Lollipop update arriving on the Sprint Galaxy Note 4 and T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3

Android Lollipop might only be on 3.3% of devices, but that number should be increasing every day. Earlier today we told you about Lollipop rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in India. Now we’re seeing some more Samsung + Lollipop love here in the U.S. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for Sprint and Note 3 for T-Mobile are receiving Lollipop right now.

This information comes straight from Samsung and Sprint themselves. Over on the FAQ for the Tmo Note 3 on Samsung’s site you can see “Android 5.0″ started rolling out on March 4th. On Sprint’s website you can see the same update started rolling out on March 5th.

Samsung also lists “Wi-Fi calling experience, Resolved Wi-Fi calling one way audi, and Resolved IPv6 email setup” in the changelog. The update should be rolling out now, but don’t expect every device to get it today. Check out what TouchWiz looks like on Android 5.0 in our hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S6. Welcome to Lollipop Land!

T-Mobile reveals when Lollipop for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will officially begin rolling out

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 owners on T-Mobile have had it rough. They’ve had to sit and watch as Android 5.0 Lollipop rolled out to the Samsung Galaxy S5 in February, only to hit the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in March. Even though we knew Lollipop was coming (it had already rolled out to the Note 4 on Sprint), it’s only today that we know exactly when we can expect that rollout to begin.

T-Mobile Product Manger Des Smith revealed on Twitter today that Android 5.0.1 Lollipop for the Note 4 (N910) has officially been green lit by T-Mobile, and that a rollout should commence sometime next week. Keep in mind that the update does not include the all new, super streamlined TouchWiz that appeared on the Samsung Galaxy S6 or Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. It likely never will. We also hope all those bugs Lollipop brought to other Galaxy devices have all been ironed out.

As always, you can check the status of software updates via T-Mobile’s Software Updates page here. You excited?

AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is also getting Android 5.0 Lollipop today

After Samsung Galaxy Note 4 owners on AT&T were treated to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop earlier today, it appears Galaxy Note 3 owners are also joining in on the fun. We’ve received reports of the Galaxy Note 3 also receiving Lollipop under build number LRX21V.N900AUCUEOC1. Just like on the Galaxy Note 4, the update weighs in at around 1GB, so it’s pretty hefty. Makes sense too given this is one of the biggest firmware updates to happen to Android in quite some time.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android 5.0 Software Update Includes:

• Songs, photos, apps, and even recent searches from one Android device can be immediately enjoyed across all of your Android devices.


• New User Interface look and feel, more fluid motions


• Priority mode to only allow certain notifications to get through


• Battery saving features and remaining time left to charge or deplete indicators


• Smart Lock to secure phone or tablet by pairing it with a trusted device like a wearable or car


• Most frequently used settings available with just two swipes down from the top screen

Since the update just started rolling out in phases, it may take a little bit longer before it reaches your device. If you don’t feel like waiting for the update to ping you, you can jump into your Settings app and select the General tab, then scroll down to About device > Software updates > > and Check for updates to pull it manually (once it becomes available, of course).

[AT&T]

Thanks, ZP15!

Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 4 now receiving Android 5.0 Lollipop

When international Samsung Galaxy Note 4 models received Android 5.0 Lollipop back in February — followed by the AT&T model last week — we knew more carrier variants would be following suit. And just like that, Verizon is now set to push out Lollipop to their version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

According to Verizon, the update will arrive as software version LRX22C.N910VVRU1BOAF (or just VRU1BOAF for short) and will introduce improvements such as a new runtime (ART), 64-bit support, Android Auto on supported vehicles/dash units, and of course, a fresh new Material design.

The update is fairly large, tipping the scales at just over 1.7GB. For those that don’t feel like waiting for their device to prompt them first, you can manually check for the update on your phone by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Updates > Check for Updates > Download Now.

[Verizon PDF]

First photos of the alleged LG G4 Note leaked in the wild, complete with fancy new stylus

An XDA member has leaked, what appear to be photos of the the upcoming LG G4 Note. At least that’s what he’s calling it. The photos show a phone unlike previous LG devices we’ve seen, mainly the fact that it’s now got, what the leaker claims is a Galaxy Note-like stylus up on top.

It’s entirely possible LG repurposed what would normally be an antenna slot on Korean handsets with a stylus for the US version. That, or it’s an purely dedicated slot like on the LG G3 Stylus which LG announced last year. Running what that, we do know LG recently trademarked the “G Pen,” let alone the name G4 Note makes it easy to assume LG is gunning for Samsung’s Galaxy Note line.

He also goes on to mention that he’s currently testing the device on T-Mobile’s network (you can see their 4G LTE icon in the status bar) and that the phone has received several software updates and is still very buggy.

Hopefully he’ll be answering more questions in the thread on XDA. In the meantime, we’re going to continue scanning these photos for any more clues. What do you guys think?

UPDATE: After people started telling him the phone in his possession was a Korean model with an antenna, the OP set the record straight and added a photo of the pull-out stylus.

[XDA Developers]

A higher-end LG G4 Note will launch with a metal body, not the LG G4 [RUMOR]

It was a little over 2 weeks ago we got a good look at the LG G4 in a few alleged press shots of the device. Like a slightly smaller version of the LG G Flex 2, the phone featured a curved LED display while keeping to LG’s current design language. One of the more interesting parts about rumors of the device is that it would it would feature a metal body — a first for LG on their flagship line. We’re not talking about that faux metal finish of the LG G3 either.

It was an interesting prospect and while plastic definitely has its merits, consumers really seem to have taken a liking to the premium feel of all metal phones like the iPhone 6 or recently announced HTC One M9 (Samsung added a dash of metal in the Galaxy S6 as well). Guess people like to feel like they got their money’s worth when they drop a several bills down on a new phone.

Well, hopefully those metal LG G4 rumors didn’t get your hopes up too much, as ZDNet Korea is now reporting that because of manufacturing and time constraints, LG simply wont have enough time to build a metal LG G4 if they hope to get it to market in a timely manner. Instead, LG will introduce a new even higher-end smartphone line, dubbed the LG G4 Note, that features an all metal construction. While not much is known about the new Note series, LG was quoted as saying it would launch during the second half of this year and “stand above” the G series.

LG definitely has their work cutout for them. With the HTC One M9 and Samsung Galaxy S6 launching April 10th, they’ll need to act fast before their competition gains too much ground. Luckily for them, early battery life reports of these devices left plenty of room for improvement, something we’re hoping LG will hone in on with the G4.

[ZDNet Korea (translated) | via GforGames]

Android Lollipop rolling out now to Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in India

Earlier this week we wrote about Android Lollipop only being on 3.3% of devices, but that number is slowly growing every day. The latest device to see some Lollipop love is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in India. A member of Android Forums is reporting that his Note 3 was successfully updated to Android Lollipop via an OTA update.

After having the update for a little more than a day the user reports that battery life has improved with Lollipop. He quotes a screen time of more than 3 hours and 40 minutes, and he still had 9% battery left. The Note 3 in India is powered by an Exynos processor, which seems to have the update priority right now from Samsung. Now that we’ve seen Lollipop on the Samsung Galaxy S6 it shouldn’t be too much longer until most Samsung devices get updated.

Thanks skumber!

AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is now getting Android 5.0 Lollipop

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 owners on AT&T are waking up to a very nice treat today. The company has announced that the upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop has started rolling out. It’s 1.2GB in size, and WiFi is a requirement to download it over-the-air. You’ll be looking for build LRX22C.N910AUCU1COC2, and this changelog doesn’t make it sound like much is changing:

• Android 5.0 (Lollipop)


• Service additions:
  
  
  
  • Find My Mobile
  
  
  • Reactivation lock
  
  
  
  


• Stability improvements

That said, you already know about all the goodness Android 5.0 Lollipop brings on its own so just get excited. Head to Settings > About Device > Software Updates to check for it right away.

[via AT&T]

Samsung chief JK Shin flat-out denies Galaxy Note 5 will get a July announcement

Earlier this week, a rumor suggested Samsung would look to challenge the iPhone 6S by bringing the Samsung Galaxy Note 5’s launch a lot sooner than we’re expecting. The rumor suggested a July revelation instead of Samsung taking to their , usual stage at IFA Berlin in September.

And those rumors are now rubbish. The company’s top dog of mobile himself JK Shin came out to put an end to the notion, suggesting that it’s completely false. It’s possible he’s trying to throw us off the trail, though in our experience a company doesn’t typically flat-out deny a rumor unless it is, in fact, false.

You might expect a look of disappointment on the face of those who can’t wait for the next generation of the Galaxy Note series, but most folks should be happy.

A September launch would mean they didn’t have to rush or cut any corners for the sake of helping their profits soar, which in turn will make for the quality smartphone we’re expecting the company to show off whenever the time for its coming out party arrives. In the meantime, the company will continue to let the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge shine in their own light (especially since it didn’t take long at all for them to reach 10 million units sold).

[via WhoWired]

LG’s Galaxy Note competitor – the G Stylo – starts shipping this month

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 could come as early as July, and when it does, it’ll have some competition. We’ve heard that LG is cooking up a Galaxy Note competitor and today it’s finally been officially announced: introducing the LG G Stylo (aka LG G4 Stylus) which starts shipping this month:

more pictures coming soon…

Some of the key G4 Stylus specs:

• 1.2GHz Quad-Core (LTE) / 1.4GHz Octa-Core (3G)


• 5.7-inch HD IPS screen (258ppi)


• 1GB RAM / 8GB ROM / microSD


• 13MP camera (some regions to get 8MP)


• 5MP front camera


• 3,000mAh battery (removable)


• Android 5.0 Lollipop


• Size: 154.3 x 79.2 x 9.6mm


• Weight: 163g


• Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n / Bluetooth 4.1 / NFC / A-GPS / Glonass / USB 2.0


• Colors: Metallic Silver / Floral White

In addition to coming with the new Stylus Pen it will also come with key LG features such as Laser Auto Focus, Gesture Shot, Glance View, and Knock Code.

In an interesting twist of naming fate, LG will call it the LG G4 Stylus globally save for the North American and Korea versions where it will be called “LG G Stylo”:

The G4 Stylus (available as G Stylo in North America and Korea) will be offered in both LTE and 3G configurations in Metallic Silver or Floral White color options. The G4c is an LTE model only and will come in Metallic Gray, Ceramic White and Shiny Gold.

LG also announced the LG G4c – with the “c” standing for “Compact” – offering an easier to wield alternative to the LG G4 for those with smaller hands and/or different preferences. Sitting in a 5-inch frame the LG G4c rocks 1.GHz Quad core processor, 1GB RAM, 8MP camera, and 5MP selfie cam.

Both of these devices will begin shipping to retailers immediately but it’s not clear when they’ll be available to consumers through carriers and retail partners:

Both smartphones will begin shipping to retailers around the world in the next several weeks and throughout the month of May.

If you thought your decision was already tough between the LG G4, Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, and HTC One M9, you may want to reserve some time for some smartphone soul searching… this is going to be a toughie.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge 2 might not have all the high-end specs of the Galaxy Note 5 [RUMOR]

If previous Galaxy Note release schedules are any indication, we’re still at least a good 4 months away from Samsung revealing any news on a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 followup. Looking at the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, it only makes sense to assume that Samsung would plan something similar for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. Looks like that might not be the case, if the latest rumors out of SamMobile hold true.

According to their sources, Samsung could be planning on a single Galaxy Note 5 model equipped with all the high-end features you’d expect from a phablet flagship: 2K or 4K UHD display, gobs of RAM, premium build materials and an Exynos 7422 processor that features CPU, GPU, and RAM on a single chip. No surprise there, really.

But when it comes to a follow up the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge sporting Samsung’s curved AMOLED display — codenamed “Project Zen” — the curved phablet’s specs may not be as high-end as the Note 5. It seems we could be looking at more of a mix in hardware, with a 5.4-inch or 5.5-inch Super AMOLED double-sided curved display (like on the S6 Edge), hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor, 16GB internal storage, 16MP camera with OIS, and an 8MP front-facing shooter. Of course the S Pen will also be included, but it’s interesting to see Samsung cutting corners with this new Note Edge model.

Of course, before you get too upset, nothing is set in stone and things can, — and more than likely will — change in time for the phone’s release. If true, would any of you be disappointed in a slightly less high-end Galaxy Note Edge 2?

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge customers on T-Mobile get Android 5.0 Lollipop

T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is now receiving Android 5.0 Lollipop! It’s 5.0.2, to be specific, and it’ll come in at a whopping 1.1GB. That means you’ll definitely want to jump to a stable WiFi connection and have your phone on the charger before taking it down.

You’ll be looking for software version N915TUVU1COD7, and it can be had over-the-air by heading to Settings > About Device > Software update. Alternatively you can also grab it from Samsung Kies and apply it using a PC or Mac. Be sure to go that route if the OTA is giving you issues, and let us know how it’s treating you once you have it loaded up!

[via T-Mobile]

Get 4 Avengers-themed cases for free when you buy a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 [DEAL]

Samsung’s really going in with their promotion of the latest Avengers movie, and the latest will be quite nice for those in the market for a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 soon. The company is offering up 4 different Avengers-themed cases whenever you buy a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in the United States.

No, you don’t get to choose 1 out of 4 — you get all 4! That’s a pretty insane deal, and even if you aren’t an avengers fan you can’t argue with free. It helps that they look badass, with The Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man and Thor all being well represented here. Samsung says the set is worth a retail value of a whopping 0, though we’d argue that only a madman would retail these cases at each — there really isn’t anything special about them other than the Avengers designs.

The promotion lasts through June 1st or until they’ve given 4,300 of these sets away, whichever comes first. All you’ll need to do once you have your Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and accompanying receipt in hand is head right here.

Xiaomi Mi Note Pro launches May 12th with 4GB of RAM, 5.7-inch Quad HD display and Snapdragon 810

Xiaomi today officially unveiled that their Mi Note Pro, a 5.7-inch Quad HD device with a line of specs that will make any participant of the mobile arms race sweat, will launch May 12th. Here’s the spec sheet being touted in case you needed a refrsher of what’s inside:

• 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor


• 4GB LPDDR4 RAM


• 64GB eMMC 5.0 flash storage


• 5.7″ 2K (2560 x 1440) display from Sharp/JDI (515 PPI)


• Sunlight Display technology for unparalleled outdoor visibility


• 13MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)


• 4G Dual SIM


• Supports LTE CAT 9 for up to 450Mbps download speeds


• Hardware-optimized Hi-Fi audio for incredible sound quality


• High-capacity 3090mAh battery, supports Quick Charge 2.0 (charges up to 70% in 1 hour)


• Incredible craftsmanship with an aluminum frame and curved 2.5D and 3D glass on the front and back

All of that is coming in at an incredible price point of RMB2999 (about US3).

That’s a lot of bang for that amount of buck so it certainly has our attention. Unfortunately it does appear you’ll have to import this thing as Xiaomi has only announced plans to make the Mi Note Pro available online in their home base of China starting May 12th.

You can now download Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 WiFi

Samsung is now updating their largest Galaxy Note Pro tablet to Android 5.0 Lollipop. It’s the WiFi-only Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2, and it’s headed out to folks in Switzerland first as firmware version P905XXUABOD7.

The upgrade shouldn’t bring forth many unexpected surprises. Samsung has mostly tweaked their user interface to match the look, feel and features of Lollipop such as a Material Design user interface and improved notifications.

It shan’t be long before most owners in other regions will be able to load this thing up through Kies or over-the-air. If you absolutely can’t wait and you know how to manually flash update files, SamMobile has the goods right now. Otherwise, be sure to check for the update periodically over the course of the next month or two as Samsung greenlights the upgrade for more people.

[via SamMobile]

Samsung wants to steal Apple’s iPhone 6S thunder by announcing the Galaxy Note 5 in July [RUMOR]

Samsung typically waits until summer months come to a close to announce the latest Galaxy Note phone each year, but new rumors suggest they could be pushing the announcement and launch of the device much sooner. Korean outlet WhoWired claims to have knowledge of plans for Samsung to announce the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 in July, a full two months sooner than their usual launchpad of September’s IFA event in Berlin.

“Why,” do you ask? Well, Apple’s refreshed iPhone 6 — which should be called the iPhone 6S if history is anything to go by — will be out by then, and you can bet Samsung doesn’t want to give Apple a two month window to reveal and launch a new smartphone without having something of their own to show off.

The source suggests Samsung has already finalized specs for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, though there’s still no clear idea of what we can expect. We can at least expect it to one-up the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge as Samsung typically uses the Note series’ launches to introduce their latest ideas and innovations. If word of its impending announcement is true then it won’t be much longer before we’re let in on all the juicy details.

[via PhoneArena]

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 could be one of the first Android devices with USB Type-C

The next big thing from Samsung is scheduled to be the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. The device is due to launch this year sometime before September, but in typical Samsung fashion the rumors are already flying. The latest rumor claims that the Note 5 will be one of the first Android devices with a USB Type-C port.

You’ve probably heard of USB Type-C as the “reversible charging cable.” It can be plugged into your phone at any orientation. No more fiddling around with your cable to get it in the right way. There are some other more practical benefits to USB Type-C as well. It offers transfer speeds of up to 10 gbps, and increased charging speeds.

Android M supports USB Type-C, but we wouldn’t bet on that meaning the Note 5 will have it. Samsung has shown in the past that they don’t need to wait for Google to implement their own features. Android M finally has fingerprint scanner support, but Samsung has been doing that on their own for a couple of years already. What do you think about the Galaxy Note 5 rumors?

[via SamMobile]

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge now receiving Android 5.0.1 Lollipop on Verizon

Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is the latest device to receive Lollipop in a recent string of software updates hitting multiple devices across various US carriers this week. The phone now officially joins other flagships in the Lollipop winner’s circle, although it’s not quite Android 5.1 (the latest version currently available).

Either way, Note Edge owners should be excited. Lollipop is a pretty big upgrade from KitKat and brings a variety of enhancements, all of which Verizon is detailing on their software updates page here. The update actually comes in 2 parts and after all is said and done, will bring the Android version up to 5.0.1 and software build number up to LRX22C.N915VVRU2BOF2. Good luck!

Thanks, Jaime!

Leaked Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus cases confirm upcoming design

Samsung is gearing up to launch XL versions of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Better known as the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, it’s now being rumored that the Edge version could go by the name Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ (Plus) according to a recent trademark filing. We know, it’s a tad confusing and if there was any doubt that these devices would essentially look like bigger versions of the regular S6/Edge, freshly leaked case photos — and even a CAD render — are giving us a look at that now familiar S6 design.

Both cases look almost identical to the regular-sized S6 and S6 Edge, only you’ll notice small cutouts on the Note 5 case (bottom 2 images) for the included S Pen. The images come from MobileDirect, a Romanian accessory maker who’s accurately leaked devices in the past.

Right now, rumors point to the Galaxy Note 5 as coming equipped with a 5.98-inch 4K Quad HD display, Exynos 7422 processor, USB Type-C port, and a beefy 4,100mAh battery. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ will be much smaller with a 5.5-inch screen, Snapdragon 808 processor, and 16MP rear/5MP front facing cameras. We’re still not sure when Samsung plans on making the devices official, but if history has taught us anything, we expect both of them to be revealed during IFA in September.

[USPTO | @OnLeaks | PhoneArena]

Samsung could be planning an auto-eject feature for Galaxy Note 5’s S-Pen

Samsung’s latest idea for the next Samsung Galaxy Note 5 might not be a groundbreaking invention, but it is pretty damn cool. The company has patented a mechanism for a Note device’s S-Pen that’ll allow it to automatically eject from its chassis.

The patent details a system where a user can issue some sort of command — be it a gesture, voice or a simple touch of a button — to have the S-Pen eject from the device. An ejection feature for the S-Pen doesn’t sound all that great when you first think about it — you still have to reach under to fully eject the pen — but it could improve the user experience in a couple of different ways.

For instance, an app that primarily uses the S-Pen for manipulation might automatically eject the pen when you open it, giving the user a meaningful cue that it’s probably best to use the pen for that app.

More than just that, though, the patent also discusses the possibility of using a mechanical locking system to keep the pen in place when not in use. It’s pretty hard to lose an S-Pen if you keep it inside the phone as the magnets are strong enough to hold it securely in place, but if for whatever reason your S-Pen often wiggles its way out of the holding bay this would be a nice addition.

But mostly it doesn’t sound like anything that would make or break the Note experience. It’s cool, though, and we’d love to see it implemented in the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 when Samsung reveals it later this year.