Galaxy Nexus LTE custom ROM users: flash 4.0.4 radios here

On the day past, the Android 4.0.4 software update for Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus leaked, and lo, there was much rejoicing across the Android nation! And yet, those users running custom ROMs did cry verily, “Well crap, now I gotta wait for the dev to update before I can get better reception.” Then a voice spake: “Nay, Android power user! I have for you a flashable ZIP file, which does include both new radio basebands and a bootloader besides. Go forth and spread the good word: adrynalyne of XDA hath delivered you mildly better 3G and 4G data performance! Huzzah!”

In case you weren’t following along: a kind XDA member has posted just the radio and bootloader updates for the CDMA Galaxy Nexus, bringing the baseband up to date without affecting your current ROM. This is especially useful for users of heavily modded Nexus ROMs, like the popular Android Open Kang Project. Just download the file in the source link to your 4.02 or 4.03 CDMA ROM, reboot into your recovery, and flash the ZIP file. There have been no issues reported thus far, but it’s always a good idea to make a Nandroid backup just in case. NOTE: The radio in the XDA thread DOES NOT work with the international GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus.
Users are reporting improved signal by about 10% in previously spotty areas, and the hand-off between 3G and LTE connections seems to be smoother as well. Of course, you won’t get access to some of the more flashy tweaks in Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4, but if you’re reading this, odds are pretty good that you keep your custom ROM up to date. Developers have already started updating their ROMs, and the nightlies and betas should all be ready by the end of the week. Happy flashing!

Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II LTE rumored for Telstra in Australia

Samsung's Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy Note could be headed to Australian carrier Telstra, if the latest round of rumors is to be believed. According to Ausdroid, which cites its own insider sources at the network, both devices recently made their way into the Telstra's internal systems, suggesting a launch may be on the cards sooner rather than later.
The LTE version of the Galaxy Note is due to launch on AT&T in the U.S., as well as all three major Canadian networks in the weeks ahead, and the Galaxy S II LTE is already available on a range of carriers worldwide. Until now neither phone has seen an official Australian release, however, with Samsung continuing to push both devices aggressively around the world, we wouldn't be surprised to see an Aussie launch in the months ahead.

Samsung Electronics weighing in-house OLED display grab

Samsung Electronics is considering bringing Samsung Mobile Display, the division responsible for the Super AMOLED panels that have distinguished many of the company’s recent smartphones and tablets, completely in-house, tightening the Samsung supply chain. ”We are considering merging the business to improve synergy, but a final decision has yet to be made” Samsung Electronics revealed in a filing to the South Korea stock exchange, Reuters reports, a move that could spell danger for the display business’ other customers.


Currently, Samsung Mobile Display is jointly owned by Samsung Electroncs, with 64.4-percent, and Samsung SDI, holding the minority 35.6-percent. The joint-venture is unlisted on the stock exchange, but operates semi-independently, supplying not only Samsung Electronics but other companies with AMOLED displays.
That could change, at least partly, if Samsung Electronics decides to bring the display business in-house. Such a move with give the company even more choice for the first-pick of new panel technologies, and allow it to better control the access of rivals to the screens.
As the smartphone and tablet markets heat up, that advantage could see Samsung extend its lead in the Android segment, as well as better challenge high-profile rivals like the iPhone. Apple has already shown how tight control over the supply-chain can work to a firm’s advantage; now Samsung looks to be following in those footsteps.

Samsung Infuse 4G Gingerbread update is on hold

Remember that Android 2.3.6 update to the AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G that was prematurely announced last week before finally getting going? Yeah. It's on hold, apparently. According to an answer in Samsung's support forums, things didn't go quite as planned.

We currently have put a hold on the update. Samsung and AT&T are aware of the issue with the Infuse 4G Update and are developing a fix.

AT&T has confirmed to Android Central that indeed the update's on hold and that "we are working with Samsung to get this resolved as quickly as possible." For everyone  (including us) still stuck on Froyo, hang in there.

