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'Official-looking' pic of white Galaxy S II leaks, unicorns right around the corner
Albino Nexus S, meet your better specced, bleached out, dual-core nemesis -- the mythical white Samsung Galaxy S II. The leaked snap is certainly timely, coming in only one day after a UK retailer promised the colorless beast would go on sale August 15th. We can't vouch for that, but we do know US peeps can now sign-up for "more info" on Sammy's website, so stateside GSII fans should be hearing more from the company soon. Will word come of the LTE-toting, ivory dream phone we've been lusting after? Probably not, but getting the baddest black Android on the planet is still pretty darn good.
Verizon's version of the Samsung Galaxy S II will support LTE (update: still unconfirmed)
The jury's still out on when Verizon will get around to releasing the Samsung Function -- its own version of the highly covetable Galaxy S II -- but that hasn't stopped Big Red from whetting our appetite. The country's largest carrier has taken to the Twitterverse to confirm that its upcoming pride and joy will include an LTE radio, answering quite possibly the most perplexing mystery concerning Verizon's take on the device. We're still yearning for pricing, availability, and even images of the device to show up, but this little nugget alone may be enough to keep our impatience at ease for a while longer. Update: VZWSupport just tweeted some disappointing news: "Clarification -- I am speaking of the new Samsung Galaxy tab 10.1 that is 4G." Tomato, tomahto, tablets, smartphones, are we right?
Samsung Galaxy R winks at the camera for all to see (video)
Good ol' Sammy's playing another round of Galaxy Alphabet Soup. Judging by a rather legitimate-looking video that's posted after the break, R could be the next character to identify Samsung's rapidly-growing Galaxy lineup. It's speculated to be a version of the Galaxy Z, a more affordable spinoff of the Galaxy S II up for pre-order in Sweden -- one that'll be fitted with a 4.2-inch Super Clear LCD, 1GHz dual-core CPU, "HD" video recording, and 8GB internal memory. According to SammyHub, the unannounced phone could be destined for Europe before expanding its sphere of influence to southwest Asia, China, and the Middle East. If this one doesn't fit your fancy, don't worry -- there's plenty of letters left to claim.
Motorola Droid 3 review
The third installment of a trilogy is typically the most satisfying. The Empire Falls, Frodo destroys the ring, Cinderella goes back in time. (Okay, that's a stretch.) Our protagonist in this tale is the Droid 3, which bears an uncanny resemblance to its dad and granddad-- but Motorola's added a few new components and made some minor design tweaks in attempt to improve the overall experience. Are these adjustments enough to save the series? The original Droid launched with much fanfare, a device that steered Motorola back onto the path of success from its post-RAZR Hades. It had a refreshing gold-laden design that oozed elegance, top-of-the-line specs for its time, and was the pioneer that helped usher Google's mobile OS into a new era. Each new iteration has received less attention than the one before, however, and the Droid 3 experienced such a quiet launch that we blinked and almost missed it. No matter, though -- as long as the phone can speak for itself, it doesn't need the confetti to accompany it. But is the third time another charm for the Droid? Or will it be buried by other heavyweights like the Droid Bionic or Samsung Galaxy S II Function? Join us after the break to find out. %Gallery-128661%
Galaxy S II expected to land in the US next month, someday, somewhere
Ever since it first peeked its sizable Super AMOLED face out from behind the curtain, anticipation for the Galaxy S II has been tough to tamp down. As the months have worn on though, Americans have simply been left wondering when (if ever) they'd be able to start leaving fingerprints all over one of their own. Well, we finally have an answer... kinda. President of Samsung's mobile division, Shin Jong-kyun, told reporters on Wednesday, "we expect to release the Galaxy S II in the US market sometime in August." So there you go -- on some undetermined date, for some undetermined price, with some undetermined carrier, you'll finally be able to get your greasy little paws on a Galaxy S II next month. It's not much, but hey, it's better than nothing.
Fujitsu to launch first Windows Phone Mango handset in... August?
