This durable smartphone that can basically be trashed in any possible way and still come out working great is receiving an over the air update today that should bring some enhancements to performance, not to mention new features and abilities. The most notable change for the G’zOne Commando is push-to-talk has been added to the device. Making this great for construction workers and anyone needing the push-to-talk ability with no additional monthly charge.

The update starting rolling out last night and if you’ve not received the update yourself feel free to go to menu > settings > about phone > and check for updates to enjoy the latest changes. We are also hearing some bugs and problems have been fixed, battery life should be decently improved, not to mention a few tweaks to improve signal. All the details and instructions are available from the image of changes above, and the official Verizon link below. Try out that new Verizon Video app too if you’re bored at work.

[via Verizon Support]

Bonus video: Casio G’zOne Snowboarding

Not only will coaches, players, and staff receive a Android-powered Galaxy Tab 10.1 with Verizon 4G LTE but they’ll be using it for many different business settings. Using it for presentations to clients and season ticket holders, as well as showing prospective Suns ticket buyers an interactive view of seats from anywhere in the arena. Pretty neat but this next part has me worried.

The LTE-enabled tablet will also be given to each NBA player on the team. Being filled with the team’s playbook, video from team practices and games, and scouting reports on upcoming opponents. They’ll also use the tablet for calenders, travel plans for road games and more. Hopefully a Sun’s player doesn’t lose his tab Apple style at a bar or let it end up in the wrong hands where someone would have the entire playbook. Select season ticket holders will also receive tablets during game night that will show special in-game promotions and social activities related to the team and organization.

Pretty interesting stuff. Instead of drawing up plays on a whiteboard court side maybe we’ll see them tracing their finger on a Galaxy Tab instead. Go Nash!

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : Galaxy Tab 10.1

Manufactuer : Samsung

Carrier : NA

Announced Date : March 22, 2011

Release Date : June 08, 2011

Also Known As : Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Google I/O Limited Edition

Display

• Screen Size : 10.1 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x800
• Screen Type : TFT

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 10.09 Inch
• Width : 6.81 Inch
• Depth : 0.34 Inch
• Weight : 595 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 7000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 120 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 3.1.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MP3

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS
• IM

Hardware

CPU : Tegra 2

CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 32 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 3.2 MP

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording
• 720p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

CDMA Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1900
• 2100

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 2.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

In case you somehow missed the countless leaks of this smartphone here are the details. We have a very similar overall device as the RAZR, only less screen real estate and a few other goodies. With the D4 we have a 4.0″ qHD AMOLED display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor under the hood, 1GB of RAM, a beefy 8 megapixel camera around the back and a front camera for video chat. Last but not least is Verizon 4G LTE — the first DROID slider to rock this much requested feature.

For those that want a hardware keyboard, this is as good as it gets. With a new edge-lit QWERTY keyboard, and 4G LTE this is the best slider on the block — and probably will hold that crown for some time. Unless Verizon releases a DROID 5 this summer of course. The keys have a great feel with a good sense of spacing and almost a chicklit style like many laptops, only in a smaller space of course. The edge-lit lighting is more than just a gimmick and makes using the keyboard in darker situations quite nice.

Similar to the DROID RAZR and RAZRMAXX the DROID 4 has a very difficult to remove back and battery door. The RAZR battery isn’t user replaceable and you’re not supposed to remove the glued on back. With the DROID 4 the back does come off, but it’s no easy task. They’ve provided a small tool (don’t lose it) inside the box as a removal tool. Under there is where you’ll find the already installed micro-SIM for 4G LTE and a micro-SD slot for extra storage. It seems Motorola really wants to take the Apple route here, but is a bit undecided or afraid of the backlash that might follow. See the ridiculous picture below to see what I mean. Yes you must have the tool, and you pull the battery cover down and off — and it’s not easy.

