Google has paused the rollout of the latest update to their Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Several users reported seeing that the Android 4.0.3 was available, but were unable to download it when they tried to update their phones. A Google employee on Google’s Google+Mobile/thread?tid=4173d37ad6ba4e85&hl=en”>mobile help forum informed users that Google had paused the update in certain areas of the country in order to “monitor feedback.”
The issue primarily affects Google Nexus S users. Owners of the new Galaxy Nexus received an update to Android 4.0.2 on the same day the phone released, and many seem to be having trouble with the phone’s battery draining at a far higher rate than normal. The issue appears to be greater than normal resource usage by the operating system.
Apart from the forum post above, there has been no word from Google on why they have stopped the rollout. Nor is there any word on when the update will be expected to resume. For many Nexus S users this was to be their first taste of Ice Cream Sandwich. Having the update frozen left them justifiably furious. Look for Google to either finish rolling out the update, or to push out a quick fix sometime very soon.
When the Samsung Galaxy Nexus launched on Verizon’s network late last week, it did so without Google Wallet, Google’s much anticipated mobile payment platform. Verizon blocked the app on the device, citing vague security concerns about the platform’s integration with the phone’s hardware. Despite a report from a security firm suggesting that Google Wallet really does have security issues, many speculated that Verizon was trying to kill Google Wallet in order to make room for ISIS, a mobile payment platform co-founded by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Unfortunately for Verizon, though, Android has a thriving community of people who specialize getting features on their phones that they aren’t supposed to have. The result is a fairly easy process that allows users to install Google Wallet on their phones – and a $10 prepaid MasterCard, to boot. While Google’s vision for Google Wallet is that it be tightly integrated into the hardware – specifically the near field communication equipment – the hack installs it just like any other app, though reports seem to be that it works just as well.
There is no word yet on when, or if, Verizon will officially be bringing Google Wallet to the Galaxy Nexus. Nor do we know yet if AT&T and T-Mobile will follow Verizon’s lead in shutting Google out of the very lucrative mobile payment market by blocking Google Wallet on their versions of the device as well. If they do, we can be sure that it won’t keep determined users from getting it anyway, thanks to Android’s determined rooting community.
Meanwhile, Verizon’s blocking of Google Wallet strikes many on Twitter as a dirty trick.
It appears to be an Ice Cream Sandwichey holiday season for Google employees. At least some Google offices around the world are giving out free Galaxy Nexus handsets to employees, and the devices are even customized.
A photo album titled “Galaxy Nexus Holiday Gift” has popped up on the Google+ account of Swiss office software engineer Edu Pereda. “I have just received Google Holiday Gift from this year. I have taken some pictures to make you jealous,” he said in a post early Monday morning.
Here’s the customized back of the phone given to the employees:
And here are some Google employees waiting patiently for their device:
It appears that this Galaxy Nexus gifting is occurring at Google offices around the globe. I spotted a post about the Nexus this morning from a mobile ads guy from Google’s Dublin offices. The Next Web spotted some chatter about the gifts from an engineer at Google’s London offices.
It seems logical to expect this Galaxy Nexus gifting to continue across the globe.
After a little bit of a wait, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus was finally released here in the States on December 15th. Unfortunately for non-Google employees, the regular Verizon version of the device isn’t available with all of those neat little icons on the back.
Flash may be going away for mobile, but not just yet. Adobe just launched Flash Player 11 for Ice Cream Sandwich in the Android Market.
This, of course, comes a day after the launch of the Galaxy Nexus, which runs this version of Android.
The release doesn’t come with any major features, but it does come with some bug fixes in addition to the new compatibility. Adobe lists known issues as:
– Seeking while video is paused will not update the frame on ICS device
– StageVideo using On2 and Sorenson does not work on ICS devices
– PHDS content plays with audio pops
– OS does not prioritize incoming call – audio remains playing before and after call is received
– Enter key does not work on the multi-line text input field
Adobe announced its decision to do away with Flash for mobile last month. At the same time, the company emphasized that it is increasing investments in HTML5. They also cut about 750 jobs. Adobe’s statement said:
Our future work with Flash on mobile devices will be focused on enabling Flash developers to package native apps with Adobe AIR for all the major app stores. We will no longer adapt Flash Player for mobile devices to new browser, OS version or device configurations. Some of our source code licensees may opt to continue working on and releasing their own implementations. We will continue to support the current Android and PlayBook configurations with critical bug fixes and security updates.
