Verizon to give customers option to pay via carrier billing for Google Play purchases

Google Play announced today that they will be implementing a new feature for Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon users will be able to select “Bill my Verizon Wireless account” when making purchases in Google Play to have the charges show up on their phone bill. It appears this option can be used for anything purchased in Google Play, including apps, movies, books, music, and magazines. No specific date for availability was included in Google’s announcement via their Google+ page, but they do say the feature will be rolling out to users during the next couple weeks.

source: Google Play Google+ Page

Verizon Wireless Is Full Steam Ahead For Voice Over LTE Network, Plans On Rollout By Late 2013 Or Early 2014

Following the lead of MetroPCS, Verizon Wireless is set on bringing voice over LTE (VoLTE) to its customers by late 2013 or 2014. According to Nicola Palmer, VP of network and CTO for Verizon Wireless, Verizon will begin a formal consumer trial at some point within the next year, with a subsequent formal rollout shortly after. Verizon is quick to point out the benefits of its testing of voice over LTE too. As opposed to using an old-school 3G voice-based network, voice over LTE has voice calls broken into data bits and transmitted across the LTE network— similar to an email transmission or song streaming over the internet. The hope is this technology will be more efficient than traditional wireless voice services, allowing for clearer calls and other services that can be linked to it. In addition, this feature will finally allow for Verizon customers to surf the internet while on a call using their cellular device.

While VoLTE is exciting news, this may possibly bring not just confusion to the average customer of how this works— but it will likely end traditional cellular minutes as we know it. Because VoLTE does not utilize a traditional voice network to transmit voice over an LTE network, mobile users are actually using 4G data packets to make and receive phone calls. This means that if you’re on one of Verizon’s Data Share plans, you’ll need to pay special attention to how many phone calls you make as it will certainly contribute to your overall monthly data usage and thus— those unlimited minutes would likely be well you know, useless.

The good thing is while we have our fair share of concerns with Verizon’s intentions, we have at least a year to see Verizon work out its various kinks and issues. This means we should see much more clarity as we near its release hopefully around this time next year.

source: CNet

Verizon Wireless Is Full Steam Ahead For Voice Over LTE Network, Plans On Rollout By Late 2013 Or Early 2014

Following the lead of MetroPCS, Verizon Wireless is set on bringing voice over LTE (VoLTE) to its customers by late 2013 or 2014. According to Nicola Palmer, VP of network and CTO for Verizon Wireless, Verizon will begin a formal consumer trial at some point within the next year, with a subsequent formal rollout shortly after. Verizon is quick to point out the benefits of its testing of voice over LTE too. As opposed to using an old-school 3G voice-based network, voice over LTE has voice calls broken into data bits and transmitted across the LTE network— similar to an email transmission or song streaming over the internet. The hope is this technology will be more efficient than traditional wireless voice services, allowing for clearer calls and other services that can be linked to it. In addition, this feature will finally allow for Verizon customers to surf the internet while on a call using their cellular device.

While VoLTE is exciting news, this may possibly bring not just confusion to the average customer of how this works— but it will likely end traditional cellular minutes as we know it. Because VoLTE does not utilize a traditional voice network to transmit voice over an LTE network, mobile users are actually using 4G data packets to make and receive phone calls. This means that if you’re on one of Verizon’s Data Share plans, you’ll need to pay special attention to how many phone calls you make as it will certainly contribute to your overall monthly data usage and thus— those unlimited minutes would likely be well you know, useless.

The good thing is while we have our fair share of concerns with Verizon’s intentions, we have at least a year to see Verizon work out its various kinks and issues. This means we should see much more clarity as we near its release hopefully around this time next year.

source: CNet

Grab a Verizon Galaxy Nexus for $50, with a two-year agreement

It is common sense that the longer a phone sits on the market, the more the value is depreciated. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a great example of this. Upon release, I remember the phone selling for well over $250 on a two-year contract, and over $600 to purchase the device without any agreement. Luckily the folks over at Verizon Wireless have made a deal to good to refuse. That’s right, some sort of wizardry has changed the price of the Galaxy Nexus, to a low of $50! Of course you need to sign on to a contract to obtain this deal, but if you are willing to go with Verizon no matter what, this seems like the deal for you.

