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Galaxy S II finally lands on American shores for Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T
Well, it's been a long time coming, but you fine folks living in the good ol' U-S-of-A are finally getting blessed with Galaxy S IIs to call your own. Conspicuously missing from the party is Verizon, but Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T are all getting in on the Super AMOLED Plus action under the guise of the Epic 4G Touch on Sprint and just plain old Galaxy S II on AT&T and T-Mo. As we had heard earlier the Epic 4G Touch is sporting a slightly larger 4.52-inch screen as will the T-Mobile variant, while AT&T is sticking with the 4.3-inch panel found on the international model. Sprint customers will be first to get their shot at owning one on September 16th for $200, with AT&T and T-Mobile a little further down the road. Otherwise there are very few surprises here, with a 1.2GHz Exynos pushing Gingerbread and TouchWiz to each gorgeous screen. All are packing 16GB of internal storage and being pitched as 4G handsets -- with WiMax on board the Sprint model and HSPA+ for T-Mo and AT&T. Ma Bell's is specifically championing its variant as the "thinnest 4G smartphone," which might have something to do with the smaller 1650 mAh battery inside (the Epic 4G Touch is sporting an 1800 mAh pack). Check back soon for some hands-on. %Gallery-132069%
Samsung Galaxy S II LTE heads to Rogers for 4G fall debut
Our neighbors to the north just got a one-two punch of wireless awesome delivered courtesy of Rogers. The operator announced today that its variant of Samsung's heavily lusted after Galaxy S II will be launching with baked-in LTE functionality on its nascent 4G network. Most of the handset's specs have remained the same, aside from a newly beefed-up 1.5GHz dual-core processor, NFC functionality and Hercules-sized 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. If you're proud to call yourself Canadian and "download speeds of up to 100Mbps" get your blood pumping, then expect to snag Sammy's beast phone when it goes on sale before Autumn's end. Update: Interestingly, the Rogers site lists the Galaxy S II LTE as featuring a 1.2GHz CPU instead of the 1.5GHz slice of silicon that was announced only days ago. It may be a typo, or the Canadian carrier may have its version underclocked for a longer battery life. We've reached out for clarification and will update when we hear back. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE announced, set to debut at IFA
Well, if you thought Samsung was done tweaking the Galaxy S II, you were very mistaken. The Korean company is getting ready to unveil the Galaxy S II LTE at IFA in Berlin this week, alongside an LTE version of its still elusive Galaxy Tab 8.9 -- and we'll be there to get some hands on time. Both devices are sporting an updated dual-core processor running at 1.5GHz, while the S II is also getting a size bump and moving up to a 4.5-inch screen. The Tab remains otherwise unchanged, rocking the same 1200 x 800 screen and super-svelte (8.6mm thick) design. Honestly, we're not sure what else you need to know -- 4G LTE and an over-the-top processor? OK, maybe price and availability would be nice, but you'll just have to make do with some PR for now. Check it out after the break.
Samsung pushes Galaxy S II launch event back a day due to Hurricane Irene
It looks like you'll have to wait an extra day to learn what you already know: the Galaxy S II -- aka, the Attain, Hercules and Epic 4G Touch -- is about to launch on AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. Samsung's pushed Monday's New York press event back a day due to that little east coast storm you may have read something about. Fortunately, these handsets haven't exactly kept a low profile, so we weren't expecting too many surprises anyway. We'll be there covering it live, but in the meantime, stay safe and if you're a Verizon customer, you might want to find a dry place to continue your seething.
Samsung Galaxy W to launch on Three network in the UK next month
Samsung-thusiasts in the UK will be happy to know that the brand spanking new Galaxy W is coming to the British Three network in September. Just yesterday, we caught a glimpse of this beaut running Gingerbread with a 3.7-inch WVGA touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera, 4GB of internal memory, a 1.4GHz processor and HDSPA connectivity. Those on Three can also expect the new line of BlackBerrys -- the Curve 9360, the Torch 9810 and the Bold 9900 -- soon, as well as the white Samsung Galaxy S II and the Sony Ericsson Xperia ray sometime in September. We hope to get some hands-on time with the W at IFA in Berlin next week -- roadtrip anyone?