Overall for first impressions the DROID 4 is pretty decent. Those wanting a QWERTY slide-out hardware keyboard it is excellent, but in terms of the Android market as a whole it’s pretty average for me. Being extremely similar to the RAZR many should love this phone powered by Gingerbread. See our size comparison in the image gallery below. The DROID 4 like many other Moto devices should see Ice Cream Sandwich within the next 3-6 months. Just like the bootloader the back is also secured by a Motorola lock and key, something that I’d rather not see in the world of Android. Stay tuned for our full review soon and check out the hands on video below.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : DROID 4

Manufactuer : Motorola

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : February 07, 2012

Release Date : February 10, 2012

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.0 Inch
• Resolution : 540x960
• Screen Type : qHD AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.0 Inch
• Width : 2.65 Inch
• Depth : .50 Inch
• Weight : 179 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1785 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 200 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : OMAP4430

CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 16 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 4.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

Today, RIM claimed BlackBerry applications make more money than those on Android. I do agree with them on this issue, yet it’s important not to lose sight of the one billion apps that were downloaded from the Android Market from just December to January. So to clarify – per application, a BlackBerry app may create more revenue; but Android is profiting from many more applications and at a much faster rate.

Motorola’s DROID 4 will hit Verizon this Friday, and they’ll even offer BOGO RAZR’s upon its release in stores everywhere. Coincidentally, Verizon will also be bringing back their double data promotion the same day. It seems they’ve more than enough data to go around, so why not share the wealth?

And those of you HP TouchPad owners will be glad to know that HP has released the source code from its internal Android kernel to the CyanogenMod team! If only this was initiated a few months ago, it would have saved countless hours of work from many developers that were running the project.

In case you weren’t following along: a kind XDA member has posted just the radio and bootloader updates for the CDMA Galaxy Nexus, bringing the baseband up to date without affecting your current ROM. This is especially useful for users of heavily modded Nexus ROMs, like the popular Android Open Kang Project. Just download the file in the source link to your 4.02 or 4.03 CDMA ROM, reboot into your recovery, and flash the ZIP file. There have been no issues reported thus far, but it’s always a good idea to make a Nandroid backup just in case. NOTE: The radio in the XDA thread DOES NOT work with the international GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus.

Users are reporting improved signal by about 10% in previously spotty areas, and the hand-off between 3G and LTE connections seems to be smoother as well. Of course, you won’t get access to some of the more flashy tweaks in Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4, but if you’re reading this, odds are pretty good that you keep your custom ROM up to date. Developers have already started updating their ROMs, and the nightlies and betas should all be ready by the end of the week. Happy flashing!

We’ve known this is coming for months, but that doesn’t mean we’re happy about it. Truth be told, we’re not particularly pleased with the tiered data system, which implies a mobile bandwidth crunch without any empirical data to back it up. The simple fact is that on AT&T and Verizon, those with grandfathered unlimited plans can get a lot more for their dollar (in both cases, $30 a month) than can those customers who A) want more than 2GB of data a month and B) signed a new contract after the changes went into effect. To punish unlimited users for using their unlimited connection isn’t just disingenuous, it implies that they’re doing something wrong, as if the Internet itself was a non-renewable resource and they’re taking more than their fair share.

I must stress that AT&T limiting high-bandwidth users isn’t illegal in any sense. T-Mobile already does this with their “unlimited” plans, even though the smaller company is actively marketing them. In legalese, the “limit” (or lack thereof) applies to the amount of data transferred, not the speed at which it’s delivered. All that being said, limits of any kind on a service that was marketed as unlimited, however long ago, rubs power users the wrong way. This is doubly true considering how wireless service and its various satellite charges have become more expensive, even as the larger carriers seem to be raking in the money more than ever before. Even Verizon’s “Double Data Deals” come off as cheap attempts to lure in new customers with a “better value”; just remember when you’re paying $80 a month for 20GB of bandwidth that a small portion of Verizon users can go over 100GB and beyond for just thirty bones.

The good news is that if you receive a warning letter or email from AT&T, it’s probably grounds enough to get out of your current two-year contract if you so choose. The change in AT&T’s interpretation of their own rules is enough to make the huge ordinary early termination fee waivable, at least if you press your point with the right customer service agent. (Dropping a few names like the Better Business Bureau and The Consumerist couldn’t hurt.)

