Android CDMA support changed slightly, Nexus may stopper updates

oday there’s been a bit of a scare out there in the Android world as Google changed its official support pages to stop support for some CDMA features on devices. This seemed to include the Verizon Galaxy Nexus at first along with all CDMA devices in all ways. In fact the situation is simply this: CDMA devices have been removed from some developer support pages simply because not all features are fully supported. The Verizon Galaxy Nexus along with all other Galaxy Nexus devices in the future will continue to get official firmware updates unless Google deems them unworkable.


It was less than an hour ago that Google clarified what was turning into a heart-attack of a story in Android forums about how CDMA was dead and Android was going down the tubes. What Google notes instead is that recent CDMA Android devices have implemented core telephony functionality in APK files provided by carriers in binary form. Each of these APK files must have a platform key to function, and if a custom build is made by a group from the AOSP source code, they wont have this code and bad things will happen.
What Google is doing now is saying that they’ll “make available as many as possible of the closed-source binaries for these devices” and that all Nexus devices will continue to have unlockable bootloaders. What’s not entirely clear still is if the CDMA Galaxy Nexus will have any support from Google in the future for those who wish to go above and beyond the development call in the future. This also may mean that your CDMA Nexus devices in the future won’t get updates at the same time as the rest of the Nexus devices.
We’ll continue to follow this story and report on what Google plans to do with the Nexus line as they move forth into the future.

Apple Slaps Samsung With Revised Lawsuit In Australia, Comes With 278 Claims

Well you have to give it to Apple. If anything, they are relentless. Rather than admit defeat in regards to their recent lawsuit in Australia against Samsung being overturned they’ve come at the Korean company a second time. This time, Apple is expanding its lawsuit to inclue 278 claims that spans across 22 patents and covers 10 new products.

This news was reported by The Australian and according to them, Apple has widened its claims in New South Wales Federal Court today. Samsung’s lead barrister confirmed that Apple expanded its patent lawsuit “enormously” from the three patents regarding features that were packed in the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Also the barrister, Neil Young, states that Samsung was only given a day’s notice of Apple’s legal bid against Samsung being amended to include over 200 claims against smartphones and tablets that haven’t even been seen in the country.
Given the short notice Samsung won’t even be able file a defense against Apple until mid-May.

Samsung is looking to turn the tables on Apple in attempts to ban the iPhone 4S because of Apple’s infringement of their 3G patents. They are requesting that the courts split the hearing into two parts in order to speed up the process and get their case heard later in February. Of course Apple is opposing this stating that the case would “become chaotic with witnesses being cross-examined while still preparing evidence for the second component of the case”.
In regards to ruling on the patent complaints, Justice Bennett has voiced her eagerness in settling both matters before the year is done. This is to match the pace of the cases in other courts across the globe and both companies are to deliver plans for hearing dates next week. So keep it locked here as we will surely update you on this never ending struggle between the two tech giants. As we saw another Apple defeat in Germany yesterday, things are certain to heat up!

Latest comScore Shows Android is Top Dog and Samsung is King

It seems every month we’re getting different statistic reports on which mobile OS has the highest market share. A couple weeks a go, Neilsen released a report showing that Android is still top dog when it comes to Apple vs. Android, and to no surprise Android took the lead by 16%. Just yesterday, comScore released a new study that corroborates with Neilsen’s, and actually shows Android jumping up 1% a month over a 3 month average (keep in mind Nielsen’s report reflected new smartphone buyers in Dec. only) Despite the iPhone’s massive increase in sales recently, it just isn’t enough for them to gain much ground in the battle for #1

As you can see, it’s kind of a loosing battle when you are competing against Android and iOS as they continue a trend of stealing market share from BlackBerry, Windows, and Sybian.

As far as OEM’s go, Samsung continues to dominate the hardware sector, claiming 25% of all mobile phones ‘used’ in the third quarter. LG and Motorola complete the top 3 with Apple hot on their heels. RIM on the other hand is just barely holding on while dropping down to 6.7%.

In other exciting comScore news, 75% of US mobile subscribers used text messaging on their phones while 48% downloaded applications. Games were played by 31% and only 24% listened to music. Keep in mind this is across all OS’ and not Android alone. I bet if you were to survey Android users you would get a much higher percentage in all categories. I mean, we are cooler than the rest, aren’t we? 

Motorola scores a victory over Apple as the German patent battle continues

It was only yesterday we wrote about Apple’s claims against Samsung in Germany and just as one would expect, the saga continues.