Chrome Beta, Galaxy Note pre-orders

It's been a pretty busy day with all the udpates coming from Google and of course their release of Chrome beta. If you missed out on anything thus far, get yourself caught up and once you're done -- hit up the Android Central forums:

• HTC Rezound Forums - Battery life sucks, anything I can do about it?
• HTC Thunderbolt Forums - HTC dropped the ball
• Galazy Nexus Forums - Chrome Beta for ICS
• Galaxy Note Forums - Got an email from AT&T - Note on backorder?
• Kindle Fire Forums - Any problems using your own PDFs?

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

Samsung’s Galaxy S III isn’t making a March 22 debut

Samsung’s Galaxy S III will not make its official debut at the company’s March 22 event in France, contrary to widespread speculation, it’s been confirmed, with the much-anticipated Android handset still proving elusive. Instead, the late March event is an open-house showcase of the existing product portfolio, Samsung tells The Next Web, likely an opportunity to demonstrate what devices the company does launch at MWC 2012 to those who didn’t make it to the Barcelona launch.


That leaves the actual Galaxy S III launch still shrouded in mystery. Samsung has said that the smartphone will make its official debut in the first half of 2012, as the centerpiece of a dedicated event rather than sharing the stage with the rest of the cellular industry – Apple aside – at Mobile World Congress.
From leaked specifications, it sounds like it’s well worth waiting for. Samsung apparently committed to making the Galaxy S III even thinner than its GSII predecessor, and has supposedly come up with a roughly 7mm thick smartphone with a Super AMOLED Plus display and a quadcore processor. An 8-megapixel camera – making a bump on the back – and Full HD video recording is tipped, together with LTE and an HDMI output.
Talk of LTE might suggest a US-based event for the Galaxy S III’s first reveal, though that would be at odds with the launches of the previous two phones. Alternatively, Samsung could follow the pattern of the Galaxy Nexus, and launch a European HSPA+ GSIII first, following up with LTE versions for the North American market.

DroidDoodle - Still a Nexus -- really

OK, OK. We get it. Someone screwed the pooch.

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Fashion Week models to use the Samsung Galaxy Note to share candid moments

Fashion week is all about glitz and glam, but this year 8 models will be using the Samsung Galaxy Note to give fans a behind-the-scenes look. Samsung is partnering with Next Model Management to give the 5.3-inch beast to Anja Rubik, Karlie Kloss, Arizona Muse, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Kendra Spears, Aline Weber, Ruby Aldridge, and Shanina Shaik. From New York, London, and Paris, these models will share candid moments and videos through Twitter and Facebook. What will make this different is the personal touch that the S Pen adds with notes.
It won’t be all about the models because Derek Blasberg, Editor at Large of Conde Nast’s Style.com, Senior Fashion News and Special Projects Editor at V and VMAN, and a contributing editor for Harper’s Bazaar, will also be using the Galaxy Note for all his reporting from New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
This is an interesting marketing campaign for Samsung. It seems as though they are really pushing the S Pen (stylus) over the size of the Galaxy Note. I know a lot of people were poking fun at Samsung’s Super Bowl commercial because the stylus is so dated, but Samsung is looking to prove that it’s making a comeback.
Full press release after the break
Top Models Share all the Glitz and Glamour of the Fashion Show with Samsung’s Powerful and Stylish GALAXY Note
High-profile fashion insider Derek Blasberg and Next Models Use the Galaxy Note to Take Fans Behind the Scenes at Fashion Week’s Top Show
SEOUL, Korea – February 7, 2012 – To those of us outside of the tents, Fashion Week looks like one glamorous spectacle after another. Behind the scenes, it’s a whole other story. This year, Samsung Mobile and Next Model Management are partnering to bring that story directly to you, straight from some of the fashion world’s biggest talent – all thanks to the revolutionary Samsung Galaxy Note.
Samsung Mobile and Next Models are arming some of the world’s top models along with high-profile fashion editor Derek Blasberg with the powerful new super phone that will keep them organized and make it fun and easy for them to share their fashion week experiences.
Instead of towing around bulky devices as they race from show to show and city to city, Next Models’ catwalk stars including Anja Rubik, Karlie Kloss, Arizona Muse, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Kendra Spears, Aline Weber, Ruby Aldridge and Shanina Shaik will be using the Galaxy Note to give an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the biggest events in the fashion world. In New York, London and Paris, this sleek, do-in-one device will help the models do more while carrying less.  They’ll share candid moments and videos through their twitter feeds, Facebook pages and more. And the Galaxy Note’s built-in S Pen will let them give their photos, notes and ideas the extra-personal, hand-written touch in way no other smartphone can match.
Derek Blasberg, Editor at Large of Conde Nast’s Style.com, Senior Fashion News and Special Projects Editor at V and VMAN, and a contributing editor for Harper’s Bazaar, will be leaving his pen and pad behind as he reports from fashion week in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Instead, he’ll be covering the very latest word – pictures and video too – on the best of fashion and parties, the top models and celebrities, all using the Galaxy Note.
Experience all of the excitement from on the catwalk and off, with exclusive photos, videos, interviews and more at www.samsungmobilepress.com. Follow the action on Twitter with@Samsungmobile, @DerekBlasberg, @anjarubikblog,  @karlie_kloss, @AbbeyKershaw,@Kendra_Spears,
@Alineweber_real, @hidynamite and @ShaninaMShaik or watch for hashtag #GalaxyNoteFW.

