Samsung Galaxy S Advance Hits The UK Later This Month, Up For Pre-order

With Samsung’s Galaxy S III no longer expected at MWC 2012 later this month, we’ll have to make do with the Samsung Galaxy S Advance, officially announced on Monday and already up for pre-order. An variant of the original Galaxy S, the Galaxy S Advance I9070 is scheduled to drop roughly at the same time as the Barcelona mobile show, according to UK retailer Clove, with pre-orders priced at £295 ($467)plus tax.

That means a 4-inch Super AMOLED display running at WVGA resolution, along with a 1GHz dual-core processor paired with 768MB of RAM. There’s also 8GB of internal storage plus a microSD card slot. The 5-megapixel camera is paired with a 1.3-megapixel front-facer, and there’s the usual bevy of sensors and wireless: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth and an FM radio. OS is Android 2.3 Gingerbread with Samsung’s own TouchWiz mods.

In case that all sounds reasonably familiar, you’re not going mad. Samsung revealed another iteration of the Galaxy S back in March 2011, the Galaxy S Plus, similar in many ways to this “Advance” model. The “Plus”, however, had a 1.4GHz single-core processor and only 512MB of RAM, though the battery is 150 mAh bigger.

If the Galaxy S Advance takes your fancy, shipments are expected in the week commencing February 27 2012. Of course, SlashGear will be at Mobile World Congress that week, bringing back all the juicy details as to what other phones Samsung and its rivals have to impress us with.

Samsung Galaxy S Advance:

Samsung Galaxy Nexus (GSM) Gets Android 4.0.2 Update

Good news for folks who own a GSM Samsung Galaxy Nexus – if you keep an eye on your phone’s notification bar, you’ll be receiving an update the a newer version of Android – version 4.0.2. According to reports online the update only weighs in at about 8MB so we’re assuming it’s to fix minor bugs and issues on the device. Take note that this update isn’t for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus – it only applies to folks with the GSM version of the phone (i.e. everywhere else in the world and those of you who managed to get your hands on an unlocked GSM version here).

As usual remember to back up your device in case anything goes wrong. If you get the update on your phone and you notice some differences or you’ve had problems with it – do let us know in the comments below.

According to reports, the update only measures 8.8MB, so don't expect anything major except for a couple of bug fixes and improvements. You should get the update notification but if you are eager to invoke it yourself, head into your device's Settings and check manually for its availability.

GSM Galaxy Nexus Gets ICS 4.0.2 Update:

Galaxy Nexus users having issues with volume, media goes crazy

Some Samsung Galaxy Nexus users have been reporting a strange bug in the system that causes volume issues with the handset, and of course that has caused impatient media outlets to claim this issue is to blame for the Nexus not seeing its global release yet. We're as impatient as the next when it comes to wanting the Nexus released, but it seems like a bit of a leap to say this issue is causing the delay.

Users have been reporting that there is a strange bug which causes volume to suddenly drop and sometime go to a full mute on the Galaxy Nexus. Additionally, the phone may become unresponsive for a few seconds. So, the full extent of this problem is having your volume drop for about 10-15 seconds, and you may miss a notification (assuming you also have vibration and LED notifications turned off as well.) Users are also reporting that it may be connected to 2G as it tends to occur when on or switching to a 2G network.

More information's:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=22021

Google Nexus S Unboxing:

Samsung GALAXY Note to launch first in Germany on October 29th

The Samsung GALAXY Note will make its debut in Germany on October 29th, according to the Korean based manufacturer. But this is not too much of a surprise as Samsung earlier this month revealed that the device would hit Germany, France and the UK before this month was out. November would see the model launched in Korea. For those of you Stateside who drool over the Samsung GALAXY Note's Quadrant Benchmark score of 3,624 (Holy shades of the Samsung Galaxy S II, Batman!), we could see the unit touch down in the U.S. next quarter.

We usually don't start rattling off a list of specs with the battery, but the 2,500mAh cell on the Samsung GALAXY Note should certainly be able to keep the device running for some time. Yes, there is the case of keeping the 5.3 inch Super AMOLED HD screen bright, crisp and clear. Resolution is 800 x 1280. A dual-core 1.4GHz processor is under the hood with 1GB of RAM aboard. 32GB of native storage comes on the GALAXY Note and that can be doubled by using a micro SD card up to 32GB. Of course, there are two cameras on the unit. The 8MP shooter on back captures video at 1080p while the 2MP front-facing camera allows you to video chat. Don't forget the S pen stylus, which allows you to take notes all over the screen. Android 2.3 is pre-installed.

Samsung Exhibit II 4G is the first no-contract 4G smartphone to be sold at Walmart for cheap

For a while now, owning a 4G enabled smartphone meant plopping out an extensive amount of cash, but as the competition becomes increasingly fierce, we naturally tend to see price drops to extend their reach. Well folks, that’s what we’re seeing going on over at T-Mobile as the carrier officially announced it latest affordable 4G enabled smartphones – the Samsung Exhibit II 4G.

