World Of SAMSUNG: 16 Feb 2012

Thursday 16 February 2012

ICS mod gives Galaxy Nexus true full screen, disables virtual nav buttons

Android’s virtual navigation buttons, introduced in Honeycomb and expanded in Ice Cream Sandwich, have been something of a polarizing subject. While plenty of users appreciate the flexibility and aesthetic options they provide, others miss the physical feedback of real buttons, or would rather use the full size of the massive displays on current high-end phones. If you’re a Galaxy Nexus owner who falls into the latter camp, you’re in luck: XDA member “mrx8836350” (catchy!) has developed a method for banishing the navigation buttons altogether.

The tweak requires modifying your phone’s Framework.res file, and replacing the original with the modified version. This isn’t for the faint of heart, which is why the poster has supplied flashable ZIP files for the stock GSM Galaxy Nexus, Android Open Kang Project and Apex ROMs. Check out the source link for full instructions. For those who are wondering, the Nexus in its standard form uses true fullscreen only for properly-coded video apps like YouTube; most games and image viewers are stuck with grayed-out versions of the standard navigation buttons.
Check it out:
Of course, once you’ve disabled your navigation buttons, Android can get a little hard to… navigate. It’s a good thing that there’s already solutions for modded tablets without full Android buttons, like the Nook Color and HP TouchPad. Download Button Savior or Virtual Button Bar from the Android Market to compensate. As always, mod at your own risk, and make a Nandroid backup before trying anything fancy.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name

Manufactuer

Carrier

Announced Date

Release Date

Also Known As

Display

Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
Resolution : 1280x720
Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

Height : 5.33 Inch
Width : 2.67 Inch
Depth : 0.35 Inch
Weight : 135 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type

Lithium Ion

Battery Capacity : 1750 mAh
Talk Time : NA
Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS

4.0.x

Audio Playback

AAC
AAC+
AMR
MID
MP3
WAV
WMA

Video Playback

h.263
h.264 / AVC
MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging

Hardware

CPU

CPU Clock Speed

Core

Ram

Internal Storage

Front Facing Camera

Android Community Evening Wrap-Up: February 15, 2012

Earlier on today, we had found out CyanogenMod 9 may make use of Onskreen’s Cornerstone multitasking engine. It was just recently announced, and proved to be quite an amazing concept. Actually, we had wondered why the concept wasn’t already natively part of Android. Next, word got out that Verizon may release a white Galaxy Nexus with reduced price and storage. Reduced price is key here, and if a white model will be available at a reduced price, it’s almost certain another cheaper black variant could see stores too.

More manufacturers are finally starting to leak plans of quad-core devices to the public. First up, HTC will be releasing the HTC One X. This will undoubtedly constitute as one of their “hero devices”, so we’ll be on an extra-sharp lookout for any new information on it. Next up, the LG X3 quad-core was also detailed. Screenshots of benchmarks are available, and they do not disappoint. Both of these will likely be at MWC 2012, so expect a detailed hands-on with each.
Samsung may not be releasing the Galaxy S III at MWC this year, but they will likely unveil their Galaxy Note 10.1. That’s no typo – the device will actually be 10.1 inches, but don’t get too excited. We don’t expect it to have phone capabilities. Hopefully it does, but holding that tablet up to your face would look a bit silly.
And lastly, ASUS has delayed their ICS update for their original Transformer tablet to as late as March. It’s better later than sooner with bugs, and as you all know – their Transformer Prime software upgrades didn’t go that smoothly.

Verizon may get white Galaxy Nexus with reduced price and storage

If the Galaxy Nexus LTE on Verizon Wireless seems a little bland to you, and if for some reason you just hate having lots of storage space, you may soon find the perfect phone. Droid Life reports that Verizon will be getting a localized version of the Galaxy Nexus, just like the UK has already. Hold your wallets, Android faithful: their (anonymous) sources claim that this version will be reduced to half storage for a total of 16GB, and that’s no small matter when the phone is already without a MicroSD card slot. This jives with earlier rumors that the 32GB version has been scrapped all together, for both HSPA+ and LTE varieties.

