Samsung Releases The Jelly Bean Source Code For Verizon Galaxy S III Smartphone

Many of you Verizon Galaxy S III owners are just recently enjoying that awesome Jelly Bean goodness, but there is additional good at hand. Samsung has quietly dropped the latest Jelly Bean source code (version LK3) for Verizon’s popular device– so this brings all of you developers and fiddlers one giant step closer to custom mod glory. Interested parties can find all the juicy deets once they hit the source link below.

source: Samsung Open Source

Verizon Formally Announces The Samsung Galaxy Camera With LTE

We were going through our countless emails in the Talk Android inbox and stumbled upon a Verizon announcement of its new toy— the Samsung Galaxy Camera. Though we had already seen a hint here and another one there-– we finally know Big Red’s camera is very much real and on the way. Aside from the built-in LTE radios, this variant of the camera is no different from AT&T’s version. Though Verizon fails to mention which processor is powering the device (we suspect it’s the same Exynos quad-core processor), we do know the device will have a 16-megapixel sensor plus 23mm Samsung lens and 21X optical zoom… and a whole lot of Jelly Bean running the show.

The device will go on sale this Thursday the 13th and run customers a cool $550.00 which is priced a bit higher than the AT&T version, but then again— you do get that awesome Verizon LTE radio. In addition, Verizon is celebrating the announcement of the device by offering a special promotion where customers will be able to add a Galaxy Camera to a “Share Everything” plan for a mere $5 per month, making it an attractive option to share all those precious holiday moments with your families and friends.

So any of you folks giddy or excited yet?

Verizon Samsung Galaxy Camera with LTE confirmed

Just one week ago we caught a glimpse of the Galaxy Camera with 4G LTE skating past the FCC. Now we can all but make it official thanks to a Samsung product page (which has since been taken down). The addition of LTE should make using the camera blazing fast, but the price is a little difficult to justify. No official pricing was mentioned on the product page, but it shouldn’t be too much different than AT&T’s version, if at all. I’m looking forward to more of  these things getting out in the wild so we can get a better feel for it. What are your thoughts on the Galaxy Camera?

source:  The Verge

Jelly Bean 4.1 gets approval from Verizon, will release on DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD

Time for the news that owners of the DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD have been waiting for: Jelly Bean has been approved for those devices and will begin rolling out in phases beginning next week per news straight from Verizon:

Friday, Nov. 30: DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD by Motorola are the next smartphones to be upgraded to Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. The software upgrade will be pushed out to customers in phases starting next week. Customers can visit the support page for more information about the Jelly Bean upgrade.

Along with all the stock Android 4.1 goodies like Google Now and improvements to notifications, Verizon has purportedly improved voice and data connectivity as well as made ‘improvements’ to the stock calendar. They’ve also tweaked the Back Up Assistant. The update comes in at a hefty 276MB, so be sure you’re prepared when you get that prompt to update.

source:  Verizon 

Verizon now offering Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 for $499

Samsung and Verizon announced today the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 will be available for $499 through Verizon, fully equipped with LTE. The specs are similar to the WiFi version we’ve already reviewed, but it does come with a little less memory and is likely to be slightly heavier to account for the cellular radios. It packs a dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal memory, and a 7000 mAh battery under the 10.1 inch HD screen.

The $499 is the retail price, as Verizon no longer offers tablet subsidies. Not a bad tablet to add to your Verizon plan, but it’s not going to blow you away, either. Anyone planning on picking up one of these?

source: Verizon Wireless

Verizon Officially Unleashes HTC DROID DNA Smartphone, Finally Gives Customers Chance To Salivate Over The 1080p Display

Rob Nazarian and I got a chance to see the special device in person during its launch last week and now friends, the time has come for all customers to finally get their hands on what is undoubtedly one of the hottest devices of 2012. Verizon is officially unleashing the HTC DROID DNA in both its stores and online today. The latest entry in Verizon’s DROID line features a quad-core processor, 2 gigs of RAM, Jelly Bean and of course the whopping, but gorgeous 1080p Super LCD3 display. Interested parties can snag the device either from their local Verizon store or order online for $199.99 on-contract or a not-too-bad $599.99 off-contract price.

