Updated: Apparently according to Google, this has nothing to do with Google Wallet. In fact, it has to do with CDMA tech and other stuff. Also, Google will continue to support the Galaxy Nexus’ firmware updates. Whew.

This is beyond our imagination. Google has removed the Verizon Galaxy Nexus from its support pages perhaps due to the Google Wallet fiasco/delay, where Verizon has seemingly been unable to allow Google to add Wallet support to their version of the Galaxy Nexus. Furthermore, the phone (model codename “toro”) has disappeared from Google’s list of downloadable factory ROM images; all mentions of toro are “archived, for reference only.”

This all essentially meaning that Samsung and Verizon are now responsible for future updates and the Galaxy Nexus is no longer support for Android development.

This is not supposed to happen.

Via: Droid-Life

If only tech news were so simple. Any Galaxy S II successor will not launch at MWC 2012, says Samsung. Instead, it will be an event in the first half of the year, which is closer to the launch of the SGS III. For your information and enlightenment, Samsung’s statement is pasted below:

“Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.

The successor to the Galaxy S II smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product.

Samsung stays committed to providing the best possible mobile experiences for customers around the world.”

At the very least, they are launching some sort of new hardware at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, of which speculation assumes is a new Galaxy Tab.

Via: TechRadar

Hrm. Marketing strategies.

CREATE, CAPTURE AND SHARE IN NEW WAYS WITH THE SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE, AVAILABLE FROM AT&T FEB. 19

AT&T’s Latest 4G LTE Device Offers Customers a New Way to Communicate and Collaborate

DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2012 –

Key Facts

·         Previously announced at AT&T’s Developer Summit leading up to the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy Note™ arrives in carbon blue and ceramic white at AT&T* stores beginning Feb. 19 for $299.99 with a two-year agreement.

·         Customers excited to get their hands on this dream device even earlier can pre-order at http://www.att.com/galaxynote or any AT&T company-owned retail store beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 for delivery by Feb. 17.

·         The Galaxy Note combines the best features of a smartphone with the larger viewing screen of a tablet and advanced technology in the S Pen™ — delivering an all-in-one device that allows users to work more efficiently and maintain productivity, while communicating in a unique, personal way.

·         Galaxy Note boasts the world’s first 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED™ screen (1280×800), one of the largest screens on a smartphone, for sharp, clear colors and readability – both indoors and out.  With the expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience, customers can take full advantage of the large display, to create and consume more.

·         The Galaxy Note includes a highly advanced tool called the S Pen, which delivers fast, responsive and precise control to create fine lines and detail on the device display, much like an ink pen and pad of paper.  With the S Pen, users can easily sketch drawings, jot down notes, or write emails and texts quickly and easily in free-form handwriting.

·         S Memo™, a multimedia application designed to capture all forms of user-created content captured by the S Pen, allows for pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings to be combined via a single application, converted to a ‘memo’, and shared as desired.

·         It also includes a smart professional planning tool that makes full use of the device’s large screen. The calendar integrates the phone’s to-do list and schedule; control and navigation is intuitive, helping customers comprehensively organize their lives.

·         An easy screen-capture function also allows users to instantly save any screen, which can also be annotated with the S Pen before being saved or shared.

·         Users can communicate in personal, creative ways expanding beyond traditional sharing methods with the Galaxy Note.

Accessories

The Galaxy Note features a unique portfolio of custom designed optional accessories including:

·         Desktop Dock to get the most out of your Galaxy Note at home

·         Spare Battery Charging System that allows for a convenient backup charging solution

·         Protective Flip Cover Case, available in multiple colors including tan, black, pink, red, white, blue.

·         Galaxy Note S Pen Holder Kit which offers a solution for users in need of a more traditional writing instrument. With a spare S Pen included, the S Pen Holder secures the navigation tool inside and offers a comfortable grip and allows for more detailed use.

The Galaxy Note is also compatible with the following universal accessories:  Micro USB Adapter, HDTV Smart Adapter, Car Power Charger with Detachable Data Cable (Micro USB), Micro USB Data Cable, Travel Charger (Detachable with USB to Micro USB Cable), and the premium Refined Sound wired headset.

Pre-Orders

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 customers will have the option to pre-order the Note at http://www.att.comgalaxynote or by visiting an AT&T company-owned retail store.  Pre-orders processed by Feb. 15 will arrive by Feb. 17 at customers’ homes.

Quote

“The Galaxy Note brings a new level of efficiency to busy customers who would normally rely on multiple devices,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  “This new breed of smartphone helps consumers accomplish more with a single device than ever before.  The unique all-in-one experience can simplify daily life while tapping into AT&T’s 4G LTE network to let customers work even faster.”