It probably makes sense why Big Red is throwing upgradable customers this type of promotion. Perhaps a new, better, and stronger device is to come in to play on the Verizon network? I would love to hear your comments.

Source: Verizon Wireless

It’s Official: The Samsung Galaxy Note II to land on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular in time for the holidays

We already kind of knew this was the case with the various leaks we’ve seen over the last few weeks, but Samsung just officially announced that the Galaxy Note II will be available in the U.S. soon. All five major carriers; AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular will carry the phablet and will be available in time for the holidays. That means by mid-November, but each carrier will most likely choose their own timeframe.

The U.S. version of the Galaxy Note II will be identical to the international version and the presser even states that we will get the 1.6GHz Exynos quad-core processor as well, which is very surprising. If you remember, the U.S. version of the Galaxy S III sported the Snapdragon S4 due to LTE compatibility.

Full press release after the break:

Samsung Mobile Introducing Galaxy Note® II in Time for the Holidays with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular

Redesigned S Pen and apps, sharing capabilities and quad-core Exynos™ processor enhances productivity, creativity and performance

DALLAS – September 19, 2012 – Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) – the No.1 mobile phone provider in the United States1 – will launch the Galaxy Note® II in the U.S. with five major carriers by mid-November. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the carriers.

Optimized for the fastest 4G LTE* and HSPA+ 42 networks, the Galaxy Note II combines some of the best capabilities of the Galaxy S® III with an enhanced S Pen and new S Pen apps, the processing power to multitask like a PC, with a larger screen yet in a thinner, lighter form factor. The Galaxy Note II enables consumers that want a larger format device to create, collaborate and now share original content faster and easier than before.

“The original Galaxy Note® created a new category of smartphones by combining the best of a smartphone with the best of a tablet. In less than a year, Samsung sold more than 10 million globally demonstrating the category is taking hold,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “The new Galaxy Note II is a significant leap forward for the category.”

Power & Performance

Galaxy Note II marks the U.S. debut of Samsung’s Exynos™ 1.6 GHz quad-core processor optimized for LTE networks. It has 2GB of internal RAM; and comes with 16 GB of onboard file storage and supports up to 64GB of additional memory with a microSD® card. Collectively, these deliver easy multitasking, lightning fast screen transitions, powerful browser performance and minimal app load time.

The Galaxy Note II is the first Samsung smartphone to launch with Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean, which brings stunning graphical capabilities and an upgraded Google Now service, including new features such as contextual search. It is also a SAFE-designated device, which means it has additional security features to safe-guard sensitive data and communications.

The Galaxy Note II has a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED™ touchscreen with 16:9 aspect ratio, the standard for true HD video viewing, and comes with a 3,100 mAh battery, which is 24 percent larger than the original Galaxy Note.

Despite the much larger battery, the device weighs slightly less than the original Galaxy Note. As a result of a narrower bezel on all four sides of the screen, the screen is larger but the overall device is narrower. The Galaxy Note II is available in Marble White and Titanium Gray color options.

Create & Collaborate

At the heart of the Galaxy Note II and the ability to create and collaborate is the S Pen™, which has been ergonomically redesigned to provide a more precise and natural writing and drawing experience. The new S Pen can sense 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, four times more than the original S Pen.

When the new S Pen is removed from the Galaxy Note II, it automatically launches the S Pen menu, which opens a new home screen that allows one-touch access to most used S-Pen applications. Keeping track of the S Pen is simple now too because a visual and audible alarm appears if the user forgets to put the S Pen back inside the device.

The S Pen’s advanced features provide the ability to capture ideas, inspiration and information instantly, and to combine handwriting with any digital content directly on the screen, such as adding new calendar appointments by writing the event details directly on the day of the week, signing or adding handwritten notes to an email.

Selecting and cropping text, images or other content on the Galaxy Note II with the S Pen is very similar to a traditional “click-mouse” experience. When the S Pen’s side button is pressed down, the S Pen recognizes that users want to clip or edit the selected content on the screen. Users can draw precise lines around the content to be cropped out, highlighted or copied into another application.