Samsung Galaxy S II not coming to Verizon after all? (update: confirmed)
Many of us were holding out hopes that the Function, Verizon's rumored variant of the Samsung Galaxy S II, would be the latest addition to its LTE lineup, but now we're hearing that it may not be coming to the carrier at all. According to the Wall Street Journal, it appears quite likely that Big Red won't be involved in Samsung's anticipated launch event this coming Monday. The publication cites people familiar with the plans, who also mentioned that we should still expect to see the Galaxy S II make its way to Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T at the very least. Now here's some possible relief to the sting you may have just felt: BGR is now reporting that while this is all true, Verizon has a Samsung phone in the works that will have "nearly identical specs" to that of the GSII. We're still awaiting official confirmation from Verizon on the matter and will update when we receive word. Update: We just heard from a Verizon spokesperson who confirmed the carrier will not be carrying the device, and offered the following quote: "We have a robust portfolio of devices that offer customers exciting options including the Droid Charge by Samsung which runs on Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network."
Netherlands judge rules that Samsung Galaxy S, S II violate Apple patents, bans sales (updated)
A judge in The Hague just issued a ruling in Apple's patent infringement case against Samsung, prohibiting "the marketing of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace for violation of Apple Inc. EP 2,059,868." In an official press release, the court explains that The Hague judge ruled to "ban trading of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace," adding that Samsung also violated other did not violate Apple patents with its Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 10.1v. The judge determined that Samsung violated patent 2,059,868, which deals with "method of scrolling," but did not infringe 2,098,948 for "recording a flag in connection with multiple screen taps," or 1,964,022, which relates to dragging a slider to unlock the phone. We haven't been able to confirm, but from an online translation it appears that The ban will remain in effect through begin on October 13th. Hit up the source link for the full 65-page verdict (in Dutch). Update: A dutch IP attorney has pointed out that the judge has ruled patent 1,964,022 to be null and void, meaning Apple can no longer make claims in the Netherlands based on this patent. The judge also found that Samsung did not infringe on patent 2,098,948. The infringement of 2,059,868 does not affect the Galaxy Tab 10.1. (Correction: the main patent in question is 2,059,868 not 2,058,868.) Update 2: According to Tweakers.net, Samsung says that it will replace the software that infringes on Apple's patent (the Gallery application, specifically), which should allow it to continue to sell the phones. Notably, that Gallery application is the standard Android one used in Android 2.3, which also explains why the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is not affected by this ruling. Less clear is what the ruling means for other Android phones that use the same application. Update 3: Samsung Mobile's Kim Titus released the following statement: Today's ruling is an affirmation that the GALAXY range of products is innovative and distinctive. With regard to the single infringement cited in the ruling, we will take all possible measures including legal action to ensure that there is no disruption in the availability of our GALAXY smartphones to Dutch consumers. This ruling is not expected to affect sales in other European markets. Samsung has a proud history of innovation in the mobile industry. We will continue our plans to introduce new products and technologies that meet and exceed consumer expectations. And we will defend our intellectual property rights through the ongoing legal proceedings around the world. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung Galaxy S II variant sneaks into American promo video
If you don't pay close attention, you may not even notice it, but Samsung sneaked a preview of an American Galaxy S II variant into a promo video it released earlier today. For the entire clip you stare at the version we're all familiar with, which sports a large home button on the bottom. Then, at the very end, a slightly rounder handset with four capacitive buttons and no large home key pops up on the screen. It looks a bit like the T-Mobile-bound Hercules, but not quite as curvy around the edges. It could be Sprint's Epic 4G Touch or perhaps an as yet unseen model destined for AT&T or Verizon. Check out the full promo video after the break. [Thanks, Daniel]
Engadget's back to school guide 2011: smartphones