This time it’s Motorola’s turn to go up against the Cupertino giants although, just to break the usual trend, it’s Apple’s turn in the dock. The groundwork for this case was actually laid back in November when Motorola won an injunction against the sale of Apple products in Germany.

In an unexpected twist, a German judge has ruled in Motorola’s favour, granting two permanent injunctions. Motorola has really gone for the jugular on this one too, dealing two major blows to Apple’s products in Germany :

Injunction passed preventing the sale of various iOS products

Apple has already removed the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, as well as all 3G-enabled iPads from its online store.  The iPhone 4s is the only device still available online. All devices are still for sale at retail outlets.

Injunction passed preventing the use of push e-mail services

The Mannheim Regional Court has granted a permanent injunction preventing the use of the iCloud and MobileMe push e-mail services on German devices. Whilst users in Germany will still be able to use e-mail services, there will be no push option.  They will need to set their device to check for new e-mail at pre-defined intervals.

I’m ordinarily the first person in line to poke fun at our Apple owning friends however, on this occasion I have to say I take little pleasure in reading about cases like this.  There are no real winners as these patent wars rage on and Android users have missed out on features over the years due to similar claims.  In cases such as these, Apple may lose on the day but inevitably it’s the consumer who is losing out in the long run.

Lotus Glass Brings New Venture for Samsung and Corning

In a match made in cellphone screen heaven, Samsung and Corning have signed a deal to jointly manufacture Lotus Glass.  Corning is known for its scratch resistant Gorilla Glass, and had recently announced its new Lotus Glass technology.  Samsung has dazzled us with their beautiful Super AMOLED screens.  The technology has been profitable for Samsung as it brought in an excess of $4 billion dollars in 2011.  The Lotus Glass will withstand the higher processing temperatures that are needed for OLED.  It will also consume less power and provide higher resolution.  The Lotus Glass will be found in Samsung’s Super OLED TVs and in their future Galaxy devices.

While it’s still not recommended to throw your phone out of a moving vehicle, it’s comforting to know that Corning and Samsung are making screens ready to withstand daily jostling.  Hit the break for the full presser.
Corning and Samsung Mobile Display Form New OLED Glass VentureNew business expands Corning’s long-standing collaboration with SamsungCORNING, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd. have signed an agreement to establish a new equity venture for the manufacture of specialty glass substrates for the rapidly expanding organic light emitting diode (OLED) device market. The new business will be located in Korea.
“Samsung Mobile Display has led the global display industry by constantly seeking innovations and challenging current technologies’ limits. We are confident that combining our business powers with Corning’s technology leadership will deliver greater value to our clients”
Combining Corning’s Lotus™ Glass substrate technology and Samsung Mobile Display’s OLED display expertise, this new entity will be well-positioned to provide outstanding product solutions for current and future OLED technologies, from handheld and IT devices to large TVs and beyond.
The newly formed entity will supply OLED backplane glass substrates for Samsung Mobile Display, as well as for the broader Korean market.
According to a recent NPD DisplaySearch report, OLED technology advanced rapidly in 2011, setting a trend that is forecasted to continue through this decade. They estimate that OLED display revenues will exceed $4 billion in 2011 (approximately 4% of flat panel display revenues), and will reach more than $20 billion (approximately 16% of the total display industry) by 2018.
Samsung is playing a leading role in this emerging market through its Galaxy mobile device products and Super OLED TV technology introduced in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Corning’s ongoing advanced glass technology development includes a strong focus on high-performance displays. Most recently, this focus has been demonstrated through Corning’s new Lotus™ Glass substrates, which deliver the higher processing temperatures and improved dimensional stability needed to produce the new high performance displays.
“Samsung Mobile Display has led the global display industry by constantly seeking innovations and challenging current technologies’ limits. We are confident that combining our business powers with Corning’s technology leadership will deliver greater value to our clients,” said Soo In Cho, Samsung Mobile Display’s president and chief executive officer.
“Corning and Samsung have a long and successful partnership in the display industry, dating back nearly 40 years to the early days of television,” said Wendell P. Weeks, Corning’s chairman, chief executive officer, and president. “The strength of our business relationship is built on Corning’s ability to develop and make high-technology glass with the key attributes that enable Samsung’s next-generation displays. Together, we have led the evolution of displays – from the high-growth years of CRT, to our current successful business supplying world-leading substrates for today’s high-definition LCD TVs, and now to the launch of this important new venture to advance OLED technology,” Weeks stated.

