Nexus Prime Leaked Video, Launch Event Postponed

I have some good news and some bad news on the Samsung Nexus Prime/Galaxy Nexus. The good news is that Gadget.ro has posted a video of what it claims to be the Nexus Prime running Google Ice Cream Sandwich. The bad news is that it looks like next week’s launch event at Samsung Unpacked 2011 is being postponed (which doubly sucks because my ticket is non-refundable). I’m still awaiting the official word regarding my RSVP (and praying it’s a false rumor).

One of my friends at a prominent PC publication believes that Samsung needs time to completely retool its presentation. His sources told him that Samsung’s messaging was quite aggressive and very much meant to dog the iPhone 4S. He believes that in light of Steve Jobs’ death, Samsung wanted to avoid negative PR and change its message to something less confrontational. Keep in mind that we were talking about this on AIM, so there are things I might not be picking up over text.

Anyway, check out the leaked video and let me know what you think (please!). It looks legit considering that the phone has no buttons, which is something Ice Cream Sandwich can do without. There are also several Honeycomb-like features, which is another trademark of ICS. A software hack could be dismissed, but I don’t see how you could get rid of capacitive buttons.

Source

Samsung Nexus Prime Specs (Galaxy Nexus?) Leaked?

You’ve seen the teaser video for the phone that will allegedly be called the Nexus Prime or Galaxy Nexus. Now here are the rumored specs! The geniuses at Boy Genius Report claim that the phone will be packing:

[Updated 6:20PM] You’ve seen the teaser video for the phone that will allegedly be called the Nexus Prime or Galaxy Nexus. Now here are the rumored specs! The geniuses at Boy Genius Report claim that the phone will be packing:

  • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
  • 9mm thin
  • 4.65-inch 1280 x 720-pixel Super AMOLED HD with curved glass
  • TI OMAP 4460 dual-core Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.2GHz
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 32GB of built-in storage
  • 5-megapixel camera on the back, 1.3-megapixel in the front
  • 1080p HD video capture support
  • LTE/HSPA depending on carrier
  • Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
  • NFC
  • 1,750 mAh battery

What do you think? Are you hot for those specs? If the Nexus Prime is a Verizon exclusive in America, as the rumor goes, would you be willing to switch for some LTE awesomeness? I can’t wait to go to the Sammy press conference next week!!!

Source

[Updated 6:20PM] GSMArena has a source within Google that has given it a very different story than the one BGR posted. Check it out:

According to our source, the device codenamed Nexus Prime is going to ship with Samsung’s own chipset, with a blazingly fast dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz. But wait, there’s more.

On that chipset will also reside a powerful dual-core GPU from Imagination. We suspect it’s going to be the PowerVR SGX543MP2, or in other words, the same GPU found in the iPad 2 (and quite probably on the iPhone 4S as well).

On the back, instead of the 5-megapixel snapper, our source claims, there’s an 8-megapixel, full 1080p HD video-shooting camera with some sort of an improved sensor. As for the battery, expect a 2050mAh one (do we hear a whoa?), which should be good for a couple of days use without charging.

The Nexus Prime will also be LTE-enabled, but the most interesting part is that it would probably boast a dual-mode GSM/CDMA radio, just like the Apple iPhone 4S.

Source

Coffee Talk #406: Gaming During Unexpected Delays

Last Monday I went out for a quick errand that turned into a long outing. I had to deposit a check into my business account. Under optimal conditions it’s five minutes there on the LA Metro Purple line, two minutes…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Yankees jubilant celebration of AJ Burnett not sucking for 5 2/3 innings, Chris Christie not running for president, or your favorite sandwich cheese, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Last Monday I went out for a quick errand that turned into a long outing. I had to deposit a check into my business account. Under optimal conditions it’s five minutes there on the LA Metro Purple line, two minutes in the bank, and five minutes back. Due to track issues, I was stuck in the subway car on the way back for well over an hour. Most of my fellow passengers were irritated, but thanks to videogames on my T-Mobile G2x, I wasn’t bothered.

As people were bitching and getting stressed out, I was serenely playing Meteor, Real Blackjack, and Angry Birds Rio. Videogames turned an annoying situation into a fairly entertaining (but certainly wasteful) hour. Part of me felt guilty that the other passengers were getting amped up while I was gaming. Most of me was grateful that my phone was loaded with games to pass the time. It was the latest of many situations in my life where I had to smile and say, “Thank God I’m a gamer!” (I didn’t actually say that out loud, btw.)

Do any of you guys and gals have stories like that? Have games ever helped you wait out an unusually long line? Perhaps a delay at the airport? Kindly share your tales in the comments section!