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we're tapping away on our smartphones -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Now more than ever, collegiate studies require a wide variety of devices to help you get that prized "A." The thirst for knowledge you so desperately seek can strike at any time, and you're not always going to have that desktop or laptop nearby to find the answer to a burning question. Perhaps you just need to hurl birds at pigs for a while to blow off your stress. Whatever the case, you'll need something to help you study, store (and edit) all of your important term papers, keep you in touch with classmates or family, and everything in-between. What better way to get all of that than with a smartphone? We've picked nine respectable candidates that can help you through your upcoming semester -- three for each budget level. Oh, and while you're looking, we're giving away $3,000 worth of essential back to school gear to 15 lucky readers, and you can be one of them by simply leaving a comment below! So, which phones are most likely to help you get smart? Head past the break to find out.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 - 08.21.2011
We're 100. 100! If you're like us, you totally can't believe it's been more than two years since we first started Mobile Podcasting but you totally can believe it at the same time because that's just how we roll: dedicated. To celebrate we've brought along Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai and Noah Kravitz of TechnoBuffalo to weigh in on stuff like the Xiaomi phone and Symbian Belle leaking its way into the world. And...a couple of other things. We're old. It's a mobile party. You just got your pentaband invite to click on the play or download links below. Don't sleep on it: before you know it we'll be 200.Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad MolenGuests: Richard Lai, Noah KravitzProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Daestro - Light Powered (Ghostly International)00:02:45 - HP will 'discontinue operations for webOS devices', may spin off Personal Systems Group00:21:55 - Google acquiring Motorola Mobility00:42:45 - Motorola's new Droid HD makes cameo alongside Droid Bionic01:04:30 - BlackBerry Bold 9930 review01:05:43 - AT&T streamlining individual messaging plans August 21st, leaving unlimited as the sole survivor01:15:00 - Xiaomi Phone hands-on (updated with video)01:25:40 - Symbian Anna now available for download on Nokia N8, E7, C7 and C6-0101:26:30 - Symbian Belle download leaked to N8 community, quickly pulled from site (update: Anna available on NaviFirm)01:30:57 - CNET: RIM in talks to squeeze out BlackBerry music service01:32:50 - Motorola Photon 4G review01:36:53 - Samsung Hercules, HTC Ruby available from T-Mobile on October 26th?01:38:56 - Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots01:39:38 - HTC Holiday prototype shows up on Craigslist, gives us reason to celebrate (update: AT&T-bound)01:45:55 - Why is LTE equipment being installed in an Apple Store?Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)Contact the podcastpodcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.Follow us on Twitter@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile
Did Apple shrink the Samsung Galaxy S in Dutch lawsuit filing?
We haven't had a chance to head on down to The Hague to have a look-see for ourselves, but Dutch tech site Webwereld spotted some more inconsistencies in Apple's Samsung lawsuit filings. This time the culprit is a shrunken Galaxy S, standing side-by-side with an identically tall iPhone 3G -- when in reality the Samsung phone is seven millimeters taller than its Apple counterpart, and slightly wider as well. The image, filed in the Netherlands, is part of an intellectual property suit against Samsung, and came to light just days after accusations that Apple manipulated photos of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 that it submitted to a German court. While misleading, this latest error isn't nearly as concerning as last week's shrunken Tab -- which could easily be described as image manipulation, considering that the tablet included in that filing represented an incorrect 4:3 aspect ratio, while the Samsung device has a 16:10 display. Update: The phone pictured above is the Samsung Galaxy S, not the Galaxy S II. [Thanks, Florian]
Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots
Looks like Sammy's Android 2.3 demi-god is just about ready to touch down on this side of planet Earth. Spotted out in the wilds of Canada once again, the much anticipated Hercules handset -- a confirmed Galaxy S II variant -- has been captured in not-quite-Mr. Blurrycam form over on MobileSyrup. The device, shown here running on Telus' network, is rumored to pack a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 2 megapixel front-facing camera, 42Mbps HSPA+ radio and a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor -- although that Quadrant score could very well indicate an Exynos chip. While we still lack any firm release dates for the phone's Northern American debut, we'd bet that leaked T-Mobile October launch is a good yardstick for soon.
