Verizon makes the HTC DROID DNA official in name only, Google Hangout scheduled for November 19

by Robert Nazarian on
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This morning Verizon Tweeted a link to the DroidDoes website announcing that they will unveil the DROID DNA via a Google Hangout next Monday, November 19 at 12:00pm EST. Of course it will be officially shown off to the press this Tuesday morning in New York City, and we will be their on hand to give you all the details. There shouldn’t be anything too surprised as most of the information about this phone has already been leaked. Plus, it’s essentially the J Butterfly, which was officially announced a couple of weeks ago for Japan.

We are expecting it to have a Super LCD 3 display with 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution and 440ppi. If that’s not enough, it will also sport a 1.5GHz quad-code Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, microSD, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, waterproof, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It’s also supposed to come in at close to 9mm thick, which is very impressive. The only real question I have is battery. The J Butterfly sports a 2050mAh, but I am hoping for a little higher. That display will take its toll on any battery.

source: Twitter

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III leaks once again, could be final build

by Colton Kaiser on
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Verizon’s Galaxy S III has seen no shortage of leaked software updates. Earlier this month we came across an unfinished build of Android 4.1 for the handset, though it contained several bugs that hindered the overall usability of the software.

Posted yesterday, the new leak manages to address a few issues which could potentially prove to be valuable for custom ROM developers. It remains unclear exactly what has been changed, but users are acknowledging its improved performance and stability. In fact, the poster of the leaked firmware says it very well could be the final OTA that is slated to arrive for Verizon customers later this year.

You can download the leaked ROM in both odexed and deodexed versions, as well as find instructions on how to install it at the source links below. If you’re the adventurous type, let us know what you think of the new firmware in the comments.

Via: AndroidAuthority
Source: Xda-Developers, (2)

Android co-founder says wireless carriers should spend more time and money customizing interfaces for Android phones

by Robert Nazarian on
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What was that? Everybody put your hands over your ears now, especially the carriers. At the Open Mobile Summit conference, Google Ventures General Partner and Android co-founder Rich Miner said that carrers should spend more time and money creating unique interfaces for Android phones. He’s actually surprised that carriers like Verizon and AT&T haven’t put more time into it. He points to the fact that Android is open and that anyone can modify it to their heart’s content. True, but that doesn’t mean they should.

“There’s a big opportunity that they seem to have left on the table,” Miner said. “I’m a little curious as to why” carriers haven’t done more to customize their Android phones.

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Samsung Stratosphere 2 dummy units now hitting retailers

by Colton Kaiser on
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While not one of the most groundbreaking devices to be released this year, Samsung’s long-rumored Stratosphere 2 is expected to serve as a relatively decent entry-level handset on Verizon. A couple of images have revealed dummy units for Samsung’s upcoming QWERTY slider officially making their way to retailers across the country, signaling that a launch may not be too far off.

The device is expected to feature a 4-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. As with all new devices released on Verizon, the handset will have access to the carrier’s nearly-completed 4G LTE network, boasting impressive data speeds. Pricing still remains up in the air, but we’re assuming $99 would be the sweet spot for what you’re getting here. » Read the rest

HTC DROID DNA confirmed in Verizon marketing materials

by Robert Nazarian on
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Verizon users have to be wondering whether to jump ship to AT&T or T-Mobile to grab the Nexus 4 or stay with their current carrier, get what is going to be probably the best phone available, and still enjoy LTE. I know many of you are wondering if the upcoming DROID DNA will actually land by the holidays. Well the above image was shown last night to several Verizon employees, and an HTC rep confirmed that it would be available by mid December. The image confirms what we already know: A 5-inch HD display (1080p), 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, Beats Audio, and Sense. They also confirmed that it will be $199 on contract and $599 off contract, which would be a pretty good deal for a phone of this magnitude. So who is staying with Verizon for this beast?

[Deal] Best Buy has the Samsung Galaxy S III on sale tomorrow for $99 for the third and final day

by Robert Nazarian on
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Best Buy recently ran one day specials on the Galaxy S III for both new customers and upgrades. Priced at $99, you can’t argue that it was a tremendous deal. If you’re feeling left out, don’t fret, Best Buy is going to run it again tomorrow, and I am told it’s the final day. On the last two occasions, the T-Mobile version was left out in the cold, but this time it’s not. Unfortunately the Sprint version is stranded for this one. So for tomorrow, November 2, it’s the Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile versions that are on sale for $99. If you’re in the market for a Galaxy S III, I urge you to take this one up. Yes, it’s possible you will find a similar deal this Black Friday, but who wants to deal with the crowds. Just head over to your nearest Best Buy store or Best Buy Mobile and get it done.

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[Deal] Amazon Wireless has the DROID RAZR HD for $129 and the DROID RAZR MAXX HD for $179

by Jared Peters on
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One of the newest members of Motorola’s RAZR family is on sale for a pretty big discount on Amazon right now. If you’re not already a Verizon customer, you can pick up the RAZR HD for $129 with a two year contract. If you’re already with Big Red, you can still get the device for $149 on a device upgrade. You’re saving money either way, as Verizon is currently asking $199 for the device.

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LG Spectrum 2 now available on Verizon for $99

by Rudy Rivapalacio on
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LG announced the Spectrum 2 available today on Verizon for $99 with a two-year contract. The Spectrum sequel gets bumped up to a 4.7-inch True HD IPS 720p display, sports a dual-core 1.5GHz processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 , 8-megapixel rear camera, and 16GB of internal storage with a microSD slot. If those specs sound familiar it’s because this is the same phone leaked by Best Buy last week.

The Spectrum 2 doesn’t quite measure up to LG’s quad-core Optimus G or Nexus 4 but at $99 your wallet won’t mind too much. Unlike the Nexus 4, it won’t run Android 4.2 just yet in favor of Ice Cream Sandwich, but it can take advantage of Verizon’s market-leading LTE network.

Full Press Release after the break

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DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD review: Being unplugged never felt so good

by Robert Nazarian on
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It was a year ago when the RAZR was resurrected from the dead as the DROID RAZR, the thinnest smartphone in the world. If that wasn’t enough, a couple of months later, Motorola shocked the world again with the DROID RAZR MAXX that sported an unprecedented 3300mAh battery in an 8.99mm body, a feat that no other manufacturer has been able to match. Even with these accomplishments, the press never really embraced Motorola. It has now been a year and it’s time for the next generation, which means a bigger and better display, as well as more power. The DROID RAZR HD (priced at $199) and the DROID RAZR MAXX HD (priced at $299) are all of those things, but are these phones too late to the party and will they enjoy the same success as the originals? This is my full review on both phones, but you can also check out my initial hands on for each one (RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD).

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Verizon Lists Samsung Galaxy Note II Available For Pre-Order, Highlights A November 27th Release Date

by Roy Alugbue on
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In anticipation of the massive pandemonium for the release of what should be the hottest-selling phone for the holidays, Verizon has announced its pre-order page is now live for customers interested in purchasing the smartphone, but want to avoid the line. The carrier has listed its latest phablet for a price of $299.99, so the pricing seems to fall in line with other wireless carriers in the US— though Verizon has curiously decided to release its smartphone on November 27th as opposed to you know… earlier in November like certain magenta-colored or blue-white carriers.

Still, if you’re a Verizon customer and don’t mind the long wait (or the unusual home button), head on down to the source link for more details and to pre-order the device.

source: Verizon Wireless