Nexus S 4G officially an AOSP device once again

Hooray! It looks like Google, Samsung, and Sprint were able to iron out the difficulties in redistributing the closed source radio code for the Nexus S 4G and it's now officially a part of the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) again! Says Jean-Baptiste Queru, Technical Lead, Android Open Source Project --

We've been able to resolve the issues around Nexus S 4G, and we can now properly distribute its CDMA and WiMAX binaries. That allows Nexus S 4G to work with AOSP just as well as Nexus S.

As a result, we now consider Nexus S 4G to be fully supported in AOSP,with no restrictions. Overall, Nexus S is the preferred platform for AOSP work.

I've updated the set of IMM76L binaries for Nexus S 4G to include WiMAX support. They're available at their usual location: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/drivers

Enjoy!

JBQ

Enjoy we will. Welcome back to the family, Nexus S 4G. We've missed you. You might remember back in February, support for CDMA devices was dropped from the AOSP. Dan Morrill explained that this was because binaries for proprietary radio code was signed by a different private key, and projects built from the AOSP would use the standard platform key. This would lead to all sorts of difficulties, and official support for the devices had to be dropped. Legal issues tend to conflict with open-source more often than not. It seems that the issues have been resolved, and Google can now deliver binaries with the correct key, and the Crespo 4G is alive and kicking in AOSP.

It's worth noting that there's no mention of the Sprint Galaxy Nexus, which uses LTE for the 4G network in place of WiMax. Hopefully, those issues can be resolved as well and we're one big happy Nexus family again.

Source: Android Building Group

Verizon’s DROID Incredible 4G LTE by HTC officially announced

After months of leaks, rumors and dozens of blurry pictures, Verizon has officially unveiled the DROID Incredible by HTC. While we’ve seen quite a few spec variances over the past months, the official handset internals match up with some of the most recent rumors.

Looking at the specs, Verizon’s DROID Incredible 4G LTE is a decent phone. It’s size matches up closely with the HTC One S, while featuring NFC and LTE connectivity like the EVO 4G LTE and AT&T’s HTC One X. Additionally, the DROID Incredible 4G LTE features a removable battery and a microSD expansion slot which will allow users to add an additional 32GB of storage to the device.

It’s hard to say which of HTC’s four devices is better than the other since they all offer features which make them each unique in their own right. The DROID Incredible 4G LTE may have a smaller screen and underclocked processor, but its removable battery and expandable storage options may actually make it a more appealing option to Android enthusiasts and power users.

Verizon’s staying silent on the price, but the press release does mention that the DROID Incredible 4G LTE will be available on its website and in Verizon stores within the coming weeks. We wouldn’t be surprised if Verizon prices the phone at $299, but we feel a fair price would be something between $149 and $179.

How do you think the DROID Incredible 4G LTE stacks up against the HTC One X, One S and EVO 4G LTE?

HTC and Verizon Wireless Reveal DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE

New DROID INCREDIBLE Offers Advanced Camera Capabilities, Beats Audio and 4G LTE Speeds from Verizon Wireless

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and NEW ORLEANS, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — From International CTIA Wireless® 2012, Verizon Wireless and HTC today announced the new and exclusive DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC. The DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE will be the twenty third 4G LTE-enabled device currently available on the Verizon Wireless network.

The new DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE enhances the customer experience by offering high-quality photo and audio capabilities, combined with the power of 4G LTE speeds. Running the latest version of HTC Sense™ 4.0, HTC’s branded user experience integrated with Google’s™ mobile operating system, Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, the new DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE brings a sophisticated, pocket-friendly device to America’s fastest 4G LTE network.

DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC features Beats Audio™ which is enabled across the entire experience for a rich and authentic sound whether customers watch a YouTube™ video, play a game, or stream music over 4G LTE. Beats Audio allows customers to listen to music the way the artist intended with thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs.

The DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE captures life’s special moments with an advanced 8-megapixel camera with quick activation from the home screen so customers never miss that perfect shot. Additionally, there’s no longer a need to choose between shooting video or taking photos, HTC Video Pic™ allows users to shoot HD video and capture photos at the same time. With 4G LTE speeds, sharing photos and video via email, uploading to the cloud or posting to social networking sites is a breeze.

DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE is packed with features to make life easier and customizable. Customers can personalize and use lock screen shortcuts to quickly access their four favorite apps. Folders can easily be created on any home screen for additional customization and organization. A Read Later feature allows people short on time the ability to save browser content like news articles and websites that can be viewed later, even while offline. The smartphone is also NFC capable so customers can take advantage of Android Beam™ to quickly share Web pages, apps, contacts and YouTube™ videos with friends by simply tapping two compatible phones together.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available in 230 markets across the Unites States. In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

Additional features:

4-inch super LCD qHD display
8 megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, LED flash, BSI, f/2.2 and 28 mm lens
Front-facing camera for video chatting with friends and family
1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 processor
Mobile Hotspot capable to share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices
Support for up to 32 GB microSD™ memory card
1,700 mAh lithium ion removable battery

The new DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com in the coming weeks.

Motorola RAZR MAXX to be officially available in the UK on May 18

We knew the Motorola RAZR MAXX was heading to the UK, and we even knew it was supposed to land officially in mid-May. But today British retailer Clove has announced that it'll officially begin shipping on May 18. For those unfamiliar with the MAXX, it packs a gigantic 3300mAh battery behind its 4.3-inch qHD display. Combined with UMTS and HSPA+ connectivity, that should give consumers a crazy amount of battery life on a single charge. If you're interested in this device be sure to keep your eyes peeled, as it can be yours in just over a week!

Source: Clove

Samsung officially announces the Galaxy S III

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AppId is over the quota

After all the rumors, leaks and hype, we finally get to lay eyes on the Samsung Galaxy S III -- the unicorn of the Android world. It's impressive to say the least, big, beautiful, and built with natural curves to set it apart from the pack. We're even digging the fact that it isn't just your basic black. It's safe to say Samsung has went all out to bring us the best they have to offer.

There's a lot of new technology packed in there as well. Natural Interactions recognize your voice, and your face, and new motion gestures make it something new and different. We love new and different. 

Regarding U.S. availability, Samsung's official statement:

Samsung Mobile is planning a U.S. version of Galaxy S III, optimized for the fastest LTE and HSPA+ networks in the U.S., which will be available in the summer of 2012.  Exact timing and retail channel availability is not being announced at this time. We believe the Galaxy S III is the most anticipated product in the 20-year history of Samsung Mobile; therefore, we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Hit the break to see the full press release.

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LG Viper available for preorder today for $99, officially in stores April 22

As promised, the Sprint LG Viper 4G LTE is available for preorder today for $99. (That's on a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate.) In exchange for that Benjamin you'll get a 4-inch NOVA display, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 5MP camera, NFC radio and Sprint ID, plus eventual 4G LTE data on Sprint's fledgling 4G LTE network. Plus, you'll get 50GB of online storage from Box.

Sprint's website says it'll "do our best to get it to you before Sunday, April 22," which suggests that'll be the official in-store date. So, who's in?

Update: Sprint's just made it official, saying it'll definitely be in stores on Sunday, and that preorders may arrive as early as April 20.

Preorder: Sprint.com;

Sprint officially announces the fury of ZTE, come March 11 for $19.99

The fury of ZTE will be available on March 11 for only $20 on the contract, Sprint announced this morning. The fury is presented as a "family-friendly" Android device, that options such as Sprint ' s family Locator, controls the use mobile (you can lock text messages, for example) and Sprint Drive first all cost extra.

As for the phone itself, the fury ' s has a 3.5-inch screen, a camera of 5 megapixels with flash and can be used as a 3 G mobile hotspot. It seems to be running Android 2.3 Gingerbread and is powered by a processor GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon 1. He ' s a 4 GB of onboard storage. He ' s a Sprint device ID, so you can also the theme with any number of Sprint ID packs.

More: Sprint

Samsung officially announces the Rugby Smart for AT&T

Samsung officially announces the Rugby Smart for AT&T AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota

The other day we showed you images of the Samsung Rugby Smart, and today Samsung announced that it will release on AT&T on March 4 for $99.99 with a 2-year contract. The Rugby Smart is one of those “tough” phones like the Motorola Defy. It’s dustproof and can be submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes. It can also withstand extreme temperatures. Basically it’s built with mil-std 810f  military spec standards if that means anything to you.