Adobe reported its Q4 earnings yesterday. Profits were down 35%, but they beat analyst estimates.
It’s Galaxy Nexus day, and people have been lining up to purchase the new device. I came across a promotional video in Google’s YouTube uploads promoting Google Hangouts on the device, using a classic Queen song:
Google has sure been on a Queen kick lately. A few months ago, they had an entertaining Freddie Mercury doodle for their logo in honor of the late singer. Here’s their video from that:
Here is some more of today’s coverage on the Galaxy Nexus:
The latest Android smartphone, the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Nexus, went on sale this morning on Verizon’s website. As we reported this morning, the phone is running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. Remarkably, however, the phone will be due a software update right out of the box. Within two hours of activation users will be receiving an operating system upgrade to Android 4.0.2, an update that will mainly consist of a few tweaks and bug fixes.
Features of the update include data traffic and mobile hotspot optimizations, camera tweaks, a bug with email attachments, and a handful of other oddments. On the whole it appears to be a relatively minor update, though it does deal with some fairly important features of the phone. The fact that the update is coming out almost immediately is rather unusual, however.
Meanwhile, Google has posted about the phone on their mobile blog. They include a link to their official product page, and direct users to a number of stores where they can purchase the phone. Retailers include Verizon stores (obviously), as well as Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Costco. In addition to the US, the phone is also available in the UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Canada, and will be launching “soon” in several other countries, including Australia, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong (where Samsung, the phone’s manufacturer is based). The post also includes a video, embedded below, demonstrating the phone’s remarkable Face Unlock feature, which combines the front-facing camera with facial recognition software to make sure that only certain people can unlock the phone.
As amazing as the Face Unlock feature seems to be, though, one Twitter user may already have found a flaw:
The Galaxy Nexus has already proven to be a hot ticket item. In a scene more reminiscent of an iPhone or iPad launch, the new device has actually had people lining up outside Verizon stores. The reaction has drawn the attention of a number of iPhone bloggers, prompting Grant Paul, a well-known figure in the iOS jailbreak community, to respond on Twitter.
@chpwn Grant Paul (chpwn)Oh c’mon Apple bloggers. People actually want the Galaxy Nexus and are lining up for it. Accept it, get over it, and move on.1 hour ago via Tweetbot for iPhone · powered by @socialditto
Earlier this week we brought you a report that Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus might be coming to Verizon today. Those reports turned out to be accurate, as the phone became available on Verizon’s website early this morning.
The new phone (which does not resemble an iPhone, Apple will surely be thrilled to see) sells for $299.99 with a 2-year contract. It sports a 4.65-inch display, over an inch bigger than the iPhone 4S. It also runs the much-anticipated Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The latest version of Google’s Android operating system is a significant revamp of the software, and features deep Google+ integration and a host of fancy new features, including face unlock, which allows users to unlock the phone by pointing the camera at their faces. The OS also includes a few features designed to take advantage of the NFC technology that has been integrated into the phone. Though Google Wallet is absent, users can console themselves with Android Beam, an app that transmits data of various kinds – files, contact info, and more – to other phones within the roughly 1-inch field NFC field.
The new phone is also designed to run on Verizon’s new 4G LTE network. Verizon is even offering new users a deal on their data plans, temporarily doubling the amount of data they get for the price. The company cut things awfully fine with the release of the new phone. Verizon retailers had been expecting the phone to be available last Friday, which would have left a full two weeks of the holiday shopping season. The company announced last week that they were delaying the launch. Today’s release date leaves shoppers a mere ten days in which to get the device. Fortunately, Verizon appears to be offering next-day shipping to those last minute gift buyers who want to get the phone before Christmas.
What do you think of this shiny new phone? Let us know in the comments.
For those of you who have been waiting for what seems like ages to get your hands on the Ice Cream Sandwich-loaded Samsung Galaxy Nexus, two more days shouldn’t really seem like that much longer. If a couple of recent indications are correct, folks in the U.S. might just be able to get their hands on the coveted device by Thursday, December 15th.
First up, Engadget has obtained some internal pricing documents from Costco that list the Galaxy Nexus as available beginning 12/15/11. The price of the device is listed at $289.99 with a new 2-year agreement. Of course, if this proves accurate, it still doesn’t guarantee that Verizon stores would have the device on that date. But it’s a hint that it might pop up somewhere on the 15th.
