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Report: Google to offer multiple Android 5.0 Nexus devices, will sell direct to consumer through Google Play
May 15th
If the appearance of the Galaxy Nexus for sale through the Google Play store signaled the company’s renewed interest in direct smartphone sales, a new report out of the Wall Street Journal could hint at plans to change the entire Android landscape. According to the report, Google will open up its Nexus program to multiple OEM partners and offer up to five launch devices for Android 5.0, which will be on sale by Thanksgiving of this year if all goes according to plan. The move would aim to satisfy manufacturers wary of favoritism in light of Google’s Motorola buyout while providing a selection of carrier unlocked devices running the latest version of Android to customers in Europe, the United States, and Asia.
Rumor has it more details could be unveiled at the upcoming Google I/O conference. We will likely get our first tease of Jelly Bean, the next version of Android, at the show as well. It isn’t confirmed but we might expect both tablets and phones to be included among the stable of Android 5.0 devices. The move would be sure to cause a bit of tension with major mobile providers, but offering multiple devices with a unified build of Android could be a move in the right direction if Google plans to tackle the fragmentation problem head on.
[via Engadget]
Firefox beta with native Android UI now available from Google Play
May 15th
Mozilla has released a new version of their Firefox beta into the Google Play Store, but this latest release is unlike those that came before. Instead of using XUL, Mozilla has transitioned to a native Android user interface. Nightly builds of this version have been available for some time now, but a Google Play release signifies that a stable working version has been achieved.
Not only does the browser look more visually appealing and feel more at home on an Android device, but performance and load times get a boost as well. The bulkiness of previous Firefox builds have been a major thorn in the side of the browser, making lightweight options like Chrome, Dolphin, or even the native Android browser more enticing. You can grab the latest version of Firefox for Android over at Google Play and give it a spin for yourself. Let us know what you think.
Google Play Link: Firefox
[via AndroidCentral]
LG Optimus Elite now available on Virgin Mobile $150
May 15th
Virgin Mobile has today released the LG Optimus Elite. A phone originally launched for Sprint, it was only natural that a variant of it made its way to its pre-paid underling carrier. The 0 off-contract device will provide you with a 3.5 inch display, NFC and Google Wallet, Android 2.3, an 800MHz processor and a 5 megapixel rear camera with flash. Plans for the device start at just for 300 minutes of voice and unlimited data + text messaging. Head to your local mobile retail store today or go online to order one. Read on for full press details.
WARREN, N.J. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), May 15, 2012 – Virgin Mobile USA answers to A Higher Calling™ once again, announcing with LG Mobile the availability today of LG Optimus Elite™ in Titan Silver for 9.99. The device operates on Virgin Mobile’s industry-leading, no-contract Beyond Talk plans with unlimited data and messaging starting at a month. Stylish and slim, LG Optimus Elite comes with Google Wallet™ and is now available at virginmobileusa.com and major retailers nationwide.
LG Optimus EliteTM Makes its Way to Virgin Mobile USA on May 15. http://www.virginmobileusa.com (Photo: Business Wire)
A successor to the popular LG Optimus V™, this highly customizable full-featured smartphone keeps customers organized with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and other key features, including a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, 800MHz processor, 5MP autofocus rear-facing camera and camcorder with flash, and a virtual QWERTY keyboard.
A first for Virgin Mobile USA devices, LG Optimus Elite comes with Near Field Communications (NFC), allowing customers to access true value features, such as Google WalletTM, an app that allows payment using a mobile device from participating retailers at select Macy’s, RadioShack, Walgreens, Gap and more.
“Our customers fell in love with the LG Optimus V™, so bringing another great device to our lineup of Android™-powered devices from the Optimus family goes right along with our promise of A Higher Calling™,” said Jeff Auman, vice president for Virgin Mobile USA. “LG Optimus Elite offers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange email, and advanced messaging capabilities. Combined with our awesome Beyond Talk monthly unlimited data plans, customers can realize true savings with no contract and no surprises.”
Operating on the Sprint Nationwide Network1, Virgin Mobile USA offers tremendous value for those customers who text, IM, post, email, friend, like and tweet more than they talk. Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging and data. For those looking for a bit more talk time, the plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice, and the plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month. All plans include unlimited messaging and data (plans include 2.5GB of full-speed data).
“LG Mobile strives to provide the best technologies and services that are not only extremely useful, but also accessible to everyone,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “The LG Optimus Elite not only has amazing features, but with add-ons such as Google Wallet, Box and Virgin Mobile’s affordable monthly plan, consumers will be getting a great smartphone with incredible value.”
Customers can also download Box on LG Optimus Elite and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing2 directly from LG, an estimated value of 0 per year, so they don’t have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories.
About Virgin Mobile USA
Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk™ no-contract plans with unlimited data for mobile phone service, including Android-powered smartphones and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access on the Nationwide Sprint Network. Virgin Mobile-branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and RadioShack. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Broadband2Go services. Experience Virgin Mobile on the Web atFacebook, Twitter, You Tube and purchase Virgin Mobile USA products at www.virginmobileusa.com.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. With 117 operations around the world, LG achieved global sales of USD 49 billion (KRW 54.26 trillion) in 2011. LG is comprised of four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions – and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smartphone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to developing groundbreaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company’s wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.
Google, Android, and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.
1 Virgin Mobile customers have access to the Nationwide Sprint Network which reaches more than 280 million people for voice services and 276 million people for 3G data services.
