The super scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass quickly became the gold standard for Android smartphones when it debuted over a year ago. Gorilla Glass made it so that it was okay if you happened to throw your phone in the same pocket as your keys, pens, or a tomahawk.

Samsung and Corning have announced [...]]]>

The super scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass quickly became the gold standard for Android smartphones when it debuted over a year ago. Gorilla Glass made it so that it was okay if you happened to throw your phone in the same pocket as your keys, pens, or a tomahawk.

Samsung and Corning have announced a new joint venture between the two companies, which will bring Corning’s Lotus Glass technology to future Galaxy smartphones. Lotus Glass promises to bring enhanced picture quality, better response times, and higher resolutions, all while conserving power to keep your phone running longer.

Samsung has made a killing on selling Android devices with some of the most brilliant displays seen in a smartphone, and the combination of AMOLED and Lotus Glass will help Samsung maintain their dominance. We could see Lotus Glass come to Galaxy smartphones as early as this summer, when Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S III.

To learn more about Lotus Glass, we suggest you hit up Corning’s site. For more on the joint venture between Samsung and Corning, check out the press release below. Are you excited for Lotus Glass on Samsung super-phones? Sound off in the comments.

In an attempt to better categorize its smartphones, Samsung created its very own naming strategy. What good is a naming strategy without a good variety of devices, though? This is why Samsung is also introducing 4 new devices, ranging from entry-level to mid-end devices.

Before we move on to the phones, let’s explain how the [...]]]>

In an attempt to better categorize its smartphones, Samsung created its very own naming strategy. What good is a naming strategy without a good variety of devices, though? This is why Samsung is also introducing 4 new devices, ranging from entry-level to mid-end devices.

Before we move on to the phones, let’s explain how the new naming strategy works. It uses letters (Y/M/W/R/S) and a second indicator when it applies (Pro/Plus/LTE). These are the definitions of each letter and indicator according to Samsung:

• “S” (Super Smart) – Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung’s mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S–the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.
• “R” (Royal / Refined) – Premium category models. A combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.
• “W” (Wonder) – High quality, strategic models. Perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.
• “M” (Magical) –High-performance models at an economic price-point.
• “Y” (Young) – Entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.

• “Pro” – The device includes a QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals.
• “Plus” – The device is an upgrade from an existing model.
• “LTE” – The device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed.

With all the terms are straightened out, it’s easier to know what to expect from a device just by its name. And as you can see, the devices introduced today are entry-level to high-tier. We love diversity and choice; we welcome all types of smartphones.

Galaxy Y

This entry-level smartphone (Y) will be affordable, but not as powerful. Sporting an 823 MHz processor and Android 2.3, this will not be such a bad device. Even low-end devices are coming out with Gingerbread these days, which is a great sign. Also, that processor would have been among the best just a year ago, so it will definitely take care of most simple tasks you throw at it. The Galaxy Y will also come with a 3-inch display and a 2 MP camera and will feature Swype. Not too bad for an affordable smartphone, right?

Galaxy Y Pro

Details about this device are scarce, but you can expect it to be the same as the Galaxy Y with a different form-factor. This device comes with a full QWERTY physical keyboard and resembles the Blackberry form-factor. Would be good for Blackberry users trying to jump on the Android bandwagon. This smartphone is designed for “professionals” who need to message, edit documents and type for longer periods of time.

Galaxy M Pro

This “Magical” device brings better performance to the affordable price-range. Also sporting a physical keyboard, this device does feature better processing power and specs for those professionals that need a boost. With a 1 GHz processor, a 2.66-inch display, a 5 MP rear-facing camera, a .3 MP front-facing camera and Android 2.3 Gingerbread, this device should not have too many hiccups.

Galaxy W

This high-tier “Wonder” device will come with a 1.4 GHz processor (still single-core). Not bad at all. Featuring Android 2.3 Gingerbread, this smartphone should take care of all your needs. What makes this different is that it  has a 3.7-inch display, which is not common for devices with better specs.

Conclusion

Seeing new devices show up is always great, and we welcome them to the Android family. There is one more thing I have been wondering about, though. IFA is just around the corner, and these smartphones have just shown up. Do you guys think the Samsung Unpacked commercial has something to so with all these phones? After all, it does show a bunch of people with a “shiny thing” on their hands. This could relate to the messaging that there’s a Samsung device available for every type of person out there.