This date lines up with one reported over the weekend over at Droid Life. Their sources said that Verizon was “telling all employees, stores, managers, and indirects that December 15th is the new target just like they did with December 9th.”
Many feel that the supposed Verizon delay could have been due to a giant LTE outage. If the December 9th release target was a real one, then Verizon could have delayed it to make sure everything was up and running perfectly for the big launch.
At this point, we have plenty of indication that the devices are sitting on the shelves of at least some retailers. Earlier this week, excited Android fans were reporting that Best Buy and Verizon retail stores had sold them the Galaxy Nexus, but were asking for its speedy return.
Of course, rumors are still just rumors. But that time is fast approaching where any more delay would just be devastating – I mean, it’s less than two weeks until Christmas.
As the official U.S. release date still hangs in confirmation limbo, Verizon sources have told CNET that the Galaxy Nexus has once again been delayed by Verizon. Earlier this week we heard rumors that the Ice Cream Sandwich-enabled smartphone would land in the U.S. on Friday, December 9th. Those leaked documents were from an “authorized Verizon retailer” that said the selling of the device could not begin until 12/9/11.
CNET’s Verizon sources say that most Verizon stores thought that they would begin selling the Galaxy Nexus on Friday, but are now hearing that the release will be delayed.
Of course, “delayed” might suggest that there was even a set release date to begin with. Verizon continues to say that they haven’t officially announced a U.S. release date for the highly-anticipated device whenever asked about it. All we know is that it’s going to be fairly soon, as Samsung has confirmed a December release.
Supposed leaked screenshots indicate that the device will be arriving at Best Buy on December 11th. This doesn’t mean that sales would begin at that time, just that they would physically have the hardware under their roofs by then.
When the phone finally launches in the U.S., all indications point to a $300 price tag at official Verizon retail outlets. It’s probably not going to get much cheaper anywhere else as a leaked Costco document suggests that the Galaxy Nexus will launch there for $289.99 with a new two-year agreement.
Who’s still waiting for the Galaxy Nexus? Has anyone, unable to wait any longer, succumbed to the temptation to purchase another hot new smartphone? Let us know in the comments.
As indicated by the title, this is a rumor, and therefore unconfirmed. However, RootzWiki claims to have confirmation from multiple sources that the Galaxy Nexus will “land on American soil” this Friday, December 9.”
They are showing allegedly leaked documents from “an authorized Verizon retailer” which display a 12/9 release date following a 12/6 shipping date. Other info from the document includes:
– Each store will be direct shipped a minimum of 15 phones
– You will also have product available for replenishment
– You will not receive this product through the normal receiving process using vendor receiving
– Keep all original paperworkl in your reveiving binders. Do not throw away
– We cannot sell or display the Samsung Nexus until 12/9/11.
– On 12/9, the planogram will be loaded on the intranet
Again, to be clear, we can’t confirm the legitimacy of the document, but it is certainly worth noting, especially since the date is so close.
Update: 9to5Google is sharing a new statement from Verizon:
Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.
Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.
We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.
Google Wallet is shaping up to be a potentially very important product for Google. Last month, the company even announced that it was shutting down Google Checkout, its payments product, in favor of Google Wallet. Google’s goal is to build “one wallet”.
Well, if that’s the wallet you want to use, you better not get a Verizon Galaxy Nexus, because Verizon won’t allow it. JR Raphael has confirmation from a Google spokesperson that the device will not include Google Wallet because of Verizon, which is working on its own NFC-based payment service. He notes that this may or may not be the reason.
Based on a report from Amir Efrati at the Wall Street Journal, it sounds like Verizon may not want to preload the app on the phone, but isn’t opposed to letting users download it in the future. Google told the WSJ that users won’t be able to download it through the Android Market on the device, but Verizon said that it’s working out “security and other issues around mobile payments,” with a Verizon spokesperson adding, “”We’re working to provide expanded services that will provide the best security and user experience in the market around m-commerce. “We expect to provide access to an open wallet when those goals are achieved.”
Efrati cites a “person familiar with the matter” as saying Verizon won’t prevent users from downloading Google Wallet when it’s cleared.