Apple expands patent claims against Samsung in Australia

278 claims covering 22 patents across 10 devices

The latest round of legal wrangling between Apple and Samsung has seen the former significantly expand its patent claims against the latter in Australia. ​The Australian​ newspaper is reporting that Apple has broadened its suit against the Korean manufacturer to include 278 claims covering 22 patents across 10 devices.
The Australian suit, which began with Apple's seeking an injunction against sales of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1, now encompasses a plethora of claims against Samsung smartphones and tabets. According to ​TheNextWeb​ , some of the devices included haven't even launched in Australia yet. Samsung was reportedly given "only days" notice of this latest development, and consequently it's indicated that it won't be able to file a defense until "mid-May".
This is just the latest chapter in the ongoing patent war between Apple and Samsung, which has seen both companies attempt to block each others' products from sale in various countries over the past six months.

Reminder: Official Galaxy Note Commercial Airs Tonight During Super Bowl XLVI

The big day for football fans has finally arrived, but we’re excited for more reasons than just watching the New England Patriots collide with the New York Giants. AT&T is releasing the Samsung Galaxy Note on February 19th and we don’t want you to forget to look for the first ever Samsung Super Bowl commercial during the fourth quarter. It’s a full 90 seconds long and we expect director Bobby Farrelly to bring us some good laughs. The 45 second teaser clip was an exciting start, so keep an eye out for the other half later today.  

The phone is sure to be a best seller with its amazing 5.3 inch capacitive touch screen and stylus. Be sure to let us know what you think of the Galaxy Note commercial in the comments below.

AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note Officially Available for Pre-Order, Delivers on February 17th

For those of you in the US who have been dying to get your hands on the awesome Samsung Galaxy Note, well you can officially place your pre-order today. Assuming you’re OK with service from AT&T, you can now spend $299 to get one set aside for you and should arrive on your doorstep on or before Feb 17th, two days before they arrive in stores on the 19th.
You will have the choice of either Ceramic White or Carbon Blue colors, and for those who wish to purchase the device off-contract, it will run you $749.99 before tax. If you’re like me and are always looking to get a little more bang for your buck, may I recommend pre-ordering through Best Buy. All pre-orders made from BB will include a flip cover for the device. It’s pretty sweet and doesn’t add much bulk at all.
If you’re a person who knows what they want and are ready to take the plunge, hit up one of the links below. For those who need a little more enticing, I suggest checking out our hands on and previous write up, both of which contain very informative and persuasive video. If your lucky enough to score one of these bad boys, please… rub it in my face in the comments below! Don’t worry, I wont take it personal.

AC Explains: The Verizon Galaxy Nexus is still supported by Google

Reports across the Internet about the Verizon Galaxy Nexus being dropped from AOSP support -- or even worse, no longer being updated by Google -- apparently were a bit premature.  Dan Morrill has posted the following to the Android Contributors Google Group:

Hello! This is a quick clarification about support for CDMA devices.

For various technical reasons, recent CDMA Android devices implement core telephony functionality in .apk files provided in binary form by the carriers. To function correctly, these .apk files must be signed by the so-called "platform" key. However, when an individual creates a custom build from the AOSP source code, they don't use the same signing key as these CDMA flies were signed with. [...]

He goes on to note that the AOSP documentation was simply updated to reflect this fact, and that they will continue to provide as much of the closed-source material as they can.  

So what does that mean? Signing keys are tricky things. When we build Android from the available AOSP source, we use a specific set of keys to digitally sign all the binaries. When "official" builds are made by Google or manufacturers, they use a different set of keys. When these keys are mismatched, things can get wonky. Google doesn't want your phone (or tablet) to be wonky. The fellow who built that custom ROM you're using doesn't want things to be wonky. If these changes weren't made and brought to everyone's attention, wonkiness would have resulted, and nobody would have known why without a lot of digging around.

Verizon Galaxy Nexus devices are still Nexus devices. They still have unlockable bootloaders. They still have the Android source available. They just have changed the way they redistribute binaries, because of incompatibilities with the signing keys.

Android developers will just have to change the way they build for the Toro (Verizon Galaxy Nexus), the Stingray (the LTE Xoom), and the Crespo 4G (Nexus S 4G). The sky has not fallen, and they'll figure it out. 

Check Out the 90 Second Galaxy Note Commercial Complete With The Darkness!

