ASUS Transformer Prime could go on sale with Honeycomb next week, Android 4.0 to follow

ASUS Transformer Prime

The world’s first quad-core Android tablet could go on sale as early as next week, but don’t expect it to ship with Android 4.0. We were already expecting the Transformer Prime to be announced on November 9, and ASUS CEO Jonney Shih hinted that Ice Cream Sandwich would be coming to the EeePad family sooner than we thought. But a company Facebook posting (yeah I know) reveals that these devices will be upgradedable to Android 4.0.

ASUS likely could have delayed the launch of the Transformer Prime to make sure it shipped with Android 4.0, but my guess is they wanted it on sale as soon as possible to hit their 2011 goal of shipping 2 million EeePad tablets. Expect the Transformer Prime to be ready for purchase from online retailers in the coming weeks.

I know which Android tablet I’m getting for Christmas.

Video: Evolution of the touchscreen; control your device with gestures

gestures

Touchscreens revolutionized the smartphone industry. What was state-of-the-art technology just a few years ago is now almost standard for all devices (even some feature phones have touchscreens). The ability to operate a device by touch has changed the way we interact with our devices, but there’s always room for improvement. So, what comes next? How about gestures?

The Pantech Vega LTE will launch in South Korea this November. Pantech devices have not been the greatest Android devices to hit the market. We recently got a chance to review the Pantech Breakout, and it definitely did not impress us; it scored 6 out of 10.

But Pantech has shown us that it’s not going to dedicate its time only to low- to mid-end devices; the Pantech Vega LTE happens to be quite the beast. It carries some impressive specs, including a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, 1 GB of RAM, LTE compatibility, a 4.5-inch 1280x800p resolution scrren, an 8 MP rear-facing camera a 1.3 MP front-facing camera and even an NFC chip. These specs sound awesome, but they aren’t what makes this device special.

Pantech has worked with eyeSight Mobile Technology to integrate gestures into this device, and it looks very promising. The video displays a woman answering her phone without touching her smartphone (with her doughy hands). It seems like this feature can also be used to control the music player, as well as other tasks.

It works much like the XBOX 360 Kinect, which recognizes your movement, understanding it as commands. It seems Apple has a hold of some patents related to this feature, though, so let’s hope things don’t start getting ugly. It would definitely be awesome to see more Android devices adopt this feature in the near future.

Take a look at the video, and let us know what you think. Would you like to be able to use gestures to control your smartphone?

HTC now the number one smartphone vendor in the US

htc-generic-hand-holding-phone

Here at Android and Me, we’ve already gone over global Q3 shipping figures in several different posts. To sum it all up, Samsung is the world leader in smartphone shipments, followed by Apple and Nokia. But what about when it comes to each individual country?

The US market is a totally different beast compared to the rest of the world. Where CDMA and two-year contracts rule supreme, the US is just now ending a long period of playing catch-up with just about everyone else. Even the lead smartphone manufacturers in the US are different. Despite Samsung leading the globe in smartphone shipments, they didn’t take the number one spot in the US. HTC did.

During the third quarter in the US, HTC shipped 5.7 million smartphones. You can even add an extra 70,000 to that number for devices under the T-Mobile brand. Samsung wasn’t far behind with 4.9 million, and Apple was also close with 4.6 million, but Palo Alto based analyst Chris Jones said it best:

However you count it, HTC has become a deserved leader in the US smart phone market. This is an awesome achievement for HTC, which has built a premium brand in a highly competitive market in just a few short years. It now has a strong range of 4G Android products, with devices ranged by each of the major carriers, and offers some of the most compelling and differentiated products found on the platform today.Chris JonesCanalys

Thanks to HTC and Samsung, Android now has an impressive 70% of the pie when it comes to platform share in the US. As Canalys points out, this next month is going to be a big test for Android. Customers who bought the original Droid (largely regraded as one of the most popular Android handsets of all time) will finally be near the end of their contract. Those couple million users looking for new smartphones could make a big difference by the end of Q4. But that’s a different story, for a different day.

For now, it’s HTC’s time to shine. Do you have a favorite HTC phone? Maybe a memory you’d like to share? Let it all out in the comments below.