So far, the Google Wallet can only be installed on the Nexus S 4G from Sprint, according to the product’s FAQ page. It says that “potentially over time” it will be available for other mobile devices and platforms. Thanks to Verizon, it looks like the ambitious product might get off to something of a rocky start.
Google hasn’t been shy about getting Google Wallet merchants on board, despite the products lack of compatible devices. Places that already accept Google Wallet include: American Eaagle, Macy’s Champs, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic, Foot Locker, Old Navy, Toys R Us, OtficeMax, Guess, Jamba Juice, and others. Chevron and Subway are among merchants listed as “coming soon”.
Today’s video round-up includes some Galaxy Nexus speed tests, Bing decisions that shaped 2011 (via Google’s YouTube), and an instant hit Lady Gaga video. And some great shark footage.
Unfortunately for everyone eager to get their hands on the Ice Cream Sandwich-powered Samsung Galaxy Nexus, we’ve heard of no official release date. And until we do, rumors will have to suffice.
According to a Best Buy source quoted by Engadget (with accompanying screenshot), they will have the device in inventory by December 11th. Of course, this isn’t a release date – simply a date for when the phone will arrive at their stores. It’s possible that the Galaxy Nexus could go on sale that day, and it’s also possible that it could go on sale days or weeks later.
But it is a sign that December is going to be the month for the release. Leaked documents surfaced earlier this month that indicated a December 8th launch for the device in the U.S. Other sources said earlier this week that December 8th would be the day – but that source also pegged November 29th as the kickoff for pre-sales. Obviously, this prediction was incorrect.
While the specific date is unconfirmed, Samsung did confirm that the U.S. release would occur in December.
Even if Best Buy does have to wait until the 11th to get the phone, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Verizon stores couldn’t have it by the 8th, like rumored. When pushed for further comment, a Samsung rep told CNET that the Galaxy Nexus launch date “is not public information at this time.” She once again confirmed that it will show up in the U.S. before the year is over.
If you watch any amount of TV, especially the bigger-audience events like the Super Bowl, you have probably noticed an increase of commercials, courtesy of Google. There’s the “Dear Sophie” offering that works as hard as it can in an effort to jerk tears from the viewer, and then there was the “It Gets Better” movement that championed gay people who have been bullied for their lifestyle. Both examples are ads and promotions for Google’s Chrome browser.
Now, Google has turned their attention to commercials for their social media platform, Google+. WebProNews recently covered the commercial that showed up on Thanksgiving day, which shows how sharing on the web is just like real life (or something); and then there’s the Google Circles Love Story commercial, which goes for the same heart-tugging approach.
“Google+ is the reason my girl love and I each other” or some such.
Now, thanks to a find from UltraLinx, we have another Google+ commercial, which shows the benefits of the Google Hangouts feature, especially when it’s used by like-minded individuals, especially individuals that like to beatbox. Observe:
Granted, the commercial exists to promote the new Galaxy Nexus as much as it does Google Hangouts, but to show off the Nexus’ capabilities, the capabilities of Google+ Hangouts are prominently featured. Obviously, the message here is, Google+ Hangouts works on mobile devices, especially those that run Android.
The question is, does watching people who share an interest in beatboxing sharing their talents across Google’s technological breakthroughs inspire you to use either an Android phone or Google+, or are you firmly entrenched in the “Facebook for life” side of the fence?
Let us know what you think about the commercial and Google+.
It looks like the hopes of a stateside November release of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus are fading fast.
Samsung has confirmed to Business Insider that the Galaxy Nexus will not launch until December on the Verizon network. The specific day in December as well as the exact pricing were not revealed during that confirmation.
When the Galaxy Nexus was announced back in October, initial statements indicated that the plan was a November launch for the first Google phone to come installed with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The unlocked GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus just launched in the UK on November 17th.
The Samsung and Google Nexus Twitter feeds, which have been actively discussing the Galaxy Nexus, are both quiet on the topic of the U.S. release date.
Since Samsung has confirmed December as the release date, the rumor we reported on Monday still has legs. Leaked images reportedly coming from marketing spreadsheets indicated that the Galaxy Nexus would be launching on December 8th in the States.
Many potential customers have expressed frustration with the U.S. launch situation, and to some this feels like a “push back” of the date, even though an official release date has never actually been set.
