Samsung "reviewing" ways to upgrade Galaxy S and Original Galaxy Tab to ICS Android 4.0

Look like Samsung is pulling an HTC. In a complete 180 degree turn, they have now announced that they are investigating ways into making ICS + TouchWiz "fit" into the "limited memory" of the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab. No paint us a bit skeptical when we hear "fit" because even the smallest Galaxy S variants with 1GB of nand flash memory should be enough for the upgrade not to mention many models of the Galaxy S and the Galaxy Tab have 16+GB of memory. That being said we are glad to see that ICS is being considered.

Samsung Galaxy S not getting Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0

Samsung certainly doesn't seem like they are in the Holiday spirit as news has broke that they will NOT be upgrading the Samsung Galaxy S to Android 4.0. This news is really a surprise given that the Nexus S, which in every sense is simply a Galaxy S with stock Android, is getting ICS RIGHT NOW. According to Samsung Tomorrow ICS + TouchWiz would simply be too much for the Single Core 1GHz Hummingbird CPU. We are extremely disappointed in this news and will keep tabs on further developments.

HTC Raider Review

Rogers and Bell haven't been shy about declaring the progress being made on their respective 4G LTE networks. But all of this talk of their new networks means little without devices to harness the power of these new powerful networks. In comes the HTC Raider a 4.5-inch, dual core powered phone that is the first LTE phone in Canada to harness both 4G LTE and A Dual Core processor. After seeing the LTE speeds we got with Rogers' LTE stick, let's say we were a bit excited for this phone and in this review we'll see if that excitement is warranted.

Google pushing out Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to Nexus S

Great news for anyone Nexus S owners, Google has officially announced that Nexus S owners should expect to get Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich sometime this month in a staggered roll out. No word if the GSM/UTMS devices include the Canadian versions but we certainly hope so.

HTC Amaze 4G headed to Vidéotron, available from WIND and Mobilicity

Well looks like the Amaze was just so "Amazing" it had to make its rounds to other carriers. Vidéotron announced that it would be carrying the Amaze 4G while on Mobilicity and WIND it is available as of now. No pricing info on the Vidéotron version but the WIND version is available for $249 on WINDtab+ ($569 outright)  and $549.99 from Mobilicity. Check out our full review of the HTC Amaze 4G for more information on this great device.

More evidence of the Samsung Galaxy Note heading to Canada

We broke news a few months back about the Galaxy Note coming to Canada given that it had passed through the FCC with the correct bands for 3G in Canada on the Big 3's networks. According to a MobileSyrup source it is confirmed to be headed to Canada but other details such as carriers and pricing is not available.

HTC Amaze 4G Review

The "4G" arms race has been one for the ages with some companies relabeling 3G standards (HSPA+) as 4G and other companies racing to proliferate their emerging next generation technologies (LTE and WiMAX). Rogers and Bell have been going neck and neck trying to outdo each other with their LTE networks. TELUS on the other hand seems to be headed in another direction. Like T-Mobile in the US they haven't officially committed to LTE but are rather focusing on their network's Dual HSPA+ capabilities. Today we take a look at one of TELUS' two Dual HSPA+ 4G smartphones, the Amaze 4G HTC's first Dual HSPA+ 4G Android smartphone.

Vidéotron in talks to get the Galaxy Nexus in early 2012

After the big three made their intentions known about the Galaxy Nexus, it was expected that the new entrants would also make their move. According to leaking internal documents, Vidéotron is currently in negotiations with Samsung to get the Galaxy Nexus. This is certainly good news for other AWS touting wireless ocmpanies like WIND, Mobilicity and T-Mobile as they are surely also in negotiation to get their piece of Ice Cream Sandwich.

