Even though I am Windows Phone guy, I do see some android phones that I find interesting with one of them being the Samsung Galaxy Note. This Android phone has a massive 5.3-inch Super AMOLED HD screen. The Galaxy Note will be available on February 19 for $299.99 with a two-year contract.

Here is the full Samsung Galaxy Note Press release:

Create, Capture and Share in New Ways with the Samsung Galaxy Note, Available from AT&T Feb. 19

AT&T’s Latest 4G LTE Device Offers Customers a New Way to Communicate and Collaborate

Dallas, Texas, January 30, 2012

Key Facts

• Previously announced at AT&T’s Developer Summit leading up to the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy Note™ arrives in carbon blue and ceramic white at AT&T* stores beginning Feb. 19 for $299.99 with a two-year agreement.
• Customers excited to get their hands on this dream device even earlier can pre-order athttp://www.att.com/galaxynote or any AT&T company-owned retail store beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 for delivery by Feb. 17.
• The Galaxy Note combines the best features of a smartphone with the larger viewing screen of a tablet and advanced technology in the S Pen™ — delivering an all-in-one device that allows users to work more efficiently and maintain productivity, while communicating in a unique, personal way.
• Galaxy Note boasts the world’s first 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED™ screen (1280×800), one of the largest screens on a smartphone, for sharp, clear colors and readability – both indoors and out.  With the expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience, customers can take full advantage of the large display, to create and consume more.
• The Galaxy Note includes a highly advanced tool called the S Pen, which delivers fast, responsive and precise control to create fine lines and detail on the device display, much like an ink pen and pad of paper.  With the S Pen, users can easily sketch drawings, jot down notes, or write emails and texts quickly and easily in free-form handwriting.
• S Memo™, a multimedia application designed to capture all forms of user-created content captured by the S Pen, allows for pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings to be combined via a single application, converted to a ‘memo’, and shared as desired.
• It also includes a smart professional planning tool that makes full use of the device’s large screen. The calendar integrates the phone’s to-do list and schedule; control and navigation is intuitive, helping customers comprehensively organize their lives.
• An easy screen-capture function also allows users to instantly save any screen, which can also be annotated with the S Pen before being saved or shared.
• Users can communicate in personal, creative ways expanding beyond traditional sharing methods with the Galaxy Note.

Accessories

The Galaxy Note features a unique portfolio of custom designed optional accessories including:

• Desktop Dock to get the most out of your Galaxy Note at home
• Spare Battery Charging System that allows for a convenient backup charging solution
• Protective Flip Cover Case, available in multiple colors including tan, black, pink, red, white, blue.
• Galaxy Note S Pen Holder Kit which offers a solution for users in need of a more traditional writing instrument. With a spare S Pen included, the S Pen Holder secures the navigation tool inside and offers a comfortable grip and allows for more detailed use.

The Galaxy Note is also compatible with the following universal accessories:  Micro USB Adapter, HDTV Smart Adapter, Car Power Charger with Detachable Data Cable (Micro USB), Micro USB Data Cable, Travel Charger (Detachable with USB to Micro USB Cable), and the premium Refined Sound wired headset.

Pre-Orders

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 customers will have the option to pre-order the Note at http://www.att.com/galaxynote or by visiting an AT&T company-owned retail store.  Pre-orders processed by Feb. 15 will arrive by Feb. 17 at customers’ homes.

Quote

“The Galaxy Note brings a new level of efficiency to busy customers who would normally rely on multiple devices,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  “This new breed of smartphone helps consumers accomplish more with a single device than ever before.  The unique all-in-one experience can simplify daily life while tapping into AT&T’s 4G LTE network to let customers work even faster.”

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets.  4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available.  Deployment ongoing.  Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.  Learn more at att.com/network.

Limited-time offer. Samsung Galaxy Note requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req’d. Activ fee $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $35. Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov’t assessments. These are not taxes or gov’t req’d charges. Visit a store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

^© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Asus tweeted out they would be releasing a Android Root tool for there very popular Transformer Prime Tablet. This Android tablet features 32 or 64 gigabyte configurations running Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS and is 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upgradable. Many of the Android fans that own this device would love to Root it and there time is coming next month.