Samsung has just released an advertisement for the Galaxy S II that slams Apple fanboys by showing a group waiting in line for hours to buy the newest iPhone. Ironically, it seems, they are promoting this ad on Twitter using the hashtag #stopwaiting. Check it out below – maybe it will give you a chuckle.
For Android-happy folks in the United States, it probably feels like their Ice Cream Sandwich is melting. Last Thursday, the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Nexus launched in the UK (exclusively at retailer Phones4u), and patient customers stateside have let to even receive official word on when they will be able to get their hands on the device.
In lieu of any official declarations on the U.S. release date, we have some leaked screenshots courtesy of Droid Life that suggest folks might have to wait until December 8th to buy the new Google phone.
The first image states that the “Samsung Nexus is now scheduled to launch in all locations on Thursday, 12/8.” From this, we also learn that accessories for the device have begun to ship to stores.
Another screencap also shows the national launch date for the Galaxy Nexus as being set for December 8th.
As no word has yet to come from Samsung or Verizon regarding the U.S. release, the hopes of a Black Friday launch like previously suggested are looking a bit slim. A December 8th release would at least put the device in the middle of holiday shopping season, if not the biggest shopping weekend known to man.
If the date does in fact wind up being December 8th, that’s probably going to annoy at least some people who have been waiting for the Galaxy Nexus since it was announced back in October.
Apparently, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the folks across the pond. Apparently, the Galaxy Nexus has fallen victim the the launch jitters. Users are reporting a sort of “phantom volume” bug that is turning the phone’s volume up and down on its own. According to the reports, the bug has caused the Euro carrier Vodafone to delay its launch of the smartphone.
Are you still holding out for a Galaxy Nexus? Has any other recent smartphone release caught your eye? Let us know how you feel in the comments.
While some lucky Android fans have already gotten their hands on the brand new Samsung Galaxy Nexus with all that yummy Ice Cream Sandwichy goodness, folks here in the States are still waiting for an official release date. While you wait on that announcement, you might as well try to win a free one.
The Google Nexus Twitter account (@googlenexus) is on day 7 of a series of challenges, run entirely through twitter, that give winners a free Galaxy Nexus (whenever they end up arriving).
The Galaxy Nexus Challenge (the “Contest”) is a skill contest where participants must submit via Twitter solutions to puzzles, photo challenges and essay questions (“Solutions”) to win prizes. The Solutions will be evaluated by judges, who will choose the daily winning entries in accordance with these Official Rules. The prize(s) will be awarded to participant(s) whose Solution is evaluated as having the highest score in the judging criteria.
There has so far been a contest every day since November 12th, each asking Twitter followers to submit answers to questions, or solve some sort of puzzle. Evey response is limited to the 140 characters that Twitter allows.
Today’s contest, the 7th, is particularly fun – it’s a poetry contest. If you want a free Galaxy Nexus, you must submit the most creative, original, and humorous reverse Cinquain poem of the lot. Here are the rules, via Twitter:
@googlenexus Google NexusChal. 7 Write a reverse Cinquain on why you should win a #GalaxyNexus. Form: 5 lines w/ # syllables 2 / 8 / 6 / 4 / 2. Use / for line breaks4 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
With the way folks are feeling about the U.S. release of the phone, maybe a more accurate poem would be –
Hey guys
Don’t make me buy a damn iPhone
Or this new Droid RAZR
I’m impatient
No joke
All kidding aside, you should put on your thinking caps and try to win a free Galaxy Nexus. The official rules peg the value on that to be $500 (activation and service plan not included of course). Make sure to mention @googlenexus in your poem tweets and use the hashtag #nexuspoetsociety.
Today’s video round-up shares a few looks at the Galaxy Nexus phone, as well as some Movember-related moustache videos. Plus Skype for Windows now has Facebook integration.
Curious about which smartphone to buy? Can’t decide between the iPhone 4S or the Galaxy Nexus(sorry, Blackberry, I’m still a fan, but unfortunately, your phone isn’t “trendy”)? Or do you have your mind set on one, but perhaps some new information could sway you to another device? If so, we have the perfect comparison chart for you.
The post responsible for the chart, hat-tip to ThisIsMyNext.com, takes an incredibly thorough look at the Android’s Galaxy Nexus and the recently-launched iPhone 4s, among other devices. If performance is your thing, the Galaxy Nexus wins. Of course, people don’t just by devices for performance, they buy them because of trends, and as long as that remains apart of the consumer conscience, the iPhone will remain a beast.
