Vodafone Red Hot offers new pricing twist for smartphone buyers

Vodafone UK has come up with a new twist for potential buyers of smartphones on their network. Dubbed Vodafone Red Hot, users sign up for a pair of 12-month contracts. The first is for a typical data plan that includes unlimited voice and text and up to 2GB of data. The second contract is to “hire” the device you select. Effectively, the plan is like an auto lease as you have to turn the phone back in to Vodafone at the end of the year unless you decide to pony up and pay for the device or switch to a month to month plan with continuing “lease” payments.

The main benefit for some buyers is that the upfront cost to get a new device can be avoided. The downside is that you don’t own the device and you need to return it at the end of the term in good condition to avoid a charge for wear or damage. You would also have to make sure you had a way to export any data, like contacts, pictures, videos, and other files off the device before turning it back in. Customizing the device via ROM installs or such will also be a problem unless you plan ahead to return it to stock.

Only a few devices are available, but they are current “red hot” devices. Pricing for the devices, including the data plan, is:

• iPhone 5 16GB for £59 per month (about $94 USD)
• Samsung Galaxy S III 16GB for £47 per month (about $75 USD)
• Samsung Galaxy Note II for £52 per month (about $82 USD)

Devices with additional memory are available for a small upfront fee of £29 ($46 USD) for 32GB or £49 for 64GB ($78 USD) versions.

Do you think leasing a smartphone is a good idea? Is it something you would be interested in pursuing if your preferred carrier made it available?

source: Vodafone UK

Samsung Galaxy Note II now available from AT&T

Despite being announced back in August, Samsung’s latest flagship phablet is just now making its way to North American shores. Beginning today, the company’s new Galaxy Note II is available to purchase from AT&T, both online and in brick and mortar stores. The S Pen-wielding superphone will set you back $299 with a new two-year commitment.

While that price may seem a bit steep, keep in mind that you’re getting the latest and greatest in terms of hardware, including a quad-core Exynos processor clocked at 1.6GHz, 2GB of RAM, a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display and an 8-megapixel rear camera. But with other appealing smartphones like the Nexus 4 on the horizon, you’ll undoubtedly need a little insight before taking the plunge. So, why not check out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Note II before making any final decisions?

Source: AT&T

Multi-Window OTA update for Sprint’s Galaxy Note II rolling out

One of the unique features of Jelly Bean running on the Samsung Galaxy Note II is the multi-window feature. It is so popular that Samsung decided to make it available on their Galaxy S III device. Oddly enough, when Samsung made the Galaxy Note II available for the U.S. market, the Jelly Bean build that shipped did not include the multi-window function, even though it was available on international versions.

The good news today is that Sprint has received the code to implement multi-window on Galaxy Note II devices and has completed their processes to prepare it for deployment to their users. According to Sprint, this feature and some other tweaks will start rolling out to device owners as an OTA update, L900VPALJC, starting today. Sprint indicates they anticipate all devices will be updated within five days. Along with the multi-window function, the update includes tweaks to the GPS lock settings, sending emails to the outbox when there is no coverage or when in airplane mode, and a text message notification that will beep when on a voice call.

If you are one of the early adopters of the Galaxy Note II and want to check for availability of the update, just head to Apps > Settings > System Update > Update Samsung Software > Check Now on your device.

source: Sprint
via: Android Police

Samsung posts open source files for Jelly Bean on Samsung Galaxy Tab devices, AT&T Galaxy Note II

Via their Open Source Release Center, Samsung has posted new updates to make open source files available for Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, and AT&T Galaxy Note II devices. The listings indicate these are files for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on these devices. In the case of the Galaxy Tab devices, this is noteworthy as the official Jelly Bean update has not yet been pushed out by Samsung to owners of these devices.

Samsung has previously indicated Jelly Bean would be coming to the Galaxy Tab 2 devices, but no firm dates have been set. The release of these files seems to imply official action is imminent. Sprint is slated to release a 4G LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 this weekend. It does not seem to be much of a stretch of the imagination to conclude Sprint and Samsung would like this latest version of the device to come loaded with Jelly Bean. Making the update available for existing owners of Galaxy Tab devices some time this week would make sense.