Is the iPhone 4S Disappointing?

Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S at a press conference earlier today. Physically, it resembles the CDMA iPhone 4, but there are many changes under the hood. Additions include a faster processor, an improved camera, and Siri voice controls. While some of these new features are undeniably fantastic, there are some iPhone fans that wanted more. Some fans wanted a bigger screen, a new industrial design, and a 4G radio. What do you think? Was the iPhone 4S a disappointing announcement? Or did Apple do enough to stand out from the crowd?

As for me, I’m excited about the new camera and I always welcome a better processor…but I’m definitely disappointed in the product. I was positive that an LTE radio wasn’t in the works this year, so no worries there. Staying with a 3.5-inch screen is the big turn-off to me. Don’t get me wrong, in terms of image and (especially) text quality, Apple’s vaunted “Retina Display” is outstanding. That said, 3.5 inches is not enough (that’s what she said!). I would have loved an iPhone with a bigger display and a higher resolution. Before the end of the year, there will be Google Android phones that sport 720p resolutions on screens 4.3-inches and larger. I’ve gotten used to the size and usability of larger screens ever since I used the HTC Evo 4G. It’s tough going back.

Now it’s your turn! What do you think of the iPhone 4S? Are down to buy one? Or are you disappointed?

What Are Your iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S Predictions?!?

Tomorrow is Apple’s big presser for the next iPhone! Rumors include the company announcing a new iPhone 5 and a cheaper iPhone 4S, the iPhone being available on Sprint in addition to AT&T and Verizon, and Apple finally releasing a phone with a screen larger than 3.5-inches. The image used for the invite hints that voice control, powered by Apple’s purchase of Nuance, will be a big part of the press conference.

What do you think will happen? What are you hoping for? Will there be unicorns, rainbows, and sorcery?!? Please leave your predictions, thoughts, and wishes on the iPhone 5 presser in the comments section!

Today’s Poll: Are You Interested in the Amazon Kindle Fire?

Amazon recently announced the Kindle Fire, an Android-based tablet with a killer $199 price point, DC Comics graphic novel exclusivity, a unique server-assisted web browser called Silk, and more. The killer price should make it an attractive option to first-time tablet-buyers and those looking for a secondary tablet. Its heavy tie-ins with Amazon digital services give it an enormous advantage over competing Android, BlackBerry, and webOS tablets. I’m positive that this is going to be one of the killer products this holiday season.

Today I wanted to see if you guys and dolls were interested in the Kindle Fire. Kindly take today’s poll and let me know what you think about Amazon’s aggressively-priced foray into the tablet computing world.

[poll id=”134″]

Amazon Prime Subscribers Get Winnie Cooper and Other Fox Shows

First off, this post is totally an excuse to post pictures of Danica McKellar. I totally had a crush on her when she played Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years. Where was I…oh yeah, Amazon has announced a partnership with Fox. The collaboration will bring several classic Fox shows to Amazon Prime subscribers. In a statement to customers, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wrote:

I have big news for Amazon Prime members — we’ve just signed a deal with Fox to add a broad selection of movies and TV shows to our unlimited instant streaming service later this fall. The new additions from the Fox library include 24, Arrested Development, The X-Files, Ally McBeal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and — available on digital video for the first time — The Wonder Years. We now have deals with CBS, NBCUniversal, Sony, and Warner Bros, and adding Fox will bring the total to more than 11,000 movies and TV shows available for unlimited instant streaming.

As an Amazon Prime subscriber, I’m excited by several of these additions. Arrested Development is awesome. There are some Buffy and X-Files episodes that I enjoyed. Of course I’ll be watching The Wonder Years to remember the days when Winnie Cooper was the most beautiful girl in the world.

Any of these programs interest you? Does the Fox partnership make an Amazon Prime subscription more valuable to you? Would you replace Netflix streaming with Prime’s free two-day shipping and streaming programming? Did you have a crush on Winnie Cooper?

T-Mobile Fight: HTC Amaze 4G vs. Samsung Galaxy S II

T-Mobile has officially announced two phones that will hit its network in October 2011: the HTC Amaze 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S II. Both phones feature Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 processors running at 1.5GHz and both can access data on T-Mobile’s zippy HSPA+ 42 network. They look like outstanding products, but each has key strengths and weaknesses. Let’s check ’em out!

HTC Amaze 4G — The Amaze is very similar to the HTC Sensation 4G that was released earlier in the year. It uses a lot of the same parts and design, but with the addition of a much better camera, a bigger battery, a faster processor, and a faster data radio. The Amaze uses the same excellent sensor and optics found in the MyTouch 4G Slide. Although its 4.3-inch screen is smaller than the Galaxy S II’s, it packs a superior 960 x 540 resolution. It also comes in a sexy white version that has me drooling.