Key applications of the S Pen include:

Easy Clip feature allows users to instantly outline and crop any content on the screen in any shape to save, share or paste. Once done cropping the image, users can freely edit the cropped content through coloring, shading, or their own personal handwriting.
Air View allows users to hover with the S Pen over an email, calendar entry, image gallery or video to preview the content without having to open it or wait for screen transitions. This feature also enables users to preview Web site content without opening the full site. Air View provides a title description for unrecognizable icons in various applications.
Quick Command, the S Pen quickly activates applications and services people use most often. The command pad appears with one upward swipe on the screen with the S Pen button pressed down. Users can send an email, make a call or search a location with pre-registered and customized S Pen strokes marks made on the command pad.
Idea Sketch – allows users to easily add illustrations by handwriting keywords on the S Note. It provides illustration images that match the handwritten keywords. It’s a fancy illustration match function that will allow users to express, organize and visualize ideas in a more innovative and creative way. Users can even customize and add in their own illustrations library.
Photo Notes which allows users to create handwritten notes on the back of digital photos.

Multitask & Share

The Galaxy Note II takes multitasking to the next level by enabling consumers to launch multiple windows on one screen, including high definition video. Multitasking features include:

Popup Note lets users open an S Note instantly as a pop-up window to jot down a quick note during a phone call, checking email or watching a video.
Popup Video extends the concept of ‘Popup Play.’ While watching a video, with the touch of a button, the video will become a floating window on the display. The video will continue to play and it can be re-sized or repositioned to any part of the GALAXY Note II’s screen. This versatility means that users are free to load other applications beneath it to browse online or work in other apps such as email, calendar or text messaging.
Popup Browser launches a new browser window when a user clicks on a link embedded in an email.

The Galaxy Note II contains many of the popular, real-life content sharing features introduced in June on the Samsung Galaxy S™ III including:

S Beam – Tap back of Galaxy Note II against another S-Beam-enabled device to share large video files, documents or S Notes in seconds without using data service.
Share Shot – Seamlessly share pictures taken with Galaxy Note II’s 8 megapixel camera to other phones from up to 200 feet away.
Burst Shot/Best Shot – Capture rapid-fire still pictures with zero shutter lag; choose picture with optimal colors, lighting and clarity from Best Shot image recommendations.
AllShare Cast™ and GroupCast™ have been expanded on the Galaxy Note II. Share premium video content, mobile games and movies and TV shows from Samsung Media Hub wirelessly with Samsung Smart TVs, laptops, tablets and other consumer electronics.

Customize & Accessorize

· Protective Flip Cover – Samsung’s unique flip cover enhances the look of the Galaxy Note II with a premium leather front and glossy backing, while providing privacy and protection. The Protective Flip Cover comes in seven vibrant colors to customize the Galaxy Note II, including Titanium Gray, Marble White, Blue, Pink, Mint, Lime Green, and Orange.

· S Pen with Eraser – This ergonomic, full-featured S Pen features a button for gestures and an eraser tip for easy corrections. This updated version of Samsung’s original S Pen truly mimics the feel of a pen or pencil.

For more information: Visit us at www.facebook.com/samsungmobileusa

1 Samsung Mobile is the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics, North America Handset Vendor Marketshare, Q2 2012. Samsung Electronics Company is the No. 1 smartphone provider worldwide, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics Global Smartphone Vendor Market Share by Region: Q2 2012.

*4G LTE when used in relation to the Galaxy Note II refers to the fact that the device can operate on the relevant carrier’s LTE network

Samsung, Galaxy, Note, Exynos, AllShare, S Pen and HD Super AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

It’s Official: The Samsung Galaxy Note II to land on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular in time for the holidays

We already kind of knew this was the case with the various leaks we’ve seen over the last few weeks, but Samsung just officially announced that the Galaxy Note II will be available in the U.S. soon. All five major carriers; AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular will carry the phablet and will be available in time for the holidays. That means by mid-November, but each carrier will most likely choose their own timeframe.

