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Samsung should retake the edge in the smartphone space as of the first quarter, Canaccord Genuity said in early estimates. Analyst T. Michael Walkley saw Samsung going back to 28.2 percent share on the back of 41 million smartphones. Apple would have its strongest winter ever, but at 32.6 million iPhones would have a more modest 22.4 percent.
Samsung's Israeli division in a posting on Facebook has put a date on the long-promised Android 4.0 upgrade for the Galaxy S II. It promised on Sunday to end a 'patient' wait by delivering the new OS to the flagship phone on March 15. The upgrade would apply both to carrier-locked versions as well as unlocked versions bought directly from Samsung.
Sprint may be working to offer an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade for Samsung's Epic 4G Touch handset. The carrier has added to its official website an RDF page for the Epic 4G Touch running Android 4.0.3, fueling speculation that an update is currently working its way through the development process.
As part of its promise to back away from Carrier IQ on its handsets, Sprint's latest software update for its Samsung Epic 4G Touch removes it. The EL29 update is also said to bring with it a number of other changes, such as a security update, the activation of the Commercial Alert System, and dismissing multiple calendar alerts.
The MIUI Android custom ROM has made its way to Sprint’s Epic 4G Touch. A variant of the Samsung Galaxy S II, a user’s Epic 4G Touch must first be rooted for the MIUI ROM to work, although installation comes with all the usual caveats including voiding a user’s warranty and even the possibility of bricking the device. As the video below shows, the popular MIUI interface gives Ice Cream Sandwich an iOS-like interface with the slick Ice Cream Sandwich experience retained.
Sprint made a minor contribution to the CES run-up with two special phone variants. The provider confirmed a white Epic 4G Touch and plans to have the special version in stores on January 8 for $200 on a contract. It keeps the 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen, dual-core 1.2GHz Exynos processor, WiMAX 4G, and Android 2.3 as its black cousin.
The rumored Epic 4G Touch in white at Sprint will arrive on January 8 at the carrier,
Sprint customers will soon be able to get the Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone, aka the Epic 4G Touch in white. Pocketnow has posted images of the white variant of the phone. Sprint, which was the first to carry the black version of the device in the US, will most likely tie in the launch of the white model with the upcoming CES conference in January.
Users who obtained a pre-release update for the Samsung Epic 4G Touch have discovered that it might not have Carrier IQ. Scanning from XDA-Developers members using third-party apps doesn't show the usual red flags. The discovery is tentative and could point to either a version that escapes detection or to a temporary removal during testing.
Samsung's just-shipped Epic 4G Touch has been facing significant launch hiccups after numerous reports of reception problems. Owners of the dual-core Android phone have mentioned dropping calls and slow speeds regardless of where they live. The issue isn't automatic, those on the Android Central boards and elsewhere have said, and some users have mentioned having no problems.
The recently-launched Sprint Epic 4G Touch, a carrier-badged version of the Samsung Galaxy S II, has been torn down by the iFixit team. The usual thorough process includes lots of photos and some key observations about the parts and assembly techniques involved in the handset's creation. A Phillips #00 screwdriver and a plastic opening tool are what the team uses to take the phone apart, with nine screws in total found inside.
A talented and brave member of the Android Central forum has outlined the process of modifying the Samsung Epic 4G Touch to allow wireless charging. He used the wireless charging coil from the HP Touchstone accessory. The process places the charging coil on the outside of the handset due to the ultra-tight dimensions of the handset.
The Samsung Epic 4G Touch is now available for purchase through Sprint. The Galaxy S II variant centers on a 4.52-inch Super AMOLED display, and is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. The phone incorporates a WiMAX radio and is capable of reaching 4G download speeds up to ten-times greater than 3G where available.
Prices for Samsung's new Galaxy S II smartphone have already dropped, even before the product ships. Last week, Sprint unveiled its version, branded the Epic 4G Touch, for $200 with contract. Today, the phone showed up on Wirefly's product pages carrying a pre-order price of $150.
A leak late Tuesday has pointed to Sprint being one of the last major US carriers to dramatically hike its early termination fees. Dealers have been told that, as of September 9, the cancellation fee for smartphones, tablets, and other "advanced" hardware will jump from $200 to $350. The fee spike seen by SprintFeed would only apply to new contracts after that day and will still be prorated.
Samsung launched its renewed offensive in the US as promised by unveiling the US versions of the Galaxy S II. The T-Mobile version promises to be the most unique and carries the larger 4.5-inch screen of the late 2011 update along with 42Mbps HSPA+ 3G, twice as fast as the international version we reviewed. It will keep the 1.2GHz dual-core Exynos chip and add a preloaded copy of Netflix along with carrier-specific extras.
Samsung as it's sometimes prone to do has unintentionally spoiled plans for Sprint's version of the Galaxy S II at the last minute. Now known to be given the elaborate name Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch, the phone has surfaced in a training page for dealers. The design is now known to be a cross between the regular S II and the late 2011 refresh, using the original 1.2GHz dual-core chip but a larger 4.5-inch screen.
