Samsung Just Released Android 4.0.4 Updates for the Galaxy Note

Samsung just unveiled a slight update for the international owners of the Galaxy Note. The update will change the current Galaxy Note’s Android 4.0.3 to 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. Together with the typical performance improvements and bug fixes are couple of pretty awesome enhancements to the software.

First is a feature called the POPup Play that was spotted at the Galaxy S III announcement which allows users to enjoy video playback while accessing other apps. It is truly an amazing feature to those who want to read a text or email and still want to continue playing the video at the side of the screen.

Second feature will be the “Signature Unlock” function where you can simply sign your name by means of Sammy’s S Pen to get access to the content of your phone, replacing the old fashioned PIN.

It is indeed not a useless update. The update is already available OTA and can be downloaded through Samsung Kies or the Samsungfirmware page.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Faster Than Ice Cream Sandwich

The video below is using a high speed camera to show how the new Android 4.1 Jelly Bean outperformed the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in the graphic interface department. The new Jelly Bean is extremely fast and fluid, running at 60 frames per second.

Smartphones or tablets like the Galaxy S, Motorola Xoom, and the new Google Nexus 7 tablet will be able to acquire this new graphics engine in mid-July, as well as any new mobile device with buit-in Android 4.1.

Project Butter is the name given to this new graphics engine by Google because it is as slippery and fluid as hot butter. The name also suits their dessert/food names for Android.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Gets Rooted

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 just recently went on sale, and now the people at XDA were able to root the tab, therefore the apps which need root privileges can now be installed and opens up installing custom ROMs on the tablet.

The Tab 2 10.1 contains Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) and it features a 1280 x 800 pixels 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display.

The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 also features a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, front-facing VGA camera, 3MP rear-facing camera, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi, and a large 7,000mAh battery.

So, if you have the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, you can visit the XDA website and get your device rooted.

Samsung Galaxy Note Ice Cream Sandwich Update Now Available

Samsung has started rolling out the Galaxy Note Ice Cream Sandwich update, with a few owners confirming notifications that the update is ready to be provided over-the-air to their Note. The upgrade with a size of 319MB contains the new TouchWiz version, according to Devin Balentina who received the message on his device, together with the new S Memo widget and the new S Note app.

Those new widgets and apps are from the Premium Suite of Samsung, a new software package particularly designed to make use of the Galaxy Note’s oversized display and digital stylus. There is a feature that let the users write equations by hand and witness them solved, as well as a digital scrapbooking tool.

Balentina is from the Netherlands, but there are also claims from Note owners in Germany being able to update their Note via Samsung’s Kies app for PC. Over-the-air updates typically step out in a staggered manner in order to lessen the impact on a company’s servers, so it may take a while before all Notes are updated.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and 10.1 Ice Cream Sandwich Source Code Released

If you own a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and 10.1, then it’s time to get the latest source code. Last week, Samsung released the source code of Ice Cream Sandwich for both tablets.

The source code is compatible to 6 various model numbers listed below:

Galaxy Tab 2 7"

·         GT-P3100

·         GT-P3110

·         GT-P3113

Galaxy Tab 2 10.1"

·         GT-P5100

·         GT-P5110

·         GT-P5113

If you want to download all of them and other open source codes from Samsung, they are available HERE.

Acer Iconia Tab A500 Now Getting Ice Cream Sandwich OS Update Earlier than Expected

It is reported yesterday that the Acer Iconia Tab A100 tablets are getting Ice Cream Sandwich updates a bit early, and now, it seems like the 10-inch version of the tablet will also be updated early. Users of the Acer Iconia Tab A500 are already confirming that their devices received Ice Cream Sandwich update ahead of time.

Basically, Android 4.0.3 wasn’t planned to start rolling out for the tablet before the 27^th, but it seems like Acer has made the decision to proceed and release the update for most (not all) users. If you want to check if the update is already available on your device, just go to Settings > About.