The U.S. version of the Galaxy Note II will be identical to the international version and the presser even states that we will get the 1.6GHz Exynos quad-core processor as well, which is very surprising. If you remember, the U.S. version of the Galaxy S III sported the Snapdragon S4 due to LTE compatibility.

Full press release after the break:

Samsung Mobile Introducing Galaxy Note® II in Time for the Holidays with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular

Redesigned S Pen and apps, sharing capabilities and quad-core Exynos™ processor enhances productivity, creativity and performance

DALLAS – September 19, 2012 – Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) – the No.1 mobile phone provider in the United States1 – will launch the Galaxy Note® II in the U.S. with five major carriers by mid-November. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the carriers.

Optimized for the fastest 4G LTE* and HSPA+ 42 networks, the Galaxy Note II combines some of the best capabilities of the Galaxy S® III with an enhanced S Pen and new S Pen apps, the processing power to multitask like a PC, with a larger screen yet in a thinner, lighter form factor. The Galaxy Note II enables consumers that want a larger format device to create, collaborate and now share original content faster and easier than before.

“The original Galaxy Note® created a new category of smartphones by combining the best of a smartphone with the best of a tablet. In less than a year, Samsung sold more than 10 million globally demonstrating the category is taking hold,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “The new Galaxy Note II is a significant leap forward for the category.”

Power & Performance

Galaxy Note II marks the U.S. debut of Samsung’s Exynos™ 1.6 GHz quad-core processor optimized for LTE networks. It has 2GB of internal RAM; and comes with 16 GB of onboard file storage and supports up to 64GB of additional memory with a microSD® card. Collectively, these deliver easy multitasking, lightning fast screen transitions, powerful browser performance and minimal app load time.

The Galaxy Note II is the first Samsung smartphone to launch with Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean, which brings stunning graphical capabilities and an upgraded Google Now service, including new features such as contextual search. It is also a SAFE-designated device, which means it has additional security features to safe-guard sensitive data and communications.

The Galaxy Note II has a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED™ touchscreen with 16:9 aspect ratio, the standard for true HD video viewing, and comes with a 3,100 mAh battery, which is 24 percent larger than the original Galaxy Note.

Despite the much larger battery, the device weighs slightly less than the original Galaxy Note. As a result of a narrower bezel on all four sides of the screen, the screen is larger but the overall device is narrower. The Galaxy Note II is available in Marble White and Titanium Gray color options.

Create & Collaborate

At the heart of the Galaxy Note II and the ability to create and collaborate is the S Pen™, which has been ergonomically redesigned to provide a more precise and natural writing and drawing experience. The new S Pen can sense 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, four times more than the original S Pen.

When the new S Pen is removed from the Galaxy Note II, it automatically launches the S Pen menu, which opens a new home screen that allows one-touch access to most used S-Pen applications. Keeping track of the S Pen is simple now too because a visual and audible alarm appears if the user forgets to put the S Pen back inside the device.

The S Pen’s advanced features provide the ability to capture ideas, inspiration and information instantly, and to combine handwriting with any digital content directly on the screen, such as adding new calendar appointments by writing the event details directly on the day of the week, signing or adding handwritten notes to an email.

Selecting and cropping text, images or other content on the Galaxy Note II with the S Pen is very similar to a traditional “click-mouse” experience. When the S Pen’s side button is pressed down, the S Pen recognizes that users want to clip or edit the selected content on the screen. Users can draw precise lines around the content to be cropped out, highlighted or copied into another application.

Key applications of the S Pen include:

Easy Clip feature allows users to instantly outline and crop any content on the screen in any shape to save, share or paste. Once done cropping the image, users can freely edit the cropped content through coloring, shading, or their own personal handwriting.
Air View allows users to hover with the S Pen over an email, calendar entry, image gallery or video to preview the content without having to open it or wait for screen transitions. This feature also enables users to preview Web site content without opening the full site. Air View provides a title description for unrecognizable icons in various applications.
Quick Command, the S Pen quickly activates applications and services people use most often. The command pad appears with one upward swipe on the screen with the S Pen button pressed down. Users can send an email, make a call or search a location with pre-registered and customized S Pen strokes marks made on the command pad.
Idea Sketch – allows users to easily add illustrations by handwriting keywords on the S Note. It provides illustration images that match the handwritten keywords. It’s a fancy illustration match function that will allow users to express, organize and visualize ideas in a more innovative and creative way. Users can even customize and add in their own illustrations library.
Photo Notes which allows users to create handwritten notes on the back of digital photos.