Here’s a look at the chart. Be sure to click for a larger version of it, because there is a great deal of specification information contained within:
If, after looking at all that information, you are still having a hard time deciding between the two — the Nexus has a 1.2 gigahertz processor, the iPhone 4s has a 800 megahertz — then go with your gut. Or you could simply refer to this chart over and over again until a decision comes to you.
After weeks of speculation, the Google/Samsung mobile event lived up to its promise and delivered on both the hardware and the software that everyone wanted.
At the Hong Kong event (taking place last night for those of us in the West), the new Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS was unveiled, as was its flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (previously referred to as the Nexus Prime).
The Galaxy Nexus (seen above), is the new member of the Google phone lineage. It lives up to many of the specs that have been rumored for some time including a 4.65 inch screen, 1GB RAM and a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor.
That giant screen is a Super AMOLED true HD experience – running at 1280×720 resolution. By all hands-on accounts, it’s one of the most gorgeous looking screens on the market.
As far as the camera goes, it’s a 5 megapixel device with an instant shutter (like the iPhones 4S). You can shoot 1080p HD video with the Galaxy Nexus.
It’s a thin phone, measuring 8.84mm thick (and 4.29 mm bezel) and has a new, sleek feel as there are no mechanical buttons – everything is built into the touch surface, including the home button. The device comes equipped with NFC capabilities, which not only sets the stage for mobile payments but allows for the Android Beam feature – a way for users to share apps, videos, contacts and more by “bumping” their Nexus with another Nexus. It’s also a 4G phone, as promised.
But one of the biggest draws of the Galaxy Nexus is in the software – the all new Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS. Google sought to create an OS that would function equally as well of tablets as mobile devices, a Gingerbread-Honeycomb on steroids. Here’s what they have added –
With Ice Cream Sandwich, our mission was to build a mobile OS that works on both phones and tablets, and to make the power of Android enticing and intuitive. We created a new font that’s optimized for HD displays and eliminated all hardware buttons in favor of adaptable software buttons. We also dramatically improved the keyboard, made notifications more interactive and created resizable widgets.
ICS also updates the tab manager, inbox browsing and has cleaned up the calendar function. The OS integrates Google+ photos into the People app, which is the new contacts system for ICS. The all new interface also sports a brand new font, designed by Google, called “Roboto.”
Android Ice Cream Sandwich had also introduced a phone unlocking feature that uses facial recognition. Like Apple’s new voice assistant service Siri, time will indeed tell how effective the “Face Unlock” function really is.
With Apple’s new iPhone 4S (with the new iOS 5) selling like crazy and Motorola just unveiling their impressive new beast of a phone yesterday, Google and Samsung look to have made a huge splash with the Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich.
Both the phone and the new OS will become available in November.
With the Google/Samsung Hong Kong event just a few hours away, one major Japanese wireless carrier has let the news regarding the upcoming Nexus Prime (Galaxy Nexus) slip a little early.
According to a tweet from the carrier, the Nexus Prime will be launched at the event and released to the public sometime in November. The event in question will also see the unveiling of the new Android OS, Ice Cream Sandwich. It is set to kick off October 19th in Hong Kong – and will stream live tonight, October 18th at 10 pm EST on the Android YouTube channel.
Here’s the tweet from the Japanese carrier, DoCoMo –
With the help of Google translate, we see that it says:
Notice: the latest Android OS smartphone with Google and Samsung Electronics announced on October 19 in Hong Kong tomorrow. DoCoMo is almost equivalent to the fastest in the world, scheduled for release in November. More later.
So it looks like we will see a Nexus Prime debut with Ice Cream Sandwich in just a matter of hours.
The “scheduled for release in November” part echoes information we saw on Monday that said the release date could be as early as November 10th. A leaked pricing list showed a sales window starting on that date.
As a bonus, Italian site Android.hdblog has come across what they say is a flyer to the event. It shows the Nexus Prime from two angles, and it appears to looks like the same phone we’ve seen in supposed leak videos and other promo photos.
They also confirm some device specs, most of which we have heard before – 4.65 AMOLED HD screen with curved glass, NFC, 1GB RAM, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor. The device is also said to be 5.4 in. x 2.7 in. x .35 in. (.45 in. at thickest part), which would make the Nexus Prime extremely thin.