Refurbished AT&T Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE on Sale for $199

I really like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 because it is not too small and not too big; it’s just the right size. While the tablet is a superb piece of technology in its Wi-Fi only version, AT&T went an extra mile by adding LTE capability. If it’s okay for you to have a refurbished Galaxy Tab 8.9, then you can visit theAT&T website right now and buy the tablet for only $199.99 on a 2-year contract or $399.99 without contract.

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 will have the features of the 10.1 version including the 1280x800 screen resolution but in a smaller frame. The Tab 8.9 features a Tegra 2 pocessor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and Honeycomb OS flavored with Samsung’s TouchWiz. Don’t worry about the outdated Honeycomb because the Android Ice Cream Sandwich for this tablet is already in the works. But if you really can’t wait for the Ice Cream Sandwich, there are several tablet forums that can help you.

7-inch Hyundai A7 Ice Cream Sandwich Tablet for only $110

We already seen a lot of cheap Android tablets being sold in the market but this tablet has pretty good hardware. The A7 is actually not related to the car company Hyundai. For only $110, you get a 7-inch 480 x 800 Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) tablet. The touch screen is a 5-point capacitive multitouch.

The Hyundai A7 tablet should run most apps and games because it features a Cortex 1.5 GHz A8 processor and a 512 MB of RAM. It also features an 8 GB of internal storage, micro-SD extra storage, and a micro-HDMI port for watching High Definition movies on a larger screen.

Even though the tablet’s design is not the prettiest around, the Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) OS is enough for you not to judge its looks. The tablet has been around for more than a month now and has lately in-stock again.

If you already have this tablet, please leave a comment below and give us your opinion if the Hyundai A7 is worth your money.


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Archos reveals $129 Ice Cream Sandwich 7-inch Child Pad tablet

When we talk about gadgets for the kids, what immediately enters our mind is it should be durable to withstand kid’s beating. How about if you give your kid an Ice Cream Sandwich-equipped 7-inch tablet? Called Child Pad, this tablet is finger friendly and sticky with an impressive 1 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM. Since it is designed for kids, Archos is making this $129 tablet access the AppLibs Kids App Store where there are about 10,000 apps, books and games. It is sad because there is no information yet about the ports of the Child Pad, but the good news is adults will also enjoy using this tablet according to Archos.




Press Release:

ARCHOS Announces the Child Pad, a 7" ICS Kid-Friendly Tablet

The new Child Pad will provide kid's a safe, fun, full tablet experience at $129

Denver, CO – March 01, 2012 – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, announced today a themed 7" Android™ tablet for children, called the Child Pad. The 7'' Child Pad features a compact light weight design, the latest Android version, 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich", a 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. The Child Pad will be available at the end of March for $129 SRP.

"As a pioneer in the portable audio and Android™ tablet market we realize the importance of providing a tablet that can offer hours of entertainment for all ages, especially kids", says Henri Crohas, Founder and CEO. "ARCHOS strives to offer great tablets with only the best of features at affordable prices and we expect this tablet to bring a smile to the faces of kids and parents' everywhere."

Key Features & Benefits
Kid friendly features of the Child Pad include access to the Kids App Store powered by AppsLib which is filtered down to 14-friendly categories and 10,000 apps including games, entertainment, communication, multimedia, books, comics, sports and more.

In addition, ARCHOS has created a kid-friendly user interface with colored icons, home screen folders with direct access to games, entertainment, learning and puzzles and the top 28 kids' apps pre-loaded including Angry Birds, Pig Rush and Flight Frenzy.

ARCHOS has also designed the Child Pad to comply with both CIPA and COPPA regulations, ensuring a safe tablet environment for kids and peace of mind for parents. The parental controls and safe web browsing is powered by Editions Profil, whose "Mobile Parental Filter" is ranked as the most efficient parental control software in worldwide benchmarks.

Availability & Price
The Child Pad will be available in stores starting the end of March with the recommended retail price of $129.

Toshiba Excite 10 LE gets 6th of March Launch date

At first Toshiba released the AT200, then followed by the Excite x10, and now it is the Toshiba Excite 10 LE. Like the name implies, the tablet is excitingly beautiful, with a 1280 x 800 resolution 10.1-inch LED backlit display and a 0.3-inch (7.7 mm) chassis. Toshiba said that the Excite 10 LE will be available on March 6^th at select US retailers.

