So we’ve been hearing for a while about different S4 variations on the way.  In fact, we just shared with you guys the first shots of what we expect to be the S4 Active.  While there’s plenty of evidence pointing to variations of the S4 there hasn’t been a lot confirmation from Samsung itself.  Well it looks like that just changed.  In the change log for Samsung’s WatchON application, you can clearly see that they have added support for the S4 Mini, S4 Active, and S4 Mega.  I’m not sure they meant to reveal this yet but there it is for all of us to see.

The S4 Mini and Active are already pretty well known but the S4 Mega is new to me.  Samsung had outed their new Galaxy Mega series a while back but those phones did not carry the S4 name at all.  Speculation is that perhaps they’ll launch an S4 like device with a slightly larger screen.  This differs from the Mega series in that the Mega series had more mid-level specs rather than flagship specs.  The question that I have though is if this device comes into fruition, does it not overlap with the Note series?  The Note series always has top of the line specs and hardware (often matching the S series) but differs in the larger screen.  So why create another high-speced large screen device ?

I guess we’ll have to wait and see what kind of things Samsung has on the way.

[SamMobile]

Did Samsung Just Confirm A Bunch Of S4 Variations? is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Did Samsung Just Confirm A Bunch Of S4 Variations? appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

We may have our first look at the much talked about Galaxy S4 Active.  As you can see in the pictures above, this device looks like some sort of variation of the Galaxy S4 but is quite different at the same time.  The back corners look like they’ve been covered with some sort of rubber and the 3 physical buttons on the front look very much like the buttons found on the Galaxy Rugby LTE.  If this is indeed the Galaxy S4 Active I have to say I like the design.  It’s thinner than I had anticipated and there’s something about that red and black colour combination that I really like.  It just looks cool to me!

In case you forgot the Galaxy S4 Active is a rugged-ized version of the Galaxy S4.  It’s rumoured to use the same Snapdragon 600 processor that is found in many variants of the S4 and will still feature a 5″ 1080p display.  The camera has been downgraded however from a 13MP camera to an 8MP shooter (likely the one from the S3 and Note II).  The biggest difference with this phone though is it will be water resistant and dustproof.

This phone still isn’t official so things can still change but the picture is definitely becoming clearer and clearer.

What do you guys think?  Would you hold out for the S4 Active or are you good with your regular S4??

[GSMArena]

Is This The Galaxy S4 Active??? is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Is This The Galaxy S4 Active??? appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

Happy Victoria Day to all of you!  Here’s some awesome news for all you Galaxy S III users to enjoy on your extra day off today.  A functional, but not final, version of the Android 4.2.2 firmware for the Galaxy S3 has found its way onto the web.  What does this update bring to the table?  Well it brings a lot of those nifty S4 features to the now former flagship device.  Samsung had promised to bring as many of the new features to the S3 as possible and it looks like they’re holding true to their word for the most part.  Here’s a list of the new features that were found in this build:

 Android 4.2.2 – Build ID: JDQ39
- New S4 Lockscreen: Multiple Widgets, two Unlock effects (Ripple and Light), improved ripple effect than Android 4.1.2, ability to change clock size and set a personal message
- New Screen modes (From S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo
- Daydream
- Driving mode
- Actionable notifications
- New Additions in Notification Center
- Completely revamped Settings UI (Tabbed interface – Exactly like the S4)
- Addition of Voice controls (Let’s you control various parts of the phone using voice commands – Galaxy S4 feature)
- Gallery modes have white background (When changing gallery modes to 3D the background changes to white)
- Full screen Samsung apps
- New S-Voice (from S4)
- New smart switch widget

All in all some nice additions that will help that “old” S3 feel a little bit more like an S4.  One thing that I’ve really like with the S4 is the new camera UI and so far that doesn’t appear to be in this particular version of the firmware.  However, I imagine that Samsung will eventually bring that to the S3 and Note II as well as that is all software stuff and shouldn’t be limited by the earlier generation hardware.

Now before you go and try and dive in to try this out, this firmware is only for the international version of the phone.  From what I read, it will NOT work on the Canadian versions with the model number i747m.  It ONLY works on the i9300 models.  It’s very possible that some crafty devs will find a way to port it to the Canadian version but for the time being sit on your hands and don’t do anything crazy!