Even so, the pressure from a provider to alter its customers’ behavior to suit its own ends is not encouraging, especially when that provider does not offer the service that said customer originally paid for to others. AT&T’s recent attempt to buy out T-Mobile (instead of, for instance, spending several billion dollars on its own often disappointing 3G network) only serves to alienate them from American consumers wary of cellular companies. AT&T, Verizon: if you don’t want smartphones to devour gobs and gobs of data, why do you advertise them streaming music, HD movies and generally being the awesome connected devices that they are?

Here’s the gist of my little rant: AT&T needs to either offer truly unlimited service or quit implying that it wants its customers to enjoy the “freedom” that web-connected devices allow. Don’t tell us we’re unlimited, or even how great your service is, if you want us to use WiFi all the time. Failing that, give us real, concrete reasons why the current tiered system is absolutely necessary – because from our consumer standpoint, its only purpose is to net you some extra gotcha fees when we go over. (That goes for you too, Verizon.) Warning customers that they shouldn’t be using their phones as much is a great way to drive them to somebody else – or at least it would be, if more carriers offered real unlimited service.

You get that, nationwide carriers? Whoever offers real unlimited service again, on a carrier that’s reliable and available, gets the dollars of power users. You know, the ones who are always first in line to pay those ridiculous subsidized smartphone prices.

The update should be hitting devices any time now and you can start by checking for updates right on your device as usual by going into settings > about phone > and checking for updates. The update is about 57 MB in size and should only take a few minutes. The update isn’t anything major like the last one, or bring Ice Cream Sandwich but the change log does give us a few good ideas of what to expect.

Looking at the details below we see tons of changes and improvements to stability — something Bionic owners have been plagued with. They’ve also updated battery life, audio and video while streaming over HDMI, fixed some in-call audio interruptions and more. Then they specifically mention not only phone stability, but data stability too. I know from first hand experience the Bionic seems to drop data and for longer periods of time than most of my Verizon 4G LTE devices laying around.

As usual a few Verizon apps and bloatware have been added or updates, but that is to be expected. The update is rolling out in stages and should be landing soon. Check out the change log image below for all the details, and be sure to let us know once you get the update how everything goes. I’m interested in those data connection improvements. If you are rooted and are worried about loosing it give OTA RootKepper a try.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : DROID Bionic

Manufactuer : Motorola

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : August 24, 2011

Release Date : September 08, 2011

Also Known As : Targa

Display

• Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
• Resolution : 540x960
• Screen Type : qHD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.00 Inch
• Width : 2.60 Inch
• Depth : 0.40 Inch
• Weight : 159 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1735 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• MP3

Video Playback:
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU :

CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16.384 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording
• 720p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM
• CDMA

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

CDMA Band:
• 800
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 2.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

In addition to the double data deal, new smartphone users can trade in their old “feature phones” for $30 credit. If you’re in the market for a 4G LTE tablet, you can get $100 off if you purchase it with any new Verizon phone. Keep in mind that both will require separate data plans – rumors of shared plans for Verizon are, at the moment, just rumors. Verizon didn’t extrapolate on the fine print, but it’s almost certain that this promotion can’t be combined with the buy one get one free RAZR promotion.

There’s no word on when these deals will end, but when the original double data deal started in November, it lasted for two months. As nice as it is to see more liberal data limits from a major carrier, it seems like a very motivated move – there’s nothing that indicated a 20GB limit is taxing Verizon’s network, so why do we need a “special” to access it? Why isn’t there an unlimited option (say, for $100 a month) for those of us who truly need it? And why not extend these kindnesses to hotspot users, who really need the breathing room?

