Original Samsung Galaxy Tab from Verizon gets Gingerbread update

Remember the original 7 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab? Verizon has given new blood to the ol' boy with a firmware update that gives the device a Gingerbread transfusion. The tablet was launched with Froyo installed and the update from Verizon adds some new features as well as Gingerbread functionality.

Android 2.3.5 is now on Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Tab

Besides receiving Android 2.3.5, the Verizon sold Samsung Galaxy Tab will also have improved word selection and copy functionality, improved security for the PIN method as when using the PIN on the device, you will no longer be asked to enter a symbol as a numeric entry and a "View Data Plan" icon will be available to let you adjust your plan. At the same time, a feature from Verizon Data Service gives you a real-time peek at the amount of data you have consumed for the month to make sure you don't go over your contracted amount.

Other new features coming with the OTA update are a download manager app, the ability to use the front-facing camera to record video, more accurate portrait and landscape re-sizing of widgets, support for Verizon's pre-paid service, and perhaps most importantly the update brings some security patches from Google.

Once you've allowed the update to proceed to the end, let us know what you think of the changes by dropping a comment in the box below!

Samsung wants Apple's Jonathan Ive to testify in court, and the iPhone 4S source code, too

Apple's chief product designer Jonathan Ive and others from his team have until December 1 to testify about Cupertino's claims that Samsung is infringing on its design patents with its Android phones and tablets. The deadline was November 1, but Samsung filed to extend it, since the designers would have been available after that date. From Samsung's motion:

"Mr. Satzger is a former Apple employee represented by separate counsel. He is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 because, during the month of October, his lawyer has a full deposition schedule in a separate class action matter.

Mr. Nishibori is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 because he currently is on a voluntary leave of absence from Apple.

Mr. Ive is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 for personal reasons.

Mr. Stringer is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 because of work and scheduling conflicts."

The Californian trial is actually scheduled to begin in the summer next year, and these testimonies will be used by the defense. Oh, if we could be a fly on the wall during Jony Ive's testimony a lot could be learned about the way Apple designs its products, but we are keeping the hope for some court leaks.

Meanwhile, Samsung is demanding to see the source firmware code of the Apple iPhone 4S in Australia, while its own Galaxy Tab 10.1 is still under sales ban there, and waiting for an expedited hearing. The company also wants to be shown the subsidy deals Apple has signed with different Australian carriers.

All these are a part of the counter-lawsuit Samsung launched in Australia against the new iPhone 4S, claiming it infringes on its patents for the 3G standard. The court will have to determine if these patents have been offered to Apple to license under the reasonable FRAND terms, while Samsung says these terms are not applicable to Australia.

Hugo Boss Samsung Galaxy Ace Announced

Some of our reader will remember the Samsung Galaxy Ace that we reviewed a while back, now it would appear that Samsung is releasing a special edition of the Samsung Galaxy Ace with clothing designer Hugo Boss.

The Hugo Boss Samsung Galaxy Ace shares the same specifications as the original device, with a 3.5 inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, a 5 megapixel camera and a microSD card slot. This designer Samsung Galaxy Ace is expected to go on sale in November, and it will come with Android 2.2 Froyo, there are no details on how much more you will have to pay for the Hugo Boss name on the handset, have a look at our review of the Samung Galaxy Ace to see what we thought of it.

More information's:
http://www.journaldugeek.com/2011/10/31/samsung-galaxy-ace-hugo-boss/
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2011/10/hugo-boss-edition-samsung-galaxy-ace/

Samsung Touchwiz Hugo Boss firmware: