Update - 17

Official Samsung Android 4.0 update list Posted: 19 Feb 2012 04:23 PM PST Getting the latest version of Android is a constant concern for the enthusiasts out there, and Android 4.0 is one of the more significant shifts we’ve seen. So it’s understandable that people are clamoring to know when they’ll be getting it. Samsung’s dramatic rise to popularity amongst Android users in general and our readership specifically, coupled with the fact that they have been responsible for the last two Nexus devices, means that they perhaps have the largest target on their back. Our list of Samsung devices that will and won’t be receiving Android 4.0 can be found at the bottom of this post and will be updated as new information becomes available. Will my device be updated? As you are no doubt aware, Samsung was first out of the gate with Android 4.0 on first the Galaxy Nexus and then the Nexus S, but those are Nexus devices and that was to be expected. They have, in my opinion, been slightly less forthcoming than some of the other major manufacturers about their plans for the rest of their lineup. The sheer number of devices they have released is no doubt at least partially to blame and despite often releasing the same line of phones (e.g., Galaxy S II) across many carriers, there are minor hardware variations in each that render the shared name less meaningful. While Samsung hasn’t given a comprehensive upgrade list yet, it is worth nothing that thus far Samsung has not committed to upgrading any of their single core devices. So for the time being, that’s probably the best indicator of whether your Samsung device will be updated to Android 4.0. But don’t conclude that if you do have a dual-core device then the update is guaranteed. Latest Android 4.0 update news from Samsung 1/3/12 - Samsung Galaxy S won’t be updated to Android 4.0 – “value pack” or otherwise After a brief rumor surfaced that the Samsung Galaxy S variants might see an update to Android 4.0 that stripped out TouchWiz to make room (basically the dream scenario), the hopes of millions of Galaxy S owners were extinguished like so many Alderaanians. (Too soon?). It wasn’t a terribly surprising decision, but considering this was the device that put Samsung on the map for Android users it would have been nice if they could have pulled it off. 12/20/11 – Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II to lead Samsung’s Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades in Q1 2012 This was Samsung’s biggest release of information regarding their Android 4.0 plans, but only positively identified a timeline for the Note and Galaxy S II. Samsung devices that have Android 4.0 Samsung Galaxy Nexus (Global Version) Samsung Galaxy Nexus LTE Samsung Nexus S Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (unreleased) Samsung devices that will  receive Android 4.0 update in Q1 Samsung Galaxy Note (Global version) Samsung Galaxy S II (Global version) Samsung devices that will receive Android 4.0; timeline unknown Samsung Nexus S 4G (likely Q1) Samsung Galaxy Note (AT&T) Samsung Galaxy S II (T-Mobile) Samsung Galaxy S II, Epic 4G Touch Samsung Galaxy S II (AT&T) Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD Samsung Galaxy R Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus Samsung devices that will not be updated to Android 4.0 Samsung Galaxy S Samsung Galaxy S Captivate Samsung Galaxy S Fascinate Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant Samsung Galaxy Tab 7

