| C Spire Wireless adds SGS3 and Motorola Photon Q to lineup Posted: 10 Sep 2012 02:05 AM PDT 
C Spire Wireless is the latest carrier in the U.S. to bring the next generation of wireless technology to its subscribers. Along with the 4G LTE network deployment, several new high-profile Android phones have been introduced to run on the carrier's high-speed Internet network. We learnt back in June that C Spire has enlisted the Samsung Galaxy S3 to help bring some excitement to its Android lineup, now the Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE is joining the list of 4G-enabled device that C Spire will carry. There will also be a 4G LTE USB modem for those interested. While the Galaxy S3 isn't up for grab yet, you can make a reservation of some sort by pre-registering yourself. We're not sure how much the phone cost is at the time of this writing, but if we find out, we’ll surely run an update this article. As for the Photon Q 4G LTE, the phone is already on sale for $200; and it will come with the obligatory two-year contract. In case you didn't know, the Photon Q 4G LTE packs some serious specs under the hood. The phone boasts a 4.3-inch ColorBoost display (540 x 960), a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, a full slideout keyboard, and Ice Cream Sandwich. Seeing that the 4G network has just gone live, the coverage area is still pretty limited. As of now, it's only available in McComb and Greenville in Mississippi. Other markets to follow include Meridian, Brookhaven, Tupelo, and six NE Mississippi communities in Lee and Prentiss counties. Those living in Hattiesburg and Petal and Yazoo city can also expect to see 4G bars on their phones in the near future. Any C Spire subscribers out there excited to hear about the coming of 4G?
This article, C Spire Wireless adds SGS3 and Motorola Photon Q to lineup , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| ICS update for AT&T’s Samsung Captive Glide now available on Kies Posted: 10 Sep 2012 12:57 AM PDT 
The month of September welcomes another Samsung device on AT&T to the realm of Ice Cream Sandwich. After the official ICS update for the Samsung Captive Glide was promised five long months ago, it is finally being pushed out to eager owners of the slider phone. Don't bother checking your phone for the update notification, as AT&T and Samsung have opted not to take the OTA route. To upgrade your phone to ICS, you will have to use Kies PC companion software to download and install the new firmware to your Captivate Glide. You can get more information about that right here. Just a word of caution, several users have reported losing the keyboard backlight on their phone after installing the update. But a fix has been found that doesn't involve rooting the phone. If case you're facing the same problem, here's the link to the post at XDA. It would have been ideal for the cold treat to come during the hot summer days, but it beats not getting the update at all. Enjoy your hopefully bug-free ICS update and, as always, let us know how it goes! Related PostsRogers to Release Samsung Galaxy S Glide for the Holidays, Android ICS update for Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 is now available via Kies, Samsung Infuse 4G, Android 2.3.6 Update Available over Kies Mini
This article, ICS update for AT&T's Samsung Captive Glide now available on Kies , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| Has the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD 4G LTE received FCC clearance? Posted: 10 Sep 2012 12:51 AM PDT 
Want to be the first to own the 8.9-inch variant of Amazon's Kindle Fire HD 4G? If you pre-order the tablet now, Amazon has said that it expects to ship the tablet out on November 20. But those with sharp eyes may have noticed a disclaimer on the retailer’s website that could affect the tablet's timely delivery. It turns out Amazon hasn't gotten the green light yet from FCC to release the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD 4G. Here's what the disclaimer reads on the 4G device's preorder page: "This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained". While there are conflicting reports about the status of the device, an FCC representative has confirmed to Electronista that the Kindle Fire HD 4G hasn't gone through the agency's rigorous testing procedure. The culprit, apparently, is the new design for the cellular modem, which seemingly prevented Amazon from filing it early. "Should Amazon have given us the device earlier this summer it would have been done in time for the release, assuming the modem was in compliance", the representative said. This doesn't automatically mean that Amazon’s first tablet to sport a high-resolution display and 4G radio will be delayed beyond its expected November release. But it's certainly interesting to see whether Amazon would be able to obtain the approval on time. Related PostsNo related posts.