Samsung plans August 29th mobile launch... Galaxy S II finally landing in US?
Well, we have few other details beyond what you see in that invite above, but you better believe we'll be in New York City on August 29th. We're definitely expecting Samsung to announce a Galaxy S II launch in the US, especially given Samsung Mobile President Shin Jong-kyun's promise of a release "sometime in August" -- along with that intriguing II graphic in the invite up top. We also have on good authority that the S II will be launching on several carriers at once, which likely explains why Samsung is putting on the show, rather than deferring to a single partner. Check back on the 29th for the full scoop, and head on over to our full review to whet your appetite in the meantime. Update: We noticed that the invite image itself is named "Galaxy_S_II_Invite_v2.jpg," so we're gonna go out on a limb here and say that the S II will definitely be released.
Samsung i927 clears the FCC hurdle, AT&T-bound at last?
Yeah, the Samsung i927 definitely exists -- and the FCC's flaunting the docs to prove it. That doesn't mean we're allowed to know all its deep, dark secrets yet; sadly, the Galaxy S II-esque device doesn't bare it all for us to see. Granted, we've already seen pics of the QWERTY landscape slider, and it seems like that it'll make its way onto AT&T's smartphone lineup, so we already know more about the device than most FCC filings could ever reveal. But is it the mystical Samsung Attain we've postulated about for months? It utilizes the usual 850 / 1900 bands for WCDMA and HSPA (though it leaves no mention of any global frequencies that may lie in the phone), and the dimensions show a striking resemblance to those on the unlocked GSII -- it's roughly one mm off in both directions -- so we can't let go of the possibility yet. Whatever it is, this thing can't come soon enough.
Leakster names Sprint's latest: Samsung Epic 4G Touch, HTC EVO Design 4G, and Motorola Admiral
We love starting the week with a good leak, and thanks to an anonymous tipster, we're swimming in a flood of juicy names. First, it appears the Samsung Within is getting a new alias, and without delaying your anticipation, let us re-introduce you to Sprint's upcoming Galaxy S II handset: the Epic 4G Touch. As the moniker suggests, the QWERTY keyboard is likely sliding away, though lovers of physical buttons might find solace with the mysterious Epic 2. If your ideal smartphone combines qHD resolution with HTC Sense -- and eschews the 3D display and dual-core CPU -- the Kingdom is one step closer to reality, and it'll be known as the EVO Design 4G. Finally, a new Motorola will arrive at the Now Network, and it's been christened the Admiral. Unlike its peers, it's lacking the "4G" nomenclature, meaning it's avoiding the upper echelons of Sprint's stable... and hopefully sporting longer battery life, too. [Thanks, anonymous]
Samsung Hercules confirmed as a T-Mobile Galaxy S II variant
The picture almost says it all: the Galaxy S II is coming to T-Mobile. Except it's slightly more complicated than that. According to TmoNews, you're actually looking at the back of the new Samsung Hercules -- a handset rumored to possess godly specs, which we already knew was heading to both T-Mo and Telus, and which is now confirmed as an honest-to-goodness Galaxy S II variant. It's similar to the original superphone in many respects, but it has a slightly larger 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen like the Infuse 4G, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor that's possibly a Qualcomm instead of Sammy's own Exynos, and a 42Mbps HSPA+ radio. The rounded corners of the back cover also look distinctly similar to the Within -- the GSII variant coming to Sprint. You'll find full-frontals after the break, which also recall the design of the Nexus S. The only thing missing is any mention of NFC, which featured in the initial rumors, but this is still a hotch-potch of the best Samsung phones around and we can't wait for it to arrive.