{via – android central}

Even though the Amazon Kindle Fire just released a few months ago that has not stopped Amazon from releasing their first update. If you have not received it yet, be on the lookout for the Kindle Tablet update that will bring enhancements to the fluidity and performance, improves support for manually set up e-mail providers in the Email app, and offers a new full screen mode for viewing web pages.

How to figure out what Kindle Fire version you are running

To determine what version of the Kindle Fire software you are running:

Tap the Quick Settings icon

Tap “More,” then tap “Device.

If the System Version states Current version: 6.2.2, you are running the latest software. If your System version is Current version: 6.0, 6.1, or 6.2.1″  then you will be getting an update.

Motorola has made available for pre-order their new Android Tablet named the XYBOARD. The Motorola XYBOARD comes in two sizes a $499.99 10.1-inch version and a smaller $399.99 8.2-inch model. Both of the Android Tablets are Wi-Fi only so we are sure they will be releasing an LTE version later on.

Both tablets will ship with Android 3.2 Honeycomb and will be upgradeable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The basic Specs for the 8.2 inch Motorola XYBOARD are

• 8.2″ widescreen IPS-enhanced HD display

• Stream files from your PC with MotoCast™
• 2.1 adaptive virtual surround sound
• Motorola’s next-generation tablet
• SHIPS WEEK OF 1/23/12. PRE-ORDER NOW!

The basic specs for the 10.1 inch XYBOARD are:

• 10.1″ widescreen IPS-enhanced HD display

• Stream files from your PC with MotoCast™
• Water-repellent nanocoating protects against spills
• Motorola’s next-generation tablet
• SHIPS WEEK OF 1/23/12. PRE-ORDER NOW!

Both XYBOARD devices have the same Camera and Connectivity Specs

• CAMERA
• 5 MP rear / HD front webcam
• MEGAPIXELS
• 5 MP
• DIGITAL ZOOM
• Yes
• FLASH
• LED
• FOCUS
• Automatic
• WEB CAM
• 1.3 MP P2P

• XYBOARD Connectivity Specifications

• SYNCHRONIZATION Corporate Sync, OTA
• WIFI 802.11 a,b,g,n
• BLUETOOTH® TECHNOLOGY Stereo Bluetooth® technology 2.1+EDR
• CONNECTOR TYPE Micro USB; HDMI® out
• DATA TRANSMISSION RATE USB 2.0 (High Speed)
• GPS AND LOCATION SERVICES AGPS (autonomous), eCompass, Standalone
• 3.5 mm HEADSET JACK

Pre-Order the 8.2 XYBOARD

Pre-Order the 10.1 XYBOARD

Last week Amazon announced their new desktop app called Send To Kindle which allows Amazon Kindle owners to view documents and pictures on their device. This is accomplished by installing the Send to Kindle app and here we will walk you through the setup and usage of Send to Kindle on your PC.

You can download the Send to Kindle app from Amazon’s website and once it is finished go ahead and install it.

The install actually goes really quickly as there is not much to the application.

Locate a document that you want to send, right click it, and choose “Send to Kindle”

At the end of the install you will need to register Send to Kindle with your Amazon Account

When you login you should see this message

Next locate a document or image that you want to send to your Amazon Kindle, right click it, and select Send To Kindle.

When you right Click on a Document you will then see the options on how to send it to your Kindle.

Finally, if the document is sent successfully you will see this message.

After a few minutes, the document is formatted for Your Kindle and when it is complete will show up on your eReader under the archived section.

And that is all there is to it. The new feature is awesome if you do not feel like lugging a laptop around just to read a document. If you don’t have one yet maybe this new feature may make you decide to pickup a Kindle from Amazon.

The Amazon Kindle is already an amazing reading device for books but now you can send your documents to the Kindle for reading too. Amazon released a new Windows application call Send to Kindle which allows you to right click on a document and send it wirelessly to your Kindle. The Amazon servers format the document than sent to your Kindle as a .PDF. This makes it clear that Amazon plans to add as many features as possible to their awesome eBook reader.