On the plus side, a reduced storage option may indicate a lowered price as well. When Verizon stripped the 16GB card out of the DROID RAZR (which is also available in white) it dropped the price by a cool $100, giving the flagship phone a lower barrier to entry and sending bargain hunters to Google in droves to check the price of a 16GB card. The carrier still offers the 32GB version (16+16) for a full $299 on contract, so it might be using the addition of a white Galaxy Nexus to offer the same phone at a lower price point. This would leave the DROID RAZR MAXX and the HTC Rezound as the last of Verizon’s LTE headliner devices with only a $299 option.
The source claims that the basic metallic gray will also come in at $199 with a reduced 16GB capacity, for those who… just really like gray plastic, I guess. What’s the likelihood of this all being true? Given Verizon’s actions over the last few weeks, we’d say it’s as least as likely as not – keep in mind that the DROID RAZR has been on the market for a month longer than the Galaxy Nexus, so if Verizon’s pursuing a staggered price drop strategy, the timing would make sense. Since Verizon remains the only US carrier to offer the Ice Cream Sandwich developer phone at present, we’d be happy to see it within the grasp of more budget-conscious buyers.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name

Manufactuer

Carrier

Announced Date

Release Date

Also Known As

Display

Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
Resolution : 1280x720
Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

Height : 5.33 Inch
Width : 2.67 Inch
Depth : 0.37 Inch
Weight : 150 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type

Lithium Ion

Battery Capacity : 1850 mAh
Talk Time : NA
Stand By Time : 150 hours

Software

Android OS

4.0.x

Audio Playback

AAC
AAC+
AMR
MID
MP3
WAV
WMA

Video Playback

h.264 / AVC

Messaging

Hardware

CPU

CPU Clock Speed

Core

Ram

Internal Storage

Front Facing Camera

Samsung kills 32GB Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ model

Bad news if you’ve been waiting for the 32GB version of the GSM Galaxy Nexus, as according to retailers Samsung has cancelled plans to release the larger-capacity model. Already stung by delays, the 32GB HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus has now been dropped from production by Samsung altogether, according to a spokesperson from retailer Expansys, and “at this time it looks like they will not be releasing it.”

Meanwhile, the retailer’s pre-order page for the 32GB Nexus – which had initially been promising deliveries in early January, based on Samsung’s own timescales, but was then pushed back to February and subsequently into March – has been updated to show the phone as discontinued. The alternative suggestion is the existing 16GB model which went on sale last year.

The decision by Samsung is made all the more frustrating because the Galaxy Nexus’ storage options are more limited than most Android devices. While in many cases onboard capacity is less important, as there’s a microSD slot to augment it with affordable memory cards, the Galaxy Nexus lacks such expansion.
It’s been suggested that Google is trying to push reliance on its cloud storage options – Google Drive rumors resurfaced earlier this month, suggesting a full online storage product was imminent – but also that Samsung has been struggling to meet production demand of the cheaper 16GB model. Either way, GSM network users hoping to get 32GB for their media will have to struggle on without it.

Samsung eyes spinoff of LCD unit as profits slump

The LCD industry is facing some very tough times as profits for some of the largest companies are shrinking, making the future of the LCD industry murky at best. Samsung is one of the largest names in the LCD industry and the world’s largest TV and flat screen maker. The problem for Samsung is its LCD arm saw profits fall more than 10% in 2011 with demand for LCD panels softening.

With softening demand, sales prices of screens have declined, hurting profits. The tough road in the LCD panel market is affecting more than Samsung; it’s also affecting Samsung rivals LG and Sony. Some analysts place some blame for the soft market and falling prices on the panel makers themselves for continuing to produce screens over and above market demand. By producing too many screens, panel makers have forced themselves to slash prices to sell the excess production.
Strangely, despite the LCD panel market as a whole being in an oversupply situation Chinese firms are entering into the market and building new production lines only adding to the oversupply in the industry and forcing prices even lower. Prospects for growth in the LCD industry overall are slowing, but the OLED segment is set to boom in the coming years so many of these companies are expected to refocus on OLED panels to spur profits and growth. Samsung has estimated that OLED revenues will increase by 600% from now until 2014. With the difficulty in the LCD market, a spinoff of the Samsung LCD unit would help streamline Samsung’s business.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus N heads to Germany

The wave of Samsung Galaxy tablets continues today with yet another model hitting the shelves soon. Samsung has released a model for almost every size we can think of and today Samsung has outlined and priced their new Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus “N” model headed to Germany. It was announced back in January but now is coming soon. The difference over the current 7.0 Plus available today, is the N model has been changed to avoid the lawsuits and patent wars by Apple over in Germany.

