Verizon confirms Galaxy Nexus still launching this year

Jake Smith

Verizon hasn’t been saying much about the release date of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. There seems like there has been too many rumored dates to count, and as time ticks by we’re starting to think the Galaxy Nexus launch in the US is going to happen next year — but luckily that’s not the case. In an official statement, Verizon confirmed with Android and Me that the Galaxy Nexus is still on track to launch this year.

The Galaxy Nexus is still on track to launch this year. We will definitely send a press release to announce availability. Feel free to visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/galaxynexus to sign up for email alerts to be one of the first to know.

Also adding more fuel to the fire, a mysterious package from Verizon is on the way to our reviewer and will arrive Friday. They won’t say what it is, but you obviously know what we’re hoping for. We’ll keep you posted on the latest.

T-Mobile USA updating Samsung Galaxy SII software with battery, WiFi and Caller ID enhancements

9to5 Staff

A software update for T-Mobile’s Galaxy SII is dropping today, bringing several enhancements pertaining to the handset’s battery performance, wireless network issues and Caller ID problems. According to a support page over at the T-Mobile USA web site, an over-the-air firmware update will upgrade the device to Android 2.3.5 (build T989VUVKL1).

The software update will also be available via Kies mini and is not required so you can opt out of the upgrade and continue using the previous software version. The company also tweeted that the white version of the Galaxy SII smartphone is available today via their online store.

According to their Facebook page, “a new white color option that will be available for T-Mobile customers just in time for the holidays”. The carrier also reiterated in the post comments that “we do not have any new information regarding the iPhone coming to T-Mobile”, instead pointing folks to their September 26 blog post on the prospect of T-Mobile iPhone.

The carrier also aired an interesting commercial pitting Apple’s iPhone 4S against HTC’s Amaze 4G in an arcade fight.

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T-Mobile touts Amaze 4G camera over iPhone 4S’s in arcade fight

9to5 Staff

Friendly, amusing, relevant, focused on product features but without offending either camp (Samsung, we’re looking at you). Love the cheap tune, BTW.

From the YouTube description:

The iPhone 4S owner learns the hard way that its new camera can’t hold up to some of the killer camera features on the T-Mobile HTC Amaze 4G such as BurstShot, SmartShot panorama and SweepShot.

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Google tests Hotel Finder comparison ads above search results

Jordan Kahn

In July Google launched an experimental Hotel Finder tool, which allows users to search specifically for the most relevant hotel related results. The service allows users to find places to stay in select areas, get price comparisons in one convenient location, and compile a shortlist of potential destinations. According to Search Engine Land, Google is now testing rather large “Comparison ads” at the top of hotel related search results that display links to the Hotel Finder tool. The move apparently has the hotel industry concerned…
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While the pilot is using an iPad, first class passengers will be toting Galaxy Tabs – Alec Baldwin notwithstanding

9to5 Staff

Hop on board an American Airlines flight this holiday season and your pilot will be wielding an iPad as a flight bag replacement but you – a first-class passenger –  will be treated with a Galaxy Tab 10.1 to keep you entertained. Keen on bringing balance back to the force, the airliner teamed up with South Korea-based Samsung to offer the Galaxy Tab 10.1 on their premium cabins onboard certain transcontinental flights. Here’s the sales line:

Sit back, relax, and let the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 take you to the movies or catch up on your favorite shows. The new device enables a unique viewing experience, featuring a bold and vibrant LCD, with brilliant colors and crisp definition.

Go past the fold for a list of flights serving some Galaxy Tab in-flight entertainment.
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Google Map Maker gets redesigned with Google’s new look

Jordan Kahn

Following redesigns across the majority of Google services over the past couple of months, the company is rolling out a new version of Google Map Maker today that brings it up to date with the look and feel of the new Gmail, Docs, etc. The new app doesn’t appear to add any new functionality, but aims to make its main features easier to use for the average user.

You may have seen our ongoing efforts to improve the look, feel, and user experience across many other Google products to date. And with Google Map Maker available in the United States, Canada, and more than 180 other regions, it’s time for another makeover. Today, we’re revealing a new version of Google Map Maker to help users map the places they know best and make their hometowns sparkle on Google Maps.

All of the old features are still intact, but the new Map Maker will start with a quick demo showing you where all of the functions are located. You can check out the new Google Map Maker here.
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