This article, Has the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD 4G LTE received FCC clearance? , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| Samsung about to break previous profit records Posted: 10 Sep 2012 12:36 AM PDT 
The graphic shown may be a year old, but it clearly documents Samsung’s rise to market dominance. It also shows HTC’s former glory days, but that’s a different topic. A year later, the South Korean company has done everything except create an Android kitchen sink and its profits reflect that productivity: Q4 aims to be in the neighborhood of $6.2B. Driven by 20 million sales, a mere 100 days after launch, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is the primary reason these revenue numbers look so good. Just a year ago, the company was taking a big bet on the original Galaxy Note, and lucky for them, it worked out. the original Note hit just half of what the S3 has, at 10 million sales. But nothing has been as successful as the flagship phone. On that Note (pardon the pun!), the second gen phablet has seen an increasing amount of competition from the likes of the Nexus 7 and rumors of a mini iPad. Samsung still thinks its bottom line will rocket forward because of the small tablet device, just unveiled at IFA 2012 in Berlin. The aforementioned competition, in no small part, is what Samsung is counting on to drive epic sales numbers on the 2nd gen Note. Confidence comes easy when you’re king of the hill. I know most of you are wondering if the recent verdict against Samsung will hamper their growth and the bad news is: probably. The mere amount of $1.2B is nothing in light of a record-smashing $6.2B, just up from $5.9 in July. However, if an appeal fails to satisfy a judge and jury, Samsung could be facing a huge obstacle in one of its premiere markets. Only Q3 earnings post in October will show if there has been any “negative public image” effect on sales. Until then, it’s full steam ahead for the company, both with sales, and with due diligence in maintaining their strong American market presence. Related PostsNo related posts.
This article, Samsung about to break previous profit records , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update, where are the leaked Android 4.1.1 pre-release versions? Posted: 09 Sep 2012 04:42 PM PDT 
We keep talking about Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean updates for some of the hottest Android devices in town, Samsung smartphones and tablets included, but we're yet to see any roll out details for any of them. Luckily for Samsung device owners, we've seen a variety of leaks for some of the company's smartphones and tablets, which indicate that final Jelly Bean builds will be soon rolled out. The list of supported devices that already have a variety of leaked pre-release ROMs include the Galaxy S3 (international and North American versions), the Galaxy Note 10.1 and the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. In fact, even though it's the weekend, the Galaxy S3 received not one, but two Jelly Bean pre-release firmware versions these days, dated September 7 and September 9. A few hours ago we concluded that Samsung is simply doing this in order to have ordinary users test Jelly Bean builds for various devices ahead of the official update – this seems to be the simplest explanation for the countless leaks – so we can't but wonder where are the similar firmware versions for other popular Galaxy-branded devices. That list includes the original Galaxy Note and the Galaxy S2, among other devices, which should, at least in theory, receive Android 4.1.1 upgrades. Samsung did not mention when said updates will arrive. At the IFA 2012 Unpacked event, the company did say that the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 10.1 will be "soon" updated, but the images used during the presentation also included the Galaxy Note. Curiously enough though, the Galaxy S2 wasn't referred to. We didn't think much of it at the time, but now, with each new Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean ROM that gets leaked we can't but ask ourselves where the Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean leaks are. Sure, you can install Jelly Bean-based custom ROMs on the Galaxy S2, and we have already shown you how to do it – not that we advise you to go down that way. But that's not what all users will want to have running on their devices. And Samsung is not sharing any details about its Jelly Bean update schedule. An older rumor did say that Samsung is working on the Galaxy S2 version, but that wasn't a priority at the time, compared to the work needed for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Jelly Bean firmware. That rumor suggested that the Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean is on track for a Q4 2012 release, maybe as soon as October, but we haven't really heard any more details on the matter since then. What do you say, Galaxy S2 owners? Are you going to wait for the Galaxy S2 update to come out or are you buying a Jelly Bean-running device soon? Related PostsBell Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update leaked, works with Rogers and Telus versions too, Leaked Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean ROM appears on video, suggests Android 4.1 update is near, Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean OTA update leaked – Android 4.1.1 build I9300XXDLI1 dated September 3 [download]
This article, Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update, where are the leaked Android 4.1.1 pre-release versions? , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| Verizon Galaxy Note 2 spotted, release date not available; U.S. Cellular to get it too Posted: 09 Sep 2012 02:34 PM PDT 
We have just showed you all you need to know about the Galaxy Note 2, but we have one more tiny detail to add to the list of Galaxy Note 2 news, a detail that has just surfaced. It appears that in addition to the T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T Galaxy Note 2 leaks – in that particular order – we also have a Verizon Galaxy Note 2 rumor for you. According to Brief Mobile, the SCH-I605 is Big Red's Galaxy Note flavor, although there's no official confirmation from the carrier right now. As for launch dates, we don't have such information for you at this time either, but we'll remind you that Samsung did confirm the handset will be released in the States by the end of the year. In addition to the screenshot above that shows the device's code name, the publication has also found pictures uploaded from that device with the handset on Flickr, which means someone at Verizon has been testing the device already. Here’s one such photo dated August 16, well ahead of Samsung’s August 29 Unpacked mobile event in Berlin where the phablet was officially unveiled: 
In fact, here are some more details about the Verizon version, when it comes to specs and features: Our source claims the Verizon Galaxy Note 2 will be equipped with a quad-core Exynos processor and 4G LTE service. It will look identical to the international model, but have Verizon badging all over. Even the home button is branded. (We are working on getting pictures of that).