While Samsung hinted at something awesome with its 45 second teaser nothing says amazing like the full version. In case you missed our reminder earlier today in regards to the Galaxy Note and you even missed the full commercial itself in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI, worry not, we have it here for you in all its glory. While most folk on Twitter are referencing this as a Palm Pilot due to its stylus everyone seems to forget its amazing screen size. So if you missed your chance to watch it, hit the break below to check out the full 90 seconds of awesomeness complete with The Darkness’ lead singer Justin Hawkins, Australian Supermodel Miranda Kerr, Football star Brian Urlacher and professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez. Also you can head on over to Samsung Mobile USA’s site to check out all the cool stuff you can win from the commercial. Enjoy!

Samsung Galaxy Note now available for pre-order from AT&T and Best Buy

AT&T will begin to take pre-orders today for the Samsung Galaxy Note, the 5.3-inch phablet will be sold in carbon blue or ceramic white, and check in at $299 with a new agreement.  Orders are set to be delivered by Feb. 17, just a bit too late for Valentine's Day.  Also scheduled to be in AT&T stores are a few accessories, notably a desktop docking station, a spare battery charger, and a flip cover case and pen holder.  Speaking of the flip cover, if you head into Best Buy and pre-order your Samsung Galaxy Note they will hook you up with one for free.  Everyone loves free.

The Note is big, bad, and just what a lot of folks are looking for.  It's huge as a phone, but has enough size to it that it could function as a tablet for many.  The lure of carrying one device to cover both use cases is bound to attract quite a few folks, and the fact that LTE data is built into the unit is certainly a big plus.  The rest of the specs are certainly no slouch either.  That 5.3-inch Super AMOLED screen has a 1280x800 HD resolution, there's a 1.5GHZ dual-core processor (word is it's the same Qualcomm as in the Skyrocket), a 2500mAh battery, 1GB of RAM, and Samsung's excellent 8MP camera all running Android 2.3.5.

If you're going to do the deed and sign up to buy one of these big beauties, be sure to head into the forums and join the discussion.  It won't make the wait any shorter, but it might help make it feel that way.

Best Buy Canada now taking pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Note, pricing starts at $200

We noted Best Buy in the U.S. was taking pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Note and now their Canadian stores have started as well. Although the Canadian release doesn't include any free goodies to go along with it, the price points for the device do vary across carrier with Bell coming out on top in terms of pricing.

• Bell - $200
• TELUS - $250
• Rogers - $300

Those price points are all on new, three-year contracts but that's a given for the Canadian mobile landscape. The Samsung Galaxy Note will be available on Feb. 14th so if you're looking to get your hands on one, head on over to Best Buy and get your pre-orders in.

Verizon Galaxy Nexus Android 4.0.4 OTA package now available (unofficial)

Android Central member seanmacanally got an OTA notification on his rooted Verizon Galaxy Nexus, and with a little help from the great crew in the forums got the package pulled and uploaded for everyone to play with.  A few caveats:

• This is only for the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus
• It's Android 4.0.4 IMM30B
• You will need to be completely stock with stock recovery to install it as-is

This doesn't seem to be an OTA that's going out in full force, so it very well could be some sort of internal testing version.  Keep that in mind if you flash it -- things may not be working as well as you would hope.  

Manually flashing the OTA package is pretty easy, see the instructions here.  And you're going to need the file, which you can download right here.  Good luck, and have fun!

Rumor: Galaxy S III to include waterproof seal

Samsung’s Galaxy S III is fast becoming the biggest rumor monger in the Android universe, replacing the Galaxy Nexus at the top of ridiculous speculation. The latest tidbit comes from a “well-placed UK independent phone retailer“, who claims that the next version of the Galaxy S family will come with a coating compound that blocks out water and other liquids in a pretty amazing fashion. He claims that both the Galaxy S III and the iPhone 5 will have a waterproof seal provided by Liquipel, whose gadget-dunking demonstrations impressed onlookers at CES 2012.

The technology behind these seals has been available for years. They’re impressive, no doubt: basically, the system coats a phone or tablet with a near-invisible compound that can block out almost any liquid and moisture. It can repel several meters of water pressure for extended periods of time, making an accidental dunk in a tub or sink a non-issue. Liquipel’s coating technology penetrates into the device itself to cover all interior components as well: their demonstration below shows an HTC ThunderBolt running submerged with the battery cover off, as water trickles into contact with the protected mainboard and other components.
How likely is this rumor? Well it’s certainly not impossible. Liquipel currently offers its coating technology directly to consumers via a mail-in program, charging between $60 and $80 per device. Partnering with a huge company like Samsung or Apple could cut their per-device cost down to a couple of dollars, while adding a huge amount of value for end users. I’d honestly be surprised to see Apple adopt this – they tend to have a wait-and-see approach, never adding a feature if they don’t need to (case in point: the original 2G iPhone). But Samsung might add it to their flagship as yet another differentiation versus Apple.
All this is extremely speculative at the moment; just about the only thing we know for sure about the Galaxy S III is that it won’t shoe up at Mobile World Congress in late February. I’ve been hoping that someone would use one of these waterproofing processes on a mainstream device for a while now. Samsung, are you up to the challenge?