Bell launching the Galaxy Nexus December 8th

We've gotten word from our friends at Bell that they plan to launch the Galaxy Nexus December 8th. That makes it a short 18 days till Canada gets its first taste of Ice Cream Sandwich. Also worth mentioning is that Bell is running a very unique "first adopter" reservation system. On December 1st, from 10am to 10pm EST the top 100 will be able to claim a spot via Twitter to be on of the first 100 in Canada to get a Galaxy Nexus. For more information check out http://twitterlineup.bell.ca/

TELUS also getting Samsung Galaxy Nexus in January

So it wouldn't be a party without the third of a "Big 3" and TELUS fixed that problem by also announcing they would be launching the Galaxy Nexus. Again like with Rogers, we are disappointed that TELUS users will need to way till January to get a crack at the Galaxy Nexus but this will position the Galaxy Nexus to do well in the calendar year of 2012. Your move WIND/Mobilicity/Videotron.

Rogers also getting Samsung Galaxy Nexus but in January

Not to let Bell steal all the thunder Rogers has come out and stated that they will also be carrying the Galaxy Nexus. Although they will only be picking up the Google phone in January. While it's unfortunate for it not to be launching at the same time as the Bell Galaxy Nexus, it's good to see it heading to multiple carriers.

Bell (and Virgin) getting the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in early December

Looks like Bell (and Virgin) are the first to take the plunge, committing to bringing the first Android 4.0 powered device to Canada. Bell did have the Nexus S available to Bell customers through third party resellers like Futureshop and Best Buy but this time around look like they are fully committed to bringing Canadians the latest pure Google Experience device.

Our friends at Bell have let us know that the Galaxy Nexus would be available in "early December".

Bell announces the early December availability of the highly anticipated Galaxy Nexus™ by Samsung. Offering mobile customers an enhanced Google experience with exciting new consumer and business friendly features, the innovative Galaxy Nexus will be the world’s first mobile device powered by the new Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich platform.

Thanks Jason!

Google to announce Google Music service November 16th?

Word has gone out to many top tier tech media outlets that Google will be hosting an "Android Special event" on Wednesday November 16th at 5PM eastern time. It's expected to be an announcement of a Google Music service that has been going around the rumor mill for quite some time now. We'll have to see how this ties into Android, Ice Cream Sandwich and hopefully will be something available to Canadians. Head to YouTube.com/Android this Wednesday at 5PM for a live stream of the event.

Rogers Motorola RAZR (the new one!) now available

Our friends at Rogers have let us know that the Motorola RAZR is now available. The Motorola RAZR in stores now for $149.99 on select 3-year term. Also, for those who reserve or order your Motorola RAZR by November 15, you’ll be entered into a draw for a chance to win 1 of 10 Motorola XOOM tablets.

Thanks Melanie!

TELUS to launch the HTC Amaze 4G this Friday November 4th

We've gotten word from our friends at HTC that they, along with TELUS, will launch the HTC Amaze 4G this Friday November 4th. We've seen the Amaze 4G launch on T-Mobile in the US and we are glad to see such a powerful phone come to Canada relatively quickly. For those unfamiliar with the Amaze 4G, it's an Android 2.3 powered smartphone with a 4.3-inch qHD display with a 1.5GHz Dual Core Snapdragon processor. Chcke out the press release with pricing details after the break.

Motorola XT860 4G Review

Being the fourth of the Bell "Superphones" the Motorola XT860 4G is easily forgotten by most as the 3 other Dual-Core touting Android Phone from Bell have gotten far more press. Truthfully, this is pretty unfortunate when you see the marketing muscle behind the DROID 3, Verizon's CDMA version of the XT860. Regardless, we'll take a look at one of the world's only QWERTY equipped Dual-Core Android phones and see if the overshadowing amongst Bell's is as unfair as it seems from face value.

HTC Raider officially announced for Bell and Rogers

We've gotten official word from our friends at HTC that they are officially announcing the HTC Raider for both the Rogers and Bell LTE networks. The Raider has been in the rumor mills for quite some time now under the name "Holiday" which is fitting that it makes it's way to Canada just in time for the holiday season. More after the break.