Samsung Hercules snapped in the wild, powering its way to Telus soon?
Would demigods feel honored that smartphones are getting named after them? The Samsung Hercules, from what we can tell, seems to fit its given title appropriately; he was, after all, famous for his behemoth strength. Sadly, we've known more about him than his technological counterpart, though that may be soon changing. MobileSyrup found someone clutching onto the still-unannounced device at a VIP event and snapped a quick pic for the world to see. While they didn't get any hands-on time, they indicated that it was running on Telus, it appeared to have a 4.5-inch display (as rumored), and is a design mashup of the Galaxy S II, Nexus S, and the Infuse 4G. This still leaves us with nothing but spec rumors -- which include a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, Super AMOLED Plus display, 16GB of flash storage, 42Mbps HSPA+, and an eight megapixel camera -- but it's nice to have a face to go with the famous name. For somebody who likes to go the distance, its superphone namesake sure seems awfully close.
Verizon Wireless year-end roadmap leaks, Android and LTE spotted on the horizon?
Nope. There's no mention of a Nexus Prime in this glimpse of VZW future, but don't let that stop you from drooling over the purported goods. The leaked shot over on IGN lays out a back-to-school road filled with Android phones a plenty, and one lone RIM entry. September 8th is gearing up to be a busy Thursday for Big Red, with launches slated for the Droid Bionic, Motorola Xoom 4G, BlackBerry Curve 9370 (the LTE cousin of 'Apollo'?) and Samsung Stratosphere -- the operator's rumored Galaxy S II variant. The end of the month gets a 2.3 combo of Gingerbread phones as the Samsung Illusion (codenamed Viper), and HTC Bliss touch down on the 29th. Refreshes for a couple of the carrier's early LTE phones debut in October, when the Thunderbolt gets pushed aside by the virile HTC Vigor and LG gets a redo with the Revolution 2. Samsung's Galaxy Tab P8 (most likely the Galaxy Tab 8.9) gets an unconfirmed November mention, while BlackBerry's PlayBook languishes in a release date grey zone. Ready for that end-of-year upgrade? From the looks of things, there'll be no dearth of options.
Mobile Miscellany: week of July 25, 2011
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of July 18, 2011: Remember the Samsung i927 with AT&T logos we saw spy shots of a few days back? These photos came with others' speculation -- and our skepticism -- that this would be the Galaxy S II Rethought Possible. Our hesitation to call this one a surety was spot-on, however, as we've now been told this phone model is not the mystical Samsung Attain after all. Could the i777, just seen wandering through the FCC testing facilities, be it instead? [via BGR] Google's updated its Maps for Android app to include My Places, photo uploading, and a few other goodies. [via Google] Foursquare posted an update to its BlackBerry application; within it, the app now offers support for BBM integration. [via PhoneArena] T-Mobile's rumored Value plans took effect this week, offering a lower price point for anyone who either owns a T-Mobile device already or brings an unlocked GSM handset to start the plan. [via T-Mobile] Sprint unveiled new "Business Freedom Plans" -- business pooled voice and data options that don't come attached with any commitments. [via Sprint]
Did the Samsung Galaxy S II with NFC just hit the FCC?
Hooray, another Samsung phone made it through the FCC, and it looks like it could be another Galaxy S II variant. No, it's not the Tegra 2-clad version. Nor is it the one with WiMAX. Heck, it's not even the GT-i9100 that showed up in March. Nay, it's the Samsung i777, a new form of the phone sequel we've been pulling our hair out in anticipation for. What's so great about this candidate? It's rocking an NFC antenna on the battery cover and utilizes 850 / 1900 bands in the WCDMA / HSPA variety, making it a tasty target for users on AT&T, Bell, Rogers, or Telus. The phone's dimensions are identical with Europe's current model, which nearly seals the deal on its likely association with the Galaxy S II lineup. Annoyed that this beauty is cradled in some FCC tester's hands and not yours? Fret not, August is quickly approaching.