US Galaxy Nexus to launch after November 17

Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus

Telegraph is reporting that the flagship Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich device, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, will not be launching in the United States until after the European launch on November 17. Telegraph indicated that Samsung confirmed a later US launch at the Galaxy Note launch.

We do have reason to be a tad suspicious of this claim, however. As you may recall, a screenshot taken from Verizon’s internal MAP system suggested that the Galaxy Nexus could launch as early as November 10, a full week before the European launch date.

If this rumor turns out to be true, it will certainly disappoint several US folks who are impatiently waiting for the next Nexus device to launch, though we expect that a US launch would come a mere days after the European launch. You US would-be Nexus owners will likely have your devices in hand to show off around the Thanksgiving table.

I’ve reached out to folks at Verizon Wireless and Samsung to see if they’d care to comment on the US launch date of the Galaxy Nexus, and will update this post when if we hear anything back. We do think that a release date of 11/11/11 would be fitting for a device of this caliber, though I think we may be let down on that one. Stay tuned!


Verizon’s OG Samsung Galaxy Tab gets Gingerbread update

galaxy tab update

Frozen Yogurt is delicious, but you have to change things up after a while. The original Samsung Galaxy Tab has been around for about a year now, marking the beginning of the tablet wars. While it is definitely not the best tablet around, many of us hold it very close to our hearts.

If you happen to still be a proud owner of one of these 7-inch Froyo tablets, you might be in for a treat. Verizon’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab is getting an upgrade to Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, and it’s time to start checking for OTA updates.

Aside from Gingerbread (which should make the tablet much better in and of its own), Verizon/Samsung is also throwing in some extra improvements and features. Let’s take a look at the list:

Email and Messaging

  • Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality:
    New capability to select a word via press-hold. A second press
    of the selected word copies the selected characters.

Web Browsing and Data Access

  • The “View Data Plan” icon has been added to replace the “Music Player”
    icon on the homescreen. Using this function, a Pay-As-You-Go user
    can adjust their Data Service subscription. Month-to-Month users can
    continue to use the “My Verizon Mobile” app to monitor their data usage.
  • A “Verizon Data Service” feature has been added to the Settings
    menu. Using this function, Galaxy Tab users can view their current
    plan and usage, learn how to change service plans and activate or
    renew data services.

Device Features and Applications

  • Download Manager App:
    New App to manage all of your downloads from web browsing,
    email attachments and other apps.
  • App and Power Management Details:
    Under Manage Applications, a new “Running” tab displays a list of
    active applications and the storage and memory being used by each.
  • Use the front-facing camera as a camcorder. Alternate between the
    front-facing camera and camcorder with the slide of a switch.
  • Download App icon now displays within the Applications page.
  • Widgets will resize to accurately reflect landscape or portrait mode.
  • Enhanced display options have been added (wallpaper, color density, etc.).
  • Supports Verizon Pay As You Go prepaid data service plans.
  • Downloads no longer timeout in Android Market.
  • Corrected recorded video orientation.
  • Includes Google security patches.

There you go, guys! Though it isn’t Honeycomb, it’s always nice to see updates coming, even if they may be a little late. Go check your software updates and see what your good ol’ Tab has in store for you. Don’t forget to hit the comments and let us know how Gingerbread is treating you. Does the tablet feel much better? Is it enough to keep you from purchasing another device for a while?

AT&T Announces New 4G LTE Markets, First LTE Smartphones for Nov. 6th

This image has no alt text

AT&T is making one of its biggest LTE pushes to date starting November 6th. On that day, the next-gen 4G service will roll out to four new markets — Boston, Washington, D.C, Baltimore, and Athens, GA — and will be accompanied by the launch of the networks first 4G LTE smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket and HTC Vivid will lead the LTE charge as AT&T’s network expands to nine markets in total.

The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket is the phone we have come to know as the Galaxy S II LTE in other regions. It features a large 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. The HTC Vivid features an equally large display with qHD resolution and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. Both devices feature 8MP cameras with 1080p video capture and 16GB of on-board storage. The Vivid will be available for $199.99 on a two-year contract while the Skyrocket will cost $249.99 under the same terms.