Multitask & Share

The Galaxy Note II takes multitasking to the next level by enabling consumers to launch multiple windows on one screen, including high definition video. Multitasking features include:

Popup Note lets users open an S Note instantly as a pop-up window to jot down a quick note during a phone call, checking email or watching a video.
Popup Video extends the concept of ‘Popup Play.’ While watching a video, with the touch of a button, the video will become a floating window on the display. The video will continue to play and it can be re-sized or repositioned to any part of the GALAXY Note II’s screen. This versatility means that users are free to load other applications beneath it to browse online or work in other apps such as email, calendar or text messaging.
Popup Browser launches a new browser window when a user clicks on a link embedded in an email.

The Galaxy Note II contains many of the popular, real-life content sharing features introduced in June on the Samsung Galaxy S™ III including:

S Beam – Tap back of Galaxy Note II against another S-Beam-enabled device to share large video files, documents or S Notes in seconds without using data service.
Share Shot – Seamlessly share pictures taken with Galaxy Note II’s 8 megapixel camera to other phones from up to 200 feet away.
Burst Shot/Best Shot – Capture rapid-fire still pictures with zero shutter lag; choose picture with optimal colors, lighting and clarity from Best Shot image recommendations.
AllShare Cast™ and GroupCast™ have been expanded on the Galaxy Note II. Share premium video content, mobile games and movies and TV shows from Samsung Media Hub wirelessly with Samsung Smart TVs, laptops, tablets and other consumer electronics.

Customize & Accessorize

· Protective Flip Cover – Samsung’s unique flip cover enhances the look of the Galaxy Note II with a premium leather front and glossy backing, while providing privacy and protection. The Protective Flip Cover comes in seven vibrant colors to customize the Galaxy Note II, including Titanium Gray, Marble White, Blue, Pink, Mint, Lime Green, and Orange.

· S Pen with Eraser – This ergonomic, full-featured S Pen features a button for gestures and an eraser tip for easy corrections. This updated version of Samsung’s original S Pen truly mimics the feel of a pen or pencil.

For more information: Visit us at www.facebook.com/samsungmobileusa

1 Samsung Mobile is the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics, North America Handset Vendor Marketshare, Q2 2012. Samsung Electronics Company is the No. 1 smartphone provider worldwide, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics Global Smartphone Vendor Market Share by Region: Q2 2012.

*4G LTE when used in relation to the Galaxy Note II refers to the fact that the device can operate on the relevant carrier’s LTE network

Samsung, Galaxy, Note, Exynos, AllShare, S Pen and HD Super AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

It’s Official: The Samsung Galaxy Note II to land on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular in time for the holidays

We already kind of knew this was the case with the various leaks we’ve seen over the last few weeks, but Samsung just officially announced that the Galaxy Note II will be available in the U.S. soon. All five major carriers; AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular will carry the phablet and will be available in time for the holidays. That means by mid-November, but each carrier will most likely choose their own timeframe.

The U.S. version of the Galaxy Note II will be identical to the international version and the presser even states that we will get the 1.6GHz Exynos quad-core processor as well, which is very surprising. If you remember, the U.S. version of the Galaxy S III sported the Snapdragon S4 due to LTE compatibility.

Full press release after the break:

Samsung Mobile Introducing Galaxy Note® II in Time for the Holidays with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular

Redesigned S Pen and apps, sharing capabilities and quad-core Exynos™ processor enhances productivity, creativity and performance

DALLAS – September 19, 2012 – Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) – the No.1 mobile phone provider in the United States1 – will launch the Galaxy Note® II in the U.S. with five major carriers by mid-November. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the carriers.

Optimized for the fastest 4G LTE* and HSPA+ 42 networks, the Galaxy Note II combines some of the best capabilities of the Galaxy S® III with an enhanced S Pen and new S Pen apps, the processing power to multitask like a PC, with a larger screen yet in a thinner, lighter form factor. The Galaxy Note II enables consumers that want a larger format device to create, collaborate and now share original content faster and easier than before.