My big fear with this phone is that its screen is similar to the Sensation’s. I really wanted to love the Sensation, was put off by its dull Super LCD screen. It looked like old tech that didn’t truly take advantage of the high resolution. Sadly, HTC Sense 3.0 is used instead of the newer HTC Sense 3.5. The Amaze is also thicker and heavier than the GSII; I prefer the weight, but some people like phones to be as light as possible.

The HTC Amaze 4G will be available on October 10 online and in stores October 12 for $259.99 after a (stupid) $50 mail-in rebate. A two-year contract is required to get that pricing.

Samsung Galaxy S II — Released around the world in Spring 2011, the Galaxy S II is finally coming to America. A GSII variant is already available on Sprint, while the AT&T version hits in October. The big sell on this phone is its 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen. The screen tech offers bright and vibrant colors, while also being more efficient than LCD displays. The GSII also features Samsung’s TouchWiz 4.0 interface, which is much better than its predecessor. This is a big and beautiful phone that’s also very light.

On the downside, its resolution is only 800 x 480. On a screen this big, text can appear jagged and graphics can appear pixelated due to the low pixel density. Like previous Samsung smartphones, the body is primarily plastic, which makes it feel cheap compared to phones that use more glass or metal. Some people feel that this isn’t a true Galaxy S II phone since the Exynos processor was swapped out for the Snapdragon S3 in order for compatibility with T-Mo’s HSPA+ 42 network.

The Samsung Galaxy S II will be available on October 10 online and in stores October 12 for $229.99 after a (stupid) $50 mail-in rebate. A two-year contract is required to get that pricing.

Bottom Line — I’m hoping to get review units in soon. I want to see each phone’s quirks and measure the performance of HSPA+ 42 before I get too excited about either one. That said, I’m fairly confident that both will be great products. If you take a lot of pictures, want a smoother Android experience through Sense, and like your phone to have some heft then the Amaze 4G is probably for you. If you want the best screen tech currently available, a larger display, and feather-light weight then the Samsung Galaxy S II will be more to your liking.

One thing to keep in mind is that a Google Nexus phone featuring the next version of Android (Ice Cream Sandwich) will be out by November. Another consideration is that there will also be phones with 1280 x 720 resolutions released in the next few months. The Amaze 4G and Galaxy S II should be strong products that will serve you well for a few years, but they will be surpassed in a few months. Tech is fun (not fun) like that.

Et Vous? — What do you think of the HTC Amaze 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S II? Which phone looks better to you? As for me, I love the looks of the white Amaze 4G, am intrigued by the camera, and prefer Sense over TouchWiz. That said, I’m sure that Verizon LTE will outperform T-Mobile HSPA+ and the next Nexus is rumored to be heading to Verizon, so….

Meanwhile, Over at Padvance….

Here’s a selection of articles I wrote for Padvance last week. If you have a chance and are interested in the topics, please check ’em out! From cases that turn your iPhone or iPad into a 70-inch monster to Gameloft getting cozy with sexy Sony tablets to Logitech remote-control wizardry, there’s some neat stuff happening at Padvance.

Padzilla! — This case (using the term in the loosest possible sense) turns your iOS device into a 70-inch tablet. It’s useful for presentations and living in absurd excess.

Logitech Harmony Link — Logitech makes some of the best and most powerful remotes on the market. This device combines a hardware hub and an app so that you can use your iPad as a wondrous remote control with a personalized programming guide.

Nvidia Kal-El Packs a Fifth “Companion Core” — Although I was disappointed to learn that Kal-El doesn’t have a weighted companion cube, I was psyched to learn about the fifth companion core on this upcoming Tegra chip. This should help the Tegra line match or exceed the power efficiency some of its competitors enjoy.

Sprint Capping Mobile Hotspot Use Starting October — This is a bummer. Sprint was the last of America’s “big four” mobile carriers to offer truly unlimited data service. Starting October 2, 2011 it will be capping mobile hotspot use at 5GB per month.

In-App Purchasing Earns 72% of App Store Revenue — Very interesting stats on Apple’s App Store revenue. Freemium with in-app purchasing is huge!

Citigroup Survey Finds That the iPad is More For Play Than Work — This survey was headed up by someone named Captain Obvious.

Gameloft Optimizing Five Games for Sony Android Tablets — Sony’s sexy Tablet S and unique Tablet P get some special treatment from Gameloft.

Amazon September 28 Press Event — This is almost definitely for the Android Kindle tablet. The timing is right. It’s in the publishing center of the world. Lay it on me Amazon!!!