Android Authority |
- Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update coming in Q3/Q4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.1 upgrades to follow
- AT&T to shut down its 2G network
- BLU Products launches VIVO 4.3, “world’s first” dual-SIM device with Super AMOLED Plus display
- 7-inch iPad Mini mentioned in internal Apple Galaxy Tab email [screenshot]
- IndoorAtlas uses magnetic fields for location-awareness in buildings and large structures
- Chinese Xiaomi Phone 2 to launch August 16 in seemingly indestructible packaging
- Cheaper Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note available when trading-in old device via Samsung
- Deal: Sprint Galaxy S3 available for $119.99 from Amazon Wireless
| Posted: 06 Aug 2012 02:41 AM PDT
The Galaxy S3 smartphone is the hottest Android smartphone in town, but the device is still running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. We have already seen unofficially Jelly Bean builds for Samsung's flagship device, including a CyanogenMod 10 preview ROM, but Samsung is yet to announce Android 4.1 availability dates for the handset. Furthermore, there are plenty of other Samsung devices we expect to get Jelly Bean soon, including the Galaxy S2, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2 and many others, but the South Korean company has not mentioned any Jelly Bean rollout dates for these devices either. Sam Mobile now has more details about each of these devices, although we'll have to take everything with a grain of salt until a Samsung exec confirms them. Galaxy S3According to the publication, the test Jelly Bean firmware for the Galaxy S3 has passed and the company is now working on a public Jelly Bean build version. Samsung is also reportedly waiting for "the agreement of Google" before releasing it. Add to that carrier involvement and you'll realize why late Q3 / early Q4 2012 sounds like a realistic released date for the Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update. Galaxy S2This is where the report gets interesting, as it hints at the possibility of the Galaxy S2 not getting Jelly Bean, at least not officially. Android 4.1 is still in testing for the 2011 handset, and "the first tests are looking fine." However, this quote is a bit disturbing:
Can Samsung really afford not to update the Galaxy S2 to Jelly Bean? That will definitely send the wrong message to its customers, not to mention that other OEMs could use it as an excuse not to update some of their own high-end 2011 devices. We’ll definitely cross that bridge when we get there.
The Galaxy S2 update is said to come out in Q4 2012. Galaxy NoteThe Galaxy Note’s Jelly Bean update status is similar to the Galaxy S2's. "Tests are fine" but there's always a chance things will change. The Galaxy Note is also expected to receive its Jelly Bean ROM in Q4. Galaxy Note 2The second-generation phablet is expected to be unveiled on August 29, just ahead of IFA 2012, and the device may very well come with ICS on board, although the insider isn't sure what Android version will be found on board. Considering that Samsung may be in a hurry to launch the phablet ahead the sixth-generation iPhone is unveiled, we wouldn't be surprised to see it running Android 4.0.x initially. In such a case, the Android 4.1 update is expected to be launched in early Q4 2012. We'll be back with more news on these updates – not to mention similar updates for other Samsung devices once we have it. In the mean time, let us know whether you have heard different things about these particular Galaxy Jelly Bean updates. This article, Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update coming in Q3/Q4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.1 upgrades to follow , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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| AT&T to shut down its 2G network Posted: 06 Aug 2012 02:31 AM PDT
Just in case you need numbers to point out the obvious, a recent Wireless Intelligence study has shown that the US is "responsible" for almost half of all the LTE connections in the world. However, despite the numbers above, what makes the US the most advanced country in the world when it comes to cellular technology is the fact that it might also be the first country where carriers completely shut down their 2G networks. And AT&T might be the first to do exactly that! According to a recently uncovered SEC filing, AT&T plans to completely shut down its 2G networks, both GSM voice and EDGE data, on January 1st 2017. AT&T, the second biggest carrier in the US by number of subscribers (second to Verizon Wireless) does not expect any major setbacks for the transition towards 3G and 4G, especially given that only 12 percent of its subscribers are currently using 2G-only phones. However, AT&T officials have also stated that they will make it a priority to make sure everyone gets a nudge towards the 3G/4G path well before the date mentioned above. The most probable scenario is that by January 1st 2017, every US cellphone owner will have already naturally moved on to 3G or 4G. I'm willing to bet that there won't be any carrier from anywhere else in the world (and here I'm strictly referring to other cellular-advanced countries such as the UK, South Korea and Japan) that will be in the position to shut down their 2G networks by that date. Obviously, this is not a race, but it sure does say a lot about the state of the US market. What do you guys think? When will the other US carriers shut down their 2G network and who will be there first? This article, AT&T to shut down its 2G network , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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| BLU Products launches VIVO 4.3, “world’s first” dual-SIM device with Super AMOLED Plus display Posted: 06 Aug 2012 02:23 AM PDT