Google Nexus One NOT getting Ice Cream Sandwich

The Nexus One's place in Mobile Tech history certainly is one of great importance. One can argue that it was a commercial flop but is undoubtedly one of the most important handsets of all time. Like the G1 and DROID before it, the Nexus One is no longer going to be supported by Google. According to Google's Hugo Barra the Nexus One simply doesn't have the hardware to support Ice Cream Sandwich. While for many this may be the right time to upgrade to the Galaxy Nexus, for many others it will be yet another opportunity to check out the work of modders like the Cyanogenmod Team and the folks at XDA Developers to look for a third party ICS port.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Google Galaxy Nexus are unveiled (and it's coming to Canada)!

The culmination of roughly a year's worth of development, leaks and rumours has finally materialized into the next iteration of Android and the Nexus line. In Hong Kong, Google and Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Nexus the flagship phone to which every other upcoming Android phone will look to match and exceed to push the platform forward and also unleashed Android 4.0 codename Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Android that will power the Galaxy Nexus.

Motorola official announces the RAZR (yup it's back!) and it's headed to Rogers

Who would have thought, the world most recognizable phone before the unbiquitous iPhone is making a comeback. Motorola is bringing back the RAZR brand and finally powering it with Android. A match made in heaven? Who knows. More after the break.

Rogers Samsung Galaxy S II LTE launch imminent?

Word on RedFlagDeals forums is that the Rogers Samsung Galaxy S II LTE on pre-orders are about to ship to their Rogers outlets of choice. Two users Ironsmack and omgbbq2 (great name) have info on on the much coveted LTE powered device. Ironsmack recieved a notification email about the phone being prepared to ship while omgbbq2 claims that a rep confirms the stock to be in for Oct 18th. Of course this info could be misleading but we hope it is more than a coincidence that both get info on the same night.

Rogers LTE Speed Tests in Montreal

It's been known for a few weeks now that Rogers has officially turned on their 4G LTE network in four major Canadian cities (Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal). Coinciding with the launch, our friends at Rogers sent us an LTE Wireless Modem to try out their brand new network and from our tests, the results look extremely promising for the upcoming LTE Android devices from Rogers. Check out some results after the break.

HTC Flyer Review

They may have been late to the tablet game, but HTC wasn't going to let everyone else have the fun. HTC's first, as well as our first review of an, Android Tablet is a step away from the current crop of Honeycomb 10.1-inch as it's running Android 2.3 with Sense for tablets and has a 7-inch form factor. We will try to see if going with Gingerbread is the right decision and whether or not the Scribe technology is enough to overlook other Android tablet offerings.

HTC Sensation XL official announced. Possibly heading to Canada?

Today, HTC officially unveiled the Sensation XL. This is one of their first phones, with the Sensation XE, to be explicitly marketed with Beats Audio. Interestingly yesterday the Sensation XL made a visit to the FCC with the 850/1900MHz bands. These are of course the bands that are used by AT&T/Rogers/Bell/TELUS for 3G connectivity. What makes us believe that it is Canada bound is that Engadget is reporting that the Sensation XL is not making its way to the US. Therefore a 850/1900MHz version can only mean that is is either headed to Canada or one of the few South American Countries that use these bands for 3G data. We are inclined to believe it's Canada bound.

Glimpse of Samsung's Nexus device to be unveiled next week

Let the hype machine start rolling, our buddies at Samsung just pushed out a teaser video of a yet to be seen device. Could it be the Nexus Prime? Not much can be made out from the video but it looks like the curved display could be making a return as well as the "reverse chin" or "butt". Also worth noting is the three gold connectors at the bottom right side of the phone. Most probably an interface for docks or perhaps Arduino based accessories. Check out the video and a HIGH-res pic after the break.

Screen size and pixel density revealed ahead of next week's Nexus Launch?

GSMArena is reporting today that they have received a picture of a Nexus "Prime" with display metrics. As you can tell from the picture the resolution aligns with the rumoured 720p resolution. At 320DPI this pretty much confirms a 4.3-inch screen and not the 4.5/4.6 previously reported. Also interesting from the picture is the three in screen Back, Home and Search buttons. The wait will come to an end next week when this year's Nexus is unveiled.

