Another Day, Another $99 Nexus Tablet Rumor: Sources Say $99 Nexus Tablet Will Arrive In Q4, ASUS Says Don’t Believe The Hype

by Roy Alugbue on
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And while we’re on the topic of Google Nexus tablets, there’s now more uncertainty about whether or not the Mountain View giant will or will not bring a $99 tablet. The not-so-credible DigiTimes highlights that Taiwanese supply-chain makers claims that consumers will indeed see a $99 version of the Nexus tablet sometime this quarter, despite certain folks who think the claim is full of crap. The problem with this claim: DigiTimes also reports that ASUS has come out and clearly stated that “it has no plans to launch US$99 Nexus”. So basically you have supply-chain makers saying it’s very much real and ASUS saying it’s not real.

Boy oh boy who to believe here. Personally– I’d hold my breath on a $99 Nexus tablet, unless you know— we see it on a wireless carrier or something.

 

source: DigiTimes

 

Upcoming 32GB Nexus 7 Tablet To Cost £199.99 In The UK

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As Google continues to be mum on its all but confirmed 32GB Nexus 7 tablet, we continue to see additional specs and info leaked out for our viewing pleasure. Just like we had reported earlier in the week, the gang at Android Central managed to get a tip that famed UK retailer Argos has created its Christmas guide and lo and behold— the 32GB Nexus 7 is listed at a cool £199.99 ($323.00 USD). The significance of this is the pricing point pretty much confirms the upcoming tablet will indeed replace the existing 16GB tablet— while also adding that Google has finally listened to its customers (like yours’ truly) and will offer up more storage space.

So now that we know it’s very much real and on the way, all we need now is for Google to just finally stop holding out on the inevitable and give up the details on when we can grab one of the tablets for ourselves.

source: Android Central

When It Rains… It Pours: More Leaked Photos Of The LG Nexus Surface

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As we get closer and closer to the inevitable announcement of Google’s newest addition to the Nexus family, we now see yet another leaked photo of the Nexus 4 (or Optimus Nexus, whatever you prefer). Belerusian website Onliner.by obtained some sweet photos of the LG E960. As you can see off the bat, the device seems to feature a special coating and the traditional Google & LG logos on the back, while the front is all screen, nearly identical to the existing Galaxy Nexus smartphone. All in all, these photos seem to line up with the previous shots that we’ve seen before.

In addition to the photos that have surfaced, the website also takes some time to confirm some specs that were previously rumored to be featured in the smartphone. As of now, Onliner.by highlights the newest upcoming Nexus will feature a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2 gigs of RAM, a 1280×768 HD display, 8MP rear camera and 8GB of on-board storage. Leave it to the Nexus line to stay consistent with featuring the best features and cutting edge technology.

In case you’ve forgotten, the device is expected to be announced at the end of the month. In the meantime, we’re sure you’re all itching to get more peeks of the upcoming device, so hit the break for all the photos you can handle.

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Rumor: Upcoming Nexus Featuring Android 4.2 To Feature New Customization Center, Updated Google Now And Project Roadrunner

by Roy Alugbue on
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As we all await the arrival of the latest Nexus device (or devices if all holds true), we are also eagerly awaiting what Google has up its sleeves in the latest Android OS. Well it looks like the gang at Android and Me may have the inside scoop on not only the latest OS which is expected to be software version 4.2, but details on the direction of its Nexus line of devices. According to an anonymous source, Google is trying to promote its Nexus line among all major manufacturers. The various manufacturers will work directly with Google in regards to the hardware and driver details, though Google will be responsible for the hardware updates directly. Moreover, although these special Google devices are part of the Nexus line, they don’t necessarily need to be called Nexus as part of its name– sort of like of what Google did with the Motorola Xoom WiFi tablet. The thought is that by manufacturers joining the Nexus program, it would allow for the special variations of the devices to have even more access to specially-optimized Google content.

Of course since there will be added content, it’s only natural to have an idea of what exactly the Nexus devices will feature in regards to the newest Android OS, Android 4.2. The biggest features in the new OS are rumored to be identified as the new Customization Center, Project Roadrunner, an updated Google Now and revamped Play Store. The new Customization Center will be useful for all Android users as it essentially allows users to update the base Android OS, without having to wait for OEM manufacturers to update their skins. Here’s how it works: it is basically a way for you to do basic customizations through a range of options through the Play Store. When a new update is available, new items like filters and icons would be available via the Play Store. So when Google upgrades Android and a manufacturer doesn’t provide a compatible version of their custom UI initially, the device reverts simply to the stock UI or wait for the upgrade until the manufacturer catches up.

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Sample Photos Taken With Samsung GT-I9260′s Camera Leaked Online

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It looks like we’re getting closer and closer to seeing what all the hubbub is of the mysterious Samsung GT-I9260 smartphone. After seeing a user agent for the device leaked last week, an alleged user of the device casually took some photos using the GT-I9260′s camera and uploaded them to Picasa. The EXIF data of the photo clearly highlights a GT-I9260 model number, though the photos were not taken at full resolution, so it’s uncertain if the device has the expected 8MP camera or not. On the flipside,  the photos do show the camera has an F/2.65 aperture and a 4mm focal length, which corresponds with the camera and sensor found on the Galaxy S II, so it’s possible or even likely this new device has the same camera as that found in the Galaxy S II.