Do you guys think this is the “big thing” (or things) Samsung was teasing us about? Or might it be another device? If you haven’t seen the commercial, it’s posted below. Anyone liking these new devices?

If there’s one thing I feel very strongly about when it comes to the smartphone biz (all platforms and manufacturers included), it’s names. I cannot stand the crazy silly names some companies come up with for their phones. If you’re going to continue a series of devices, then a simple number after a name should [...]]]>

If there’s one thing I feel very strongly about when it comes to the smartphone biz (all platforms and manufacturers included), it’s names. I cannot stand the crazy silly names some companies come up with for their phones. If you’re going to continue a series of devices, then a simple number after a name should work. Droid, Droid 2, Droid 3, Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, G1, G2, etc. It’s not always that easy though.

With the Droid series, Verizon has everyone screwed up. They need to just leave manufacturers alone and drop the freaking “Droid” already. For devices in the US that are Motorola branded, I suppose it works well enough. I’m just tired of people still talking about my “Droid,” which is actually a Nexus device. Then there’s Samsung’s phones. If it’s not a Galaxy S, I could quite frankly care less. So I suppose they’ve done something right–or wrong–there. The T-Mobile G series? Well that one’s started to get confusing as well. The G1 and G2 were both vanilla Android devices with a QWERTY keyboard–like a pro series device. Then came the G2X. It was vanilla Android, but without a keyboard. It just came out around the same time as the G2. So will the next G device without a keyboard be the G3x? Or G2X2? Or maybe just the G3, if they drop the keyboard? And then there’s the crazy names that have nothing to do with any sort of logical pattern. Absolutely can’t stand it. Which is why, when Samsung’s naming scheme for new devices was explained today, I paid close attention to how it was managed. For the first time in quite awhile, smartphone names make sense.

Samsung has broken down the Galaxy series into letters and numbers. It all starts with the S.

Galaxy S devices are the top-of-the-line flagship Samsung phones. That makes sense. Every new Galaxy S device released will have a number after it. Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, Galaxy S III and so on and so forth. US names are still confusing in this regard. But no matter the name attached to the device, it’s still a Galaxy S or Galaxy S II series device. This number after letter scheme is the basis for the entire Galaxy lineup.

Right below an S device, you’ll find Samsung Galaxy R devices. The R stands for royal and refined. If you remember yesterday, Samsung announced the Galaxy R, which appeared to be a slightly dumbed-down Galaxy S II.

Below R devices, phones will be labeled W for wonder. After that comes M for magical, and finally Y for young-minded. If a device gets a keyboard, it’s a Pro device. LTE means it comes with LTE. And Plus means a bump in specs, but not design. It’s kind of a lot to take in at first, but once you figure it out it’s great. A Galaxy W Pro II? That’s the second Galaxy W, a high-class device, that comes with a keyboard. Hopefully Samsung doesn’t go too crazy with it. Releasing devices like the Samsung Galaxy R III Pro Plus LTE would be ridiculous.

If other companies could adopt a similar scheme for naming, it could save people in my line of work a lot of hassle. And it would make decisions for consumers a lot easier. If you know the price range for each letter, then just stick to looking at phones with that label.

What do you think? Good idea? Or are you terribly confused? Do you prefer RIM’s 9900, 9930, 9485, 9475? Apple’s iPhone, 3G, 3gS, 4? Let us know in the comments below.

August 3, [...]]]> Many Android phones have been delayed in 2009.  We have been expecting 15-20 new Android devices before year’s end and it appears most of them will launch near the end of Q4.  Finally we are beginning to see some unofficial dates, so I thought it was time to review all the rumors.

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AT&T

August 3, 2009 – HTC Lancaster

AT&T fans are hoping this phone is still coming.

This phone was first leaked by Engadget back in May and was supposed to be AT&T’s first Android offering.  Looking at the specs, it appears to be the same guts as all other HTC Android phones.  The target availability was listed as August 3rd, but no news has surfaced since then.

Included with the leak was the following note, “Initial Lab Entry dates were based on Google Mobile Services (GMS) UI, AT&T standard UI has been requested, which puts schedule in question.”  This tells me that AT&T might still be tweaking Android to their liking and this is most likely the reason for delay.

I don’t see tons of people rushing out to buy this phone, but I know many AT&T customers would like an alternative to the iPhone.  With the right price point (sub $100), I think it has the potential to enjoy the success of the G1.