Don’t Plan on Seeing the Galaxy S III at Samsung’s March 22 Event in France

Contrary to widespread speculation, the Samsung Galaxy III will not make an appearance at the company’s March 22 event in France. Samsung has confirmed that no new devices will be unveiled at the press event, rather it will be one of Sammy’s bi-annual showing of the existing product lineup. This will likely be an opportunity for people to  get a better demonstration of what was announced at MWC for those who missed out on the Barcelona launch.
This means we’re back to the guessing game, when will we actually get to see this thing? Being that Samsung has said we would not see the device at MWC in Spain, and we can now cross the France theory off the list too. It’s looking more and more likely that Samsung may be targeting a launch closer to the iPhone 5 unveiling, which reports suggest will appear at this years WWDC at the beginning of June. Also, this would just barely fall in line with Samsung’s statement about unveiling the device within the first half of the year. It looks like we may just have to wait it out a bit longer than we hopped.
The Galaxy S III is definitely going to be worth the  wait, though. It is said to be thinner than its predecessor at roughly 7mm thin, internally waterproofed, sport a Super AMOLED Plus display, rock a quad-core processor, and possibly even a 12MP camera. Couple that with a proposed HDMI output and you got one of the hottest, if not the hottest, phones on the market. I know I am excited, you?

T-Mobile celebrates Valentine’s Day with FREE smartphones and tablets

Mark February 11 on your calendars because T-Mobile is going to have one of those really big sales. This time they are celebrating Valentine’s Day just in case you need to get that special someone a really nice Android phone or tablet. Of course there’s nothing stopping you from taking advantage of this promo for yourself. Notice how I said “get” instead of “buy” because this sale is all about FREE.
T-Mobile is giving you the chance to pickup their latest 4G smartphones and select tablets for free. There is one minor catch, and that it’s free after rebate. You will of course need to sign up with a new 2-year contract with either the Value or Classic plan, and both new and existing customers are eligible. So if you’re in the market for the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S II, The HTC Amaze 4G, or the Huawei Springboard, this Saturday is the day to grab one.
Full press release after the break:
Cupid’s Arrow Hits Mark: T-Mobile Offers Free 4G Phones to Celebrate Valentine’s
For one day only, on Feb.11, all of T-Mobile’s 4G smartphones and select mobile broadband devices are free with the switch to a qualifying two-year plan
BELLEVUE, Wash. — Feb. 7, 2012 — In the spirit of the season, T-Mobile USA, Inc. will show consumers lots of love with another jaw-dropping promotion for its “Valentine’s Day Sale.” For one day only, Saturday, Feb. 11, T-Mobile will give customers the chance to get their hands on the latest 4G smartphones and select tablets for free, making a perfect gift for loved ones or themselves. The promotion includes T-Mobile’s fastest 4G smartphones and select tablets running on America’s Largest 4G Network^® such as the Samsung Galaxy S^™ II¹ and the T-Mobile^® SpringBoard^™ with Google™.
New and existing eligible customers can take advantage of this deal receiving their device for free after a mail-in rebate card when they sign up for a new two-year contract on any qualifying Classic Plan^™2 or for a $0.00 down payment after mail-in rebate card when signing up on a qualifying Unlimited Value^™3 Plan.
“T-Mobile has a commitment to make the 4G experience affordable and accessible to everyone, so this sweet deal on smartphones and tablets is our Valentine’s gift to consumers,” said John Clelland, senior vice president of marketing, T-Mobile USA. “No matter where loved ones live, T-Mobile wants to bring them closer with unlimited talking, photo sharing, video chatting, texting, and more.”
A recent online Omnibus survey⁴ with Harris Interactive found that four-in-ten (44%) of first time smartphone buyers in 2012 say the cost of the data plan associated with the smartphone is the most influential reason they have not purchased a smartphone before. The value for customers extends beyond the “Valentine’s Day Sale” as T-Mobile offers the best rate plan pricing on America’s Largest 4G Network.
The following is a sample of the exceptional devices available during the “Valentine’s Day Sale” if customers choose to sign up on a two-year Classic Plan^™:

