Samsung Vibrant to Get FroYo Updates on January 21st---Finally

After months of delays and rumors, the Samsung Vibrant for T-mobile will start receiving updates to Android 2.2 tomorrow, January 21st. It is said that the update has been delayed due to technical difficulties and nothing more according to T-Mobile CMO Cole Broadman via PCMag.

Of course, if you are a Vibrant owner, you may not receive the update right away as is the case with most OTA updates. But now you can rest easy as the official update will be rolling out over the next several weeks. Congratulations Vibrant owners, you've made it this far.

Video overview of Android 2.2 on Samsung Vibrant will be posted as soon as the update is received.

Samsung Galaxy S 4G and Sidekick 4G Official from T-Mobile

Here's a blast from the past: The T-Mobile Sidekick. I remember when I had one and how cool I thought I was. After a short absence, the Sidekick is returning to T-Mobile shelves. 4G style.You see, the Sidekick was discontinued by T-Mobile this past summer, and seemed to be fading even before that. Sidekick devices lost their popularity among many users when the data services that backed up images, email and contacts were unexpectedly interrupted for about a week in 2009. While most users were able to recover lost data, the brand name had already taken a hit. Early reports and speculation say that the new Sidekick will have completely revamped software, presumably running Android. Still no word on who will manufacture the device or a release date.

And then we have the Samsung Galaxy S 4G. After a mere 6 months after the original Samsung Vibrant was released, its successor is already around the corner. Set for a rumored February 25th release, the Galaxy S 4g is sure to pack a punch exclusively from T-Mobile. So far, full specifications have not been released.What will set this Galaxy S apart is 4G hspa+ data speeds capable of a peak 21mbps and a front facing camera. Also expect this phone to release with Android 2.2 software upgradeable to Android 2.3. The real question is whether previous Vibrant owners will be able to trust Samsung's update timeline. After months of promises, the Vibrant is finally being updated starting Jan. 21st 2011.  If you're willing to give Samsung another chance, this looks like a great superphone for T-Mobile.

Further details will be posted as they arrive.

Technology Preview: 2011

After a crazy week in Las Vegas (I'm talking about CES of course) it's time to take a moment to absorb everything. Obviously, technology is an industry that stays exciting year round, but 2011 has a special buzz in the air. The revolution has begun with several newly announced tablets from various manufacturers. The dual core processor looks to become the industry standard. And the phones we already love(d), should finally be getting the updates they deserve and desperately need.

It seems the iPad got the tablet wheels rolling, and other manufacturers look to take it to the next level. The Samsung Galaxy Tab proved in late 2010, that tablet popularity is not confined solely to the world of Apple.And with Motorola showing off the Xoom, and Blackberry revealing the Playbook, how can 2011 not be a tablet year? The Xoom will take Android to a whole new level with software version 3.0 "Honeycomb." This will be the first Android tablet with software made for a tablet. Sporting a dual core processor, front and rear facing cameras and HD recording, the Xoom gets me excited about something I don't even need. When it comes to the Playbook from Blackberry, I must say I am equally excited. High Definition 1080p Front and rear video recording and a newly designed user interface make the Playbook a must for the Blackberry fan. And let's not forget, iPad 2 is just around the corner. This will be a confusing year for anyone looking to purchase a tablet.

Dual core processors----in phones. Say that two years ago and you may have been admitted. But today, and especially for 2011, the future is here. Right when we thought that phones can't (or didn't need to) get any faster, smoother and powerful, we are wrong. So far I know of at least two phones that will be confirmed to have a dual core, and already it seems people are making this a requirement of their next smart phone purchase. Talk about wave of the future. For me dual core catches my eye more for battery life improvement than for performance improvements. Call me crazy, but 1ghz is still blazing fast to me. However, with 1080p recording and seamless multi-tasking brought to the table, I'd be crazy not to want it. Expect the first dual core phone (LG Optimus 2X) to be rolling out this Spring.

Finally, updates. Hopefully. The Galaxy S line was promised an update to Android 2.2 "FroYo" by the end of 2010....or was it 2011? But seriously, I know people who are ready to give up completely on the Galaxy S family. I really can't blame them. Owners of a Galaxy S phone should finally be receiving updates to FroYo soon, unless Samsung doesn't really like repeat buyers. Many rumors floating around speculate that Samsung is reserving updates until some of their new products are released, but I really hope that's not the case. The software update I personally am probably most excited about is the Windows Phone 7. Even beyond the cut/paste feature, I really want to see what else was brought to the table. I use an HD7 from time to time, and I love the cleanliness, but hate the lack of basics. True multi-tasking is not expected to be a part of the next update, but I hear improvements have been made. Microsoft plans several updates to the line of Windows Phone 7 devices throughout 2011.

See? I told you 2011 is going to be a busy year, and this is just what has been announced so far. I can only imagine how out of control things will get when the iPhone 4 is finally released to VZW and iPhone 5 is announced. What else will this year bring? A phone that washes your car? A dual core vacuum? Whatever it is, this year will be magic.

T-Mobile LG Optimus 2X First Look and Walk Through

LG Optimus 2X is a True Super Phone

After playing with the LG Optimus 2X for a little over an hour, the only word that comes to mind is "wow". I mean, this is what we've been waiting for. Obviously playing with the phone in a controlled environment may not hold true to real world use, but I am impressed. Here are some of the specs that were confirme during the LG Tech Night:

4 inch, High Resolution Display

Dual Core Nvidia 1ghz Processor

Full 1080p HDMI Output

Full 1080p High Definition Video Recording
8 Mega Pixel Camera; 1.3 Mega Pixel Front Camera
8GB Built in Storage; Expandable up to 32gb
HSPA+ Capable

With these specs, is there really any question of which Android phone will rule? It's at least easy to say it will rule T-Mobile's line up. Official release date and price points TBA. (Pictures Below)

Full 1080p HDMI Output

Dual Speakers placed on bottom of device, along with micro usb port

Enroute to Las Vegas for CES!

So I'm sitting in the airplane, Samsung Galaxy Tab in hand, wondering what awaits me at CES. Surely excitement and and a world of new (at least til next year) electronic gizmos. Many told me that my first time attending would be "overwhelming". I haven't even arrived yet, and I agree. I am trying my best to play it safe in terms of expectations. I look at it like this: when I come home to Chicago, I will still have brought something back with me, that could not have been found elsewhere. The experience. The experience of seeing and trying. Of success and failure. I hope to being back all that I can from CES. Newest gadgets. Interviews with the people who matter to you. Walk throughs of devices being released, and sneak peeks at devices we didn't know existed. Most of all, I hope to bring back experiences and knowledge that will help PhoneFight grow.

I will be adding content very frequently, so keep checking in!

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