Q4 2009 – HTC Hero

Engadget has reported the the HTC Hero has been approved by the FCC for AT&T 3G bands.  With time running out, it will be interesting to see how AT&T would launch both of these HTC phones together.

I expect we could see something similar to the way Rogers offered the HTC Dream and HTC Magic on the same day.  Two similar phones, but one with the keyboard and one without.

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Sprint

October 11, 2009 – HTC Hero

T-Mobile fans were sad when they found out no Hero for them.

Most Android fans are familiar with the HTC Hero by now.  The phone is currently available in the UK and has received positive reviews.  T-Mobile USA chose to pass on the Hero and went with the myTouch 3G as their flagship phone for 2009.

A leak started on XDA for the American release date of October 11th way back in April, but no carrier was mentioned.  The same leak revealed new information last week that led us to conclude the phone is headed to Sprint.  CDMA support is already appearing in the latest Android code and should be ready by October.

Recent rumors also suggest this might be the first Android phone with WiMax support on Sprint’s new 4G network.  Clearwire is working with Sprint in building the WiMax network and reported it will have service in 10 cities starting September 1.  One of those 10 cities in my hometown Corpus Christi, TX so I’m really crossing my fingers that this rumor comes true.

October 11, 2009 – Samsung Q

The Samsung m850 was leaked by Invisible Shield.

The same leak that told us Hero would come to Sprint also listed the “Samsung Q” as launching the same day.  CellPassion has reported that a new Samsung phone is coming with the model number M900.  The device pictured above is the M850 to give you an idea of what the phone might look like.

It’s also entirely possible that Samsung Q could refer to another device.  Samsung has a line of mobile internet devices called the Q-Series.  It has been suggested that Sprint is also testing WiMax devices for Samsung.  Check out the Mondi which was demonstrated at CTIA.  The device had Windows loaded, but would it really surprise you to see Android pop up?

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T-Mobile

October 21, 2009 – Motorola Morrison/Cliq

The Morrison captured by a Phandroid tipster.

The Motorola Morrison has been making more frequent appearances.  The above image leaked by Phandroid, appears to be the final hardware.  I recently did a wrap up of everything we know about this phone and I think it will be named the CLIQ when it finally goes on sale.

I predicted an October launch date and now a “trusted source” from DroidDeveloper claims the phone will hit October 21st.  Motorola is holding their MOTODEV Summit on October 6th and plans to preview upcoming devices.  I think it is entirely possible this phone could make its rumored date.

Q4 2009 – Samsung Bigfoot & Samsung Houdini

According to Samsung, they were supposed to have Android devices for Sprint and T-Mobile by Q2 2009.  That never happened, but they managed to launch the Samsung Galaxy overseas.  That same phone model, the i7500, has been approved by the FCC using T-Mobile’s 3G bands.

Most of us thought we would hear something by now, but that has not been the case.  T-Mobile had both phones listed on their leaked roadmap for 2009, but plans could have changed.  I expect we will eventually see the i7500 in one form or another, but there is no clue what the other device will look like.  There have been several leaked pics of the Bigfoot with each one looking like a different phone.

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Verizon

October, 2009 – Motorola Sholes

What CPU will power Sholes?

Verizon customers waiting for Android should keep their eye on Motorola.  It appears the rumored Sholes might be their only hope this year.  Motorola has confirmed they will have two devices on sale this holiday season for two major carriers.  As seen above, we think the Morrison on T-Mobile will be one device and the Sholes on Verizon will be the second.

The picture should come into focus by mid September.  There are no CPU specs, but I have been speculating it could be a Snapdragon based device.  Anonymous readers have suggested the CPU is the Texas Instruments OMAP 3430 – Same as the Palm Pre, but I find that hard to believe.

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Bonus: Cellular South

Could the budget priced HTC Click find its way to Cellular South?

We can’t talk about Android phones and leave Cellular South out.  This regional carrier recently announced it would offer an Android phone later this year.  They run a CDMA network that covers parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.

It remains to be seen what type of device they will sell.  Cellular South currently offers phones from HTC, Samsung, Motorola, and LG who all have new Android phones coming.  My best guess would be the CDMA version Hero or maybe the low priced HTC Click.

I believe the regional carriers will play an important role in Android’s future and we will be bringing you further updates when we get them.

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