First LTE Smartphones for AT&T Customers Available Nationwide Nov. 6

HTC Vivid and Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Both Android Smartphones, Will Run on AT&T’s 4G LTE Network
Dallas, Texas, October 31, 2011

Starting next week, more AT&T customers will be able to enjoy fast 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) speeds on new devices – including the first AT&T 4G LTE smartphones – in even more markets.

Key Facts

AT&T* introduced two new Android™ smartphones, the first to be AT&T 4G LTE-capable.
HTC Vivid™ and Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™ will arrive in AT&T company-owned stores and online Nov. 6.
AT&T 4G LTE service will launch Nov. 6 in Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Athens, Ga.
AT&T offers the only smartphones able to utilize both LTE and HSPA+ 4G speeds, for a consistently fast connection in and out of LTE areas.
The Nov. 6 launches expand AT&T’s 4G LTE network to 9 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, and it plans to reach 15 markets and 70 million Americans by year-end 2011.
AT&T exceeds commitment to offer 20 4G devices in 2011, addition of LTE smartphones on Nov. 6 brings 4G total to 22.
AT&T far exceeds commitment to deliver 12 Android devices in 2011; new LTE smartphones bring total to 21.
HTC Vivid

Realize the full power of LTE on the HTC Vivid with fast web browsing, powered by a dual core 1.2 GHz processor and a brilliant 4.5-inch qHD display. Music and Android Market apps download and are ready in a snap, or photos and video are a breeze to upload after using the exceptional camera for low-light photos and full widescreen HD video.

HTC Vivid features the acclaimed HTC Sense user experience, which includes a customizable active lockscreen that transforms the display into a real-time window to your most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply waking up the display. Sharper graphics, vibrant animations and new widgets make HTC Sense better than ever and, by continuing to focus on the details, HTC provides a more cinematic and immersive multimedia experience with stunning imagery and audible weather effects.

4.5-inch qHD display (540×960 pixels)
1.2 GHz dual-core processor
Enhanced 8-megapixel camera with f2.2 28mm wide angle lens for low light photos
1080p HD video recording at 60 frames per second, slow motion playback and on-device trimmer to optimize social media uploads and memory space
16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB
The HTC Vivid will arrive in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online Nov. 6 for $199.99 with a two-year commitment. Customers can learn more at www.att.com/speed.

Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™

Lightning fast reflexes powered by a 1.5 GHz dual core processor and AT&T 4G LTE speeds make the Galaxy S II Skyrocket faster for Web browsing and all your favorite apps. A SuperAMOLED Plus display spanning 4.5-inches is the brightest, most colorful screen on the market.

4.5-inch SuperAMOLED Plus display(800×480 pixels)
Android Gingerbread (2.3.5)
1.5 GHz dual-core processor
8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, with 2-megapixel front-facing camera
1080p HD video recording
16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB
The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket will arrive in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online Nov. 6 for $249.99 with a two-year commitment. Customers can learn more at www.att.com/speed.

LTE Data Plans

Customers can choose from tiered data plans starting as low as $15 per month. Existing smartphone customers do not have to make changes to their data plan. All plans include access to AT&T’s national Wi-Fi network of more than 29,000 hotspots.

DataPlus provides 200 megabytes (MB) of data for just $15 per month. An additional 200 MB of data usage is $15.
DataPro provides 2 gigabytes (GB) of data for $25 per month. An additional 1 GB of data is $10. Customers who want to use their device as a mobile hotspot can sign up for DataPro 4GB for $45 a month, which lets you tether or share your data connection across multiple devices.
Customers can view all smartphone data plans at www.att.com/dataplans.

LTE Deployments

AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE footprint. The four markets launching Nov. 6 join Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, which were launched in September. AT&T is the only U.S. carrier providing 4G service using both HSPA+ and LTE. HSPA+, when combined with enhanced backhaul, provides customers with 4G speeds, meaning customers get a faster and more consistent 4G experience, even when outside of an AT&T LTE area. Customers of other carriers that have transitioned to 4G LTE without further speed upgrades to their existing networks are likely to see a jarring drop-off in speeds when they move out of LTE coverage.