LG officially unveils the Optimus Vu, its 5″ entry into the phablet market Posted: 19 Feb 2012 07:20 AM PST Not content simply waiting for their chance to shine at Mobile World Congress next week in Barcelona, LG has sent out some official press shots and confirmed the spec sheet for the Optimus Vu superphone. With the Optimus Vu, LG hopes to steal some of the spotlight away from Samsung’s Galaxy Note, as the Optimus Vu will be the next device to blur the line between smartphone and tablet. Specs on the Optimus Vu include: 5″ IPS LCD display, with 1024 x 768 resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU Android 2.3 Gingerbread (though, we suspect this may be running Android 4.0 soon after officially launching – LG promises within 3 months) Stylus-input capable with stylus-friendly applications built in 8 megapixel rear-camera likely to come with 1080p HD video capture 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera 650 nits brightness on the display, mirroring the super-bright display found in the ASUS Transformer Prime 32 GB built-in storage (no word on microSD slot) While we like that LG has decided to go with the potentially more svelte 5″ display (vs. the 5.3″ monster that is the Galaxy Note), the press shots in LG’s press release reveal a device that’s none too pleasing on the eyes. While the Galaxy Note brought us more of what we love, looking exactly like a bigger Galaxy S II, the LG Optimus Vu looks like a big, boring rectangle. It’s sad, really, as the LG G2x/Optimus 2X was one of my favorite looking phones with the chrome accent on the back of a gray-ish slab. Hopefully we’ll see the Optimus Vu get a bit of a facelift before it launches to the masses later this year. Anyone out there interested in the Optimus Vu? We’ll have some hands-on time with the Vu in Barcelona next week. To hold you over, check out the video LG leaked a few weeks ago below. Show Press Release LG UNVEILS UNIQUE 4:3 RATIO, 5-INCH OPTIMUS VU: AT MWC 2012 With Productivity in Mind, LG Demonstrates its LTE and Display Leadership with Device that Does, Well, Everything SEOUL, Feb. 19, 2012 – LG today unveiled one of the most anticipated LTE devices, the Optimus Vu:. Equipped with LG's advanced LTE and IPS display technology, the Optimus Vu: offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability. Running on a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GM internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: is a multimedia lover's dream device. "The Optimus Vu: was designed to maximize what customers could do with a smart-phone," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. "By offering an optimal 4:3 ratio viewing experience, 5-inch display combined with superfast LTE technology, Optimus Vu: is just one example of what we can achieve when we combine our best technology with customer needs." The large 5-inch display with bright 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable. The 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for viewing to grasp more at a glance and note taking to increase productivity in everyday life. Moreover, IPS display realizes every color in its natural state for the best viewing experience even under bright sunlight. Backed by unparalleled speed and performance from LG's advanced LTE technology, the Optimus Vu: boasts unmatched productivity. Its unique built-in QuickClip™ hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium™ pen. Among many productive apps installed in the Optimus Vu:, the included Polaris Office allows users to open any document, spreadsheet or presentation while on the go. At only 8.5mm, the Optimus Vu: is the slimmest among all LTE phones currently on the market and is perfectly suited for a hand and fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. Despite the large 2,080mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: adopts LG's exclusive floating mass technology to appear slimmer than its actual dimensions. In addition to HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Optimus Vu: comes with 32GB memory and an 8-megapixel camera. While it will initially launch running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is already in the works. The Optimus Vu: will be introduced in Korea in March. Additional information on the unique Optimus Vu: can be found at the LG Stand (Hall 8) at MWC 2012 from February 27 to March 1. Key Specifications: Chipset: 1.5GHz Dual-Core Processor Display: 5-inch (1024×768) IPS Display Memory: 32GB eMMC and 1GB DDR2 Camera: 8MP with AF LED Flash (rear) and 1.3MP (front) OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread Battery: 2,080mAh Dimension (L x W x D): 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm

AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note available now for $299 Posted: 19 Feb 2012 06:49 AM PST After generating quite a splash across the ocean, and already making a name for itself here in the States, the Samsung Galaxy Note is finally available from AT&T. With a 5.3-inch display and S Pen technology, the Galaxy Note is easily one of the most talked about Android devices in recent memory. After a commercial for the Note aired during the Super Bowl, everyone online was talking about Samsung’s latest “phablet,” and the stylus that comes with it. Whether you’re for or against the Note’s massive display and unconventional input options, it promises to deliver on all fronts (well, except for pocketability). For $299 with a two-year contract, the Galaxy Note comes in either Ceramic White or Blue Carbon, and boasts a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3, 16GB of internal memory, 1GB of RAM, Android 2.3.6 (with a promised update to Android 4.0) and access to AT&T’s 4G LTE network. If you’re looking to score your own Galaxy Note on Ma Bells airwaves, visit AT&T or Amazon online now. Be on the lookout for an Android and Me Galaxy Note review coming soon.