Just like the Galaxy Tab 10.1 N this is specifically for the Germany markets that have been effected by the ban of Samsung tablets thanks to Apple and their lawsuits. The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus N will be exactly like the original, which we’ve reviewed and is linked to below. The specs all stay the same and it’s received a small design change. Those include a 7″ 1024 x 600 resolution display, Android 3.2 Honeycomb, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, micro-SD slot, 3 megapixel rear camera and 16GB of internal storage.
The Tab 7.0 Plus N comes with a 4,000 mAh battery and is only 9mm thick. Samsung has released a WiFi only and a 3G capable model for Germany and pricing is as high as 569 Euro’s off-contract for 3G and the WiFi model will ring in at 499 Euro. Pretty expensive tablet if you ask me. We loved this new 7″ model during our review but the price still seems too high.
Do you like the design changes? I wish all their tablets had a forward facing speaker but that’s just me.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus N revealed and detailed

The Samsung tablet wave continues with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus N and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus N Wi-fi, both of them complete with a dual-core processor and Android 3.2 Honeycomb aboard. These devices will be running Samsung’s custom TouchWiz UX user interface over the tablet-centric Android 3.2 and will come in 3G and Wi-fi-only versions. The 3G version comes complete with support for quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE as well as dualband UMTS/HSDPA+ up to 21 Mps/HSUPA – speedy!

These tablets have a 7-inch PLS multitouch touchscreen displays 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, Wi-fi b/g/n, and Bluetooth 3.0. The backs have a 3.2 megapixel camera capable of capturing 720p HD video, the fronts have a 2.0 megapixel camera for video chat. Each tablet comes with 16GB of built-in flash memory and have a microSD card slot with space for up to a 32GB microSD card.
Both tablets have a massive 4,000 mAh Li-Pol battery for one whole heck of a lot of up time, both weigh in at 345 grams, and both are the same size at 194 x 122 x 9.96 mm. These tablets will likely only be released in parts of Europe, starting with Germany, and will be available in pure-white or metallic-gray. The 3G version will cost 569 Euro off-contract and the Wi-fi version will ring in at 499 Euro. Sound like a deal to you?

Docomo Galaxy Nexus Pure Google Premium Campaign revealed and detailed

There’s a brand new Special Edition Samsung Galaxy Nexus out there folks, and it comes straight from Japanese mobile carrier Docomo. This limited run of Galaxy Nexus devices is also known as the SC-04D Special Edition and will include a special “Google Original Rear Cover” with a lovely white tree design etched into it as well as a “Pocket Charger 01″ which is essentially a rechargeable battery that can charge up your device on the go. This release of the device is limited to 20,000 applicants.

Thought we don’t suppose Docomo will run out of these units any time soon, those of you reading from Japan and deciding when would be the best time to pick up the Galaxy Nexus should probably jump on this deal now. This deal is first come, first served and only works with the Japan-centric model here, not the “Global Model” – sorry everyone else. The way you can get this package is to first either have or purchase newly the SC-04D version of the Galaxy Nexus and submit to Docomo.

The way you submit to Docomo for this special offer is to have purchased the SC-04D version of the device between February 1st and March 31st 2012 and head do your local Docomo store. From there you’ve got to either scan the QR code they’ve got on hand or simply plug in the URL they’ve got handy to order your free Premium set. Look like the loveliest Galaxy Nexus you’ve ever seen? Grab one now!

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 accidentally noted?