Quotes

"The two LTE-powered superphones will be our 20th and 21st Android devices in 2011, adding to an outstanding year of Android success," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We’ve far exceeded our commitment to offer 12 new Android devices this year -now including our first 4G LTE smartphones. We’re delivering an incredible amount of innovation to our customers, which is a huge reason why more than half our post-paid subscribers are using a smartphone."

"We are thrilled to continue growing our relationship with AT&T and excited for the HTC Vivid to be one of the first LTE devices on AT&T for the holiday season," said Jason Mackenzie, president of global sales and marketing, HTC. "The HTC Vivid combines an exceptional display in a premium device that delivers a powerful smartphone to our customers through AT&T’s fast LTE and HSPA+ 4G networks."

"AT&T’s LTE network allows for quicker access, smoother streaming and faster web experiences, especially when using the powerful Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket," said Todd Pendleton, chief marketing officer, Samsung Telecommunications America. "Pairing the Galaxy S II Skyrocket with AT&T’s LTE speeds, creates the ultimate smartphone experience."

1 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.

AT&T Announces New 4G LTE Markets, First LTE Smartphones for Nov. 6th

This image has no alt text

AT&T is making one of its biggest LTE pushes to date starting November 6th. On that day, the next-gen 4G service will roll out to four new markets — Boston, Washington, D.C, Baltimore, and Athens, GA — and will be accompanied by the launch of the networks first 4G LTE smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket and HTC Vivid will lead the LTE charge as AT&T’s network expands to nine markets in total.

The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket is the phone we have come to know as the Galaxy S II LTE in other regions. It features a large 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. The HTC Vivid features an equally large display with qHD resolution and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. Both devices feature 8MP cameras with 1080p video capture and 16GB of on-board storage. The Vivid will be available for $199.99 on a two-year contract while the Skyrocket will cost $249.99 under the same terms.

First LTE Smartphones for AT&T Customers Available Nationwide Nov. 6

HTC Vivid and Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Both Android Smartphones, Will Run on AT&T’s 4G LTE Network
Dallas, Texas, October 31, 2011

Starting next week, more AT&T customers will be able to enjoy fast 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) speeds on new devices – including the first AT&T 4G LTE smartphones – in even more markets.

Key Facts

AT&T* introduced two new Android™ smartphones, the first to be AT&T 4G LTE-capable.
HTC Vivid™ and Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™ will arrive in AT&T company-owned stores and online Nov. 6.
AT&T 4G LTE service will launch Nov. 6 in Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Athens, Ga.
AT&T offers the only smartphones able to utilize both LTE and HSPA+ 4G speeds, for a consistently fast connection in and out of LTE areas.
The Nov. 6 launches expand AT&T’s 4G LTE network to 9 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, and it plans to reach 15 markets and 70 million Americans by year-end 2011.
AT&T exceeds commitment to offer 20 4G devices in 2011, addition of LTE smartphones on Nov. 6 brings 4G total to 22.
AT&T far exceeds commitment to deliver 12 Android devices in 2011; new LTE smartphones bring total to 21.
HTC Vivid

Realize the full power of LTE on the HTC Vivid with fast web browsing, powered by a dual core 1.2 GHz processor and a brilliant 4.5-inch qHD display. Music and Android Market apps download and are ready in a snap, or photos and video are a breeze to upload after using the exceptional camera for low-light photos and full widescreen HD video.

HTC Vivid features the acclaimed HTC Sense user experience, which includes a customizable active lockscreen that transforms the display into a real-time window to your most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply waking up the display. Sharper graphics, vibrant animations and new widgets make HTC Sense better than ever and, by continuing to focus on the details, HTC provides a more cinematic and immersive multimedia experience with stunning imagery and audible weather effects.

4.5-inch qHD display (540×960 pixels)
1.2 GHz dual-core processor
Enhanced 8-megapixel camera with f2.2 28mm wide angle lens for low light photos
1080p HD video recording at 60 frames per second, slow motion playback and on-device trimmer to optimize social media uploads and memory space
16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB
The HTC Vivid will arrive in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online Nov. 6 for $199.99 with a two-year commitment. Customers can learn more at www.att.com/speed.

Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™

Lightning fast reflexes powered by a 1.5 GHz dual core processor and AT&T 4G LTE speeds make the Galaxy S II Skyrocket faster for Web browsing and all your favorite apps. A SuperAMOLED Plus display spanning 4.5-inches is the brightest, most colorful screen on the market.