The supported file types for Send to Kindle are

• Microsoft Word (.DOC)
• Microsoft Word (.DOCX)
• TXT (.TXT)
• RTF (.RTF)
• JPEG (.JPEG, .JPG)
• GIF (.GIF)
• PNG (.PNG)
• BMP (.BMP)
• PDF (.PDF)

Here is the info from Amazon’s Blog

Send to Kindle for PC

Reading your personal documents on Kindle is now easier than ever

• Send personal documents to your Kindle from your PC.
• From Windows Explorer, simply right click on one or more documents and choose Send to Kindle.
• From any Windows application that can print, select Print and choose Send to Kindle (documents are delivered in PDF format).
• Choose to archive documents in your Kindle Library, where you can re-download them conveniently anywhere at any time.

If you don’t own a Kindle yet you can purchase one from Amazon.

{ Check out more info Send to PC on Amazon }

HP Touchpad owners should start seeing an update notification coming into their devices. We, like everyone else, like seeing updates on devices no matter how big or small. This HP Touchpad update is on the smaller side but we would not be expecting much from a cancelled device. There is no word on if this will impact those of you with Android on your Touchpad.

Here are the Touchpad Changes

• Faster switching between Day, Week, and Month views, and faster event display in Calendar.
• Faster scrolling when reading an email message.
• Email attachments are now saved with draft messages.
• Added sender photos and IM presence indicators in Email.
• Improved stability when watching video in the Web app.
• Improved handling of MP3s that are transferred from a computer using USB Drive mode.
• Added a dedicated view of contacts available for a video call, for quicker setup of a video call.
• New alert when video quality might be lower because of network issues.
• When typing, pressing the space bar twice inserts a period. This can be toggled on and off.
• Auto-correction can be turned off directly from the onscreen keyboard.
• Added support for HTTP Live Streaming.

{ Source HP Blog }

There is an effort to see who can build a tablet with the least number of buttons. The Amazon Kindle Fire has a single power button, which is a win for design simplicity, yet a flaw for usability.

The volume control for the Kindle Fire is on screen, so when playing games, video, or audio, there are issues in getting to the controls, same as when playing video that is embedded in a web page. In my usage I have issues playing web video on Revision 3, as it uses an embedded player vs. TWIT.TV that launches the native video player app. This is a minor but annoying flaw.

From a design standpoint, there is nothing to the Kindle Fire. It is a minimalist design personified. No one is going to speak of the lines or design details, as it is honestly a  black box with wires, components, and a screen attached. This is not an insult to the device, as the simplicity delivers amazing functionality at a fraction of the cost of the iPad, Xoom, PlayBook, or Galaxy Tab.

Tech junkies will likely quickly get bored with the Kindle Fire as the software is highly customized for a simple user experience. Hopefully a future version of the fire will have some additional privacy elements built-in since this opens the world of your books, audiobooks, magazines, video, and music to anyone holding your device. This is not limited to the items you sync, rather everything you have purchased. This means you cannot hide your subscription to Maxim or Brides or other more mature content you have purchased. At the very least, control over the ‘carousel’ needs to be added or even better, the ability to turn it off altogether. I could live just fine on the Fire only using the ‘Favorites’ on the Home Screen.

The audio and video quality is fantastic and the size makes the device easy to carry. The Kindle Fire lacks a video camera which I suspect will come in the next new and improved version, or not, based on the added cost.. This means Skype or Qik video calls are not an option. For a media device, the Amazon Kindle Fire is a great device to own. It is not as polished as the iPad, but you can purchase 2.5 Kindle Fires for the price of 1 iPad.

If you make a habit of purchasing music from the Amazon MP3 store, you are going to be very happy with the fire. Every song that you ever purchase is available to streaming or direct download forever. Use it locally or in the cloud. It makes no difference. Also, if you join Amazon Prime beyond the 30-day trial, you get the 20 GB Cloud Storage for $20/year free! You can use this space to upload any kind of files whatsoever that you might need to access on the go. The added bonus here is that if you license this additional space, you can upload an unlimited amount of your own “not purchased on Amazon” music to the Amazon cloud and use it exactly like the Amazon purchased music. This is outstanding!