The 16GB version of the 10 LE will have a price of $530, while the 32GB version will be priced at $600. Both tablet variants will run Android 3.2 Honeycomb out of the box (can be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich sometime in the spring) and both are Wi-Fi only. The tablet features a 1.2 GHz TI OMAP 4430 processor, micro-USB, microSD, HDMI port and a 5 Megapixels camera that will shoot 1080p video. See the full press release after the jump.




Press Release:

Toshiba Brings World's Thinnest 10-Inch Tablet to U.S. Market

World's Thinnest and Lightest 10-inch Tablet, Excite 10 LE, Available for Purchase on March 6, Starting at $529.99

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced that the Excite™ 10 LE tablet will be available for purchase from select U.S. retailers on March 6. Previously introduced as the Excite X10, the Excite 10 LE is the world's thinnest and lightest 10-inch tablet measuring just 0.3 inches (7.7mm) thin and weighing just 1.18 pounds (535g).

"We have engineered this tablet with premium materials and components, given it elegant yet durable styling and more connectivity options than any other tablet in its class, while fitting everything into an astonishingly thin and light design."

The Excite 10 LE tablet, powered by Android™, carries a starting price of $529.99 MSRP2 for the 16GB model and $599.99 MSRP for the 32GB model.
"Excite 10 LE embodies what a luxury tablet should be," said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "We have engineered this tablet with premium materials and components, given it elegant yet durable styling and more connectivity options than any other tablet in its class, while fitting everything into an astonishingly thin and light design."

A More Premium Design with All the Essentials

The thin and light Excite 10 LE features a vivid high-resolution 10.1-inch diagonal AutoBrite™ display3, delivering optimum browsing, reading and entertainment. Designed for durability and style, the device also features a high-quality magnesium alloy surface and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass display with an anti-smudge coating for greater resiliency.
The tablet also comes with an array of connectivity interfaces and ports on board, including micro-USB and HDMI® ports, a micro-SD slot to share content and files with other devices, plus Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® connectivity. Stereo speakers with exclusive sound enhancements by Toshiba and SRS® Labs deliver superior audio capabilities. Front and back HD cameras provide convenient photo capture, plus 1080p video recording and video chatting.

Smart Multicore Performance with Long Battery Life
Powered by the 1.2GHz Texas Instruments OMAP™ 4430 multicore mobile processor4 and dual-channel memory, the Excite 10 LE offers smooth web browsing and multitasking plus the performance for high definition video and entertainment. Extremely power efficient, the Excite 10 LE delivers up to 8 hours of battery life.

Powered by Android

The Excite 10 LE tablet features Android 3.2, Honeycomb, and will be upgraded to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich later this Spring. Also included is a full suite of familiar Google™ Mobile Service applications, including the Android Market™, YouTube™, Gmail™, Google Maps™, Music, Videos. Additionally, the tablet comes pre-loaded with a mix of Toshiba software and third-party applications including TOSHIBA App Place, TOSHIBA Book Place, TOSHIBA Media Player, TOSHIBA File Manager as well Netflix™ and Zinio™.

Docking and Accessories

Toshiba will also offer a suite of tablet accessories for the Excite 10 LE, including a docking station, multiple cases and more.

Specifications

• Android 3.2, Honeycomb (upgradeable to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich)
• 10.1-inch diagonal LED Backlit widescreen Corning Gorilla Glass display with IPS technology and 10-finger multi-touch support
• 1280 x 800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio
• Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 multicore processor; 1.2GHz with 1GB LPDDR2 RAM
• 16GB and 32GB configurations6
• 2 megapixel front-facing camera
• 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash
• Micro USB, Micro HDMI ports
• Micro SD card slot
• Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Gyroscope, Accelerometer, GPS, eCompass and Ambient Light Sensor
• Stereo speakers with sound enhancements by Toshiba and SRS Labs
• Built-in 25 watt-hour rechargeable lithium ion battery
• 10.1" (W) x 6.9" (D) x 0.3" (H)
• 1.18 pounds (535g)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) with Ice Cream Sandwich Officially Announced at MWC