Google ends full support for CDMA devices, including Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus

Disturbing news from the official Android developer website: it appears that nearly all reference to CDMA phones and tablets has disappeared from the official documentation. This includes Android source code and factory ROMs for Verizon’s CDMA version of the Galaxy Nexus and Motorola XOOM, as well as the Nexus S 4G. What this implies (and only implies) is that Google is no longer providing official updates for the removed devices, as is generally expected of “developer” hardware. The GSM Nexus S and WiFi-only Motorola XOOM are still present, as are the two initial images for the Galaxy Nexus CDMA/LTE, though these are marked as “archived, for reference only”.

After a fast and frenzied response from angry Nexus owners, Google clarified its position on the Android Contributors Google Groups page. Basically, the company has decided to remove CDMA devices from its official support documentation because the technology and software required to make them function correctly is closed-source. The radios and other APK files for a CDMA device must be digitally signed by a carrier, something that can’t be open-sourced, and therefore isn’t included in the Android Open Source Project. It boils down to this: Google can’t control every aspect of the software, and based on the principles of “Nexus” and developer devices, CDMA devices don’t really qualify.
Here’s the official statement in its entirety:

Hello! This is a quick clarification about support for CDMA devices.

For various technical reasons, recent CDMA Android devices implement core telephony functionality in .apk files provided in binary form by the carriers. To function correctly, these .apk files must be signed by the so-called “platform” key. However, when an individual creates a custom build from the AOSP source code, they don’t use the same signing key as these CDMA flies were signed with.

The result is that these files don’t work properly, and pure AOSP builds running on these devices can’t place calls, access mobile data, and so on. Because we aim to make sure that we are as clear as possible about the degree of support that devices have, we updated the docs over at source.android.com to reflect this reality.

We will still make available as many as possible of the closed-source binaries for these devices, and Nexus devices will continue to have unlockable bootloaders. And, of course, GSM/HSPA+ devices are still supported, as are any other devices we’re able to support. We’ve simply updated the documentation to be clearer about the current extent of CDMA support.

We are of course always working to improve support, and we’ll keep everyone updated as we make improvements. Thanks as always for your interest in AOSP!

Google will still support the Galaxy Nexus LTE, Nexus S 4G and XOOM CDMA, at least as long as the hardware is compatible with updated versions of Android. But it won’t be with the same direct support that GSM developer devices enjoy. This probably means that updates to the Galaxy Nexus will come through Verizon… just like all the other Android phones out there. Presumably that gives Verizon or any other CDMA carrier the option to either delay or ignore the update. This isn’t an agreeable position for many Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus and XOOM owners, as it sullies the “pure Google experience” that’s expected (if not explicitly promised) from a developer device.
The timing is suspect. The removal of CDMA devices comes just a day after AT&T’s reinstatement of Google Wallet on the Android Market. Since Verizon customers can only access Google Wallet via a work-around, whatever tense relationship between the developers and the carrier seems to have been kept to the status quo. This could have been the last straw for Google, or it might be completely unrelated. Neither party seems willing to speak on the subject.
The Verge contacted Google on the subject and got this response:

Every day, Android developers openly distribute applications via Android Market. Google is also a developer within this ecosystem and we want to offer the apps we develop such as Google Wallet, so people have access to the full range of functionality offered by the platform.

It’s important to note that the three devices in question still have unlockable bootloaders, and that isn’t likely to change. Ever. The Galaxy Nexus LTE, Nexus S 4G and XOOM CDMA are still valid as developer devices, in the sense that you can download Android code, compile it and run it on them without any barriers. Custom ROMs and other mods will not be affected. Even so, the sudden drop in priority support is certain to ruffle the feathers of serious Android enthusiasts, many of whom bought these phones and tablets based on that support alone. We’ll keep you updated on this story as it progresses.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : GALAXY Nexus 4G [Verizon]

Manufactuer : Samsung

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : December 14, 2011

Release Date : December 15, 2011

Also Known As : Nexus Prime

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:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : OMAP 4460

CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 32 GB

Front Facing Camera :