Subscribe to Audible.com? The app for Audible is found in the App folder and after you sign-in, you can do exactly the same with your audiobooks: stream them or download them for listening offline. The Fire will become my new Audible listening device. Interestingly enough, for such a low priced device, the speakers in the Fire are more than adequate for audiobooks and even for light music listening. For better sound, I would plan to purchase any one of the many great portable stereo speaker options we have reviewed on SMR in the past.

Perhaps most disappointing is the fact that the Fire is a much worse e-reader then the Kindle 3. It’s almost like Amazon is trying to downgrade that functionality. For more than a year we have been dismayed by the lack of functionality found in the Kindle Reader apps on most platform, and find that this same lack is just dumped onto the Kindle Fire too. There is zero ability to group books into collections or folders, which functionality IS available on the Kindle 2 and Kindle 3. These is little or no ability to refine sorting or create custom sorts. Options for line spacing, alternate fonts, margin adjustment, and landscape-based 2-page view are all completely absent. Not surprisingly, collection functionality is available in the Kindle for iOS reader, as it has to compete with iBooks. No such luck with the Fire as it appears that the mediocre Kindle for Android app was just dumped onto the Kindle Fire without any changes at all. Without some major updating on the part of Amazon, the Fire is never going to become my reader of choice.

I have had hopes that the Fire would also become my default magazine reader. However, the fact that Amazon has chosen to follow Apple in charging monthly for magazine issues, rather than a yearly subscription choice like that found with Zinio means that the Kindle Fire is not going to become my choice for a magazine reader. How sad!

For those tech-heads out there who are never satisfied with the status-quo, be aware that Amazon has now released the source code for the version of Android found under the covers on the Fire. Coupled with the fact that the Fire has been rooted, it is only a matter of time before custom ROM images will be available for the Fire. Already, after rooting the Fire, it is very simple to added the full Google Android Market to the device and have access to those apps, in addition to what is available in the Amazon Android App Store. As this ability matures, SMR will bring you all the details. However, it is perhaps wise to let all this mature and ripen for a week or two.

Well after my wife dropped enough hints weeks ago, she will be happy to know her Kindle Fire has arrived. Unfortunitely, I get to do the unboxing before her. While we will certainly have a more in depth review of the Amazon Kindle Fire, we wanted to put up some shots of the unboxing and some quick initial impressions of Amazon’s new tablet.

My immediate impressions are the device is small and feels unusually heavy for what you are seeing yet sturdy. Furthermore, the Kindle Fire still feels good in your hands because of the soft rubberized back that I first felt with the T-Mobile Dash. As soon as I plugged the Kindle Fire in for charging, it instantly turned on with a funky looking background. If you are expecting your Fire to show up later here is what you should expect:

Here is the funky lock screen on the Amazon Kindle Fire.

 

Here is that smooth rubberized back of the tablet

Here is all of the contents laid out must have picked up some dust from the box or Amazon has been holding on to these devices for a long time.

Here is a shot of my hand almost wrapping around the Kindle Fire certainly most people will not be able to do this but it is really a small tablet.

If you look from the backside you can see my hand eating the Kindle Fire

Final Shot of the Kindle Fire laid out under my hand.

So far I am excited about the look and feel of the Kindle Fire and I am sure my wife will be too. Keep a lookout for our full review.

Apple has released the much awaited iOS 5.01, which should address the battery issues many users are experiencing. Hopefully it also covers the recent security exploit highlighted by Charlie Miller. Additionally this update should address multi  touch gestures on the original iPad, bugs with iCould documents, voice recognition for Australian users using dictation.

This is the first time you are able to update your iOS device OTA (over the air).  Over WiFi this update took about 1 minutes from clicking the button until it rebooted and started the install.  The install itself was completed in 3-4 minutes.  I remain connected to power, just in case. If you have not received and update you can force a check by going to Settings | General | Software Update.