Be sure to stay with us and be on the lookout for our detailed review of the device, but in the meantime– why not check out our hands-on in order to remind yourself of how awesome this puppy is?

source: Verizon Wireless

Verizon’s Black Friday ad shows up with cranberry colored Droid RAZR, Galaxy Nexus, and LG Lucid free on contract

As the big day gets closer, we’ve started covering more and more Black Friday deals. And today we’ve got more deals for those of you on Verizon or looking to make the switch to Verizon this year. Their Black Friday ad lists a unique cranberry colored Droid RAZR (not the RAZR HD) for free on a two-year contract. This is pretty similar to last year’s red Incredible 2 Black Friday offering. Not a bad deal if you want something to stand out and don’t need the latest, greatest tech.

Alongside the RAZR, Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus and LG’s Lucid are both also free. Not great deals, but it’s decent. The ad also lists a unique white Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 for $99. But like AT&T, last I had heard Verizon was no longer selling tablets on contract, so that’s a pretty strange deal. The ad also lists some deals on accessories, like 50% off some Jambox equipment if you buy a new phone. The Droid DNA also made an appearance as it releases on Wednesday.

So who’s going to stop by Verizon this Friday?

Verizon to preload Amazon app suite on Android handsets starting with Droid DNA

Thinking about picking up Verizon’s latest superphone? Well, hopefully you’re a fan of Amazon. According to Amazon, Verizon will start preloading a suite of applications on their handsets, with the Droid DNA being the first phone to receive the Amazon treatment. Now if you absolutely despise bloatware – which Verizon loves to put on their phones – this is probably awful news for you. But if you don’t mind some useful, preloaded applications, you can do much worse than what Amazon is offering. The entire Amazon experience is fully integrated into Android, and gives you access to Amazon’s enormous library of music, movies, books, etc. 

The Amazon interface allows you to sign-in and easily purchase content with one-click, as well as search Amazon’s large number of products straight from your homescreen. Applications like Amazon MP3, Audible, and IMDB are also part of this “suite.” Personally, I think the interface is well done and adds to the content already available from Google Play. The only thing that I think everyone should be wary of is how Verizon will treat this Amazon storefront in the future. We’ve already seen Verizon force Bing onto handsets instead of Google search, and I would hate to see Big Red ruin a handset like this by cutting off the Play Store in favor of Amazon’s App Store. Hopefully that’s just a misplaced fear, right?

So what do you guys think? I use Amazon for a variety of services in addition to Google, so I wouldn’t mind some Amazon integration in my next phone. Does anyone agree, or is bloatware just a bad idea in general? Let us know in the comments.

DROID DNA officially announced by Verizon and HTC at NYC event

TalkAndroid is on the ground today in New York City where Verizon and HTC have just officially announced the new DROID DNA. The new device is intended to be the ultimate DROID device and the most advanced phone on the market. The hardware specs are impressive:

• 1080p 5-inch LCD3 display running at 440ppi
• Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor running at 1.5GHz
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with Sense 4+

HTC indicates the display has a viewing angle of up to 80 degrees and is about 50 percent brighter than the Samsung Galaxy S III. HTC has also incorporated wireless charging in the new DROID DNA, a first for a DROID device. The cameras have been improved, with both front and rear-facing cameras now sporting f2.0 lenses. The cameras are supported by improvements to the camera app that includes better face detection, smile detection, a sight-seeing mode, and auto portrait mode. HTC did not neglect audiophiles with the inclusion of two built-in amplifiers, Beats Audio, and Beats Pill coming soon.

According to HTC Design Director Jonah Becker, the DROID DNA is meant to be the ultimate smartphone. It is scheduled to go on sale next week on November 21st for $199 and the pre-order page should be available later today.

Check back here at TalkAndroid for additional updates as we get our hands on the device and check it out.