If you are interested in grabbing the files for your device and taking a look at what is included, just use one of the source links below.

source: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, AT&T Galaxy Note II
via: Android Police

Deal: 16GB unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note II for $579

Had your eye on Samsung’s new 5.5-inch Galaxy Note, but been hesitant to embrace the unlocked model’s $799 price point? Well, eBay’s Daily Deals is having a sale on the newfangled phablet, offering the unlocked 16GB international model for $579.99 off-contract, in your choice of grey or white. This particular variant will support 3G on HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 bands, meaning both T-Mobile and AT&T’s networks will be suitable.

The Galaxy Note II sports a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1280 x 720 resolution and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. The new model also comes equipped with a revitalized S-Pen, which has been enhanced to offer more precise and accurate functionality. As with most other Samsung handsets, the device’s storage is expandable via MicroSD, so having enough space shouldn’e be an issue. Hit the source link below to get in on the action.

Source: eBay

Samsung Rumored To Create A “More Vibrant International Brand Image” As Early As 2013

Samsung might very well be known as a brand that happens to love pushing out devices to the masses, but despite all that— it certainly has some successful devices out there such as the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II smartphones. Knowing that it has great devices and a solid sales’ figure to back it up, Sammy is potentially looking to take its brand to another level, as soon as next year. According to Channel News in Australia, anonymous sources claim that Sammy is planning a “more vibrant international brand image” of its company. As part of this upcoming change, the familiar blue Samsung logo will be changed, while each part of Samsung’s business will get its own individual color that will be used in its advertising— meaning we should expect to see a new Samsung Mobile advertising logo for example. The overall hope is that Samsung will move its brand from being identified around features and benefits to a focus instead on “lifestyle activities”.

Whatever it is that Samsung is trying to do, the technology world is eagerly awaiting and will see everything soon enough— by CES 2013 perhaps?

source: Digital Trends

Samsung’s Galaxy Note II has already moved 3 million units worldwide

Samsung’s original Galaxy Note is an odd device. Many consumers think it’s too big to actually use as an everyday smartphone, and with good reason. Then again, 10 million other people think differently, and the Galaxy Note had no problems moving off the shelves. On the heels of that success, Samsung predicted that the Note’s successor would sell three times faster than the original Note, and so far, they’re right on track because they already sold 3 million units.

Now, the Note II hasn’t flooded the mainstream market like the Galaxy S III has done – which sold 20 million devices just 100 days after it was available – but between Samsung’s great advertising and the fact that all the US carriers are getting the Note II, it’s easy to see how it’s going to outsell its predecessor. It’s well on its way to hit that projected 20 million mark that Samsung was aiming for, and I’d say that’s a pretty good number for a niche device, wouldn’t you?

source: SamsungTomorrow

Samsung Galaxy Note II now available from Sprint

Sprint’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II is now on sale for $299 with a new two-year contract. Like it’s other US brethren, the device sports a 5.5-inch 1,280 x 720 HD Super AMOLED display, 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor, 8-megapixel rear camera atop Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Color choices include Marble White and Titanium Grey. As with nearly all of Sprint’s new devices, the Galaxy Note II supports the carrier’s newly-formed 4G LTE network, so long as you’re in one of the (very) limited number of markets.

Are you planning on picking up the Galaxy Note II? Let us know in the comments below.

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

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.

Samsung Galaxy Note II hits AT&T on November 9 for $299, pre-orders to begin October 25

The Samsung Galaxy Note II will land on all major U.S. carriers in time for the holidays, and if you’re an AT&T customer, they just announced that you can grab yours on November 9. It will be priced at $299 and pre-orders will start on October 25th. It will carry the same specs as the international Galaxy Note II, which include the whopping 5.5-inch (1280 x 720) display, quad-core Exynos processor, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Galaxy Note II will be the second quad-core LTE phone to hit AT&T, while the LG Optimus G will be the first because it will debut one week earlier. The upcoming HTC One X+ will be the third. It’s going to be one speedy holiday season.

Sprint to release Samsung Galaxy Note II on October 25th for $299 on contract

Getting a jump on other carriers, Sprint officially announced availability and pricing for the Samsung Galaxy Note II this morning. The new device will be available beginning October 25th, the day after Samsung’s event presenting the Galaxy Note II in New York. The phone will be available for $299.99 in either Marble White or Titanium Gray with a two-year contract or eligible upgrade,. No word on what pricing will be like with less than a two-year contract or upgrade. Hit the break for the full press release.