Optimus 4X HD coming to Europe in June
May 15th
LG’s first quad-core superphone will be making its way to store shelves next month. Powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processor and a 4.7″ True HD IPS display, the Optimus 4X HD has its sights set squarely on the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S III superphones, giving users a solid alternative if they haven’t been blown away with either other device just yet.
The Optimus 4X HD takes full advantage of the larger display, and offers phablet features such as a new Quick Memo, which allows users of the 4X HD to jot notes over a screen image, and Media Plex, which provides desktop-like image and video playback.
The Optimus 4X HD will head to Asia, South America, and Central America in coming months, though no official word of a US release has been given. We expect this device to launch as the T-Mobile G4X later this year, perhaps shedding LG’s updated UI Overlay in favor of stock Android 4.
Confirmed specs of the Optimus 4X HD include:
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with updated LG UI Overlay
- 1.5 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor
- 4.7 inch 720p True HD IPS display
- 8 megapixel backside illumination rear camera with HTC One-esque rapid image capture
- 1.3 megapixel front camera
- 1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage
- 2,150 mAh battery
- Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, WiFi 802.11b/g/n
- MHL, DLNA, etc.
- 8.9 mm thick
- SHSPA+ 21 Mbps support
Show Press Release
LG’S FIRST QUAD-CORE SMARTPHONE
HEADS TO EUROPE IN JUNE
LG Optimus 4X HD with Advanced User Experience (UX) Offers
Fast Performance, Superb IPS Display and Biggest Battery in its Class
SEOUL, May 15, 2012 – LG announced that the Optimus 4X HD, which was first introduced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February, will be available next month in key markets starting in Western Europe.
Beyond the fast NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, LG’s latest Android 4.0 device boasts the biggest battery among Quad-Core smartphones at 2,150mAh and a superb high resolution viewing experience with in the 4.7-inch True HD IPS display. Since MWC, the Optimus 4X HD has been upgraded with new SiO+ battery technology, Quick MemoTM to enhance productivity and Media PlexTM for an advanced multimedia experience.
The Optimus 4X HD is fitted with NVIDIA’s 4-PLUS-1™ Quad-Core mobile processor, the Tegra? 3, which utilizes a fifth core for the best power efficiency and outstanding performance. For maximum performance, Tegra? 3 runs on all four cores but when in standby mode the processor defaults to the fifth, battery-saver core. In a future upgrade, LG will introduce Eco-Mode specifically for the Optimus 4X HD which will allow users to manually shut down any of the Tegra 3’s cores for even more control over power consumption and performance.
The removable 2,150mAh battery utilizes advanced SiO+ technology to provide higher energy density for more power and longer run times without adding bulk to the phone’s already svelte form factor.
“Beyond the fast processor, superb display and largest-in-class battery, the Optimus 4X HD is the first LG smartphone to feature the new User Experience (UX),” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “As the smartphone segment consolidates even further, it’s becoming more and more apparent that both great software and great hardware are crucial to stay on top of the game. LG intends to be a strong contender in both areas and the Optimus 4X HD is our proof.”
One of the new UX features in the Optimus 4X HD is Quick MemoTM, which first appeared in the Optimus Vu:. Quick MemoTM is not an app but is integrated into the operating system of the Optimus 4X HD so that it can be activated within any application, including games or video players. It gives one the ability to jot memos or notes over a screen image for saving or sharing with others. The version of Quick MemoTM found on the Optimus 4X HD is a newer version that allows URLs imbedded in memos to directly connect to web pages.
Media Plex TM is the newest addition to the Optimus 4X HD. This is a collection of software features that take image and video playback on the smartphone to a level that until now was only possible on a PC or laptop. Some of the innovative features offered by Media Plex TM include:
l Fingertip Seek that shows a preview of any video frame simply by touching the progress bar;
l Live Zooming which allows viewers to zoom in and out by pinching during video playback;
l Video Speed Control for precise control of the playback speed of a video;
l Thumbnail List Play which enables users to view thumbnails of videos playing while watching another video full screen.
The advanced 8.0MP BSI (backside illumination) sensor camera of the Optimus 4X HD comes with a powerful new feature that allows users to select and save the best shot among the images taken just before pressing the shutter button.
And with MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), there are multiple ways to connect the phone to TVs and other devices in the home.
The Optimus 4X HD will be rolled out in Europe followed by countries in Asia, CIS, South and Central America in the coming months.
Samsung Galaxy S3 hits the FCC
May 15th
It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S3 is just another step closer to making its way to North America as it hit the FCC this morning. This device supports AT&T’s HSPA+ radios, but will not work on T-Mobile’s as those users would likely be stuck on Edge. Couple in in the fact that LTE is absent and we’d say this one is going to be headed straight for the great white north.
Of course, no North American carriers have announced plans to carry the device but we’re alright with assuming some will in due time. In the meantime, if Samsung wanted to sell the Galaxy S3 in North America right now, they very well could. That’s worth something, right? [via Engadget]
Samsung Galaxy S3 hits the FCC
May 15th
It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S3 is just another step closer to making its way to North America as it hit the FCC this morning. This device supports AT&T’s HSPA+ radios, but will not work on T-Mobile’s as those users would likely be stuck on Edge. Couple in in the fact that LTE is absent and we’d say this one is going to be headed straight for the great white north.
Of course, no North American carriers have announced plans to carry the device but we’re alright with assuming some will in due time. In the meantime, if Samsung wanted to sell the Galaxy S3 in North America right now, they very well could. That’s worth something, right? [via Engadget]