Verizon Wireless Set To Light Up More 4G LTE Markets On November 15th

If you’re a Verizon customer, yet are living in one of the few markets without 4G LTE coverage just yet you may just have a reason to smile today. Big Red has just announced it will fire up 4G signals for markets mostly in the Mid-Central and Western parts of the country. As it stands, the following markets will see a 4G LTE on Thursday, November 15th:

• Butte, Montana
• Cody, Wyoming
• Laramie, Wyoming
• Rock Springs/Green River, Wyoming
• Mt. Vernon, Illinois
• Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
• Syracuse, Missouri
• Tipton, Missouri
• Otterville, Missouri
• Smithton, Missouri
• Eldon, Missouri
• Etterville, Missouri
• Holts Summit, Missouri
• New Bloomfield, Missouri
• Fulton, Missouri
• Kingdom City, Missouri
• Grand Junction, Colorado

Exciting news for sure– especially for those of you who with devices like the new DROID RAZR HD/RAZR MAXX HD. But if your battery dies quickly even moderate 4G LTE usage, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Additional details can be found at the source link.

source: Verizon Wireless News Releases

More HTC Droid DNA pictures show up on Twitter

There you go, folks. That’s about as good a look as you’re going to get of the upcoming Droid DNA, short of actually holding one in your hands. It’s consistent with the earlier rendering of the device we’ve already seen, so this is more than likely going to be what Verizon reveals on the 19th. With HTC’s recent drop in revenue, superphones like this are exactly what I think they need to earn back some smartphone market.

source: evleaks

HTC and Verizon team up in New York on November 13th

When leaks and news get rolling on a given device, it seems that it just arrives in droves – which we definitely enjoy. The hot device of late, since the Nexus 4 has died down a bit, is the DROID DNA. Seeing as the DNA news and leaks are coming fast and furious, coupled with this promo shot of a ‘collaboration’ between HTC and Verizon, we can only assume that this ‘collaboration’ will be the official announcement of the DROID DNA in some fashion. Granted, it could be an 8x event as that has happened in the past, but we’re hoping for the official unveiling of the DNA.  After all, the timing seems right, or maybe that’s just my selfish enthusiasm. In any event, we’ll keep you posted as we learn more. Also, do you find it an odd coincidence that they’re holding this event on November 13th?

Verizon shutting down its App Store by March 2013

For nearly three years, Verizon has offered apps through its own app store on its BlackBerry and Android devices. I suppose it was a decent business model three years ago but it’s hard to imagine too much interest going somewhere else other than the Play Store to get your apps. Times certainly change rather quickly. Beginning in January 2013, Verizon will begin removing its app store from all its devices via a software update. They will continue through March 2013 at which point all Verizon devices will not have the Verizon app store installed any longer. Current owners of Verizon apps will immediately begin being notified of the changes and recurring charges will expire in December.

source:  Verizon

Motorola DROID RAZR HD AND RAZR MAXX HD Smartphones Get Minor Security Update

Verizon’s hottest smartphones for the fall may be only a few weeks old, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t get a  welcome update, right? Well Verizon and Motorola have announced a minor security update for the DROID RAZR/RAZR MAXX HD smartphones. The build— version 0.7.2.XT926— brings a “Google Security Patch”… which may or may not remove the ability for owners to partake in any shenanigans with the device.

The update is expected to reach owners sometime within the week, so if you’re an owner of either device, make sure you’re on the lookout for the update.

source: Verizon Wireless

LG Spectrum 2 revealed on Best Buy site

In a bit of a change of pace as far as “leaks” go about new devices, this one comes to us courtesy a big box retailer. In this case, Best Buy has established the product page for the LG Spectrum 2 smartphone. It is not clear whether this is some mistake on the part of Best Buy or a sign that they are getting a jump on Verizon. The product page confirms many of the hardware specs we thought would be present in the LG Spectrum 2. These include a 1.5GHz Snapdragon dual-core processor, a 4.7-inch, 1280×720 HD display, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and 4G LTE capability. This is not surprising as the Spectrum 2 is mostly a rebadged LG Optimus LTE II.

Best Buy’s page does not reveal product pricing on a contract, but the base price is listed at $650. Best Buy also does not indicate availability. If this “reveal” was a mistake, Best Buy may take the page down and wait to make it available again, possibly after Verizon announces the Spectrum 2. If it is not a mistake, expect the availability information to be updated soon.

With so many devices coming out as we hit the holiday shopping season, including the LG Nexus 4, does LG stand a chance with the Spectrum 2?

