Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Released for HTC One M8 Verizon Wireless Variant

If you own the Verizon Wireless version of the HTC One M8, you should expect to see a notification about the Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA soon as the carrier has now started seeding the Lollipop update to its customers. Verizon Wireless is the third US carrier to have rolled out the OTA update after Sprint and T-Mobile. The only major US carrier variant of the One M8 still stuck on Android 4.4.4 KitKat now is the AT&T version.

The update is now available via the OTA route, so you will be able to download and install the update on your HTC One M8 without having to connect it to your computer. Before you check for the OTA update, we suggest you connect your One M8 to a Wi-Fi network as you will not be allowed to download the update over cellular network as it is a major update. If an update notification hasn’t show up yet, you can also check for the update manually by going to Settings – About Phone – System Updates – Check for Updates. The full change-log of this new update can be found here.

The Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the HTC One M8 includes a number of changes like a new material design user-interface, 64-bit ABI support, ART runtime for improved performance, new notification panel with quick settings, updated lock screen, redesigned recent apps overview with card and grid view options, Band 4 roaming enabled, enhanced 3-way calling feature, a few other improvements and bug fixes. The most significant improvements included with the Lollipop update have to do with device performance and responsiveness, battery life, and of course the new updated Sense 6.0 UI. The newer Sense 7.0 UI that debuted with the One M9 will only be arriving to One M8 users later this year as part of another Lollipop update, possibly based on Android 5.1 or Android 5.2.

HTC had earlier promised to release the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the One M7 and One M8 flagship smartphones within 90 days of its release from Google. Unfortunately, the company couldn’t keep up its promise as only select HTC One M8 models could be updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop within the promised 90-day timeframe. For the Verizon One M8, the update has arrived well beyond 100 days after Android 5.0’s initial release last year.

Black Friday Deal: Galaxy S5 and Note 3 Now Free at Amazon

Black Friday is nearing and Amazon continues to offer deals for some of the best Samsung devices such as the Galaxy S5 and Note 3 models. If you’ve decided to save up for this year’s Black Friday deals, then you might want to start cheering as these smartphones can be purchased for free.

Most major carriers in the United States are offering their Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 3 with discounts if you’re choosing to buy the devices with two-year plans. However, as Black Friday approaches we will be seeing new offers and deals with much higher discounts even for the unlocked models of Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 3.

The Galaxy S5 model has 5.1 inches Super AMOLED Full HD screen and is this year’s flagship device along with the Galaxy Note 4 for the Samsung giant. It is powered by some of the best hardware specs currently available on Android devices such as the 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 chipset, 2GB RAM, 16GB and 32GB internal storage, it can have its internal storage extended up to 128GB, packs a 16MP camera and it will soon be receiving the Android 5.0 Lollipop update.

The other device that is currently available with a discount from Amazon is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. This smartphone or phablet, as most Android enthusiasts like to call it, is packing a 5.7 inches Super AMOLED Full HD screen and it is powered by a 2.3 Snapdragon 800 CPU, 3GB RAM, it comes in three storage variants and it is running Android 4.4.2 KitKat, but it will soon be updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 16 GB Black versions can be bought from Amazon on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless by paying a nominal fee of $1.00, which is basically free. The Galaxy S5 16GB White model is priced the same and available from all three major carriers: Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. Also, Verizon and Sprint are also selling the Copper Gold version of Galaxy S5 at the same one dollar pricing.

The Black model of 32GB Galaxy Note 3 is sold on Amazon from AT&T for free, while Verizon and Sprint are selling it starting with $0.01 and going up to $99.99. This varies due to “service agreement”. Also, the Note 3 is available in White, too from all carriers: Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. If you want a flashier model like the Rose Gold one, then you can get it with Verizon Wireless connection starting from $0.01.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Pricing: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint

Samsung has finally made the Galaxy Note Edge available in the United States, but it looks like it’s going to be a costly product to own. Currently, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 is going for just over $800 off-contract, but it’s starting to look like its new brother with a curved side display is going to be going for closer to $1,000, a hefty price tag for any smartphone. The device is going to be available through all four major U.S. carriers, those being AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and Sprint.

AT&T Note Edge

AT&T has already listed the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, and it seems they’re offering the upcoming phablet for $945.99 off-contract. This appears to be the highest price out of all major US carriers, for the time being. Thankfully, if you’re willing to sign a two year contract, you’re able to use AT&T’s Next program in order to get the device for monthly payments of $31.54 on top of your phone bill for two years. If you’d like to pay for the device up front, you’ll be able to pick it up on a two year contract for $399.99.

T-Mobile Galaxy Note Edge

If you’d rather check out T-Mobile, they’re offering the device for a little bit less. Currently, the popular carrier is asking for $870 for the Note Edge, but if you can’t afford to pay that up front, there is an option for monthly installments over a two year time period. The device could be yours for the price of $36.25 per month, a little bit higher than AT&T’s monthly installments.

Sprint

Sprint appears to be offering the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge at a lower price than AT&T as well. The device is available for just $840 up front, meaning that Sprint is offering the phablet for the lowest price of all. They’re also offering a two year monthly payment plan, giving you the device for $35 per month. If you’d like to opt-in for a two year contract, you’re able to get the device for $429.99, which is more expensive than AT&T.