Samsung could be planning to launch a 10.1″ Galaxy Note if details on the companies MWC Developer Day invitations are anything to go by. Under the heading ‘EXHIBITION FOR DEVELOPERS’ the Galaxy Note 10.1 is clearly listed alongside the Galaxy Note, Wave 3 and Wave Y.
Debates are now spreading throughout the tech world like wildfire as to whether this is a new product or an unfortunate typo for the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Further investigation has unearthed a Samsung casting call looking for teen students to audition for the role of a Galaxy Note 10.1 user. Samsung then stirred up an even bigger frenzy by promptly removing the blog page from its website.
Samsung’s naming and sizing procedure could all become very confusing if the Galaxy Note 10.1 does turn out to be genuine. We could find ourselves faced with a 7.0″ Galaxy Tab which is actually smaller than than 10.1″ Galaxy Note. Could it be that the Unique Selling Point and differentiator for the Galaxy Note series is the inclusion of the S Pen? The only other USP that immediately springs to mind in the Galaxy Note series is the inclusion of cellular radios, maybe Samsung are looking to bring that 80′s look back into fashion!

Check out the invitation and let us know your thoughts.

Release Dates For Galaxy Nexus Accessories Pushed Back Again

Soon after the release of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on December 15th, 2011, it was announced that some “official” accessories would soon be following. Some of these accessories included a charge able car dock with audio out, a desk stand with a 3.5mm headphone jack that would use the phones “3 gold dots” to charge and a desktop dock with HDMI-out.

If you’re a Galaxy Nexus user, you’ve surely been disappointed by the constant push-backs of the release date for these accessories. It appeared that the official release date for the car dock was today, but it’s been pushed back again to February 28th. Fortunately, the rest of the accessories retain their original release date of February 29th, and it seems to me this might actually be the reason the release date for the car dock was pushed back again, because I’m thinking they want to release them all as closely to each other as possible. This begs the question though, why release only one, just one day before the release of the others? Beats me.

Samsung Ditches Plans For 32GB GSM Galaxy Nexus

Samsung makes really good phones, I feel I need to say that before I continue. Why? Because Samsung also makes what seems like (to the consumer) really frustrating decisions. One that comes to mind is their offering of a “value pack” for the Samsung Galaxy S and original Galaxy Tab in place of full-fledged Android 4.0 after bouncing back and forth on their decisions because of public outcry. Now, they’ve reversed their decision on releasing an updated version of the GSM Galaxy Nexus. One of Samsung’s major retail partners, Expansys, released a statement on the XDA-Developers forum on Tuesday.

“We’ve just been notified this morning that Samsung have dropped the Galaxy Nexus 32GB from production. At this time, it looks like they will not be releasing it.”

Although the update didn’t include any hardware upgrades, I’m fairly sure 32 GB of internal storage was a deal breaker for some prospective GNex buyers.

Were you looking forward to the release of the 32 GB Galaxy Nexus?

And the winner of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus from Mobilicity is ...

Last week Mobilicity launched the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung.To celebrate they wanted to give away not only a free Galaxy Nexus, but also 6 months of free unlimited talk, text, and data service on Mobilicity’s $40 Super Savings plan (a $55/month value)! The contest involved writing a love letter, poem or song to the phone, Mobilicity, and/or Android Central and the entries were all awesome. It was hard to pick a winner, but one entry was chosen.
The winner of the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung and free unlimited talk, text, and data service on Mobilicity’s $40 Super Savings plan (a $55/month value) is...

ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #08: Skyrocket Tough Case, EVO 4G Snap-On Case & more!

Case-Mate Tough Case for Samsung Skyrocket

Designed to offer two layers of protection for the Samsung Skyrocket, the Case-Mate Tough Case is completely flexible and impact resistant. The first layer is a flexible silicone case that wraps around the Skyrocket leaving the screen, camera, headphone and charging ports exposed. Then comes the ABS plastic hard shell case which covers your device while in the silicone cover.
>> More Samsung Skyrocket accessories

Body Glove Snap-On Case for HTC EVO 4G

The Body Glove Snap-On Case offers your HTC EVO 4G revolutionary protection in the ultimate custom fit phone case. The case features a durable hard shell with a textured glove material on the back that's easy to grip and protects your device from scratches. The Snap-On Case is extremely slim in design, and there's access to the screen, controls, and charging port.
>> More HTC EVO 4G accessories