LG Spectrum Ice Cream Sandwich will start rolling out tomorrow

Starting tomorrow owners of the LG Spectrum will be able to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich and I think the only thing that can come to mind for these owners is FINALLY. From the original leak of the update back in May to finding out Saturday that Verizon has finally approved the update, Spectrum owners have been patiently waiting for the Ice Cream Sandwich experience. Well starting tomorrow the wait will be over and owners can rejoice in the improvement that is Ice Cream Sandwich. It may sting to know that they are getting this update well after Jelly Bean has been released and with the anticipation of Android 4.2 growing, but better late than never right?

LG Spectrum’s ICS update finally approved by Verizon; Should arrive in a couple of days

It took quite a bit of time, but I suppose it’s better late than never right? It looks like Verizon’s LG Spectrum ICS update has finally been approved by Big Red and should hit devices shortly. The build is VS920ZV7 and should start hitting devices in a matter of a couple days. You can also check out the source link for Verizon’s page the details the update and shows off the new features that you’ll be receiving!

Verizon Galaxy S III gets small update, no it’s not Jelly Bean

It looks as if owners of the Verizon Galaxy S III are beginning to see a 62MB-sized update pushed to their devices at this time. We aren’t sure if this is Verizon’s version of the AT&T update that was pushed out about a month ago since it comes in at 20GB less than the 82MB AT&T update. But we do know that it’s not Jelly Bean per Verizon’s release notes, as you’ll still be on 4.0.4 after the update. The update is also said to bring a fix to random reboots as well as better stability in the Play Store. Hopefully this is just the next step in getting that highly anticipated, Jelly Bean update. Be on the lookout for the update notification, or you can always go to About Phone to manually try to grab the update. If you do download it, let us know how noticeable the changes are.

Details of ISIS Mobile Wallet emerge

ISIS is a Mobile Wallet application that was created by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The product will initially launch on October 22nd in the selected markets: Salt Lake City, UT and Austin, TX. ISIS aims to be similar to Google Wallet as you’ll be able to turn your smartphone into a virtual wallet and use it in combination with your NFC-enabled device to pay for your purchases. Here’s some more details about ISIS:

• Virtual Cards:  As expected, Isis will hold virtual versions of credit cards, an Isis Cash Card (prepaid card), store loyalty cards, and a section for special offers and promotions.
• Bonus Cash:  When you first activate Isis, there will be a $10 bonus card for you to use. If you want even more cash, you can upgrade the Isis Cash Card to “reloadable” status which will land you an additional $15.
• Security:  If your phone is lost or stolen, you can call Verizon and they will freeze Isis from working.
• Merchants:  Isis will work at merchant locations that use Visa PayWave, MasterCard Paypass, Discover Zip, American Express and Google Wallet.
• NFC-SIM Cards:  From what we have been told, Verizon will use new NFC-SIM cards on their Isis approved devices. We aren’t sure why they aren’t satisfied with simply using the on-board NFC chip, but this likely creates an additional level of security. It’s also a level of security that they can have intense control over, I would assume.
• Devices:  The official “Isis ready” device is the DROID Incredible 4G LTE. As you will recall from this morning, the device is set to receive an update to make it Isis ready. Additional devices will be made available at a later time, but you should note that not all NFC phones can support Isis. If you live in a trial market and purchase an Incredible 4G LTE on or after October 22 (launch day), it will be activated with a new NFC-SIM card. If you already own an Incredible 4G LTE and live in a test market, you will be able to obtain an NFC-SIM to replace your current SIM.
• Incredible 4G Purchase + $50 in Cash:  From October 22 to November 20, you can buy an Incredible 4G LTE and receive a $50 Visa Pre-Paid card. From what we understand, you will have to activate Isis and submit a rebate form in order to get the card.

What do you guys think about ISIS? Do you think it can compete with Google Wallet or do you guys see now use of this because of the availability of Google Wallet?

New colors for Samsung Galaxy S III coming to Verizon

Visitors to the Verizon web site today were greeted with an offer to sign up for notifications about a couple new colors for Samsung Galaxy S III devices. Both black and brown will be available from Verizon, joining blue and white versions. No word on pricing, though it is hard to imagine they would sell for anything other than what the current versions go for. No word on a projected release date either, but it is probably not too far in the future.