Say it ain't so -- not only is a phone not delayed, it's actually planning to come out earlier than its quoted launch window? This particular miracle is the exception much more than the rule, but Microsoft's latest Windows Phone OS (nicknamed "Mango,") might come out prior to the anticipated fall release. According to Nikkei, Fujitsu will offer the very first Mango device, a waterproof phone called the IS12T, on KDDI "as early as late next month." The phone is to be sold for 30,000 - 40,000 yen ($378 - 505), a reasonable amount of coin for what will likely be a higher-end device. And -- if it's the same handset showcased at this week's Worldwide Partner Conference -- a pink version will be on sale. So, what's more enticing: a Hello Kitty-flavored Windows Phone, or a Samsung Galaxy S II lookalike running Mango? It's a tough call.
Samsung Galaxy S II for Sprint spotted in the wild, mildly tweaked design in tow
We saw signs that Samsung's superphone, the Galaxy S II, would be coming to the Now Network, but we hadn't seen such a device sporting a Sprint logo... until now. The folks at This is my next got a blurry picture of a new handset that may be the Within, Sprint's variant of Sammy's flagship device. The shot shows a phone with more rounded corners than the GS II, and a vertical camera / flash alignment instead of the side-by-side configuration found on the original. We can't say for sure if this is Sprint's next star in the Android universe, but here's hoping it means that the finest Galaxy S phone is landing stateside soon.
Samsung Galaxy S II may be destined for Bell July 21st for $150
Time to break out the peanut butter and syrup, folks, because Bell is waffling. The Canadian mobile provider looked all set for a July 21st launch of the highly-coveted Samsung Galaxy S II, according to a listing on Best Buy Canada, but the page has unfortunately been pulled. When it was live, the galactic sequel was priced for $150 with three-year commitment, and if that were true it would make Bell the first North American carrier to offer the hot-selling Android device -- though it certainly won't be the last. Was the page taken down at Bell's request to allow it the chance to formally announce the device? Has it been delayed? Or, was it just wrong? While we're guessing it's the first possibility -- it is, certainly, a flagship phone that deserves some fanfare -- we'll toss a quarter in the wishing well in hopes that our dreams come true next Thursday. Update: Best Buy Canada reinstated the page, but nudged the price up to $170. Thanks a lot. Update 2: Well, will you look at that? Bell's gone and made it official. The carrier will indeed get the Galaxy S II on July 21st. Think it's too good to be true? Check the Bell source link. [Thanks, idimdb]
Another Galaxy S II passes through the FCC, possibly rockin' a Tegra 2
What we have here appears to be some variation of the Samsung Galaxy S II, with support for 850MHz and 1900MHz GSM frequencies, making its way through the FCC. Now, we know what you're thinking, "didn't we already see an AT&T ready S II?" Yep, but this one sports a different model number -- GT-I9103, and you know where we've seen that before? Those mysterious Tegra 2-equipped Galaxy S II benchmarks. The rumblings of Sammy's flagship handset coming in two versions, one rocking NVIDIA's mobile chip, aren't without precedent -- Exynos is still fairly young silicon and this could be a way to boost supplies (as we put it, in the most politically correct terms possible) "outside its critical markets." In other words, don't expect to pick one of these up at your local AT&T shop, unless your local store happens to be in St. Petersburg Russia.
Strange clues hint at a new Samsung Galaxy S II running Windows Phone 7
The image above is unfortunately just a Photoshop special, designed to sucker you in. But there is evidence to suggest that a WP7 version of the overwhelmingly popular Galaxy S II might be just around the corner. What type of evidence, you ask? The numerological type: if you take the Galaxy S II's model number, SGH-927, then add 10, you get "SGH-937." Now, a device bearing that name has just cropped up at the Bluetooth SIG, and it's reported to have exactly the same Bluetooth characteristics as a Mango Windows Phone 7 handset. Finally, we add some corroboration in the form of an obscure list of WP7 phones at Occasional Gamer, which also mentions the SHG-937. That leaves us just two possibilities: either WP7 is about be available on one of the best smartphones around, or it isn't. Luckily, the occult rules of numerology state that you can pick whichever one you like.