[via SlashGear]

If you’ve seen a DROID RAZR, imagine it with a slightly smaller screen, then add a sliding QWERTY keyboard. That’s basically it. Aside from the keyboard, the biggest departure from the RAZR design is the 4-inch qHD LCD (not AMOLED) screen, and the fact that the battery is removable. The same respectable components are present: 1.2Ghz dual-core processor, 16GB of storage space, an 8MP camera and Motorola’s customized Gingerbread software. The tough construction and tapered styling of the RAZR and DROID XYBOARD tablets remains intact. Alas, so does the locked bootloader.

The DROID 4 won’t be the only thing debuting on Friday: Verizon is also pulling the veil off of a new buy one, get one free deal for its RAZR phones. That includes the original Motorola DROID RAZR, the white and purple variants introduced a few weeks ago, and the brand new DROID RAZR MAXX with the slightly larger size and nearly double battery capacity. Pairs of DROID RAZRs without an SD card can be had for $199.99 on contract, while the models with a free 16GB MicroSD card and the RAZR MAXX are still $299.99. Taking advantage of the BOGO deal requires a second existing or activated account.

Google will no longer publish the updated system software images for the three devices, because connecting to a CDMA network requires digital files and programs signed by the operator of that network, which can’t be open-sourced. Technically, this means that the entire ROM can’t be called “open source”, and therefore doesn’t belong on AOSP (Android Open Source Project). However, Google has updated its initial statement on Google Groups, reassuring device owners that they will continue to support the software even though it isn’t being posted to the AOSP repository.

Here’s their second statement in full (emphasis added):

Hi, all! Thanks for all the questions. Here’s a quick omnibus to answer thequestions folks have asked… First, just to be clear this change is only related to AOSP support forthese devices — that is, personal custom builds. These are obviously still officially-supported Nexus devices for everyday use, they will receive official software updates, and so on. Similarly, these are still fully-supported development devices for app developers.

Second, as I noted at the top of the thread, Nexus devices will still haveunlocked bootloaders, and we’ll continue to make available as many of the closed-source binaries as we can. CDMA support in AOSP has always been morechallenging than GSM, and this change is a reflection of that reality.

On that topic, here’s a quick clarification on the core issue. Every devicehas a number of closed-source software packages included on it. Though Google distributes some of these binaries for Nexus devices for use with AOSP, Google does not own the software. Rather, this software is variously owned by the device manufacturer, the carrier, and their suppliers. We tryto get distribution rights for as many of these binaries as possible, butin some cases it is difficult or impossible to obtain these rights. (CDMA specifically has a tricky history of intellectual property.) Combined withthe technical issues of needing to sign the apks correctly, this has prevented us from obtaining the distribution rights we need to supportthese devices in AOSP.

Finally, we will of course continue to work on improving support. If we can resolve these issues, we’ll certainly restore CDMA support to AOSP. In the meantime, we’ve updated our docs to be more accurate about the degree ofsupport.

So what it boils down to is this: Google either had some sort of agreement with the owners of the copyrighted code in the CDMA portions of the Android software images, or the owners either didn’t know or didn’t care about its distribution. Apparently, that’s no longer the case. Google has lost the right to distribute this code, or never had it in the first place and it’s now being enforced. GSM and WiFi operate on a collection of open standards, so this isn’t a problem for other phones like the standard models of the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S or the WiFi-only XOOM.

Google claims that they will continue to support CDMA phones to the best of their abilities, particularly when it comes to the binaries that developers need. They also hope to restore CDMA support to the Android Open Source Project at some point. This still leaves Android users with two questions: one, does this limited support include software updates directly from Google, or must the CDMA devices get them after the carriers and manufacturers have added their copyrighted code? If users can’t download the latest software from Google, how could they get it any other way?

And two: why the sudden change in policy? Why is this CDMA restriction in the open source code being enforced now, almost a year after the XOOM became the first developer device on a CDMA network? At this point, Google isn’t being particularly chatty on either subject.