4.5-inch SuperAMOLED Plus display(800×480 pixels)
Android Gingerbread (2.3.5)
1.5 GHz dual-core processor
8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, with 2-megapixel front-facing camera
1080p HD video recording
16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB
The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket will arrive in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online Nov. 6 for $249.99 with a two-year commitment. Customers can learn more at www.att.com/speed.

LTE Data Plans

Customers can choose from tiered data plans starting as low as $15 per month. Existing smartphone customers do not have to make changes to their data plan. All plans include access to AT&T’s national Wi-Fi network of more than 29,000 hotspots.

DataPlus provides 200 megabytes (MB) of data for just $15 per month. An additional 200 MB of data usage is $15.
DataPro provides 2 gigabytes (GB) of data for $25 per month. An additional 1 GB of data is $10. Customers who want to use their device as a mobile hotspot can sign up for DataPro 4GB for $45 a month, which lets you tether or share your data connection across multiple devices.
Customers can view all smartphone data plans at www.att.com/dataplans.

LTE Deployments

AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE footprint. The four markets launching Nov. 6 join Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, which were launched in September. AT&T is the only U.S. carrier providing 4G service using both HSPA+ and LTE. HSPA+, when combined with enhanced backhaul, provides customers with 4G speeds, meaning customers get a faster and more consistent 4G experience, even when outside of an AT&T LTE area. Customers of other carriers that have transitioned to 4G LTE without further speed upgrades to their existing networks are likely to see a jarring drop-off in speeds when they move out of LTE coverage.

Quotes

"The two LTE-powered superphones will be our 20th and 21st Android devices in 2011, adding to an outstanding year of Android success," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We’ve far exceeded our commitment to offer 12 new Android devices this year -now including our first 4G LTE smartphones. We’re delivering an incredible amount of innovation to our customers, which is a huge reason why more than half our post-paid subscribers are using a smartphone."

"We are thrilled to continue growing our relationship with AT&T and excited for the HTC Vivid to be one of the first LTE devices on AT&T for the holiday season," said Jason Mackenzie, president of global sales and marketing, HTC. "The HTC Vivid combines an exceptional display in a premium device that delivers a powerful smartphone to our customers through AT&T’s fast LTE and HSPA+ 4G networks."

"AT&T’s LTE network allows for quicker access, smoother streaming and faster web experiences, especially when using the powerful Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket," said Todd Pendleton, chief marketing officer, Samsung Telecommunications America. "Pairing the Galaxy S II Skyrocket with AT&T’s LTE speeds, creates the ultimate smartphone experience."

1 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.

HTC Desire S Gets Android 2.3.5, Sense 3.0

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Heads up, citizens of the UK. The HTC Desire S is receiving its update to Android 2.3.5. The biggest change with the update involves HTC’s custom user interface, where it has been updated to Sense 3.0. This brings about new lockscreen elements, a refreshed notifications pull-down, and other goodies. The update has been arriving for owners of the unbranded Desire S as well as those with the phone on-contract through Vodafone, Orange, and O2.

[via EuroDroid]

HTC Desire S Gets Android 2.3.5, Sense 3.0

This image has no alt text

Heads up, citizens of the UK. The HTC Desire S is receiving its update to Android 2.3.5. The biggest change with the update involves HTC’s custom user interface, where it has been updated to Sense 3.0. This brings about new lockscreen elements, a refreshed notifications pull-down, and other goodies. The update has been arriving for owners of the unbranded Desire S as well as those with the phone on-contract through Vodafone, Orange, and O2.

[via EuroDroid]

Samsung Galaxy S Glide and Motorola RAZR Headed to Rogers this Week

This image has no alt text

While Motorola’s new take on the RAZR franchise will be exclusive to Verizon in the US, those in other parts of the world should have no problem getting ahold of the new device. A new leak out of Rogers indicates the handset will be available beginning November 4th. The same leak shows that the Motorola RAZR will be preceded by the Samsung Galaxy S Glide with its combination of high-end specs and slide-out keyboard on November 3rd. Both devices will be available for $149.99 on three-year contracts.

[via mobilesyrup]