The name BLU Products might not tell you much, but worry not, I doubt that the name tells much to anyone. Just digging up some basic information about the BLU Products, the self-dubbed "leader of the Latin America market with vision to expand worldwide", proves difficult. According to their Facebook page, BLU Products was founded in 2009 by two Latin American entrepreneurs, and is currently based in Miami, Florida. But besides that, the company reveals surprisingly little about itself. It seems that there is some sort of connection between BLU and the Plum Might, an under-$200 Galaxy Note clone that piqued our interest a few months back. Over the weekend, BLU Products launched another intriguing device – a dual-SIM, dual-core Android 4 smartphone fitted with a beautiful 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. With the VIVO 4.3, BLU follows the recent trend of OEMs claiming some sort of world record, like "world's thinnest", "world's fastest", or "world's best gaming smartphone". Even if these claims are questionable and ephemeral, they do get the attention of tech bloggers (I plead guilty) and readers, and ensure that the devices get their five minutes of fame. The VIVO 4.3 is supposedly the "World’s First Dual SIM smartphone device to feature Super AMOLED Plus Technology and Dual Core CPU". Neat, huh? In all seriousness though, this device is pretty interesting, especially considering that it will sell for a low $249 unlocked. BLU Products VIVO 4.3 specs:
The specs are not shabby for a cheap smartphone, expect maybe for the puny amount of internal storage. Nevertheless, that can be easily fixed with a microSD card. The VIVO 4.3 runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, with an interesting skin applied that makes it look like the short-lived Nokia N9 running Meego. I personally liked Meego's rounded icons, so it's good to see them make a comeback. In the design department, BLU seems to have taken inspiration from the big boys, as the VIVO looks like a cross between a Samsung Galaxy S2 and iPhone. Speaking of the S2, the VIVO 4.3 features the same display found on Samsung's 2011 flagship, which is excellent even for today's standards. Overall, the BLU VIVO 4.3 looks pretty interesting, and I can see it become quite popular in countries where people actively look for dual-SIM phones. BLU plans to sell the VIVO 4.3 primarily in Latin America and parts of Asia, although the phone will first become available in the United States for $249.99 unlocked from "major retailers" starting this September. Are you interested in the BLU VIVO 4.3? BLU Products announces the VIVO 4.3 – World’s First Dual SIM smartphone device to feature Super AMOLED Plus Technology and Dual Core CPUNew device meant to capitalize on the explosive growth and demand of Dual SIM smartphone devices in emerging markets as well as increased demand for unlocked smartphone devices in US MVNO ChannelsMIAMI, Aug. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – BLU Products, one of the fastest growing mobile phone manufacturers in the world, announced the new Vivo 4.3, becoming the first manufacturer to produce a Dual SIM device to include either a Super AMOLED Plus LCD, or Dual Core Processor – realizing increased performance, user experience and capabilities for consumers in emerging markets, as well as non-contract unlocked devices in the United States. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120803/FL51643 ) “We are extremely excited as we continue to pioneer the growing demand of Dual SIM handsets in emerging markets by offering the most outstanding Dual SIM smartphone available anywhere in the world today.” said Samuel-Ohev-Zion, CEO of BLU Products. “Additionally, this is the first in a series of exciting new Android devices we will be announcing, as we are actively and aggressively moving towards providing high performance, affordable smartphones to the ever growing unlocked no-contract segment in the United States.” The Vivo 4.3 features no physical hardware buttons on the front to ensure a seamless elegant design, and is run by a MediaTek MT6577 dual core 1GHz Cortex™-A9 CPU with 3G/HSPA connectivity, running the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Operating System. Additionally, the Vivo is designed to deliver high-end multimedia capability, with an 8MP camera, plus HD video recording and playback. The highlights of the phone include the rich viewing experience of the brilliant Super AMOLED Plus 4.3″ Display, along with true dual SIM capability allowing both SIMs to be active and receive calls simultaneously. The unlocked VIVO 4.3 will begin shipping to major US Retailers in September 2012 with an MSRP of $249.99 and will soon follow through Latin America, and parts of Asia. About BLU Products Contact: This article, BLU Products launches VIVO 4.3, "world's first" dual-SIM device with Super AMOLED Plus display , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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| 7-inch iPad Mini mentioned in internal Apple Galaxy Tab email [screenshot] Posted: 05 Aug 2012 04:40 PM PDT