Perfectly complementing T-Mobile’s recently available prepaid $30 and $60 unlimited plans, the Samsung Exhibit II 4G has the prestigious title of being the first no-contract smartphone to be sold at Walmart, which will become available for purchase starting on October 27th. Furthermore, the handset is expected to become widely available nationally through T-Mobile and select dealers beginning on November 2nd.

Since it’s deemed to perfectly go hand-to-hand with its prepaid plans, the Samsung Exhibit II 4G is nothing more than a mid-range device. Specifically, it features a 3.7” WVGA touchscreen, single-core 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 3-megaouxel rear camera, front-facing camera, Wi-Fi, 4G HSPA+ connectivity, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

For those interested in owning this reasonably priced handset, it’s going to be sold for $199.99 if you choose to pick it up as a no-contract device. Conversely, it can also be purchased as a postpaid device for $29.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate.

Google says Face Unlock will not work with a picture

The new Face Unlock feature for Ice Cream Sandwich is one of the more intriguing features that will be available, we don't know a lot about how it exactly is going to work. Obviously, it would have helped if the demo at the Galaxy Nexus announcement had actually worked, but since we don't have that, we have to just guess.

The Cyanogen lead developer Koush tweeted that it seemed like it would be easy enough to game the system by using a photograph to hack into someone's phone. It's a valid worry, but also one that shows a pretty small amount of faith in the Google engineers. That fear has been put to rest by Android-focused Developer Advocate Tim Bray, who has said that a photo will not be enough to unlock your phone.

Now, the big question is in how long Face Unlock will take to get you into your phone. Face Unlock sounds great, and Google is known for pushing its products to be fast, but Face Unlock needs to be very fast to keep users content.

ChatON, Samsung's answer to BBM and iMessage, is now on the Android Market

The ChatON instant messenger, courtesy of Samsung, has landed in the Android Market today and is available to anyone holding on to a device running Android 2.2 or higher. Yes, that is correct. Even though the Korean manufacturer is behind the service, using it is possible on any compatible Android smartphone regardless of its make.

ChatON is Samsung's blow against BBM and iMessage, and unlike the two of them it is not proprietary, which is why it isn't available exclusively to Samsung devices. What's more is that iOS and BlackBerry OS versions of ChatON are about to be released soon as well.

Besides one-on-one conversations, the service supports group chats, broadcasts, animated messages, as well as sending pictures, videos, audio, location data, calendar entries and contact information to your buddies. There are also a few more perks like the so-called Interaction Rank, which shows how active a user is at ChatON, as well as the ability to comment on user profiles.

Feel free to check out ChatON in action below, and if it sparks your interest, hit the source link to get it from the Android Market. Once you try it out, the comment section is all yours, so do not hesitate to share your impressions with us.

Google Q3 report shows record earnings, but doesn't talk Android

Google held its earnings call for Q3 2011 today and the numbers are looking good for the company. On the purely financial side of things, Google is reporting record earnings. Year-on-year revenue was up 33% for Q3 clocking in at a whopping $9.72 billion, which beat the estimates by almost $1 billion.

Unfortunately, there was nothing about Android or mobile revenue in the earnings call. The call broke down revenue generated from Google sites and the AdSense network, but did not cover specifics on AdMob revenue, or Android Market revenue. It is possible that Google is saving this information as an homage to Steve Jobs, and it will be part of the announcement for Ice Cream Sandwich and the Nexus Prime, but we'll have to wait and see on that.

The Next Web attempted to do some "back of the napkin" math to approximate a number for total Android devices in the wild, but ended up assuming about 575,000 daily activations this quarter. Even the conservative estimates that we've seen have Android activating more devices per day than that, not to mention the more aggressive estimates which would have had Android activating at least 750,000 devices per day in Q3.

We're hoping we see a better breakdown of mobile next week at the ICS event, but regardless, Google had a great quarter, and the company stock has jumped 35.61 points (6.37%) in after hours trading since the earnings call was made.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus appears in Verizon's system with LTE, pictures from the phone pop online

A screenshot from Verizon's Device Management system now clearly lists a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and 4G LTE connectivity seems to be a go, but it won't be a world phone.

Could this be a sign that Verizon will indeed have an exclusivity period with the most awaited Android phone out there, and the GSM version will be coming at a later point?

After all, Android's proliferation in the US started with the DROID line on Verizon, so Google might be paying a little tribute here, or it just wants to flaunt the goods that come with LTE first.

We'll know more come Tuesday, but in the meantime pictures have started popping up on Picasa, whose EXIF data shows a Galaxy Nexus origin. One of them has since been pulled, but incidents like these are usually indicative of imminent launch. Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Nexus is expected to feature a monstrous 4.65" 720p HD Super AMOLED display, and a 5MP camera capable of 1080p HD recording. Oh, and that Android Ice Cream Sandwich you see the statue of in the picture.