Mobi Products Hard Shell Case for AT&T Galaxy S II

Help keep your AT&T Galaxy S II protected with the Mobi Hard Shell Case while not sacrificing the slim look of your device. This hard shell case is designed specifically for the AT&T Galaxy S II and has precision cutouts for all the device's features, including the screen. The case is a two-piece design and is easy to install and remove.
>> More AT&T Galaxy S II accessories

HTC Messenger Side Pouch for Rezound

The HTC Messenger Side Pouch is a genuine leather original carrying case designed specifically for your HTC Rezound. It features a magnetic closure with no clip, ensuring a slim, low profile design. The interior of the Messenger Side Pouch has a suede interior that protects your device against scratches. The case loads horizontally, and does not have a clip attached.
>> More HTC Rezound accessories

Wrap up

After a getting a closer look at today's featured accessories on the ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway, be sure to leave a comment below stating which item you'd like to have for your Android device. Those who leave their comment will be eligible to win the item of their choice, and will be announced next Monday. Good luck, and happy shopping!

Websites appear to out 'Galaxy Note 10.1' ahead of MWC

Could Samsung be planning to launch a full-sized tablet cousin to the Galaxy Note? Listings on Samsung's own blog, as well as a casting website, contain references to the "Galaxy Note 10.1", an as-yet unannounced device. A post with details of Samsung's Mobile World Congress 2012 developer day lists the device alongside the original Galaxy Note and S Pen SDK.

It's possible that this is a typo, however the fact that it's mentioned alongside an invitation to "experience the latest Samsung technology" suggests otherwise, as the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is almost a year old at this point. What's more, the post itself has since been pulled from Samsung's site, suggesting that the revelation may have been accidental.

The plot thickens with the discovery of a casting call for a Samsung ad by The Verge, which refers to the mysterious device multiple times. The ad was to show the Galaxy Note 10.1 "education, financial planning, and art", and was due to start shooting this month, which would tie in nicely with a possible MWC unveiling.

While of limited use on the Galaxy Note's small screen, we could see S Pen's Wacom-based abilities being much more appealing on a full-sized tablet display. Samsung has previously alluded to the possibility of stylus input on a larger display, so it wouldn't be too surprising to see a re-vamped Galaxy Tab 10.1 with S Pen integration in the near future. Whatever Samsung ends up showing at Mobile World Congress, we'll be there to bring you full coverage.

Laser etched battery covers offered up for Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Anyone who saw Phil Nickinson's Google+ photo of the "gorgeous" red custom battery cover for the Galaxy Nexus may have felt some dismay. It was definitely different, somewhat unique but not altogether convincing as a personalisation of your prized phone. Now though, it gets much cooler than that. Laser etched battery covers, and best of all, they'll be official OEM battery covers.

A startup campaign launched through IndieGogo aimed to raise $1,250 to get the project up and running and financially viable. The total so far is in excess of $2,500, so it looks like full-steam ahead. Both stock, and extended battery covers will be available for both the GSM and CDMA versions of the Nexus. There is a small selection of stock designs available, but for a little more of your hard earned, you can have a custom design. The only caveat is that they won't do copyrighted material, and nothing too detailed. The work area is only about 4 square inches in size, so it's not too much to ask to keep it relatively simple.

If this sort of thing interests you, hit the source link below to head on over to IndieGogo and take a look.

Nexus S 4G may be getting Android 4.0.4 in the coming hours

It's been a couple weeks now since we brought you a leaked build of Android 4.0.4 for the Sprint Nexus S 4G. According to an internal screen shot sent to Android Police, we might finally see a release on Feb. 16 -- as in tomorrow, for those of us here in the States.
Of course, when it comes to OS updates -- especially on Sprint and especially for Samsung phones -- we don't pop any corks until bytes are flowing and phones are rebooting. We've seen too many dates come and go, and too many updates get pulled after problems emerge. (And then there's the fact that this leaked screen -- purportedly from a Sprint system -- refers to the Nexus S and not the carrier's own Nexus S 4G. Details, we suppose.
So if it drops on Thursday? Kick ass. It's about time. And if it doesn't? We've got some awsome forums full of awesome people who we're sure will express themselves appropriately.

Search in the Samsung World

Thursday 16 February 2012

Wrap up