A couple a days ago we talked about two important testimonies in the U.S. Apple vs Samsung court, Phil Shiller's and Scott Forstall's. Both are important figures inside Apple, both Senior Vice Presidents – of Worldwide Marketing and iOS Software, respectively – so it's certainly interesting to hear them speak about iPhone, iPad and Samsung while under oath. The emailOne of the interesting tidbits of Forstall's testimony was a reference to an internal email sent by Eddy Cue, who's also a Senior Vice President of Apple's, dealing with Internet Services and Software, back in 2011 and referring to the iPad mini – although that product name is not mentioned in the email. Now we have the actual screenshot of that email, via CNET, that was sent by Cue to Shiller, Forstall, but also to Tim Cook, who wasn't CEO at the time of that email – 24 January 2011. Here's what the email reads:
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| IndoorAtlas uses magnetic fields for location-awareness in buildings and large structures Posted: 05 Aug 2012 08:31 AM PDT
Researchers from Finland have developed a system that uses the Earth’s magnetic fields in positioning, borrowing from the adaptation that homing pigeons, spiny lobsters and dolphins have developed through thousands of years. GPS availability on mobile devices has opened up a whole world of opportunity for smartphone and tablet owners. Positioning systems give life to maps, navigation, location-aware apps and even promos for local businesses. However, the inherent disadvantage of GPS is that it requires line-of-sight to GPS satellites. GPS systems rarely give precise positioning data while indoors. Researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland are spinning off their work into a company named IndoorAtlas, which offers a positioing service for indoor locations. The concept borrows from the ability of some animals to use magnetic fields to “sense their true position relative to their destination,” which can lead them to “derive positional information from local cues that arise from the local anomalies of the Earth’s magnetic field.” IndoorAtlas basically brings the concept of the compass to a whole new level. While compasses follow the earth’s magnetic field to help find one’s bearings, IndoorAtlass will use magnetic fields generated by the Earth and other structures and objects to pinpoint one’s exact location. In stark contrast to regular compasses, though IndoorAtlas will work better in places where a traditional compass gets interference: indoors. A compass will have problems detecting the Earth’s magnetic field in the presence of large structures like concrete buildings reinforced with steel. IndoorAtlas, on the other hand, actually maps these ambient magnetic fields to determine location information more precisely. The company has already created a smartphone app for indoor mapping, and will release a toolbox for other developers to build upon. This will include three separate components: Floor Plans, Map Creator and an app creator. Developers should have fun with creating an image of a structure or building’s magnetic field. They will have to walk through the location to collect data. IndoorAtlas says the system should work on any smartphone with built-in magnetic sensors and will not require any external access points. The system offers an accuracy of 0.1 to 2 meters, which should be good enough for indoor positioning. Developers have already been building upon smartphones’ magnetic sensors, which includes both entertaining and useful apps. For instance, there’s Metal Sniffer, which turns your smartphone into a metal detector. Google’s flagship Nexus 7 is also found to have an extra magnetic sensor, which may be intended for Smart Cover-like accessories that automatically lock or unlock the tablet. The use of magnetic sensors to determine indoor locations may be the most significant development in this area, as it can augment GPS in indoor mapping and location services. This article, IndoorAtlas uses magnetic fields for location-awareness in buildings and large structures , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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| Chinese Xiaomi Phone 2 to launch August 16 in seemingly indestructible packaging Posted: 05 Aug 2012 08:26 AM PDT