Remember that Nexus and developer devices have always come with, and will continue to come with, unlockable bootloaders. The impact that this move has on custom ROMs for Nexus phones and the XOOM is almost zero. Even so, this change sets a worrying precedent for anyone who wants to use a developer device on the CDMA network of their choice.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : GALAXY Nexus 4G [Verizon]

Manufactuer : Samsung

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : December 14, 2011

Release Date : December 15, 2011

Also Known As : Nexus Prime

Display

• Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.33 Inch
• Width : 2.67 Inch
• Depth : 0.37 Inch
• Weight : 150 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1850 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 150 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• h.264 / AVC

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : OMAP 4460

CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 32 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 5 MP

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

CDMA Band:
• 900
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

Many are assuming this will be Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the popular Motorola device – and it very well could be. Motorola has mentioned multiple times in the past they are aiming to update to ICS quickly in the beginning months of 2012 so we are hopeful.

We saw some leaked information on an upcoming update back in late January that has yet to land on devices. It’s also possible Verizon and Motorola may have made a few small changes and are getting ready to push that update yet again, but again nothing has been confirmed regarding what the update actually is. The last few updates for the Bionic has really improved the device in the few areas that were needed. Hopefully we’ll be hearing more and we will be sure to update once anything comes in.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : DROID Bionic

Manufactuer : Motorola

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : August 24, 2011

Release Date : September 08, 2011

Also Known As : Targa

Display

• Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
• Resolution : 540x960
• Screen Type : qHD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.00 Inch
• Width : 2.60 Inch
• Depth : 0.40 Inch
• Weight : 159 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1735 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• MP3

Video Playback:
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU :

CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16.384 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording
• 720p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• GSM
• CDMA

GSM Band:
• 850
• 900
• 1800
• 1900

CDMA Band:
• 800
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 2.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

— Thanks Nickolas

Verizon has had a deep longing for content-based revenue for the better part of a decade, and watching the likes of Apple, Google and Netflix load up on mobile content hasn’t helped them with their envy. RedBox is extremely popular in the US as an alternative to NetFlix, especially in areas where poor or non-existent broadband make streaming video impractical. While Netflix has had a few hiccups in the last year thanks to poor business decisions and a fluctuating library, RedBox continues to dominate the retail rental space. Teaming up with a well-known brand is a good move on Verizon’s part.

The partnership will almost certainly mean that Verizon customers will have exclusive access to RedBox’s digital content, at least on the mobile side of things. That indicates Android and iOS apps, and considering how far out they’re throwing this thing, the apps will probably launch with the service. Pricing is a no-show, but expect it to compete with the likes of Netflix and Hulu Plus in the $10-15 a month area. If the two companies can wrangle enough content to turn heads and somehow leverage RedBox’s retail presence, it could be a winner.

The Samsung Galaxy Note will officially launch on AT&T coming February 19th, and the LTE variant is heading to Rogers sometime later this month too. Samsung is spending a great deal of cash to advertise the device during the Super Bowl, and they’ve even released a nice teaser video of it. Keep your eyes peeled during the game, you all know commercials during the big game are always the best.

Are own Michael Crider put a few devices to the test over the past week and a half, and finally has some in-depth reviews of both the LG Spectrum, and Motorola DROID RAZR Maxx. Both are well worthy to purchase, and the Spectrum proved to be quite the upgrade from LG’s former device on Verizon – the Revolution. However, if it’s battery life you’re looking for – the the RAZR Maxx won’t disappoint. Battery life on it was amazing, and seemed to last forever.

Those of you interested in modding your device to make it ‘harder, better, faster, stronger’ should definitely try out Franco’s new kernel for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. It has proven great battery life and speed on more than one of our devices, so we highly recommend it. And finally, the last bit of news to rehash is Google’s removal of CDMA devices from their official support documentation in AOSP. However, those of you still interested in one can pick it up from Costco for a mere $219 – with an included extended battery too. That’s a $49.99 value, free. The offer is only available until February 7th, so you’ll have to act within that timeframe.

After using my own Galaxy Nexus, the extended battery is almost an essential upgrade. If you squint at this snapshot of their in-store advertisement, you’ll see this deal is only available until February 7th (Tuesday). If you can’t make it to the store but still want to take advantage of this promotional pricing, it’s also available for order from Costco’s website.

