola).

SoftBank sees Sprint deal as the fastest route into the U.S.

Japan’s third-largest carrier is reportedly in talks to buy control of Sprint, according to two people familiar with the matter. SoftBank wants to snap up two-thirds of the company with a stake worth “more than” 1.5 trillion yen ($19 billion), and it’s also eyeing Sprint’s partner, Clearwire, too.

Honeycomb is on the verge of extinction as yet another Android tablet prepares to be updated to Ice Cream Sandwich. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 on Verizon has finally been approved for the update and users of the device should start to see it within the next week or so.

Out with the old, in with the new. That’s how the saying goes and that’s what we’re starting to see as carriers and retailers begin discounting their old hardware in preparation for the newer models. One such price cut can be seen on Amazon Wireless; where the 32GB DROID RAZR MAXX is now only $49.99 for new customers signing a 2-year contract.