Moreover, the same publication reveals that in addition to the Big Four, regional carrier U.S. Cellular is also going to have the Galaxy Note 2 in stock, so we're looking at five rumored mobile operators rumored to launch the Galaxy Note 2 in the coming months in the USA. This is certainly an interesting approach from Samsung for this market, compared to the original Galaxy Note U.S. launch – AT&T only launched the device in early 2012, more than three months after its IFA 2011 announcement, with T-Mobile jumping on board the Galaxy Note bandwagon just recently, and only for a limited time before retiring the phablet. What carrier are you buying this device from? Related PostsSprint Galaxy Note 2 reportedly spotted as the Samsung SPH-L900, release date unavailable, T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 reportedly spotted as the SGH-T889, release date not available yet, 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 2 phablet coming on August 15, release date not available yet
This article, Verizon Galaxy Note 2 spotted, release date not available; U.S. Cellular to get it too , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| Samsung Galaxy Note 2 – everything you need to know about the Jelly Bean phablet before launch Posted: 09 Sep 2012 01:20 PM PDT 
The last two weeks have been very busy for the Android universe, with most players announcing all sorts of new smartphones and tablets, whether we're talking about the German IFA 2012 trade show, or Motorola's and Amazon's recent media events. Samsung's Unpacked event, which we attended in person last week in Berlin, was of course one of the most expected events of the show, as the company unveiled the Galaxy Note 2, its second-generation phablet. In case you're considering the device as your next Android purchase, then we'll remind you we have thoroughly covered the device for you, from specs and features, to release dates and pricing, to hands-on videos, interviews with Samsung execs and comparisons with the hottest Android devices in town. In what follows, we'll remind you everything you need to know about the Galaxy Note 2 ahead of actually purchasing the device. Galaxy Note 2 specs and featuresThe Galaxy Note 2 is a bigger Galaxy S3 version. We have the same design lines that you've seen in the company's 2012 flagship handset but at a bigger scale. The insides are also very similar to the Galaxy S3, but the Note is not just a phone, as it has plenty of tablet-like functionality. And, in case it matters, it comes with a stylus on board. As for actual specs and features, here's what you can expect from the handset: 5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD touchscreen display with 1280 x 720 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor, 2GB of RAM, 16/32/64GB of on-board memory with support for up to 64GB microSD upgrade, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with Auto Focus, LED flash and HD video recording, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, HSPA+ and 4G LTE support (where available), Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, A-GPS, and Glonass support, 3,100mAh user-removable battery with faster charging, S Pen support and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on board with TouchWiz UI on top and new S-Pen features. The Galaxy S3 measures 151.1 x 80 x 9.4mm and weighs 180g, and will be available in Marble White and Titanium Grey– these are the only colors announced for the device, at least for its launch. 
Galaxy Note 2 release date and pricingAhead of IFA 2012, Samsung was rumored to be interested in releasing the phablet as fast as possible in order to have the device in stores before Apple launches its sixth-generation iPhone this fall, but that doesn't appear to be the case anymore. The iPhone 5 is set to come out in mid- to late-September in various markets, while the Galaxy Note 2 will be launched in October in Europe and other international markets, and by the end of the year in America. Samsung failed to reveal actual launch dates for the device, but confirmed the device is coming out this year. We've already seen European carriers confirm the phablet: Three and O2 in the UK and Vodafone in Germany, with the latter also offering off-contract prices for the device – yes, Samsung didn't tell us how the Galaxy Note 2 will be priced once it's available. More interestingly, three out of the four Big Four carriers in the U.S. are rumored to carry the device, with only Verizon being left out for the moment. We have seen leaks that suggested T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T will get the phablet in the future, although release dates are yet to be leaked. Galaxy Note 2 hands on and ComparisonsWe didn't just attend the Samsung Unpacked event in Berlin where the company unveiled the Galaxy Note 2, the Galaxy Camera and other new products, we also took the device for a spin. We have an image gallery, a hands-on video preview, but also an interview with a Samsung exec about the Galaxy Note 2 for you. We also showed you Samsung’s own Galaxy Note 2 hands on video, while those of you interested in seeing the whole Samsung event (again) can check out this link here. A 5.5-inch tablet is great for enjoying content, but also creating content – which is one of the most important takeaways from Samsung's show, the Galaxy Note 2 is content creation-friendly, just like other Note-branded devices. But will a 5.5-inch phone be pocket-friendly (and I don't mean that metaphorically)? 
We have compared the Galaxy Note 2 to some of the most interesting smartphones and tablets out there to help you out with your buying decision. We pitted the Galaxy Note 2 against the original Galaxy Note (we also compared the displays of the two devices in a special post), Galaxy S3, HTC One X, LG Optimus HD 4G LTE, but also against the iPhone 4S and the Google Nexus 7. Check out the following fights that include our hands-on video comparisons: There's no final Galaxy Note 2 vs everyone else verdict, as the device will not appeal to all Android device owners out there – head on to the links above to see some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a Galaxy Note 2 vs buying one of the devices mentioned in those comparisons. But considering that the Galaxy Note became quite a successful product for Samsung, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Galaxy Note sell in the millions in the following year. Galaxy Note 2 international giveawayLast but not least, we have an international Galaxy Note 2 giveaway that you can still sign up for, and win. So don't make any Galaxy Note 2 buying plans at least until our competition is over. You may end up walking away with a free Galaxy Note 2 in the following weeks. Related PostsGalaxy S3 Jelly Bean coming on August 29 alongside Samsung Galaxy Note 2?, 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 2 phablet coming on August 15, release date not available yet, Samsung to debut Galaxy Note 2 at IFA in August, with Jelly Bean and 13MP camera on board
This article, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 – everything you need to know about the Jelly Bean phablet before launch , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| Deal: Cheaper T-Mobile Galaxy S3 available from Walmart, Target Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT  Target T-Mobile Galaxy S3 offer A couple of days ago we told you that the Amazon Wireless is currently running a Verizon Galaxy S3 promotion, offering the 16GB version for $60 or $50 less than the official carrier price to new and existing customers, respectively. At the time some of you wondered whether Amazon will not run the same promotion on other U.S. Galaxy S3 versions – and there are plenty of carriers to choose from in the country – and while we don't have such an offer for you yet, we can tell you that both Walmart and Target have cheaper T-Mobile Galaxy S3 versions in stock. So if you plan to buy the most popular Android device of the year bundled with a two-year contract from the nation's fourth largest carrier, then you can go ahead and check out these stores right away.  Walmart T-Mobile Galaxy S3 offer TmoNews reports that Walmart offers the 16GB Galaxy S3 for $148, while Target's offer is slightly more expensive at $169.99. Both special offers are available to both new customers but also existing T-Mobile subscribers that are planning an upgrade. Target's promotion runs through September 22, while Walmart isn't revealing how long customers will be able to take advantage of it. Meanwhile, those of you still shopping at T-Mobile, will have to pay $279.99 for the Galaxy S3, provided you're inking a new two-year contract. What do you say, Galaxy S3 fans, are you buying a discounted version from Walmart or Target? Related PostsWalmart to sell the T-Mobile G1 for less?, T-Mobile and Walmart are offering prepaid Samsung Galaxy S2 for $299 … Or are they?, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, other retailers join the mobile payment race with Merchant Customer Exchange