Samsung's Galaxy S II becomes company's quickest selling phone: three million in 55 days
Samsung sold three million of its original Galaxy S phone in 85 days. A few months later, a full ten million had been moved. Now, it looks as if the superphone's proper successor may put that latter statistic to shame. The outfit just announced that it took but 55 days to move three million Galaxy S II handsets, which works out to one phone every 1.5 seconds. It's Sammy's briskest-selling smartphone ever, and we're guessing that it'll keep up the pace once that AT&T variant lands on US soil. Which is coming soon, right Samsung?
Samsung Galaxy Z: Galaxy S II's 'affordable little brother' now ready for pre-order
Been lusting after the Galaxy S II, but aren't willing to break the bank? We hear you, and apparently Samsung does too. Up for pre-order today, on the Swedish arm of Three, is the Galaxy Z -- billed as a more affordable spawn from its Korean progenitor. The Gingerbread-toting handset will sport a 4.2-inch Super Clear LCD, 1GHz dual core processor (rumored to be Tegra 2), and 8GB of onboard storage, extensible with microSD. Fret not camera junkies, also present is a 5 megapixel sensor plus flash and "HD" video recording. All that stands between you and this little Galaxy, are 4,000 kronor (about $630) and your undying love of Swedish meatballs.
Samsung Galaxy S II gets official for Canada on Bell, Virgin Mobile and SaskTel
We've already had some indication of where and when the Galaxy S II would land in Canada, and three carriers have now finally made things fully official (even if they haven't yet got completely specific). That includes Bell and Virgin Mobile -- neither of which are confirming a price at the moment -- plus regional carrier SaskTel, which plans to offer the phone for $79.99 on a three-year contract. SaskTel and Virgin Mobile both also say that the phone will be available in the coming weeks, while Bell isn't offering much more than a chance to win the phone in a contest that ends July 19th -- we've previously heard that the phone will be hitting Bell on July 14th. Perhaps not surprisingly, it's looking like the phone will also alternatively be known as the "Galaxy S II" or "Galaxy S II 4G" depending on the carrier.
Samsung Galaxy S II headed to Bell on July 14
We've already heard an earful about which US carriers will likely score the Samsung Galaxy S II (and its rumored cousin), and now we're also getting some fuller details about its availability in Canada. Just days after SaskTel confirmed it'll sell the skinny, Gingerbread-packing phone next month, Tech F.I.B.E. is reporting that handset is headed to Bell's 21Mbps-capable network on July 14. If you remember, the dual-core phone won us over in our review with its svelte chassis, vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display, zippy performance, and impressive 8 megapixel camera. No word yet on how much Bell will charge for that superb chunk of hardware, but it looks like we'll find out in a matter of weeks.
Galaxy S II coming to SaskTel next month, we embark on northward migration
The Samsung Galaxy S II has yet to make its US debut, but it looks like our neighbors to the north will be getting it as early as next month. Yesterday, Canada's SaskTel announced via Twitter that it would launch the phone "within the next month," making it the first North American carrier to confirm the S II. Earlier this month, it looked as if Verizon would be the first to bring the device to the New World, but our hopes were crushed when the carrier debunked rumors of a July launch. It remains to be seen whether Sasktel's announcement will pave the way for a wider North American release, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.