Samsung Galaxy Note coming to Canada? Spotted with Rogers/Bell/TELUS 3G on FCC

The Samsung Galaxy Note, a 5.3-inch hybrid of a smartphone and tablet that was announced earlier this month at IFA in Berlin has apparently just passed through the FCC with the correct bands for use on AT&T/Rogers/Bell/TELUS. Now this of course doesn't mean this will be headed to Canada but it was officially stated that the Galaxy Note would hit the US in Q1 2012 meaning it could possibly be headed to Canada given the really early FCC entry.

HTC Vigor vs HTC Holiday/Raider 4G, both LTE phones Canada bound?

So we know that Bell and Rogers is in a heated battle to deliver LTE service and with that comes the need for LTE capable devices. We know for certain that Rogers is getting an HTC LTE device, it's just a matter of which one. Right now HTC has only the Thunderbolt on Verizon in the US but will will focus on two that are more powerful than the Thunderbolt and tearing up the tech rumor mills.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer updated to Android 3.2.1

Yet again, ASUS is showing how it is to be a responsible Android Manufacturer. The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer has received yet another speedy update to Android 3.2.1. This update brings a bunch of fixes and improvements as well as a new note taking app called Supernote which by my initial test works very well. Fixes include fixing browser crashes and improvements include better in browser Flash performance. More after the break.

Rogers expands LTE network and unveils device prices

Not to be out done by Bell, as per info leaked by MobileSyrup, Rogers has official flipped the switch on their LTE network in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. With that the coverage maps, some devices and pricing has been confirmed. More after the break.

The Next Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich to be unveiled October 11th?

Rumors had been swirling recently about Samsung's event planned during CTIA on Oct 11th. It looks like it will probably the unvieling of the next Nexus phone which is rumored to be called Nexus Prime. Conflicting reports on the processor and Display will finally be put to rest. Mark your calendars for Google's next major iteration of Android.

Is this Ice Cream Sandwich?

According to an Engadget tipster, a person bought a Nexus S on eBay only to have an OS he didn't recognize on the phone. From the looks of it it looks like this might be the coveted Ice Cream Sandwich. There is no way to confirm this is ICS, but it looks pretty convincing to me. What looks like a nice fusion of Honeycomb and Gingerbread, the latest version of Android will soon be upon us.

First look at HTC Amaze 4G (Ruby) and 4G Samsung Galaxy S II X heading to TELUS.

TELUS customers looking to stick with their carrier might have been green with envy for the past few months with a slew of dual-core powered android smartphones going to competitors Rogers and Bell. The envy shouldn't last much longer as TELUS is confirmed to carry the Dual-HSPA+ capable Galaxy S II and rumored to get the just announced and also Dual-HSPA+ capable HTC Amaze 4G/Ruby. Check out some of the first hands-on videos and more info on these two beast phones after the break.

Rogers Samsung Galaxy S Captivate getting Android 2.3 Gingerbread

For those of you rocking the good "old" Rogers Galaxy S Captivate we have some great news for you. Seems like some users are reporting that they can now get their long awaited Android 2.3 Gingerbread upgrade just load Kies and hook it up to your phone for some Gingerbread goodness.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play to get 720p recording capabilities

Looks like one of our big gripes with the Xperia Play is getting rectified in an upcoming patch. According to Xperia Blog the Android 2.3.4 update will bring a host of improvements including 720p recording. We had the feeling that 5MP sensor was capable of 720p recording and the fact that the Arc had a custom camera application while the Play had stock the camera app was also another hint. No clue on if/when this update will hit the Rogers Xperia Play but we think chances are good. We will reach out to our friends at Rogers to see if we can get more info so keep it locked on Android Bugle. Video after the break.

Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G Review

In many life situations the phrase "less is more" is often stated where holding back is advantageous. Don't tell that to Samsung, as it seems "more is more" is their mantra of choice when it come to smartphone displays. That being said, enter the Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G, a gargantuan phone equipped with a titanic 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus Display. Being somewhat of a "middle" child between the original Galaxy S series and the new Galaxy S II the question remains whether the Infuse 4G can be successful on looks alone.

4G Samsung Galaxy S II X caught on video in the wild

MobileSyrup seems to have gotten some intimate time with the yet to be released 4G Samsung Galaxy S II X. From the hands-on video the phone looks like a winner. We can't pass judgement on the overall feel of the device but by looks the 4G SGS II X looks awesome. If the faux-chrome band ends up being some good quality hard plastic and the back ends up being a soft rubberized back it will be a nice step up the original Galaxy S II. Videos and pics after the break.

QWERTY equipped Galaxy S (II?) headed to Rogers

Looks like that leaked QWERTY Galaxy S phone we reported earlier this summer is confirmed to be headed to Rogers. MobileSyrup is reporting that it will be called the Samsung Galaxy S Glider. What odd is that it is apparently a Dual Core device, has 8MP camera and is sporting a 4-inch Super-AMOLED (Plus - we assume a typo by MobileSyrup) screen. All of these specs scream Galaxy S II so we will assume this was a mistake by the rep that spoke with MobileSyrup.

[Edit] It seems like this in fact is a Samsung "Galaxy S" device. Although in a video courtesy of Canadian Reviewer, the Samsung rep incorrectly states that it's the first Galaxy S phone with a full QWERTY keyboard as the Epic 4G on Sprint in the US was the first with a full hardware keyboard. Which makes us still think this is in fact a Galaxy S II device (on top of the Quadrant scores that indicate a high end dual core processor).

We are still perplexed at the possibility that a dual core phone would fall under the "Galaxy S" brand name as it is just plain bad marketing given the wind of good press the "Galaxy S II" is getting. Check out the video after the break.

White Samsung Galaxy S II heading to Bell before "holiday rush"

The white Samsung Galaxy S II was announced and subsequently released not too long ago and it looks like Bell users looking to upgrade to the SGSII might want bide their time. MobileSyrup is reporting that Bell will release the White Samsung Galaxy S II before the holiday rush.

TELUS to release the HTC Ruby

MobileSyrup is reporting today that the rumored T-Mobile bound HTC "Ruby" is also headed to TELUS. The rumored specs include a 1.5GHz Dual Core processor, 4.3-inch qHD, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 42.2mbps Dual HSPA+ speeds and an 8MP camera. If this news is in fact true, TELUS is really stepping it up with the 4G Samsung Galaxy S II X and this beast which would completely rejuvenate their lineup.

HTC Beat to be HTC's first Personal Music Player?

Once again our little editorial piece on the Beats acquisition by HTC has got it right on yet another front. If you remember, the editorial mentions how there is was a possibility that HTC could try to get into the PMP (Personal Music Player) game and try to make their on PMP packaged with Beats headphones. Well it looks like we are getting the first evidence of that rumor becoming reality. HTC Inside has leaked a picture of an HTC device that curiously sports a "Music" button instead of a "Phone" button. This could very well be the first evidence of an HTC made Personal Music Player.

TELUS Samsung Galaxy S Fascinate 4G upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread

The TELUS Samsung Galaxy S Fascinate 3G+ Was upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread not too long ago last month so it was only a matter of time till the 4G HSPA+ version would get Android 2.3 Gingerbread.  Today is the day, TELUS has announced via their website that the update is available through the Samsung Kies software. Links and additional info after the break.

4G Samsung Galaxy S II X officially announced by TELUS

Today, TELUS officially announces the 4G Samsung Galaxy S II X, their version of the Samsung Galaxy S II. It sports a 4.5” super AMOLED plus screen, a dual core 1.5GHz Dual-Core processor and is one of the first handsets to have full 42.2mpbs Dual-HSPA+ speeds. Looking through their spec page we noticed something VERY interesting (especially for our friend down south itching for news on the T-Mobile Hercules). More after the break.