[SamMobile]

First Android 4.2.2 Firmware For The Galaxy S3 Leaks is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post First Android 4.2.2 Firmware For The Galaxy S3 Leaks appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

In the coming week, assuming marked predictions are correct, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 is expected to hit the 10 million unit mark. Samsung CEO JK Shin enlightened us to the sales achievement at an industry event in Seoul.

This pace will surpass the mark set by the Samsung Galaxy S III, which hit the 10 million mark in 50 days. The SGS 4 will ship 10 million units 20 days faster, less than a month after the official launch.

The SGS 4 was first available in Korea on April 26 and is now available in more than 60 different countries. The news of a stock Android version of the SGS 4 should give sales a bit of a bump, however without that it is sure to be one of the top selling phones.

[Android Community]

Samsung Galaxy S 4 To Reach 10 Million Units Within A Week is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Samsung Galaxy S 4 To Reach 10 Million Units Within A Week appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

Individual Plans:
$50/month:
- 150MB Data
- 1,000 local weekday minutes
- Call display, Voicemail
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Unlimited evenings and weekends (starts at 6PM until 7AM)
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling from your computer/tablet (Rogers One Number)

$60/month:
- 500MB Data
- 1,000 local weekday minutes
- Call display, Voicemail
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Unlimited evenings and weekends (starts at 6PM until 7AM)
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling from your computer/tablet (Rogers One Number)

$70/month (added 1GB data):
- 2GB data
- Unlimited local minutes
- Call display, Voicemail
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Unlimited evenings and weekends (starts at 6PM until 7AM)
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling from your computer/tablet (Rogers One Number)
- Share ready

$80/month (added 1GB data):
- 4GB data
- Unlimited local minutes
- Call display, Voicemail
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Unlimited evenings and weekends (starts at 6PM until 7AM)
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling from your computer/tablet (Rogers One Number)
- Share ready

$100/month (added 1GB data):
- 6GB data
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling
- Call display, Voicemail
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Unlimited evenings and weekends (starts at 6PM until 7AM)
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling from your computer/tablet (Rogers One Number)
- Share ready

Family Plans:
$90/month plan:
- 2,000 weekday minutes
- 300MB data
- Unlimited evenings starting at 6PM
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Call Display, Voicemail

$110/month plan:
- 2,000 weekday minutes
- 1GB data
- Unlimited evenings starting at 6PM
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Call Display, Voicemail

$130/month plan (was $140/month and added 2GB data):
- 2,000 weekday minutes
- 4GB data
- Unlimited local calling
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Call Display, Voicemail

$150/month plan (was $160/month and added 2GB data):
- 8GB data
- Unlimited local calling
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Call Display, Voicemail

$190/month plan (was $200/month and added 2GB data):
- 12GB data
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling
- Unlimited text, picture and video messaging
- Call Display, Voicemail

[Rogers]

Rogers Shakes Up Rate Plans is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Rogers Shakes Up Rate Plans appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

Many of us were expecting a refreshed Nexus 4 (with LTE and maybe in white) and Android 4.3 to be announced at the big keynote the other day but we were all left disappointed as neither of those things were shown off.  However, AndroidandMe states that they were able to obtain some time with the much leaked white Nexus 4  while at I/O.

According to them, it is indeed an exact copy of the original Nexus 4 with the exception of the new splash of colour.  They also learned that the new white Nexus 4 will become available in just under a month, June 10 to be exact.  It, like the original, will be sold through the Play Store and should come with the same low price tag.

Lastly, Android 4.3 is supposedly going to debut on the re-coloured device.  There’s still no real idea as to what 4.3 will bring to the table but the one minor change that everyone seems to agree on is support for Bluetooth Smart.  In essence, Bluetooth Smart just helps with power consumption so that even if you leave your Bluetooth on you won’t be completely draining your battery.

I’ll be keeping an eye on this news and I’ll pass on any new bits of info I hear.