“The original Galaxy Note® created a new category of smartphones by combining the best of a smartphone with the best of a tablet. In less than a year, Samsung sold more than 10 million globally demonstrating the category is taking hold,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “The new Galaxy Note II is a significant leap forward for the category.”

Power & Performance

Galaxy Note II marks the U.S. debut of Samsung’s Exynos™ 1.6 GHz quad-core processor optimized for LTE networks. It has 2GB of internal RAM; and comes with 16 GB of onboard file storage and supports up to 64GB of additional memory with a microSD® card. Collectively, these deliver easy multitasking, lightning fast screen transitions, powerful browser performance and minimal app load time.

The Galaxy Note II is the first Samsung smartphone to launch with Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean, which brings stunning graphical capabilities and an upgraded Google Now service, including new features such as contextual search. It is also a SAFE-designated device, which means it has additional security features to safe-guard sensitive data and communications.

The Galaxy Note II has a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED™ touchscreen with 16:9 aspect ratio, the standard for true HD video viewing, and comes with a 3,100 mAh battery, which is 24 percent larger than the original Galaxy Note.

Despite the much larger battery, the device weighs slightly less than the original Galaxy Note. As a result of a narrower bezel on all four sides of the screen, the screen is larger but the overall device is narrower. The Galaxy Note II is available in Marble White and Titanium Gray color options.

Create & Collaborate

At the heart of the Galaxy Note II and the ability to create and collaborate is the S Pen™, which has been ergonomically redesigned to provide a more precise and natural writing and drawing experience. The new S Pen can sense 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, four times more than the original S Pen.

When the new S Pen is removed from the Galaxy Note II, it automatically launches the S Pen menu, which opens a new home screen that allows one-touch access to most used S-Pen applications. Keeping track of the S Pen is simple now too because a visual and audible alarm appears if the user forgets to put the S Pen back inside the device.

The S Pen’s advanced features provide the ability to capture ideas, inspiration and information instantly, and to combine handwriting with any digital content directly on the screen, such as adding new calendar appointments by writing the event details directly on the day of the week, signing or adding handwritten notes to an email.

Selecting and cropping text, images or other content on the Galaxy Note II with the S Pen is very similar to a traditional “click-mouse” experience. When the S Pen’s side button is pressed down, the S Pen recognizes that users want to clip or edit the selected content on the screen. Users can draw precise lines around the content to be cropped out, highlighted or copied into another application.

Key applications of the S Pen include:

Easy Clip feature allows users to instantly outline and crop any content on the screen in any shape to save, share or paste. Once done cropping the image, users can freely edit the cropped content through coloring, shading, or their own personal handwriting.
Air View allows users to hover with the S Pen over an email, calendar entry, image gallery or video to preview the content without having to open it or wait for screen transitions. This feature also enables users to preview Web site content without opening the full site. Air View provides a title description for unrecognizable icons in various applications.
Quick Command, the S Pen quickly activates applications and services people use most often. The command pad appears with one upward swipe on the screen with the S Pen button pressed down. Users can send an email, make a call or search a location with pre-registered and customized S Pen strokes marks made on the command pad.
Idea Sketch – allows users to easily add illustrations by handwriting keywords on the S Note. It provides illustration images that match the handwritten keywords. It’s a fancy illustration match function that will allow users to express, organize and visualize ideas in a more innovative and creative way. Users can even customize and add in their own illustrations library.
Photo Notes which allows users to create handwritten notes on the back of digital photos.

Multitask & Share

The Galaxy Note II takes multitasking to the next level by enabling consumers to launch multiple windows on one screen, including high definition video. Multitasking features include:

Popup Note lets users open an S Note instantly as a pop-up window to jot down a quick note during a phone call, checking email or watching a video.
Popup Video extends the concept of ‘Popup Play.’ While watching a video, with the touch of a button, the video will become a floating window on the display. The video will continue to play and it can be re-sized or repositioned to any part of the GALAXY Note II’s screen. This versatility means that users are free to load other applications beneath it to browse online or work in other apps such as email, calendar or text messaging.
Popup Browser launches a new browser window when a user clicks on a link embedded in an email.