TELUS launching the "Hercules" as the "4G Samsung Galaxy S II X"

According to MobileSyrup the highly sought after Samsung Galaxy S II "Hercules" will be launched as the "4G Samsung Galaxy S II X". Honestly, the name is a head scratcher. We're not sure how much credibility there is with this name but if it really is the final name, let's say it doesn't exactly roll off one's tongue. Also worth noting, it seems all confirmed that the T-Mobile version will have a Qualcomm processor, which also means there is a good chance TELUS' version will sport the same chipset found on the Sensation 4G. That being said, if the Quadrant scores that were leaked earlier are accurate the performance will still be phenomenal.

HTC officially announces the Sensation XE

Remember that mockup we had of the HTC Sensation branded with Beats?  Well HTC is making that mockup a reality by annoucing the special edition Sensation XE their very first Beats enabled smartphone. It looks like this version of the Sensation will get the Beats treatment with improved music output quality as well as a speed boost to 1.5GHz and a battery boost to 1730mAh. Honestly, I have to say I really dig the red and black version of the Sensation. More info after the break.

Bell launches LTE in multiple markets in Ontario

Not letting Rogers steal all the thunder, Bell has officially switched on their own LTE network in several Ontario market including; Toronto, Waterloo, Hamilton, Guelph and Mississauga. Only an LTE capable data stick is available so far and Bell hasn't officially announced any smartphones or tablets but we expect some soon. official presser after the break.

HTC Puccini/Jetstream on its way to Rogers

For the past few weeks we've been reiterating the reasons why we believed that the HTC Puccini/Jetstream was headed to Rogers and today it seems like we are finally getting some harder evidence of HTC's first 10.1 inch Honeycomb tablet heading to Rogers.

HTC Flyer 4G now available from Vidéotron

The HTC Flyer with AWS HSPA+ bands had passed by the FCC a while ago and a ROM made for Vidéotron was spotted on XDA. This all leads to the release of the HTC Flyer 4G, an HSPA+ capable version of the Flyer. Today we get official news that the Flyer 4G is now available to Vidéotron for $499.95 on agreement for a data plan. Unfortunately the Scribe pen isn't included. Keep it locked on Android Bugle for our review of the Flyer and check out the full press release after the break.

Ice Cream Sandwich to launch in October or November

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt isn't the head honcho at Google anymore but he is anything but removed from the everyday operations which presumably include Android. Recently at the Dreamforce conference in San Francisco, Schmidt let slip that the next major iteration of Android called "Ice Cream Sandwich" would be released in Oct or Nov. Is this a confirmation of the rumored "10th" month launch of Nexus Prime? No, but it is probably the closest thing to a confirmation. Check out the video and quote after the break.

First Screenshots of HTC Flyer running Android 3.2 Honeycomb with Sense UI

Last Friday, we started getting reports of an early beta build of Android 3.2 Honeycomb for the HTC Flyer being leaked to Paul from MoDaCo. As this leaked build made its way to XDA members, one person has managed to get the ROM to boot on their 32GB 3G Flyer (apparently the only version that will work with the leaked ROM right now). The user, globatron has graciously posted up some screenshot for us to examine. Check them out after the break.

HTC Flyer early Honeycomb build gets leaked

Back in June when we got the rumored change log for the Android 3.2 Honeycomb update, one interesting addition was support for Qualcomm Chipsets and lower res screens. We believed this would be a key improvement as it would allow the HTC Flyer (which we will review shortly) to get a true Tablet experience. While the Tablet-centric version Sense UI does a great job optimizing Android 2.3 for tablet use it doesn't compare to the Honeycomb optimized apps available on the Android Market. It now seems that HTC has an early build of Android 3.2 Honeycomb for the Flyer and it has been leaked to the astute modder Paul O'Brien from MoDaCo. Hopefully will we see the same Sense UI enhanced version of Honeycomb that will be found on the HTC Jetstream.