Hit the break for the full specs and press release:

Specifications

Technology: GSM, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA+Operating System:  Android 2.3Display:  3.7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) Super AMOLED displayExternal Memory: Supports up to 32GB via microSD™Internal Memory: 4GBDimensions: 122.4mm x 65.9mm x 12.19mmWeight: 4.2 ozCamera: 5MP rear facing with flash and auto focus with HD 720p video capture; 1.3 MP front facing camera;Battery: 1650 mAh LiIon PolyTalk Time: Up to 8 hoursStandby Time: Up to 16 days

Full press release:

SAMSUNG & AT&T DELIVER BRAINS AND BRAWN

Waterproof and Dustproof Samsung Rugby® Smart Available Starting March 4

DALLAS, February 23, 2012 —

Key Facts

·         On March 4, AT&T* will begin selling the Samsung Rugby® Smart in company-owned retail stores and online. The smartphone will be sold for $99.99 with a two-year commitment and monthly minimum data plan.·         Samsung Rugby® Smart is dustproof, can be submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and can withstand extreme temperatures.**·         Runs on Android™ 2.3 with 4G capabilities and boasts a virtual QWERTY keyboard, 3.7-inch Super AMOLED™ touchscreen display, 5MP camera and an integrated flashlight.

Samsung Rugby® Smart

The Samsung Rugby® Smart is a rugged, dustproof device designed to handle the elements with water resistance (submergible up to 1m for 30 minutes) and built to mil-std 810f  military spec standards**.The Android 2.3 smartphone features a 3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED touchscreen display and a 5MP camera with HD video recording***. It also supports 4G service, Wi-Fi®, corporate email and the full line of media including location, music and social networking services. From the work site to the camp site and beyond, Rugby Smart fulfills all your smartphone needs with the physical strength to handle whatever life throws at it.

Specifications

·         Technology: GSM, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA+·         Operating System:  Android 2.3·         Display:  3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display·         External Memory: Supports up to 32GB via microSD™·         Internal Memory: 4GB·         Dimensions: 122.4mm x 65.9mm x 12.19mm·         Weight: 4.2 oz·         Camera: 5MP rear facing with flash and auto focus with HD 720p video capture; 1.3 MP front facing camera;·         Battery: 1650 mAh LiIon Poly·         Talk Time: Up to 8 hours·         Standby Time: Up to 16 days

Quotes

“The Samsung Rugby Smart is perfect for active customers who need another level of durability with their smartphone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices,AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  “It is water and dustproof and has all the features of a leading smartphone.”

“We continue to bring the highest quality devices – the Rugby Smart is the ultimate smartphone to withstand extreme conditions,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “AT&T customers are now able to stay connected with a durable smartphone while experiencing even the roughest environment.”

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

4G speeds not available everywhere.

** Meets US Mil-STD 810F for Dust, Humidity, Rain, Shock and Temperature. Waterproof against incidental exposure to water when all ports are tightly closed. NOT designed or intended for in water use. Submersible up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Waterproof based on IP67 rating.

Limited-time offer. New two-year wireless agreement with qualifying voice and data plan required. Terms of service may vary depending on your business agreement. Wireless Service: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement. Coverage and services not available everywhere. Credit approval required. Activation Fee up to $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in service termination. See store or visit att.com for complete details and coverage maps. Data Requirements: Seeatt.com/dataplans or www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/plans/data-plans/smartphone-data-plans.jsp for details and overage rates if you exceed your monthly data allowance. Access to corporate email, company intranet sites and business applications requires a DataPro Enterprise Plan Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov’t assessments. These are not taxes or gov’t req’d charges.   Early Termination Fee (ETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325 based on device (details att.com/ equipmentETF). Restocking fee up to $35. Taxes and other charges apply. Samsung, Super AMOLED and Rugby Smart are trademarks of Samsung Electronics

*** Screen resolution 480×800

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