Samsung confirms October 24 event will be to unveil the US Galaxy Note II

October 24 has long been speculated as the day Samsung would show off the US version of the Galaxy Note II. We can now stop the speculation as Samsung made the October 24th launch date official. The Galaxy Note II World Tour will be stopping in New York City on October 24, where there will likely be a press event to announce the price and official release date. We know the Galaxy Note II will be released on T-Mobile, but it will be interesting to see if Samsung has any surprises up their sleeves for the US consumers. After the press conference there will be a “consumer celebration” to let the public in on the activities. Who is excited to finally get their hands on the Galaxy Note II?

Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE hits Everything Everywhere October 15th

The United Kingdom’s first 4G LTE carrier, Everything Everywhere, has announced that it will be receiving the Samsung Galaxy Note II. The 5.5-inch beast will join the carrier’s other LTE-capable handsets, including the Samsung Galaxy S III and Huawei Ascend P1 LTE, which are both available beginning today. Customers interested in the Note II LTE, however, will have to wait until October 15th to get their hands on the device.

While the Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE will have access to EE’s newly introduced 4G LTE network, there’s no word on when exactly the new service will officially launch. This means users who sign up for a new contract will have to do so under an Orange or T-Mobile plan, and then proceed to switch to Everything Everywhere once its LTE network is ready. Pricing remains a mystery, though its expected to set you back a pretty penny when it’s all said and done.

Some International Samsung Galaxy Note II Models Don’t Have Multi-Window Feature, Older Firmware To Blame

I have some sad news for those of you in the UK who happened to splurge on a brand new Galaxy Note II smartphone. While we expected devices outside Korea to feature that awesome and coveted multi-window multitasking feature, it appears that some of the international models released in the UK do not feature the customized multi-window multitasking feature. According to various reports, some of the models that feature the older N7100XXALIE firmware does not allow for the multitasking. Conversely, other models that have the newer N7100XXALIH firmware will indeed have the multi-window multitasking feature. If you live in the UK and want to see what firmware you have, be sure to go to your Settings –> About Device in order to see if you are or aren’t affected by this.

We’re sure that the few of you who are affected are no doubt disappointed, but the hope is that Samsung will be consistent with its stellar track record– and promptly update the smartphone with consistent firmware so that all owners will be able to enjoy the feature, not some. After all, these people want to get their full money’s worth, right?

AT&T Android portfolio to grow with new Samsung devices including Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and other devices

In a joint announcement issued by AT&T and Samsung, the two shared information on some devices slated to be available “in the coming months” for AT&T’s 4G LTE network. The devices include three smartphones powered by Android and one tablet device.

Headlining the list of forthcoming devices is the Samsung Galaxy Note II, the eagerly awaited for successor to the Samsung Galaxy Note. Unveiled earlier this month, the “phablet” device will sport a 5.5-inch screen and a quad-core Exynos processor to power Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Samsung’s S-Pen apps.

Two other smartphones will be released as well, each targeting different markets. The Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro, designed for those with an active lifestyle, is built to military specifications. The waterproof, shock resistant, dust-proof device will probably appeal to outdoor workers as well. The device will have a 4-inch screen and access to advance push-to-talk services. The other phone is a Samsung Galaxy Express geared toward first time smartphone buyers. The Galaxy Express will have a 4.5-inch screen backed by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and a 2000 mAh battery powering Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Rounding out the joint press release is the impending release of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 tablet for the AT&T 4G LTE network.

The specifications for the mid-range devices sound pretty decent and should offer some good choices for buyers not interested in top end devices.

Samsung Galaxy Note II coming to Sprint?

A forum member on XDA claims to have confirmed the Samsung Galaxy Note II is coming to the Sprint network. rwilco12 posted earlier today that he was reviewing some Samsung RDF’s on the Sprint web site when he discovered a new one for an unannounced device. An RDF is a document that describes the development and design specs for a device. According to the RDF some of the features the device in question will have include:

• Exynos4412 cpu
• 1280×720 resolution
• Android 4.1.1
• EVDO, DOrA, WiFi and LTE
• 2GB of RAM
• 16GB of internal storage
• 8 megapixel camera

The list of specs matches up quite well with the information released by Samsung a couple weeks ago when they unveiled the Galaxy Note II at IFA. Since the original post, rwilco12claims to have confirmed with Sprint that the device described in the RDF is in fact the Galaxy Note II.

No word yet from Sprint or Samsung to officially confirm any of this.