Nexus S - Android Community

Tagged: Nexus S

Nexus S Glove-Friendly Touchscreen is a Winter Boon

By Dylan Bailey
on 4 Jan, 2011

One of our staff was playing around at 2 O'Clock in the morning and he found an interesting surprise regarding the screen on the Samsung Nexus S - it works without direct contact from your finger. After we discovered the device's screen worked with the back of a fingernail, we frantically ran around testing what else the device's screen would pick up. The results: surprising to say the least. We got the device to pick up multi-touch gestures with the back of our fingernails, which led us to wonder exactly what was going on. And after the initial surprise of the sensitivity of the screen, we started testing the screen's ability to pick up input through different types of fabric. We tried both a standard polo and a thick sweatshirt and they both came out working flawlessly. This shouldn't work. Capacitive touch screens, for those who are unaware, use the conductivity of the human body to sense input. For anyone who has used an iPhone or Galaxy S device with gloves, you would have noticed that it just will not pick up your touch and you are forced to take them off and use your fingertips. We tried this with a wide array of current-generation mobile phones that we have immediately available and it seems that only Samsung devices showed any response of an input without immense pressure from the user. [vms 3806cba3f47b93af8ccb] So what is Samsung doing differently to construct such an amazing screen? We honestly have no idea. In fact, we don't even think they fully understand what is going on - or are even aware what they have done - which could be the reason we have yet to hear anything officially. For the skeptics, we have gotten this to successfully work on our 3 available Nexus S devices with the backs of our fingernails and a wide array of fabrics. It's worth noting that we still couldn't get any input from a long fingernail, which leads us to believe that it's relating to the heat produced that is transferred through the fingernail. But, even if it's the heat from the finger that's going through the gloves, it's unlike any device we have tested so far, making it worth mention.

Android NFC e-wallet service could launch in 2011 tip Google insiders

By Chris Davies
on 4 Jan, 2011

Google's wireless payment system could launch sometime in 2011, according to two sources supposedly familiar with the search giant's plans, using NFC functionality integrated into Android devices like the Nexus S. BusinessWeek reports that the system will likely use e-wallet technology acquired in the Zetawire buy-out last year, turning NFC-enabled smartphones into credit card replacements. [via SlashGear]

Nexus S overclocked to 1.2GHz with new Bionix NS1 kernel

By Chris Davies
on 2 Jan, 2011

The Nexus S' single-core Hummingbird processor was one of the main disappointments about the second official Googlephone, so we won't argue with a replacement kernel that can squeeze extra juice out of the Samsung chip. A new xda-developers kernel promises to overclock the Nexus S to 1.2GHz. The tweaked firmware is still a work in progress, with Bluetooth left to fix, and it builds on the existing Bionix NS1 mod. Obviously overclocking your phone leaves it potentially more vulnerable to hardware damage, so try at your own risk, but it'll be interesting to see how these tweaked Nexus S units compare to dual-core devices like the Tegra 2 based LG Optimus 2X.

Best Buy Not Able To Activate Nexus S Due to Server Issues?

By Dylan Bailey
on 30 Dec, 2010

The Nexus S has landed with some impressive reviews and many users would like to get their hands on one. However, according to reports, Best Buy's new line activation system for T-Mobile is down, and has been for about a weeks time.

Nexus S Phones to be Handed Out to Google Staff (Including Australia!)

By Chris Burns
on 27 Dec, 2010

It appears that Google will be rolling out a mass giveaway of Nexus S handsets to their staff across the globe immediately if not soon, including Australia where Neither Samsung nor Google have confirmed plans to release the phone for general consumption. This massive handing-out of phones happened back with the HTC Dream and with the Nexus One in India earlier this year. The current wave of Nexus S phones on the market are marked as having 900Mhz and 2100MHz bands, as used by Optus and Vodafone in Australia for 3G reception, but not 850MHz used by Telstra - this is of course noting that the phone does work with 850MHz spectrum with slower data speeds and voice.

Nexus S Limited Edition masses an Android army

By Chris Davies
on 27 Dec, 2010

We've already seen what the careful application of some spray-rubber can do to the Nexus S' battery cover, but a supposedly "limited edition" version of the Googlephone is even more appealing. Up for order at Negri Electronics, the difference is in the replacement back panel, which is covered in tiny Android logos. The regular Nexus S panel has a far more dull, generic pattern to it, so we much prefer this limited edition back-plate. It's not entirely clear whether it's the handiwork of Samsung, Google, or a third-party, but what we do know is that it doesn't come cheap; Negri is asking $843.50. [via Twitter]

TechCrunch Goes Hands-On with a 42-inch Nexus S

By Dylan Bailey
on 24 Dec, 2010

Giant display phones are not a new thing in the world of retailers. Apple has made giant "demo" models of their iPhone, and Google even made one of the original Nexus One. As we all know, these units were simply playing a looping video showing off the software features of the devices. This Nexus S, however, does not - yes, it actually works!

Nexus S First OTA Update Today! [UPDATE: Maybe Not!]

By Chris Burns
on 22 Dec, 2010

This is the first over the air update to Nexus S and it's coming in just SIX DAYS after its initial release. This update brings the system up to version GRH78 and contains several important bug fixes and the latest version of maps. If you'd like to wait for the update like a Patient Patty you can do so, but if you'd like to get the update directly from Google right this moment, follow the instructions below.

Nexus S Update Available Now, Bringing in Bug Fixes and Map Update

By Dylan Bailey
on 22 Dec, 2010

Just under a week after its launch, it seems the Nexus S has been pushed an OTA update. XDA member, rocketragz, just noticed the update and it said it included bug fixes as well as a map update. The original thread over at XDA is all over the place. There have been reports of receiving it on the East and West coasts as well as being pegged as build# GRH78 - Android 2.3.1. GRH78 - Android 2.3.1:

1.9Mb file stating Bug fixes and Maps fixes
Browser lag appears to be fixed
Blurry MMS fix [?]
Bug Fixes

As with all OTA updates, it may take some time for you to be pushed the download. Have any of you noticed an update ready for download for the Nexus S? Have you noticed any significant changes? Let us know in the comment section below!

Nexus S DIY soft-touch battery cover mod is finger-friendly

By Chris Davies
on 22 Dec, 2010

If the glossy, fingerprint-collecting back panel of your new Nexus S is getting you down, you could always do worse than a DIY soft-touch alternative. xda-developers member mhaedo took matters into his own hands and used a few coats of Plasti Dip to make it more grip-friendly. After masking off the camera window and the NFC antenna, he gave it four coats inside and out (so as to avoid any peeling edges in future) and ended up with something debranded and a whole lot more tactile. Best thing is, it should simply peel off when you're tired of it, so you can sell the phone on afterwards. [gallery] [via TheGadgets]