Samsung Galaxy S II said to be Verizon-bound in July (update: just a miscommunication)
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so when it comes to the Samsung Galaxy S II, our tiny American hearts are getting rather sick of all the love we've been experiencing lately. Computerworld's latest rumor may be just what we need to stay sane for another month, though; it cites an unnamed Verizon spokesperson who mentioned this Fascinate follow-up, which will likely be known as the Function, will be coming in for a soft landing sometime in July, though no specifics were offered. The Galaxy S II is already being sold in Europe and Asia and blends a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, Gingerbread, dual-core 1.2GHz CPU, and many more top-of-the-line specs into one sleek and gorgeous package. If the July window is accurate, it means Verizon could be one of the first US carriers out of the gate with the phone. This is great news for the carrier that was, of the four national powers, dead last in getting its model of the Galaxy S to market. We're anxiously awaiting word from a Verizon spokesperson for additional comment and will keep you posted -- if our heart hasn't popped out of our chest by then. Update: We just received word from a Verizon spokesperson that the reference to a July release was just a miscommunication and was actually in reference to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Yeah, we're bummed out, too.
Samsung Smart View shrinks Smart TV down for your Galaxy S II
We're not sure how many of you happen to own both a Galaxy S II and a Samsung Smart TV but, if you do, you'll probably want to download Smart View from the Android market. Like now -- don't worry, we'll wait. This handy app lets you stream content from your set to your smartphone over WiFi, and can even be used as a controller for games from the Samsung app store. Unfortunately, you're limited to either mirroring the content shown on the TV or watching an optional second stream from a Sammy-branded Blu-ray player but, hey, at least you won't have to miss a single second of Game of Thrones just because that box of Cheez-Its keeps whispering your name. Like any good TV-connected app, Smart View can also act as a remote with a program guide and the ability to change channels, and even more functionality is promised for the future. Eventually, it will make its way to Galaxy Player, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Tab owners but, while you wait, check out the gallery and PR below. %Gallery-125150%
Is your Galaxy S II's display yellow on the left?
We're inclined to think this may just be a case of fresh glue settling, but a thread started on May 14th by Erethnor at the xda-developer forums has been been growing, with keen eyed Galaxy S II owners posting about a display issue on their beloved new phones. Affected users are reporting that the left side of their Super AMOLED Plus displays have a yellow discoloration, viewable mainly with low brightness -- especially on white and grey backgrounds. The example above, from user NitroOnTheRocks, is comparatively harder to notice than the old mustard stain on our jeans from last year's Engadget Memorial Day BBQ, but we've included another photo, from user stijnr, after the break for all you skeptics. Also, if you have a Galaxy S II, let us know about whether you're experiencing this anomaly in our poll below. [Thanks, Eric] %Poll-64578%
Galaxy S II KE7 update brings better battery life, fixes "pink spot" camera bug
Galaxy S II owners, now is the time to load up Kies or to start impatiently tapping "system updates" -- Samsung is rolling out a new firmware for its flagship handsets dubbed KE7. Not everyone is seeing it yet but, according to users, you can expect better battery life, more accurate GPS readings, improved performance, a few upgraded apps, and a fix for the "pink spot" bug in the camera app. We appreciate Samsung making sure everything is just right and pushing a second update before bringing the Galaxy S II to America, but we think it's ready now -- hurry, before we change our minds about owning something called the Attain, Function, or Within.
NTT DoCoMo announces 24 new mobile wonders (yes, really) to flood its network
So, Japan... want a new mobile device? How about 24? This grandiose announcement comes straight from NTT DoCoMo, which commonly lays its cards on the table for the delight of consumers. Among the selection you'll find eight new Gingerbread phones, six incredibly high-res shooters (ranging between 12.2 and 16.3 megapixels), eight waterproof handsets, and one embedded with Swarovski crystals. We're particularly thrilled to see the mighty Galaxy S II, 3D-capturing Aquos SH-12C, 700-nit Optimus Bright (contrastingly-named but nearly identical to the Optimus Black), ultra-slim MEDIAS WP N-06C, and mobile payment-enabled Xperia Acro. Oh, and don't forget about the LOOX F-07C -- a multi-talented handset that's running Symbian and Windows 7 Home Premium -- while two LTE-enabled WiFi routers are sneaking into DoCoMo's party, too. That's a lot to absorb, so check out the source for individual release timeframes, which begin now and continue through August -- or just check out the PR after the break.