A few weeks ago, Samsung unveiled their Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), and now they are unveiling a 10-inch variant together with the new smartphone called Galaxy Beam. The 7.0 will have a 1024 x 600 screen resolution while the 10.1 features a 1280 x 800 screen resolution. Both Tab 2 (7.0) and (10.1) features identical 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, front-facing VGA camera, 3 Megapixels rear camera, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi connectivity and 21 Mbps HSPA+ for 3G model. The 10.1 is powered by a 7,000 mAH battery (4,000 mAH for the 7.0) which will ensure you same performance to its predecessor (Galaxy Tab 10.1). The Tab 2 (10.1) is obviously loaded with TouchWiz-flavored Android Ice Cream Sandwich. It is offered in 16 and 32 GB models that can be expanded up to 32 GB through its microSD slot. There are no details yet about the pricing, but we’ll keep you updated when it is revealed.

Press Release:


Samsung's new GALAXY Tab 2 series offers optimal multimedia experiences in life

February 26, 2012

Samsung introduces its first line-up of tablets for 2012 with the launch of the GALAXY Tab 2 series, expanding the choice of tablets to customers. The GALAXY Tab 2 series includes a 7" version and a 10.1" version. Starting from UK, the GALAXY Tab 2 series will be launched in global market from March.

The GALAXY Tab 2 series is available in 3G and WiFi versions, as well as in 7" and 10.1" variants. Light and portable, the GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) is the ideal personal on-the-go device; while the larger GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) is well-suited for home and family use.

The GALAXY Tab 2 series is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visitwww.samsungmobilepress.com.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) Product Specifications



Network
HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
Processor
1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
Display
7" WSVGA(1024x600) PLS TFT
OS
Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera
Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera
Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call
Video
Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8
Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM
Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps
Audio
Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG
Music Player with SoundAlive
3.5mm Ear Jack
Value-added Features
Samsung TouchWiz/ Samsung L!ve Panel
Samsung Apps
Samsung Hub＊
- Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung Hub Widget＊
- Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung S Suggest＊ (App recommendation service)
Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
Samsung AllShare Play＊
Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air
GoogleTM Mobile Services
- Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™,
Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋
Polaris document editor
A-GPS, Glonass
Connectivity
Bluetooth technology v 3.0
USB 2.0 Host
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Sensor
Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light
Proximity(＊ Available on 3G version only)
Memory
8/16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM)
microSD (up to 32GB)
Dimension
193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm, 345g
Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 4,000mAh
＊ Availability and launching time of the services may differ by region.
＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.





Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) Product Specifications



Network
HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
Processor
1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
Display
10.1" WXGA(1280x800) PLS TFT
OS
Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera
Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera
Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call
Video
Codec: MPEG4, H.264. H.263, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8
Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM
Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps
Audio
Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG
Music Player with SoundAlive

3.5mm Ear Jack
Value-added Features
Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel
Samsung Apps
Samsung Hub
- Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung Hub Widget＊
- Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung S Suggest＊ (App recommendation service)
Samsung ChatON mobile communication servicea
Samsung AllShare Play
Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air
GoogleTM Mobile Services
- Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™,
Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋
Polaris document editor
A-GPS, Glonass
Connectivity
Bluetooth technology v 3.0
USB 2.0 Host
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Sensor
Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light
Memory
16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM)
microSD (up to 32GB)
Dimension
256.6 x 175.3 x 9.7 mm , 588g
Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 7,000 mAh

ViewSonic Reveals ViewPad G70, E100 and P100

Just ahead of the MWC party, ViewSonic announced 3 new tablets in addition to their Ice Cream Sandwich phone trio. Based on the photo above, the left side is the super slim and super light 7-inch tablet called ViewPad G70 which is planned to be sold together with the ViewPad E70 which features 1 GB of RAM, Ice Cream Sandwich OS, 4 GB storage, microSD expansion slot, 0.3 Megapixels front-facing camera, 2 Megapixels rear camera, mini-USB, micro-USB, and mini HDMI. Strangely enough, they did not reveal the G70’s processor.