The Galaxy Note II contains many of the popular, real-life content sharing features introduced in June on the Samsung Galaxy S™ III including:

S Beam – Tap back of Galaxy Note II against another S-Beam-enabled device to share large video files, documents or S Notes in seconds without using data service.
Share Shot – Seamlessly share pictures taken with Galaxy Note II’s 8 megapixel camera to other phones from up to 200 feet away.
Burst Shot/Best Shot – Capture rapid-fire still pictures with zero shutter lag; choose picture with optimal colors, lighting and clarity from Best Shot image recommendations.
AllShare Cast™ and GroupCast™ have been expanded on the Galaxy Note II. Share premium video content, mobile games and movies and TV shows from Samsung Media Hub wirelessly with Samsung Smart TVs, laptops, tablets and other consumer electronics.

Customize & Accessorize

· Protective Flip Cover – Samsung’s unique flip cover enhances the look of the Galaxy Note II with a premium leather front and glossy backing, while providing privacy and protection. The Protective Flip Cover comes in seven vibrant colors to customize the Galaxy Note II, including Titanium Gray, Marble White, Blue, Pink, Mint, Lime Green, and Orange.

· S Pen with Eraser – This ergonomic, full-featured S Pen features a button for gestures and an eraser tip for easy corrections. This updated version of Samsung’s original S Pen truly mimics the feel of a pen or pencil.

For more information: Visit us at www.facebook.com/samsungmobileusa

1 Samsung Mobile is the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics, North America Handset Vendor Marketshare, Q2 2012. Samsung Electronics Company is the No. 1 smartphone provider worldwide, based upon reported shipments, according to Strategy Analytics Global Smartphone Vendor Market Share by Region: Q2 2012.

*4G LTE when used in relation to the Galaxy Note II refers to the fact that the device can operate on the relevant carrier’s LTE network

Samsung, Galaxy, Note, Exynos, AllShare, S Pen and HD Super AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

Verizon’s Galaxy Note II will reportedly have locked bootloader

We already knew Samsung’s Galaxy Note II would be making its way to Verizon Wireless, but a new report suggests that the 5.5-inch behemoth will be locked down. An inside source has confirmed that Big Red’s Note II will ship with a locked bootloader, meaning users who want to install custom ROMs or kernels are out of luck.

The news isn’t all that surprising considering Verizon previously told us that it would be locking down most of its devices moving forward. That’s not to say that some developers can’t find a workaround, but at this point things aren’t looking good. Regardless, let’s just hope that the Verizon branding on the home button is just a temporary sticker.

Source: Brief Mobile

Verizon Will Open Evolution 2.0 Store In Grand Central Station

Verizon is planting their first “Evolution 2.0″ store in the New York metro area in one of New York’s most well known landmarks, Grand Central Station. The store will be having it’s grand opening this Friday, September 14, and they will be hosting a two day event to celebrate. On Thursday afternoon the party begins with the Pentatonix, the a Capella group that won season three of NBC’s The Sing-Off.  The fun continues on Friday when the store opens and customers will be able to enjoy free food and exclusive deals while WXRK 92.3 NOW provides entertainment. Oh, and customers can take pictures with the Giants 2012 Super Bowl trophy from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the first such store in the New York Metro area but not the first in America. Evolution 2.0 stores have been around since February, but this looks like Verizon’s way to introduce the concept store to the world. Hit the break for the full press release.

Verizon Wireless to Officially Open Its First-Ever Evolution 2.0 Store in the New York Metro Region in New York City’s Grand Central Station

Grand opening to feature Pentatonix, season 3 winners of NBC’s THE SING-OFF; 2012 Super Bowl Trophy will also be on display for New York Giants fans

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless, owner of America’s largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, today announced that Grand Central Station, a New York City landmark, will host the first-ever Evolution 2.0 store in the New York Metro Region. The anticipated grand opening of the new store will officially take place on September 14^th. As the first Evolution 2.0 location in the New York Metro Region, the Grand Central Station store features an open and inviting floor plan that connects the service center and sales floor, offering added device experience and support for customers.