Sure, Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus isn’t being supported by Google as an official developer device anymore, but it will still receive updates. The GSM variant will nab them quicker, but having 4G LTE embedded within could definitely be worth the tradeoff. They are limiting 5 orders per member, so don’t try over ordering – as it could result in a cancellation.

[via Talk Android]

Cloud based computing and storage, video conferencing, email, and chat have been simultaneously available on countless platforms prior to Verizon’s UCC. Other carriers and companies may have not coined a name for it, but they offer similar, if not the same, services as UCC. The main strength Verizon has going for them is their 4G LTE.

With their LTE network, everything gets done faster and more efficiently. That’s why customers flock there, and that’s why they’re satisfied. Sure, it’s nice to know a single company can offer everything you need to successfully run a business, but if you do a little more research – you’ll find out other carriers are just as capable.

[via YouTube]

Thanks to Verizon and their NFL Mobile app, All users will be able to watch the game in full right from their favorite Android devices — Awesome! We’ve mentioned this before but figured a reminder was due with the big game being in two days and all. All 4G LTE customers get NFL Mobile’s Premium Red Zone service that usually costs a few bucks a month for free, but for the Super Bowl everyone with the app will be able to enjoy the game.

It will be the first time that the Super Bowl will be officially streamed to mobile devices, a miracle of licensing negotiation as much as a technical achievement. The BIG game will also be streamed from many other sources and sites including NBC’s Sunday Night Football Extra web service, but that requires a subscription. I’m sure there are many other ways you’ll all be watching the big game and we’d love to hear them. For everyone that isn’t on Verizon and doesn’t have NFL Mobile — sorry about that. I wish it was for all Android devices too.

We’d love to hear your plans for the Super Bowl, and how you’ll be watching it. Sound off in the comment section below and don’t forget to get the NFL Mobile app from the Market Link below.

Market Link

After a fast and frenzied response from angry Nexus owners, Google clarified its position on the Android Contributors Google Groups page. Basically, the company has decided to remove CDMA devices from its official support documentation because the technology and software required to make them function correctly is closed-source. The radios and other APK files for a CDMA device must be digitally signed by a carrier, something that can’t be open-sourced, and therefore isn’t included in the Android Open Source Project. It boils down to this: Google can’t control every aspect of the software, and based on the principles of “Nexus” and developer devices, CDMA devices don’t really qualify.

Here’s the official statement in its entirety:

Hello! This is a quick clarification about support for CDMA devices.

For various technical reasons, recent CDMA Android devices implement core telephony functionality in .apk files provided in binary form by the carriers. To function correctly, these .apk files must be signed by the so-called “platform” key. However, when an individual creates a custom build from the AOSP source code, they don’t use the same signing key as these CDMA flies were signed with.

The result is that these files don’t work properly, and pure AOSP builds running on these devices can’t place calls, access mobile data, and so on. Because we aim to make sure that we are as clear as possible about the degree of support that devices have, we updated the docs over at source.android.com to reflect this reality.

We will still make available as many as possible of the closed-source binaries for these devices, and Nexus devices will continue to have unlockable bootloaders. And, of course, GSM/HSPA+ devices are still supported, as are any other devices we’re able to support. We’ve simply updated the documentation to be clearer about the current extent of CDMA support.

We are of course always working to improve support, and we’ll keep everyone updated as we make improvements. Thanks as always for your interest in AOSP!

Google will still support the Galaxy Nexus LTE, Nexus S 4G and XOOM CDMA, at least as long as the hardware is compatible with updated versions of Android. But it won’t be with the same direct support that GSM developer devices enjoy. This probably means that updates to the Galaxy Nexus will come through Verizon… just like all the other Android phones out there. Presumably that gives Verizon or any other CDMA carrier the option to either delay or ignore the update. This isn’t an agreeable position for many Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus and XOOM owners, as it sullies the “pure Google experience” that’s expected (if not explicitly promised) from a developer device.