Another tablet is the 9.7-inch ViewPad E100 tablet which will also run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The E100 will have a 1 GHz processor, 1024 x 768 pixels IPS display, microSD, USB, and HDMI. The tablet is 9.1 mm thick and weighing 620 grams.

Completing the tablet trio is the ViewPad P100 (on the right side of the above photo) powered by a Windows 7 OS. The P100 features a 1.6 Ghz dual-core Intel Atom N2600, 10-inch 1280 x 800 pixels IPS display (slightly bigger than the ViewPad 10e), front-facing and rear cameras. There are no details yet about the price but we’ll keep you updated.

Notion Ink Adam gets Ice Cream Sandwich Beta build

Since Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is the latest Android OS released by Google, Notion Ink Adam users experienced last month a taste of the Alpha build being released by Notion Ink. Of course the Alpha functionality is still limited but worry no more because you can now download the Beta version. The developers are still fixing some non-functioning microphone and camera but for the meantime, you can enjoy the functioning compass, Wi-Fi, GPS, and HDMI video. If you want to update your Adam then hit the source links below.


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Lenovo to Upgrade ThinkPad Tablet to Ice Cream Sandwich

Since the tablet trend is now going for the latest Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS, more and more tablet manufacturers are catching up by making and updating tablets to be compatible with the OS. Based on the PCWorld report, Lenovo said they are planning to bring the latest Ice Cream Sandwich OS to their ThinkPad Tablet on the 2^nd quarter of 2012. Lenovo is not the only manufacturer to have done this, because others are also catching up with the trend. If you are a proud owner of the ThinkPad, I know you are very excited on the upgrade but unfortunately, there are no details yet about the said upgrade. We’ll give you an update later regarding the said upgrade.


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Motorola XOOM Receives an Official Ice Cream Sandwich Update

Great news to all Motorola Xoom owners out there because the latest and official Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS update should be available by now for OTA (Over-the-Air) downloading. This latest update of Android will replace the Xoom’s currently installed Honeycomb OS with ICS, which is the most recent build of Android. The Xoom update rolled out a week later when Asus started the release the same update to their latest Transformer Prime Tab.

As of the moment, I guess the update is only felt by the US Xoom users but I am pretty sure the international users will soon have the update also.

This is a good sign that all of the first generation tablets with Tegra 2 processor will also get the Ice Cream Sandwich too, because almost all of them have the same hardware build. That depends on the decision of the manufacturers though but this is enough to put a smile on the first-gen Honeycomb user’s face. As mentioned above, Asus was the first to roll out then Notion Ink tablet and now the Xoom. I really hope that LG, Acer, Samsung and other manufacturers will follow also.


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Toshiba Excite x10 unveils World’s Thinnest Tablet

Announced as the Regza AT700 in October 2011, the Toshiba Excite x10 which only measures 7.7-mm thick is now the world’s thinnest tablet. It is thinner than the ASUS Transformer Prime by 0.6 mm. Not only that, the tablet is also light at 535 grams beating up the 601-gram Apple iPad 2.

The 10-inch (1280 x 800 resolution) Excite x10’s display is shielded by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass. The back cover of the tablet is outfitted with brushed magnesium alloy, making the tablet both damage resistant and elegant.

The Excite x10 is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4420 processor and it will run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. It is also equipped with a 2 Megapixels front-facing camera and a bigger 5 Megapixel rear camera.

Toshiba is known to equip their tablets with a multitude of ports and to keep the tradition alive, the Excite x10 is outfitted with a micro-USB, micro-SD, and HDMI ports. I am really impressed and surprised how they fit those ports considering the tablet is very thin. Well, of course they are not standard-sized, but it is much better compared to nothing at all.

Some may think that the price should be lower as the tablet goes thinner, but that is not the case here. The 16 GB Toshiba Excite x10 will have a selling price of $529 and $599 for the 32 GB model.

What do you think? Are you Excited for the Excite?

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