Device (Classic Plan™)	Out of Pocket	Mail-In Rebate Card5	Net Cost (After Rebate)
Samsung Galaxy S™ II	$249.99	$250.00	$0.00
BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900	$249.99	$250.00	$0.00
HTC Amaze™ 4G	$274.99	$275.00	$0.00
T-Mobile® SpringBoard™ with Google™	$399.99	$400.00	$0.00

If customers choose to sign up for an Unlimited Value^™ plan, the following is a sample of device pricing and EIP payments:

Device (Value™ Plan)	Out of Pocket Down Payment	Mail-In Rebate Card5	Net Down Payment (After Rebate)	EIP Monthly Payment
Samsung Galaxy S™ II	$199.99	$200.00	$0.00	$20.00
Nokia® Lumia 710	$49.99	$50.00	$0.00	$15.00
T-Mobile® Sonic 4G Mobile Hotspot	$24.99	$25.00	$0.00	$5.00

The “Valentine’s Day Sale” will be available on Feb.11 at participating T-Mobile retail stores nationwide and T-Mobile will support the promotion with a national television advertising campaign. For more information about T-Mobile’s “Valentine’s Day Sale” and details about qualifying plans, visit http://bit.ly/z36M9c.
¹ Devices must be supported with the following data requirements: voice phones: 200 MB data; most smartphones: 2 GB data; 42 Mbps devices (Amaze and Galaxy S II): 5 GB data.

²Standard upgrade eligibility rules apply for existing Classic customers that stay on a Classic plan; standard migration fees will apply for existing Classic customers that switch to a Value plan and have less than 18 months contract tenure.

³ $0 down payment offer not applicable in RI, CT, or Miami-Dade County, FL; customers in these regions will be eligible for a different offer. Equipment installment plans: On approved credit and 0 percent APR. Down payment and unfinanced portion required at purchase. Remaining balance paid in 20 monthly installments. Total post-rebate price of each device equals down payment amount plus monthly payment amount times 20.

⁴This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of T-Mobile USA from December 20-22, 2011 among 2,573 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 235 will be first time smartphone buyers in 2012, and 988 are current smartphone users who will remain smartphone users in 2012. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact kmcfadzean@waggeneredstrom.com.

⁵Mail-in rebate not applicable in RI, CT, or Miami-Dade County, FL.

About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG (OTCQX: DTEGY). By the end of the third quarter of 2011, approximately 129 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group — 33.7 million by T-Mobile USA — all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42. T-Mobile USA’s innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visitwww.telekom.com/investor-relations. For more information about T-Mobile’s 4G products, services and network availability, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

Gingerbread Update For AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G On Hold

If you own an Infuse 4G, you’ll be disappointed to hear that Samsung and AT&T have put the upcoming update to Gingerbread on hold. It seems that there’s an issue that targets a small number of users and they’re currently working on a fix. Surely the teams at Samsung and AT&T will be able to get this update around to Infuse 4G users sooner rather than later.