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LG Optimus G Pro Value Pack now rolling out to AT&T subscribers (video)
American LG Optimus G Pro owners no longer have to look on with envy as their Korean friends take advantage of the Value Pack: the update is now available to AT&T subscribers over the air. As in other countries, the upgrade brings Smart Video to pause playback when looking away, a Dual Camera mode for photo shoots and Pause & Resume Recording for Vine-like video cuts. LG has also upgraded the Quick Remote for better Smart TV control, added emoticons to its messaging apps and opened up customization of the home button's LED alerts. The Value Pack isn't the same as getting a G2, but it will help the G Pro keep up with the Joneses.
LG Optimus G Pro update features detailed in a walkthrough video (update: arrives April 12th)
While the biggest question concerning LG's 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro -- when will it ship in the US -- remains officially TBA, the company has posted a video preview (embedded after the break) of the software update it's sending Korean early adopters this month. There's also no launch date for the "Value Pack" upgrade listed, but the video does give a clear demonstration of things like Smart Video that recognizes when the viewer looks away using eye tracking technology, Dual Camera using the front and back cameras at the same time for stills (it previously did this for video), and Pause & Resume recording that brings Vine-style seamless video cuts. Check out the video to experience it for yourself, we'll see if LG's phablet can beat the Galaxy S4 -- and, presumably, the next Galaxy Note -- to market in the US with these features. Update: We've got the English press release now, which details all the new features mentioned above plus a few more that are getting upgraded, and reveals the update will start going out to users on April 12th. Check out the full text after the break.
LG Optimus Vu 'Value Pack' Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade on the way in Korea
LG's Optimus Vu still has yet to debut in the US, but Korean fans of the extra-wide 5-inch phablet can soon enjoy a new "Value Pack" upgrade. It brings the phone to yesterday's-news Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich along with LG-specific tweaks to its note taking features, UI 3.0 and Quick Voice search. There's a quick demo video of the update (embedded after the break) and promotional mini site with more details, although the ability to understand Korean -- or muddle through machine translated closed captions -- will come in handy.
Samsung Galaxy S ICS-like 'value pack' upgrade officially released in Korea
The so-called Value Pack upgrade that was leaked for original Samsung Galaxy S devices after the company announced they would not be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich (it was later given a passing mention in the Galaxy S II ICS upgrade notes) has been officially released, at least in Korea. The official Samsung Tomorrow page has a link to Gingerbread and Froyo upgrades for the Galaxy S, as well as the Galaxy K and Galaxy U phones. Just like the leaked version, it adds some Ice Cream Sandwich features to these non-Android 4.0 phones, including Face Unlock, the ability to take pictures while shooting video and launcher improvements, without the fully reworked underpinnings of the new OS. Owners of compatible devices can hit the source link for all the details and the files, as long as they have Kies 2.0 at the ready and a bit of open storage space (backing up existing data is also, naturally, encouraged). Of course whether this will officially come to any of our US-carrier optimized Galaxy S models is still unknown.
Rogers Wireless $20 Value Pack adds unlimited text messaging
Nothing too exceptional here, but the texters in attendance should certainly have a listen. Just a week after Rogers Wireless launched two new unlimited packs for BlackBerry users, the Canadian carrier has upgraded the $20 Value Pack (for standard handsets) to include unlimited texting, up from 2,500 previously. Like we said, nothing too incredible -- unless you've been burned of late for sending over 2,500 texts in a month.
GameStop offering PSP Value Pack for value price, 'in select stores'
When Sony is ready to drop PSP's price (again), the announcement won't be stashed at the bottom of GameStop's weekly ad page. No, this "new low price" is merely an out with the old campaign -- call it: spring cleaning. It's GameStop's effort to rid its warehouses of the PSP Value Pack, which was replaced by the Entertainment Pack last September (at least, by most retailers).We called several NYC-area GameStops to inquire about the deal. Not one had heard of nor seen the ad. "Select stores" indeed. Still, if you manage to locate an outlet that's honoring the bargain, consider that you're paying 'Core' price ($200) for the added benefits of a (essentially worthless) 32MB Memory Stick, headphones (with attached remote), soft case, cleaning cloth, and (definitely worthless) sampler UMD. Also consider, for an additional $50, you could score the Entertainment Pack (from just about any other major retailer), which upgrades the 32MB stick to 1GB and throws in ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails and Lords of Dogtown (UMD movie) -- but you'd give up the headphones, case, and cloth.[Via PSP Fanboy]
PSP gets new low price: $199 for Value Pack [Update 1]
The latest Gamestop ad proudly proclaims that the PSP Value Pack has a new low price. The bundle, which includes a Memory Stick, headphones, and a case, now comes $50 cheaper at $199.99--that's the same price as the Core unit.It's unclear at this time if this is a Sony-mandated price drop, or if it's a Gamestop-only promotion. However, considering how today is PSP's two year birthday, it makes sense to celebrate with a universal price drop. If the Core unit drops in price as well, PSP will almost be able to compete against Nintendo's handheld ... at least in terms of price.[Via Gamespot][Update 1: Dave Karraker has e-mailed us stating "The PSP Value Pack isn't something we sell to retailers any longer. It is a discontinued model. So, the retailer can price it at any level they wish. It is not a universal price drop, just something GameStop decided to do."]
4GB Value Pack not such a good value
Sony has to start making "Value Packs" that live up to their name. The latest effort in the bundle-crazed European market is a new "Value Pack," going for €329 ($425 US). This package, a mark-up of €130 contains a 4GB Memory Stick and Sony's Media Manager 2.0. Considering how most freeware makes Media Manager unnecessary, and how Memory Stick prices are plummeting, there's no reason for Sony to charge as much as they are. Educated European customers will obviously avoid this bundle, and simply buy the Core system, with a Memory Stick of their own choosing.[Via kingplayer]
New PSP Entertainment Pack coming for $250
Buy.com is now taking pre-orders for the PSP Entertainment Pack. At $250 (the same cost of a Value Pack), it includes a PSP system, 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, sampler UMD, ATV: Offroad Fury game and Lords of Dogtown UMD movie. Is it worth it? Let's find out: PSP Core System: $200 1GB Memory Stick Duo: $33 ATV Offroad Fury: $20 Lords of Dogtown: $26 The total price for all of these things combined is $279, which means you save $29 with the Combo, but honestly, unless you wanted to get all of those things, it's better off to get yourself the Core system and a Memory Stick of your choice.[Via Playstation.com Forums]
Get ready girls: Pink PSP!
Maybe all this talk about a PSP redesign is from all these new colors of the PSP that are being revealed at once. You may remember Sony's insanely expensive Signature PSPs. Well, add another new "limited edition" color to the mix: pink. Or, should I say p!nk, because it's designed "in collaboration" with the somewhat popular pop star. It'll come in a Value Pack only and cost €229, or £169. And yes, like many cool things Sony-related, this is solely Europe-only. You'll also pick up some exclusive downloads from YourPSP.com when you purchase the pink system. From the press release: "PSP is not exclusively for men, there is a PSP for everyone, and whoever you are, PSP can fit into your life."I'm somehow doubting the limited edition nature of this package. You may remember that all hell broke loose once the pink DS Lite came out. Who wouldn't want to capitalize on the rabid girl market? Of course, Sony's done stranger things before... like refuse to bring the white PSP to the US.[Via IGN]
