Hasta La Gadget!

Most US models of the Samsung Galaxy Note II have already been updated with Multi-Window — a split-screen feature that allows users to view two apps at once — but AT&T is the last of the four national powers that hasn’t pushed the feature out to its customers. That will change tomorrow, as AT&T has confirmed to us in an email that it will roll out the new build over the air at some point during the day. We’re happy that users won’t have to rely on Samsung’s proprietary Kies desktop software to update their devices, but minor downloads like this are typically facilitated OTA. There’s no word on if the ROM will be pushed out in phases to minimalize the impact on AT&T’s servers, but don’t be terribly worried if you don’t get notified right away. Continue below to read the carrier’s official statement on the matter.

Continue reading AT&T to update Samsung Galaxy Note II with Multi-Window tomorrow

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Samsung, AT&T

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The European LTE landscape is unfortunately a fragmented one that favors large countries with large carriers. We can chalk up at least one victory for the smaller nation states, however: Switzerland is getting its first LTE network on November 29th. The country’s main provider, Swisscom, is launching initial 4G coverage in 26 cities and regions using the LTE-equipped HTC One X (One XL abroad), quickly following up with the early December availability of the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II and Nokia Lumia 920. A Huawei USB stick and a ZTE hotspot will also be on tap. Customers won’t need to spring for a new plan to use the new network on a basic level, although Swisscom’s uncommon speed-based phone plans mean they’ll be paying a stiff 169 francs ($181) per month to max out the 4G network. We imagine at least some will bite if it means speedy data in Zurich.

[Thanks, Joël]

Continue reading Swisscom rolls out first LTE in Switzerland on November 29th

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Samsung, HTC, Nokia

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Source: Swisscom

If you’ve pre-ordered a Verizon flavor of Samsung’s Galaxy Note II, it’s high time you check your email for a shipping confirmation, as we just received a notice of our own. With two-day shipping on the package carrying our smartphone behemoth, it’s estimated to arrive on November 29th. Presumably, it’ll be available at Big Red’s brick-and-mortar establishments on that same day, but we’ve reached out to Verizon and Samsung for confirmation. In the meantime, you can peep inside your inboxes and let us know in the comments if your hulking handset is on its way as well.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Well, that was quick. We started off this month with word from Samsung that its 5.5-inch Galaxy Note II passed three million in sales, and now the company is announcing it’s moved two million more in less than a month. Now available on North American carriers the stylus-packing smartphone is apparently experiencing popularity in all regions, with no sign of slowing down. It’s even had the rite of passage of being included in an Apple lawsuit, and a new ad focusing on using the stylus to become an internet meme. It may not be ready to challenge the smaller Galaxy S III for the company sales crown just yet, but with five million out the door and more every minute, XL-sized handsets are clearly here to stay.

Continue reading Samsung announces Galaxy Note II has moved 5 million units worldwide

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: Samsung Korea

As usual, Apple thought Friday night on a holiday weekend was the perfect time to push some more paper through in its ongoing patent lawsuit against Samsung. According to Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents, after Samsung asked to add the latest iPads, iPhones and iPod touches to its list of claims and the court approved the addition of the iPhone 5, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 10.1, Apple is trying to put six more devices on the list. Listed in the motion are the Galaxy S III running Android Jelly Bean (but not Jelly Bean itself), Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Tab 8.9 WiFi, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Rugby Pro and Galaxy S III mini. As usual, the case will proceed, we’ll wait to hear if these requests are approved by the court and in the meantime, iThings and Galaxys alike will continue to fly off the shelves. Given the season, for now it’s time to be thankful we’re not one of the lawyers spending their day working on this. That leaves us plenty of time for more interesting activities, like hand-to-hand combat against fellow shoppers for the right to purchase slightly discounted items.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Apple, Samsung

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Source: FOSS Patents, Reuters