All in all, it’s looking like this “Galaxy (Nexus) Premier” is shaping up to be a solid mid-range phone. Here’s hoping we see even more sooner than later.

source: GSM Arena

Samsung Uses Twitter To Call Recent Samsung Galaxy S IV Rumor Bogus

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You remember how we told you to take that whole Samsung Galaxy S IV rumor that surfaced yesterday? If you recall, we advised to our readers that they should take the rumor with a grain of salt and now it looks like we told you that for good reason. Samsung took to Twitter and confirmed the Korea Times claim of the next great superphone arriving at MWC 2013 utterly bogus. Here’s Samsung’s response which has been roughly translated:

 

Please note that some media reported speculation that the Galaxy S Ⅲ subsequent models will be released in a simple rumor is not true. … why spread these rumors?

 

So there you have it. We won’t see the next great Samsung superphone at MWC 2013, so life can go on and the major focus can be on the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II smartphones… for now.

source: Samsung Tomorrow (Twitter)

Samsung Galaxy S IV Rumored To Be Revealed At MWC 2013, Will Bring LTE And A 5-Inch Display

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In the midst of the whole Samsung Galaxy S III mayhem and pandemonium, it’s never to early to think about the next follow-up of the Galaxy S series, right? Well, a few individuals connected to the Korean giant seem to think so. According to the Korea Times, the Galaxy S IV smartphone will be revealed at Mobile World Congress for 2013 and be on sale in stores by March. The Korea Times also highlights the device will grow in size, as an OLED display will come in at 5-inches and feature LTE. The end goal of this new smartphone will be to send a “clear message” to Apple, while ushering in a new era of smartphones.

Naturally, we’ll take this one with a grain of salt— but then again, it’s never to early to get in on the hype of Sammy’s next big thing.

source: Korea Times

User Agent Profile For Samsung GT-I9260 Smartphone Leaks

by Roy Alugbue on
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It looks like we have another follow-up to a certain Samsung device. If you recall last month, we casually made a mention of a mysterious Samsung GT-i9260, which was originally believed to be a possible successor to the current Galaxy Nexus smartphone– but is more likely to be some sort of an enhanced version of the current Galaxy Nexus or the Galaxy Premier smartphone. Originally, we were treated to some major specs identified in the original leak such as an A9-based dual-core processor, 8MP camera and the addition of an SD card slot— and now we have a User Agent Profile that gives us even more details. According to the User Agent Profile, the GT-i9260 has a resolution of 1280 x 720, which almost mirrors the current Galaxy Nexus. However, something that is a bit unusual is the fact that the CPU listed is identified as the “ARM11″ unit, which may indeed stand for a ARM’s Cortex-A11 processor since you know— the original ARM11 CPU powered the original Android smartphone and all. Nevertheless, this processor is listed and is expected to be clocked much faster than the processor found in the Galaxy Nexus.

So all in all, this device could either be a minor refresh of the current Galaxy Nexus or we can see a brand new Galaxy Premier smartphone (which I personally think is the more likely scenario). Either way, now that we have the User Agent Profile, it shouldn’t be too long before we get additional details.

source: Pocketnow

 

Samsung Bulgaria Claims The Galaxy Ace 2 And Galaxy S Advance Smartphones Will Not Get Android 4.0 Update… Will Go Straight To Jelly Bean Instead

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Samsung Bulgaria has just provided an interesting tidbit of news for owners of the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy S Advance smartphones. According to the gang at GSM Arena, when asked if both devices would get Android 4.0 on its Facebook page, Samsung Bulgaria surprised all and confirmed both devices would not be getting Ice Cream Sandwich— instead both would be updated to Jelly Bean. Of course there’s the understandable speculation that Samsung Bulgaria may be out of its mind and is providing incorrect information. However if this is true (and that’s a BIG if), then Samsung is confirming its intentions of being the top Android manufacturer when it comes to updating and providing support for its devices.

While this is exciting and all, first things’ first— we need to see Samsung roll out the Jelly Bean update for its flagship device first. Once that’s done, then we’ll wait and see if or when Samsung rolls out the Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy S Advance smartphones.

source: GSM Arena

 

Samsung Rumored To Have 3 Devices On The Way: The Galaxy S III Mini, Galaxy S II Plus And Galaxy Premier Smartphones

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While Samsung has the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II  as its heavyweights for 2012, it has plans on bringing in more players to the fight as well. Reports of no less than 3 Samsung smartphones have now surfaced: the Galaxy S III Mini, Galaxy S II Plus, and Galaxy Premier. First thing’s first— the Galaxy S III Mini is expected to go toe-to-toe with Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5, but be priced significantly less at €250. Upon its release this year, it will feature a 5-megapixel camera, dual-core processor and a 4.0-inch Super AMOLED display. The Galaxy S II Plus on the other hand will feature a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 1GHz single-core processor, an 8-megapixel camera and have 16GB or 32GB variations. Finally, the Galaxy Premier looks to be the most appealing as it will be identical to the Galaxy S II Plus, but feature a 4.65-inch screen and Jelly Bean loaded up.

Of course these devices may be complete fiction, but Samsung has a notable history of releasing a boatload of devices in a calendar yet. If the above mentioned devices are indeed true, do any of you plan on grabbing one?

source: Android Guys