Now you see it… now you don’t: Verizon pulls latest Galaxy S III update due to massive connectivity and battery issues

by Roy Alugbue on
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Just as Verizon began rolling out its extensive VRBLMD3 software update to ecstatic Galaxy S III owners, it quickly pulled the update due to major problems plaguing a number of customers. Among the various problems reported on the World Wide Web were not only decreased battery life and performance, but also poor connectivity problems as the device with have significant difficulties retaining a consistent 4G LTE signal. So because of this, Verizon’s support team has pulled the update completely and will work with Samsung to identify some sort of fix or solution, though there’s no word on how long it will be before Verizon unleashes another version of the important update for its Galaxy S III customers.

 

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For those of you that may be affected, it’s recommended that you call Verizon and try to obtain a replacement device immediately. On the flipside— those of you who haven’t received the new build just yet, DON’T update just yet until a new fix has been put in place. Just saying.

source: Droid-Life

 

Samsung delays Android 4.2.2 for the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II

by Jared Peters on
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According to SamMobile, who is generally extremely reliable with Samsung leaked information, Samsung is delaying the Android 4.2.2 update for both the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy Note II, citing issues with the newer version of TouchWiz in a tweet tonight. Granted, Samsung has some newer, less powerful devices rolling out with Android 4.2.2 on board, so whatever problem they’re having will definitely be fixed sooner rather than later, so I think we can still expect a timeline for the update within a few months. Getting the update to the phones through the carriers is another story, but at least Samsung will have done their part.

source: Twitter

Surprise!!! Samsung secretly working on fingerprint protection technology behind the scenes

by Roy Alugbue on
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Samsung is a brand that prides itself on bringing innovative technology to its devices, so it should come as no surprise that it is bringing fingerprint technology to its devices. The gang at SamMobile got a tip from a Sammy insider showcasing some Galaxy S III firmware from the SecSettings .apk file. Within the file is clearly the early components of some sort of fingerprint tracking system. When Samsung plans on releasing its newfound technology remains to be seen, but there will be no doubt it’ll certainly generate excitement and buzz in the meantime.

source: SamMobile

Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S III gets a taste of Android 4.2.2, thanks to leaked firmware

by Roy Alugbue on
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Despite it aging at a fast rate (in Android years at least), the Galaxy S III smartphone is still one hell of a smartphone. So that’s why Samsung has been hard at work ensuring its most successful device to date will continue to receive prompt updates in order to keep things current. With that in mind— a leaked Android 4.2.2 firmware has surfaced for the unlocked variant of the device, courtesy of the fine folks at SamMobile. As expected, the leaked firmware is based off an incomplete version of the imminent update— but fortunately it appears that Samsung is pretty much done ironing out the bugs and should have the finished Android 4.2.2 build by the time June rolls around. Aside from the fact it is an incomplete version, the update does bring a ton of new goodies for the device including a new lockscreen, new S Voice, Driving Mode and a revamped Settings UI, among other things.

If you are a GT-I9300 owner and want more deets on the mouthwatering firmware, hit the break to grab the download link, as well as full instructions on how to flash the update to your device.  » Read the rest

Samsung Galaxy S III comes to StraightTalk using Sprint’s LTE network

by James Gray on
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Pre-paid carriers are getting more and more high-end phones every day, and StraightTalk is no different now that they offer the Samsung Galaxy S III. A user on HowardForums posted a photo of the Galaxy S III’s StraightTalk retail packaging, and as of now you can purchase it directly from StraighTalk’s website. The phone is unbranded and comes at the very reasonable price of $439.99. Aside from StraightTalk’s website, the S III should be available at Wal-Mart soon. » Read the rest

T-Mobile rolling out Android 4.1.2 update to Samsung Galaxy S III customers

by Harrison Kaminsky on
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If you’re a T-Mobile customer who owns a Samsung Galaxy S III, you’ll be happy to learn that an update should be arriving very soon for your device, in the form of Android 4.1.2. The only issue is that we’re not really sure of what the update includes (other than multi-window support), as T-Mobile has yet to update their support page.

However, we do know that the update adds two new apps, including Paper Artist and Group Play. It also supposedly adds T-Mobile’s new “4G” logo to the phone’s notification bar. The update is a full 187MB and according to reports, owners started receiving the update as early as 3AM this morning.

Let us know how the update is if you got it, and we’ll let you guys know some more information as soon as T-Mobile updates their support page.

source: TMONews

 

Cringeworthy drop tests pit Samsung Galaxy S 4 against Galaxy S III and iPhone 5

by Jeff Causey on
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A new flagship device from any manufacturer means it is time for drop tests to see how it might hold up against the inevitable slips of the hand that users deal with in the real world. The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is hitting the market now, so we are subjected to viewing the results of these tests if you have the intestinal fortitude to see a brand new device hitting hard concrete. Testing the Galaxy S 4 may be of particular interest to those who have followed the debate about Samsung’s choice of materials for their devices and claims that plastic bodies help smartphones survive accidents better. » Read the rest

Survey says Samsung Galaxy phones are simpler than the iPhone

by Robert Nazarian on
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There are a lot of people that think Android is better than iOS for many reasons, but most fans won’t put simplicity at the top of the list. Well according to a survey by Siegel+Gale, Samsung Galaxy phones are simpler than the iPhone. This survey was conducted with 400 people, and while both phones scored well, Samsung’s Galaxy line came out as the winner. According to the survey, Samsung’s high-speed file transfers and instant photo tagging and sharing made it simpler for users to share information. Also, since the Galaxy series is compatible with proprietary apps, it came across as simpler to use.

Siegel+Gale is a branding company that also came up with the Global Brand Simplicity Index. In this survey, Google came out on top while Apple came in at number 5. Samsung didn’t even make the top 10, but this is company brand recognition. So reading between the lines, the Apple brand is recognized at simpler than Samsung, but at the product level, the Galaxy phones are recognized as simpler than the iPhone.

» Read the rest

Facebook announces ‘Facebook Home’ replacement launcher for Android [Video]

by Robert Nazarian on
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As expected, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the HTC First Facebook phone today, but he also introduced a complete home replacement for many popular Android phones (and eventually tablets). It’s called Facebook Home, and according to Zuckerberg, “It sets the tone for your whole experience.”

Although the new launcher will work with all the apps that are installed on your phone, it changes the focal point to people as opposed to apps. The Coverfeed allows you to scroll through updates with large photos. You will be able to quickly see all the comments and respond inline. You will also find a notification pane that includes SMS messages and other important posts.

» Read the rest

Purple Galaxy S III to hit Sprint on April 12th, $99 with mail-in rebate

by Jared Peters on
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If you were excited about that purple Galaxy S III we told you about not too long ago, we’ve got a bit more information for you. We originally reported that the device would be available exclusively on Sprint sometime in April, and the latest leaks are pointing to April 12th. It’ll be available for $99, which is in line with the other Galaxy S III models Sprint offers, but does involve a $50 mail-in rebate. Either way, it’s a bargain for one of the best devices of last year, especially in such an eye-catching color.

Who’s planning on picking one of these up when they’re available?

source: Engadget