Samsung Dodges Europe Ban by Retooling Phones

Samsung plans to get around a European sales injunction by releasing upgraded versions of three Galaxy smartphones, hoping for an alternate solution to its patent battles with Apple.

The South Korean-based tech company says its upgraded phones have new technology that solves a Dutch court's ruling that its Galaxy S, SII and Ace smartphones violate Apple's patent for scrolling through photos. A ban on the Samsung devices was scheduled to go into effect in the Netherlands after October 13.

"We've fixed the technological problem and upgraded products to address the issue. They will be shortly available for sale," said Samsung spokesman James Chung, declining to comment on a launch date.

Apple originally claimed the Galaxy smartphone line violated more of its patents and "slavishly" copied its design, but the court only ruled on the photo scrolling technology, giving Samsung a grace period of until Friday to solve the problem.

Companies typically come to settlements that involve paying licensing fees to the patent holder. Samsung's upgraded phones, though, may be a way around such product bans. Samsung's idea could also allow it to keep the lucrative Galaxy line on European shelves without having to pay royalty fees to Apple, taking a new approach to patent settlements.

The new Galaxy line was announced as Samsung awaits a court ruling in Australia tomorrow, which may temporarily ban its Galaxy Tab 10.1 and hinder pre-Christmas sales. The South Korean smartphone maker is also awaiting a decision in California about a potential sales injunction.

The two companies have lawsuits pending against each other in Germany, Japan, France, Australia, and South Korea, and both companies have also filed complaints with the International Trade Commission.

Chung, though, said Samsung may retool its devices in other countries where Apple seeks or already won injunctions against the South Korean company's smartphones and tablet computers.

"Some of the technologies that Apple claimed violated their patents can be easily modified with alternative technologies," said Chung.

Samsung Droid Charge now only $199.99 at Verizon

Verizon Wireless has cut the price of one of their 4G LTE devices as the popular Samsung Droid Charge is now only $199.99 with a new two-year activation or a qualified two-year upgrade.

The Samsung Droid Charge was one of the first devices to run on Verizon’s blazingly fast 4G LTE network. Network aside, the Droid Charge is an all-around great Android-powered smartphone. It features a gorgeous 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display is fueled by a 1GHz Hummingbird processor.

On the back of the handset is an 8 megapixel, auto-focus camera that has the ability to record video in 720p HD. The front of the Droid Charge houses a 1.3 megapixel camera to help you with self-portraits and video chatting on the go.

It is no secret that every LTE handset to hit Verizon hasn’t exactly been, well, cheap. The Droid Charge was offered at the $299.99 price point for a while, just like the recently released Motorola DROID Bionic is priced at now. The HTC Thunderbolt also saw a drop in price recently that brought it down to $149.99. So how much more of an attractive price is $199.99 for an LTE-capable smartphone like the Samsung Droid Charge? Tell us what you think.

Samsung And Google Postpone Google Nexus Prime Launch

Earlier today we got to see our first photo and a video of the new Samsung Google Nexus Prime, or the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which Samsung were expected to launch next week along with Google would be unveiling Android Ice Cream Sandwich. Now it would appear that both Google and Samsung have decided to postpone the launch of the Samsung Google Nexus Prime, and they have released the following statement.

Samsung and Google decide to postpone the new product announcement at CTIA Fall. We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced.

More information's:
http://www.stuff.tv/news/phone/news-nugget/galaxy-nexus-and-ice-cream-sandwich-launch-axed

Google Nexus S by Samsung Review:

Samsung Google Nexus Prime (Samsung Galaxy Nexus)

Samsung and Google are expected to unveil the Samsung Google Nexus Prime, or the Samsung Galaxy Nexus at Samsung’s Mobile Unpacked event next week, where we are also expecting Google Android Ice Cream Sandwich to be unveiled. Samsung has been teasing us with the design of the new Google Nexus Prime, and yesterday we got to hear some more Nexus Prime specifications, now we have a mock up design of the Samsung Nexus Prime, which is based on the Samsung video that we saw the other day.

The design looks very interesting, I guess we will find out exactly what it looks like next week, so far we have heard that the Google Nexus Prime will features Android Ice Cream Sandwich, plus a 4.65 inch Super AMOLED HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, and the display is said to feature curved glass. Other specifications on the Samsung Nexus Prime include a TI OMAP 4460 dual core Cortex A9 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 32GB of built in storage and a microSD card slot.

The Samsung Nexus Prime will also come with the advanced 5 megapixel camera that we heard about previously and the camera will be capable of recording Full HD video in 1080p. There will also be a front facing 1.3 megapixel camera, and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus will also feature LTE/HSPA support, NFC, plus 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth, plus it will come with a 1,750 mAh battery.

More information's:
http://nexusprimer.tumblr.com/
http://androidcommunity.com/new-nexus-prime-mockup-is-beautifully-speculative-20111006/

Google Nexus Prime: Everything We Know: