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Samsung announces Galaxy Ace 2 and the Galaxy mini 2

Feb 212012

Samsung today announced two new additions to its Galaxy lineup: the GALAXY Ace 2 and the GALAXY mini 2.

“Launched in 2011, GALAXY Ace and GALAXY mini have been a huge success in the global market. Today, we introduce GALAXY Ace 2 and GALAXY mini 2 with upgraded features and services,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “Our goal remains the same—to continue to create new and improved mobile experiences that deliver something suitable for everyone. This is the hallmark of Samsung’s GALAXY range and what has made the GALAXY brand such a runaway hit with consumers around the world.”

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 specifications:

Processor: 800MHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band GPRS/EDGE and dual-band HSDPA 14.4Mbps
Other connectivity: GPS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0, Optional NFC
Display: 3.8-inch WVGA (480×800) PLS LCD
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 768MB RAM
Storage: 4GB onboard and microSD cards
Rear-facing camera: 5MP AF with flash
Front-facing camera: VGA
Battery: 1,500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 62.2 x 118.3 x 10.5 millimeters, 122 grams

Samsung Galaxy mini 2 specifications:

Processor: 800MHz single-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band GPRS/EDGE and dual-band HSDPA 7.2Mbps
Other connectivity: A-GPS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, DLNA
Display: 3.27-inch HVGA (320×480) LCD
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 4GB onboard and microSD cards
Rear-facing camera: 3MP FF
Front-facing camera: None
Battery: 1,300mAh
Dimensions / weight: 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.9 millimeters / 106.8 grams (NFC) or 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.6 millimeters / 105.3 grams (Non-NFC)

The Samsung GALAXY mini 2 will launch initially in France in March while the Samsung GALAXY Ace 2 will initially be available starting in the UK in April. Both will be rolled out globally but further details were not announced.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now available

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 212012

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook Good news today for BlackBerry PlayBook owners. Research In Motion today announced the release of the much anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.

“Building on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet’s proven web browsing, multimedia and multitasking strengths, the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 introduces a range of new communications and productivity enhancements as well as expanded app and content support,” said David J. Smith, SVP Mobile Computing, Research In Motion.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 (version 2.0.0.7971) brings the following new features and enhancements to the PlayBook:

Integrated email client with a powerful unified inbox (including messages from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter)
Social integration with Calendar and Contacts apps
Updated BlackBerry Bridge app wit a new feature that lets a BlackBerry smartphone act as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a BlackBerry PlayBook
Improved mobile productivity with new Print To Go app, an updated virtual keyboard with auto correction and predictive next word completion
New apps and content including a new BlackBerry Video Store (initially available in the U.S. with other countries to follow) and enhanced web browsing capabilities

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update is now available as a free download for all BlackBerry PlayBook tablets. It weighs in at about 402MB. If you need to, go to “Software Updates” and select “Check for Updates.”

HTC Radar 4G coming soon to WIND Mobile

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 202012

WIND Mobile is getting ready to launch its first Windows Phone 7.5 device. It now lists the HTC Radar 4G as “Coming soon” on its website.

The HTC Radar 4G is the intuitive phone that keeps it all on your radar and lets you get real-time close…with everything. Crafted from a single piece of polished metal, the HTC Radar feels solid in your hands. The design just speaks premium, and comfortably stands out from the crowd.

The AWS version of the HTC Radar will support quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GSM/GPRS/EDGE and tri-band (1700/1900/2100MHz) UMTS.

WIND Mobile is set to launch the HTC Radar 4G on February 21^st for CA$99 on the WINDTab+ or CA$399 without any tab.

Android 4.0 update delayed for ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

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Feb 172012

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer The Android 4.0 update for the original ASUS Eee Pad appears to have slipped further out. The last update suggested mid-February but a Facebook post by ASUS Singapore suggests it will now be later than that:

Dear fellow Asus members, we would like to say that we appreciate all the support we see in our Asus Facebook page every day. It makes our contributions worthwhile and fulfilling.

We are informed that the ICS upgrade for TF101 will be ready within the Feb/March 2012 period. You will be able to receive the upgrade notification via FOTA once we have a confirmation date.

We thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter

ASUS had originally indicated that the update would come “a.s.a.p.” after the release of the one for the Transformer Prime. ASUS has since then pushed it out a number of times. No reason has yet to be given for these delays.

Google Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) coming in Q2?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 162012

Google Android 4.0 has barely made it onto about 1% of all Android devices that Google may be gearing up to launch the next major version of the mobile OS. Digitimes is reporting that Google could launch Jelly Bean (Android 5.0) sometime in the second quarter (perhaps at Google I/O 2012?). The move could be tied to Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 release and the claim that “Android 4.0 has fallen short of original expectations.”

The report adds that Android 5.0 will feature further optimization for tablet devices. The new version could also make it easier for tablets to support both Android 5.0 and Windows 8 and allow customers to switch between the two without rebooting. Could Google be about to once again split Android into smartphone and tablet versions (as it did with Android 3.0 before reunifying them in Android 4.0)?

Given that most people are still waiting for Android 4.0, a new version (especially with the capabilities listed here), such a launch seems premature. It could end up harming the Android ecosystem more than help it.

This one will stay in the wild rumours category until more information comes to light…

RIM to launch BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 on February 21st?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 152012

While a number of past rumours have suggested that Research In Motion would launch its much anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 on February 17^th, users may have to wait a bit longer if the latest rumour turns out to be true. According to N4BB‘s sources, RIM will release the update on February 21^th.

For its part, RIM has only officially confirmed a release sometime in February. The update will add features such as native email, calendar, contacts and an improved BlackBerry Bridge. According to the report, one notable omission will be BBM which will not be ready in time. This should not be news as RIM itself announced that BBM would not be included back in October.

Samsung Galaxy Note now available in Canada

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Feb 142012

The much anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note is now available in Canada from Bell Mobility, Rogers Wireless and TELUS Mobility.

Samsung Galaxy Note specifications:

Processor: 1.4GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 (upgradeable to Android 4.0)
Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0
Display: 5.3-inch WXGA (1280×800) Super AMOLED with Gorilla Glass
Input: Capacitive touchscreen, S Pen digital pen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 16GB onboard and micro SD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: 2MP
Battery: 2500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65 millimeters / 178 grams

Prices start at CA$199.99 with a three-year contract at all three carriers. Bell is also offering it for CA$729.95 with no contract. Rogers is also offering it for CA$599.99 with a two-year contract, CA$649.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$699.99 with no contract. TELUS is also offering it for CA$679.99 with a two-year contract, CA$729.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$779.99 with no contract.

Samsung announces GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) tablet

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Feb 132012

Samsung today announced its first new tablet for 2012. It is fitting that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) is the successor to its very first Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

“Two years ago, Samsung GALAXY Tab began to offer customers more possibilities on the go. Since then, Samsung has actively enhanced our tablet line-up with several tablets in different sizes,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “The new GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) will provide people with delighted multimedia experience and allow efficient communication.”

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. (7.0) specifications:

Processor: 1GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band HSPA+ 21Mbps on 3G model
Other connectivity: A-GPS (on 3G model only), 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0,
Display: 7-inch WSVGA (1024×600) PLS
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 1GB RAM
Storage: 8/16/32GB onboard options and microSD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 3MP FF
Front-facing camera: VGA
Battery: 4,000mAh
Dimensions / weight: 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 millimeters, 344g

Offered in both in 3G and Wi-Fi versions, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) will launch first in the UK in March. It will be available in other global markets later. Pricing information was not provided.

Google announces Chrome for Android

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 092012

Google yesterday introduced Chrome for Android. Currently in beta, it brings Google’s browser to to Android 4.0 phones and tablets.

Like the desktop version, Chrome for Android Beta is focused on speed and simplicity, but it also features seamless sign-in and sync so you can take your personalized web browsing experience with you wherever you go, across devices.

Chrome for Android is very similar to its PC cousin but features a few differences as well. For example, tabs are implemented slightly differently to make them more suitable to smaller screens. Switching between tabs is done by swiping or flipping as you would with a deck of cards. Selecting links is also easier with Link Preview which zooms in on links to make them easier to select.

Signing into Chrome and Chrome for Android allows you access open tabs, sync bookmarks and share autocomplete suggestions.

Chrome for Android is now available as a beta release from the Android Market. It requires a phone or tablet running Android 4.0.

7mm-thick quad-core Samsung Galaxy S III to launch in May?

Posted by Jerome 1 Response »

Feb 062012

Samsung A report by Korean Electronic Times News sheds new light on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S III. Citing unnamed sources, it provides not only a possible launch date but new details about the device itself.

The report begins by indicating that the Samsung Galaxy S III will launch in May (a bit later than earlier rumours suggested). It does not indicate where the launch will take place although Samsung’s home country of South Korea is likely with other markets to follow.