[AndroidandMe]

Rumour: White Nexus 4 To Be Available June 10 With 4.3 On Board is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Rumour: White Nexus 4 To Be Available June 10 With 4.3 On Board appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

The HTC One has really helped HTC regain some of their former glory from the early Android years.  Not only is it a stunning device that runs great but HTC’s latest Sense UI, Sense 5, is a much more well thought out and put together UI.  It’s less glitz and glamour and a little more minimal and functional.

A little while after the release of the One, HTC stated that they would work to bring Sense 5 to their previous flagship device, the One X, as well.  We’re not too sure if all of Sense 5 will be brought over to the previous flagship but it seems at least two of the more major features will be making it.  A tweet from developer LlabTooFeR stated that both Zoe and Blinkfeed will make it to the One X.

In case you forgot, Blinkfeed is the Flipboard like live homepage for the device.  It helps in keeping you connected to your social networking sites and news sites all from the home screen.  It was something I used a lot more than expected when I was testing out the One.  Zoe, on the other hand, I didn’t find much use for but still see the value in it.  Zoe is a camera feature that puts together short 3-second previews so that you can capture moments rather than static images.

There’s still no official date for the update but hopefully it won’t be too far off.  This kind of update can definitely make that One X feel like a new phone all over again.

[PhoneArena]

HTC One X To Get Zoe And Blinkfeed is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post HTC One X To Get Zoe And Blinkfeed appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

TELUS has been contacting customers regarding the compatibility of VOIP based apps and being able to dial 9-1-1. When users attempt to call 9-1-1 the app attempts to go back to regular dialing, however if you have the app as you default dialer you will not be able connect to 9-1-1.

In their press release however TELUS offered steps users can take to make sure this does not happen. Those steps are below and the link to the full release is below. I would suggest doing this as soon as possible as the fix is easy and being able to get emergency services when you need them is not something you wanna mess around with.

If you use one of these apps, we strongly recommend you change the default dialer settings to allow 911 calls by following these steps:

1. Select Settings (or System Settings) on your phone

2. Scroll down to Applications (may be listed as Apps or Application Manager)

3. Select the phone dialer application that was set as the default for dialing calls (e.g. Skype or Viber)

4. Scroll down to the “Launch by default” section and click on the “Clear defaults” button

I can also confirm that Rogers is contacting customers via text message regarding this issues as well. No word on Bell, Wind, or Mobilicity as of yet but expect it soon.

[TELUS]

Android Users Can’t Connect To 9-1-1 With Third Party Dialers is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Android Users Can’t Connect To 9-1-1 With Third Party Dialers appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

When I worked at a wireless providers retail outlet I was surprised at how many customers would come in with issues directly related to being close to the border with ‘Murica. When it wasn’t direct interference that was messing with people’s connection it was customers connecting to an American carrier and incurring roaming fees without knowing.

There is some promise however, the world longest unprotected border will be seeing some wireless harmony in the near future. Both countries will begin sharing more of the spectrum and will harmonize all of the major networks to address any issues. Both sides will also use protocols to automatically resolve any conflicts mitigating any unforeseen issues.

Hopefully this brings an end to a very solvable problem, until then if your close to the border keep the roaming off on your device and you should be fine.

[Engadget]

Canada, US Reach A Broadband Spectrum Sharing Deal is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Canada, US Reach A Broadband Spectrum Sharing Deal appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.

This rumour has been going back and forth for some time now so I’m not sure what to believe but here’s the new report anyway.  According to SamMobile’s Samsung insider, the Galaxy Note III will indeed use the same plastic design of the S3/S4 and Note II.  That means we will NOT see a new design this year but simply a larger version of the Note II but with a smaller bezel.

According to the insider, the reason behind their choice is a supply issue more than anything else.  Samsung does not believe they will be able to produce enough of the re-designed shell to meet the demand so they have opted to stick with what they can actually handle.

I’m definitely disappointed with the news and I’m hoping that this latest tip is wrong this time around but it seems more and more likely that we won’t be seeing a redesign this time around.  I’m not so much opposed to the plastic as I’d just like to see a different look to my favourite phone.

What do you guys think?  Do they need a redesign?

[SamMobile]

Latest Note III Rumour Points To Plastic Design is a post from: Android in Canada Blog

The post Latest Note III Rumour Points To Plastic Design appeared first on Android in Canada Blog.