This article, Deal: Cheaper T-Mobile Galaxy S3 available from Walmart, Target , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| New Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean firmware leaks – I9300XXDLI5 – release date for final Android 4.1.1 update still not available [Download] Posted: 09 Sep 2012 11:48 AM PDT 
Those of you who are anxiously waiting for Samsung to finally release the Jelly Bean update for its hottest Android 2012 handset, the Galaxy S3, surely know by now that we have seen a plethora of Android 4.1.1 builds getting leaks for the international version, for T-Mobile's Galaxy S3, but also for the Bell Galaxy S3 variant, with the latter also working on other carriers in the region. These are not Jelly Bean-based custom ROMs, but they are instead leaked firmware versions that Samsung is apparently making available to the crowds intentionally. That seems to be the simplest conclusion we can draw at this time. What better way to test the ROMs and make sure they have as few bugs as possible when the get released than by offering leaks day after day? The same thing is happening with the Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, two of Samsung's latest tablets that have also received leaked Jelly Bean updates, which further suggests that the South Korean carrier is somehow using its customer base as Guinea pigs to test things out. As for the latest Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean version that can be installed on certain models, we're looking at build number I9300XXDLI5 that can be downloaded and flashed right away by anyone not interested anymore in waiting for the real deal. As always, we don't encourage you to run unofficial software on your devices, but it's up to you to decide which road to take with your gadgets. This latest leak is dated September 9, and according to Sam Mobile this is the "most stable leak EVER" – unless the publication is wrong, in which case we're going to see more leaks in the day to come. Because just yesterday the same source provided users with another Jelly Bean update, version I9300XXDLI4, dated September 7, that was, "the most stable leak EVER." Oh, snap! So does that mean that in a few days an even more stable leak is coming? Well, here's what these two pre-release builds bring to the table: I9300XXDLI4 Noticeable Changes: - Brightness Issue is fixed
- Wi-Fi reception improved
- RAM Optimizations
- Fast Battery Charging
- App Drawer much smoother
- Apps open really fast
- Very Fast and Smooth
I9300XXDLI5 Noticeable Changes: - Maps compass is fixed
- Maps arrow for direction is fixed
- UI is smoother and faster
- Smart Stay Improved
- Very Stable
- No FCs
In any case, what's certain is that Samsung has not yet announced release dates for its Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update, which is a typical move from an Android device maker, even though the company said more than a week ago, at IFA 2012, that the update is coming soon. Factor in the time carriers will take to push the update to their customers, especially in certain markets, and "soon" starts to mean something completely different. Related PostsSecond T-Mobile Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update leaks ahead of upcoming release [Download], Second Galaxy S3 Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean firmware leaks – I9300XXDLH4 [Download], Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean OTA update leaked – Android 4.1.1 build I9300XXDLI1 dated September 3 [download]
This article, New Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean firmware leaks – I9300XXDLI5 – release date for final Android 4.1.1 update still not available [Download] , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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| Amazon to allow ‘Special Offers’ opt-out for Kindle Fire HD for $15 Posted: 09 Sep 2012 08:29 AM PDT 
Amazon recently launched its latest line of Kindle tablets and e-readers, with the Kindle Fire HD as the flagship product. The e-commerce company is positioning its tablets in the lower-range of the price spectrum to better compete against the likes of the Google Nexus 7. In exchange, though, the tablets will display “Special Offers” on the lock screen and at the bottom of the screen on select pages. There has been some concern over news that Amazon would not be allowing any opt-outs from ads on all new models of the Kindle Fire, particularly since the $499 Kindle Fire HD 4G LTE is not exactly selling for an entry-level price as PCMag‘s Jamie Lendino puts it. Now TechCrunch says that Amazon has confirmed they are allowing buyers to opt out of the “Special Offers” feature (which is a spiffy name for on-screen advertising). We know from our Kindle reader line that customers love our special offers and very few people choose to opt out. We're happy to offer customers the choice.
This comes with a one-time payment of $15 for the life of the device, which ensures you no longer get any ads. In comparison, Amazon used to charge $30 to opt-out of Special Offers on the original e-ink Kindle. Is $15 a fair price to pay to opt out of Amazon’s special offers? Or should you be seeing ads in the first place, given that you’ve paid $499 for a Kindle Fire HD? Related PostsKindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD to lose Special Offers ads soon, not known how yet, Amazon: No opt out for Kindle Fire ads on all new models, Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD coming to UK & Europe on October 25
This article, Amazon to allow ‘Special Offers’ opt-out for Kindle Fire HD for $15 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source. 
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