The timing is suspect. The removal of CDMA devices comes just a day after AT&T’s reinstatement of Google Wallet on the Android Market. Since Verizon customers can only access Google Wallet via a work-around, whatever tense relationship between the developers and the carrier seems to have been kept to the status quo. This could have been the last straw for Google, or it might be completely unrelated. Neither party seems willing to speak on the subject.

The Verge contacted Google on the subject and got this response:

Every day, Android developers openly distribute applications via Android Market. Google is also a developer within this ecosystem and we want to offer the apps we develop such as Google Wallet, so people have access to the full range of functionality offered by the platform.

It’s important to note that the three devices in question still have unlockable bootloaders, and that isn’t likely to change. Ever. The Galaxy Nexus LTE, Nexus S 4G and XOOM CDMA are still valid as developer devices, in the sense that you can download Android code, compile it and run it on them without any barriers. Custom ROMs and other mods will not be affected. Even so, the sudden drop in priority support is certain to ruffle the feathers of serious Android enthusiasts, many of whom bought these phones and tablets based on that support alone. We’ll keep you updated on this story as it progresses.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : GALAXY Nexus 4G [Verizon]

Manufactuer : Samsung

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : December 14, 2011

Release Date : December 15, 2011

Also Known As : Nexus Prime

Display

• Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
• Resolution : 1280x720
• Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.33 Inch
• Width : 2.67 Inch
• Depth : 0.37 Inch
• Weight : 150 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1850 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 150 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 4.0.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• h.264 / AVC

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : OMAP 4460

CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1000 MB

Internal Storage : 32 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 5 MP

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 1080p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

CDMA Band:
• 900
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

Assuming that the price in question hold steady, it’s a surprisingly good price for a new high-end phone. Motorola’s DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX will both run you $300 (though you can – and should – shave $100 off the price of the RAZR by getting it without a MicroSD card), as will the Galaxy Nexus and HTC Rezound. Placing the new DROID model at Verizon’s mid-range price seems odd, but clearly they’re setting it at a lower tier when compared with other phones, even though the DROID 4′s specs compete pretty evenly with them.

Speaking of specs: the DROID 4 is basically a copy of the DROID RAZR, with a smaller screen, removable battery and of course a slide-out keyboard. The DROID 4 comes with a 4-inch screen running the same 960×540 resolution, but sadly trades in the AMOLED panel for a more pedestrian LCD.   You still get a 1.2Ghz processor, 1GB of RAM, 8MP camera and (sigh) Motorola’s Gingerbread with a custom UI and a locked bootloader. We spent some hands-on time with the DROID 4 at CES and came away impressed – everyone else should be able to in a week or two.

One of the main additions in Milestone 1 was the incorporation of Roman’s power menu and ICS-like toggles. Another welcomed improvement since then includes the ability to unlink ringtone and notification volumes. The stock setting was quite irritating on my Galaxy Nexus, and hopefully this will be pushed into other ROMs as well. Using the ‘Phone’ app in landscape mode now works too! It’s great when trying to dial a number when your phone is docked in the car.

A tiny SMS icon has also been added into the lockscreen for easy access. This currently doesn’t help you Google Voice users, but eventually the team plans on making it configurable. Countless other fixes were also baked in, and head here if you want to take a look at them all. This is essentially a ‘nightly’, but Milestone builds are more focused on stability rather than the introduction of new features. Tell us how you like it! AOKP has been butter smooth on all our devices so far, so this one should be no different!

[via RootzWiki]

Why Google Wallet can’t be open throughout all carriers is beyond me. Those of you on other T-Mobile or ‘Big Red’ head to http://market.android.com and conduct a search for ‘Google Wallet’ on your device. During this, your phone will then prompt if you would like to open the page within the Market application, but just say no and continue within your browser. Next, select ‘Install’. When it asks if you would like to open it in the Market, select YES this time. You can then install the app just like any other!

Since the Android Market application recognizes Google Wallet as a legit download, you will be able to receive normal updates. On a side note, those of you that already installed a modified version of the .APK file should definitely remove it before going through with this method. It could possibly mess up the download.

[via TalkAndroid]