“We are truly excited to bring our latest Evolution 2.0 store to the New York Metro Region and, specifically, to Grand Central Station — the hub of New York City,” said Pat Devlin, President of the New York Metro Region for Verizon Wireless. “Along with the terrific entertainment and savings being made available to New Yorkers on Friday’s official grand opening, I’m confident that this location, within a New York City landmark, will prove to be a reliable resource that our customers can turn to for all their wireless needs.”

In celebration of the latest Evolution 2.0 store in the historic Grand Central Station, Verizon Wireless will host a two-day grand opening event from September 13^th to September 14^th, featuring in-store entertainment and exclusive offers for customers. The event will kick off on Thursday, September 13^th, a day prior to the official grand opening with a live performance from Pentatonix, the a cappella sensations and winners of season three of NBC’s THE SING-OFF, from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Following Pentatonix’s pre-opening performance, the festivities will continue for the store’s official grand opening on Friday, September 14^th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Customers will be able to take photos with the New York Giants’ 2012 Super Bowl Trophy from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., while WXRK 92.3 NOW FM will be on hand to provide additional entertainment. The opening will also provide free food and refreshments, including signature cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop.

The Grand Central Station location is Verizon Wireless’ latest Evolution 2.0 Store, and is the first of its kind in the New York Metro Region. The new layout offers consumers an open, inviting and interactive environment for discovery of Verizon Wireless’ devices, accessories and services to explore their wireless needs. Customers enjoy a hands-on experience with the latest 4G LTE smartphones, diverse offering of 4G LTE tablets, and unique devices such as the Verizon Jetpack™, and so much more. Store goers can now visualize and experience how these devices will empower their day-to-day lives. Additionally, shoppers can participate in free in-store Wireless Workshops to learn how to maximize the potential of their wireless devices. The Grand Central Station store is located at 420 Lexington Avenue and has hours of Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 10:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

In conjunction with the opening event, customers who visit the new Grand Central Station store from September 14^th through September 30^th will receive exclusive savings and deals, including 50% off any Bluetooth headset $79.99 or less, $75 off any 4G LTE Android Smartphone with a new two-year activation or renewal (data pack required), and a free 4G LTE Hotspot or a free 4G LTE USB Modem with a new two-year activation on a Mobile Broadband plan.

Store Manager Daniel Nieves is also encouraging area residents to join the company in its efforts to help survivors of domestic violence by bringing no-longer-used wireless phones to the new store for donation to HopeLine® from Verizon, a phone recycling program. Through HopeLine, Verizon collects used cell phones to be recycled or sold and donates the proceeds in the form of cash grants and pre-paid wireless phones to advocacy groups for use by survivors.

The Grand Central Station Evolution 2.0 store is one of over 123 Verizon Wireless retail locations in the New York Metro Region.  For a complete list of all Verizon Wireless Stores, visit www.verizonwireless.com or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN.  Follow Verizon Wireless on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Anonymous Source Claims Samsung SCH-I605 Is Verizon’s Galaxy Note II, Also Claims Galaxy Note II Is Headed For U.S. Cellular

We know Samsung’s Galaxy Note II is headed to at least AT&T and Sprint, but now it looks like Verizon Wireless is all set to get in on the party too. Our friends at Brief Mobile got their hands on a screenshot that clearly highlights a Samsung device listed as model number SCH-I605, courtesy of their anonymous source. According to the source, this mysterious SCH-I605 smartphone will be Verizon’s variant of the Galaxy Note II and will feature a quad-core Exynos processor and 4G LTE service. In addition, the anonymous source claims Verizon’s version will be nearly identical to the international version, except the standard Verizon branding on the front and back of the device.

Brief Mobile doesn’t stop there as it also claims another major carrier will get the touted smartphone as well. It has confirmed that U.S. Cellular will get its own variant of the smartphone too for its ever-growing network as well. So all in all– the device is all but confirmed to launch on every major U.S. carrier. Of course, when the exact launch is for each carrier is anyone’s guess.

source: Brief Mobile