The Chinese are apparently crazy over smartphones. After all, this country of 1 billion mobile phone users is the biggest and fastest-growing market for mobile devices today, and so brands are eager to get their wares marketed here. However, the Chinese are also a practical community, and here’s where bang-for-the-buck (or yuan) is considered important. Smartphone maker Xiaomi, for one, has launched its Mi-One earlier this year to rave reviews. At 1,999 yuan ($300) a pop, the Mi-One was a premium smartphone with a not-so-premium price. Xiaomi has reportedly sold 3 million units as of June, just a bit over six months after the phone’s December 2011 mass launch – Xiaomi released its initial batch of 600 units in September that year. With the startup launching version two on August 16, things are going to be interesting. Firstly, the packaging itself is quite the looker. The Xiaomi 2 comes in eco-friendly packaging that can withstand 180 Kg of weight (up from the Mi-One’s 80 Kg capacity). We can assume, of course, that buyers can pry the packaging open in some way, which will reveal the new flagship MIUI phone, rumored to come with the latest Qualcomm APQ8064 quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. Sources also say that the Xiaomi Phone 2 – or will it be named the Mi-Two? – will also have a bigger screen than the original release, at 720p resolution. Xiaomi employees, including its founder Lei Jun have been posting cryptic messages on the Sina Weibo microblog service saying “Xiaomi phonex2=816,798″ this weekend. It seems this refers to August 16, with “798″ being the culture- and arts-centric district near Xiaomi’s corporate headquarters. A Xiaomi rep has confirmed that launch date will be on August 16, and that the public can buy tickets for the event for 199 yuan, or about $31. It helps that Xiaomi was recently able to secure $216 million in funding from still-undisclosed investors. The company reports revenues of almost a billion dollars in the first half of 2012, earning $158 million monthly as of May. Xiaomi has had to sell the original Mi-One smartphone in batches due to production limitations. With its latest capital infusion, will Xiaomi be able to satisfy the interest it has drummed up with its second-generation phone? No related posts. This article, Chinese Xiaomi Phone 2 to launch August 16 in seemingly indestructible packaging , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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| Cheaper Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note available when trading-in old device via Samsung Posted: 05 Aug 2012 05:54 AM PDT
Earlier today, we showed you a great Galaxy S3 deal from Amazon Wireless, but unfortunately the electronics retailer only offeres the Sprint version for a cheaper price. Those of you that still want to get a great deal on a Samsung flagship device, whether it's the Galaxy S3, the Galaxy Note, or even the older Galaxy S2 handset, should know that Samsung has a new incentive for U.S. smartphone buyers. After purchasing one of the Galaxy S3 devices mentioned above, you should head on to Samsung's U.S. Facebook page to fill in a form and then send the company your used device. Samsung will then send you a check via mail later on, after evaluating your handset. There's not a fixed cashback offer in place, and it may be wiser to sell your older handsets via eBay or Craigslist, especially if they're former high-end devices still in good standing and in working condition. But if you don't want to deal with the extra hassle of finding a buyer for your former handset, then you could always choose to send the device to Samsung USA. It's worth mentioning that Samsung will accept any kind of device, so you won't be restricted to Samsung-only handsets. In fact, you can trade-in even iPhone models if you decide to move to a Galaxy high-end handset instead. Has anyone used the promotion? How much cash did you get from Samsung after sending in your old phone? This article, Cheaper Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note available when trading-in old device via Samsung , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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| Deal: Sprint Galaxy S3 available for $119.99 from Amazon Wireless Posted: 05 Aug 2012 05:21 AM PDT
Those of you that haven't purchased yet the Galaxy S3 from any of the seven U.S. carriers that have either launched or are getting ready to release it, should check out Amazon Wireless first, as the retailer has a great Galaxy S3 offer for you. Amazon currently offers the best price on the Galaxy S3, but we're still talking about subsidized devices, which require a new two-year contract. Furthermore, Amazon is only offering discounted Sprint Galaxy S3 units, so buyers can't really choose their carrier. The Sprint Galaxy S3 handset is available for $119.99 with new two-year contracts for customers that choose a new Individual or Family account or that add a line to a Family account. In case you want to upgrade an Individual or Family account, or add a line to an Individual account, you'll end up paying $149.99 to Amazon – again, after inking a new two-year deal with Sprint. The Sprint Galaxy S3 is currently in stock and ships in 24 hours. But you'll only be able to get the 16GB version, with Pebble Blue being the only color option. Meanwhile, Sprint's subsidized prices for the handset are $199.99 or $249.99, for the 16GB and 32GB version, respectively. The carrier has both blue and white versions in stock also. Those of you interested in paying full price for the 16GB Galaxy S3 model from Sprint, should go to Sprint stores instead of Amazon Wireless, as Sprint is offering the handset for $549.99, which is $40 cheaper than Amazon's offer. No related posts. This article, Deal: Sprint Galaxy S3 available for $119.99 from Amazon Wireless , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.
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