The report adds that the Samsung Galaxy S III will be among the thinnest smartphones. It could be as thin as 7 millimeters (a sizeable reduction over the Galaxy S II’s 8.5 millimeters) although there may be bump around the camera module as it will be the same as the Galaxy S II’s. Supporting other reports, it also has it coming with Android 4.0, a quad-core processor, a Super AMOLED Plus display, an 8MP rear-facing camera, and a front-facing 2MP camera.

The Google translation is difficult to follow but Samsung could, as it has done with the Galaxy S II, release different variants, including ones supporting improved cameras, 3D (something we already heard) and pen-technology.

For its part, Samsung has only confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S III will not be unveiled at Mobile World Congress but will get its own event later.

Read more: ETNews (in Korean) [Google translation] (Source: BGR)

Faster LTE Rocket stick and Rocket mobile hotspot coming soon to Rogers

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Feb 062012

Rogers Communications Rogers today announced that it will soon launch two additional LTE devices as well as some new LTE plan options. On the device side, it will launch a new LTE Rocket stick, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 330U, and a new LTE Rocket mobile hotspot, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 763S.

“We are thrilled to offer Canada’s fastest LTE devices on Canada’s fastest and largest LTE network,” said John Boynton, Rogers Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We were the first to launch an LTE network in Canada and we have invested in the network technology that enables us to keep raising the bar for our customers to experience faster speeds, more devices and more LTE plan options.”

Unlike LTE devices that only support the 1700/2100MHz bands, both devices will support support 1700/2100MHz and 2600MHz, allowing LTE download speeds of up to 40Mbps, according to Rogers (compared to 12-25Mbps for the former).

Rogers is also extending its range of 4G HSPA+ mobile internet plans to cover LTE devices. Among these are the Flex Rate plan for Rocket stick and mobile hotspot starting from CA$22.93 per month and Flex Rate plans for tablets starting from CA$7.93 per month. It will also continue to offer its LTE Introductory Plan for CA$52.93 for 10 GB per month with a three-year-term. Plans include no overage fees for the first month.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 330U will be available “in the next few weeks” while the Sierra Wireless AirCard 763S LTE Rocket mobile hotspot will follow in the spring. Both can be reserved down at www.rogers.com/lte.

Thing Called Love: Samsung’s Galaxy Note Super Bowl ad

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 062012

Samsung aired its latest ad featuring fans of a competing product during last night’s Super Bowl. It featured the upcoming Galaxy Note rather than the Galaxy S II, The Darkness and a wild street party.

The Samsung Galaxy Note will be available in Canada starting on February 14^th from Bell, Rogers and TELUS. It should follow in the U.S. shortly after.

Galaxy Nexus now available from WIND Mobile and TBayTel

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Feb 032012

The Galaxy Nexus is now available from two more carriers: WIND Mobile and northern Ontario carrier TBayTel.

With Galaxy Nexus, cutting edge hardware complete with amazing Samsung features like an ultra-wide HD Super AMOLED screen, curved design, and thin form factor, meets the latest platform from Android, Ice Cream Sandwich.

WIND Mobile is offering the Galaxy Nexus starting at CA$249 on the WINDTab+ and up to CA$599 with no tab. TBayTel is offering the Galaxy Nexus for CA$99.99 with a three-year contract.

Vidéotron has also revealed that it will launch the Galaxy Nexus on February 8^th.

LG Optimus LTE coming to TELUS

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 032012

While TELUS may not have launched its LTE network yet, you can add another upcoming device that will support it when it does go live. The LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Note and Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE are being joined by the LG Optimus LTE (Bell Mobility already offers it). While TELUS has yet to announce it, confirmation comes from LG’s website:

LG Optimus LTE coming to TELUS

TELUS has not made an announcement for the LG Optimus LTE yet. Availability and pricing details are not yet available.

Read more: LG Canada (Source: MobileSyrup)

HTC Radar coming soon to SaskTel

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Feb 022012

SaskTel today announced via Twitter that it would soon launch the Windows Phone-powered HTC Radar.

Coming soon! The HTC Radar 4G with Windows 7.5 Mango will be making it’s way exclusively to SaskTel http://bit.ly/xVtwTv

HTC Radar specifications:

Processor: 1GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon
Operating system: Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and dual-band HSPA/WCDMA
Other connectivity: GPS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1
Display: 3.8-inch WVGA Super LCD
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 8GB onboard
Rear-facing camera: 5MP with LED flash and 720p HD video capture
Front-facing camera: VGA
Connectors: 3.5mm headphone jack, micro-USB
Battery: 1,520mAh
Dimensions / weight: 120.5 x 61.5 x 10.9 millimeters / 137 grams

No specific availability or pricing details have been provided yet.

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