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets.  4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available.  Deployment ongoing.  Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.  Learn more at att.com/network.

Limited-time offer. Samsung Galaxy Note requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req’d. Activ fee $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $35. 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. Visit a store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.

Via: Samsung Tomorrow

A 4G LTE smartphone on AT&T? Why, yes of course. The LG Nitro HD contains some top-of-the-line specs, including a 4.5-inch 1280 x 720 AH-IPS display, dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm APQ8060 processor and 1.3 front-facing / 8 megapixel rear cameras. With all of this coming together for a higher than the average $250 on a new 2-year agreement with AT&T, there’s quite a spot to be filled. In fact, the only thing the Nitro HD should be is exceptional, and our evaluation of it should prove if it is. That being said, the review is after the break.

Price as Reviewed: $249.99 on new 2-year agreement with AT&T 

Design

The LG Nitro HD’s design consists of rubberized plastics and a tapered AH-IPS display. The screen is fantastic, and has more pixel-per-inch than seen on the iPhone 4S: at a stellar 329ppi, it really shines. In order to describe theNitro HD in one word, it would be most obvious to say: sleek. It’s not the most handsome of the dual-core smartphones on the market, but it is sleek enough to fit comfortably in just about any hand, and the measurements prove that: 5.27 x 2.67 x 0.41 inches (133.9 x 67.8 x 10.4mm). It weighs 4.5 ounces, and while that is light, it does not radiate the impression that plastic makes the LG Nitro HD feel cheap (devices with plastic builds tend to make creaking noises when compressed with the hands, however the Nitro does not have this problem, thankfully).

Best of all, this design is so well sculpted that unlike the Amaze 4G (hello, 2011) which literally digs into your hand, the Nitro HD achieves something that only a few of the great devices of today have–true industrial design. Perhaps the only two things I dislike about its aesthetics is that the charging port is covered by a plastic flap (and is located at the top of the Nitro HD’s frame) and that it lacks a dedicated touch-sensitive Search button; it only contains Home, Back, and Menu buttons.

Performance

A 1.5GHz dual-core processor with 1GB RAM allows for almost constant use of the handset in apps without lag. Every press, notification, and snapshot is snappy to the point where it feels as if certain UI interactions are instantaneous. Now imagine the possibility of a Galaxy Nexus-esque device when the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update hits the Nitro HD this year? That would pack a serious punch.

Software

There are times that it is impossible to understand why certain Android manufacturers do certain things, and LG has done exactly that with their LG UX skin that runs on top of Google’s Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread. The software design is very “shiny”, if not passable to the likes of HTC’s Sense UI, and I don’t see what issues would arise for the average consumer using it, but if it were a personal device, I’d get sick and tired of it soon enough, and perhaps so would the ordinary user. It isn’t memory intensive, so it’s not taking away from the 1GB of RAM, and otherwise doesn’t make much of a fuss otherwise.

Benchmark: 2431 Quadrant score, which is much better than the Amaze 4G’s 1766.

Let me just summarize: LG needs to either practice on their Android software enhancements (well, the built-in screenshot taking is nice), or just hire an entirely new team. Or you know, follow the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich design guidelines.

Camera

LG has taken an industry-standard 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video recording. The shooter takes clear and concise shots and shoots crispy video with exceptional quality and sound — descriptive words you don’t use frequently on the camera sensors seen on smartphones. A gallery of shots taken with the Nitro HD is seen below. Per usual, the camera of the Nitro HD or any other smartphone with similar specs will not replace your DSLR, but as a point-and-shoot, will suffice. Conditions tested in include: the great outdoors, pavement, a laptop screen, and then some.

LG Nitro HD Test Shots

Battery

There is really a downfall to the LG Nitro HD, besides the fact that the Galaxy Nexus is superior to most Android devices right now, is that the Nitro’s battery lasts only but 7-9 hours on a full charge when in use on WiFi. Now I know you’re asking for 4G LTE data speeds (or even HSPA+) for that matter, but AT&T forgot to send a SIM card with this review unit, so unfortunately I couldn’t run what may have been the most exciting of the tests. Keep your charger nearby to keep the Nitro HD powered on, if you wish to use it the whole day.

Final Verdict

Score: 8/10

An LG Nitro HD vs. the Galaxy Nexus? Samsung’s offering would triumph the Nitro HD. In. Every. Single. Way. Plus the $250 on contract stacks against the Nitro HD’s good deeds. But if there’s a 4G LTE device on AT&T that is worth your U.S. currency (and was not announced at CES 2012), then the Nitro HD should fit the bill.