Verizon

While Verizon Wireless does not yet have the Galaxy Note Edge available on their website, we expect the device to be offered somewhere within the same price range as the other carriers have proposed. Currently, you’re able to enter your e-mail into their website, and they will let you know when the device will be available for pre-order.

Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Release Date: 5 New Details

A number of new Verizon Galaxy Note 4 release date details have emerged today as we head deeper into the fall and away from the initial Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release date in the United States.

In September, Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 4, its brand new Galaxy Note model that’s replaced the Galaxy Note 3 as its flagship smartphone. Shortly after the Galaxy Note 4 launch, U.S. carriers announced plans to release the Galaxy Note 4 as a competitor for devices like the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and LG G3.

Verizon’s Galaxy Note 4 release has been confusing to say the least though we’re finally starting to see the final details emerge, a week after the Galaxy Note 4 release date landed at AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.

Earlier this week, Verizon started shipping out Galaxy Note 4 pre-orders to consumers across the United States. Devices that did not land yesterday are expected to arrive on door steps today. Today was also expected to serve as the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 in-store release date and it appears that the carrier might have some stock available to those looking to go hands-on before they buy.

Several new Verizon Galaxy Note 4 release date details have emerged today and they offer a more precise look at a release date that’s been causing problems for consumers looking into the Galaxy Note 4. First and foremost, it looks like the black Verizon Galaxy Note 4 is now available to buy online. Verizon’s website no longer lists a pre-order (there’s no ship by date or availability date listed) and consumers can now add it to the cart like any other smartphone that’s on its web portal.

It also looks like the company is offering a “Check Availability” feature for those that wish to buy it in store. We’ve searched several zip codes in California and it looks like the Galaxy Note 4, the black model, is available right now for in-store pickup. The in-store pickup option did not emerge for all zip codes and we were unable to see it listed on another computer. We suggest calling ahead to make sure that stores do in fact have stock available.

Verizon’s white Galaxy Note 4 is still listed with an October 31st release date so it looks like that color is still delayed. There is no in-store pickup option for the white model and we imagine that it won’t show up until the end of the month when Verizon releases the phone into the wild. Consumers looking for the white model will want to call ahead and check for stock.

Yesterday, we received word that many Verizon Galaxy Note 4 pre-orders are now available to pickup at Best Buy. Those that ordered through Best Buy will want to move quick because Best Buy will give the pre-order away after 48 hours. Those that pre-ordered through Best Buy will want to check their email because the retailer has started sending out confirmations.

Speaking of Best Buy, the retailer is now completely sold out of Verizon Galaxy Note 4 models online. Both the black and white Verizon Galaxy Note 4 models are now listed as sold out and it’s not clear when stock is going to return. Those looking to buy through Best Buy might have better luck going through a retail location. Again, it would be wise to call ahead.

Finally, Amazon is listing the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 again, price included, though the retailer is temporarily out of stock. Consumers that are interested in the device can still order and the retailer will simply send an alert once stock is made available. We expect it to come back into stock in the near future, perhaps as early as tomorrow.

These details come shortly after a Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Developer Edition popped up on Samsung’s website. The device is listed with a surprise $662.53 price tag, cheaper than the regular model off-contract ($699) though that price tag may not hold. It’s possible that that is just a place holder as Samsung and Verizon continue their final Galaxy Note 4 release prep behind the scenes. The device itself is a bit of a surprise given that Samsung and Verizon failed to confirm its release in September.

New Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 Update Now Rolling out at Verizon

Verizon announced a new Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 update is now being pushed to the users. Even though your device will not be updated to a new version of Android, the new firmware brings quite a few changes, so keep an eye on the notifications bar.

Because all the KitKat-specific goodies such as transparent status and navigation bars, white status bar icons, immersive mode, cloud printing, color emoji support, new Location menu, or full screen movie and album art in the lock screen were patched in the previous Android 4.4.2 update for Galaxy S4, the new firmware arrives to address bugs and improve the security of your device. According to the changelog posted on Verizon’s support page the update improves connectivity with messaging app, accuracy of AOL email count, voicemail, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also brings KNOX 2.0 and changes ISIS Wallet name to Softcard and adds “Apply” and “Cancel” buttons to Home Screen mode. The new update brings Keyboard enhancements and support for MyVerizon Diagnostics, Side Sync Call Forwarding Framework, and Kids Mode, too.

As usual, Verizon will roll out the new Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 update in phases, which means that some of you might have to wait longer than others. Once your Galaxy S4 becomes eligible to receive the new firmware update, you should be able to see a system update message in the notifications bar. Tap on it, then follow the on-screen instructions. In case the system update notification failed to show up, you would also want to perform a manual check under Settings > More > About phone > Software update > Check for software updates. Alternatively, you can grab the USB cable and check out for the update via KIES.

The new update has build number KOT49H.I545VRUFNG6. Verizon didn’t reveal the size of the update file, but expect it to exceed 300 – 400 MB. It’s recommended to download the new update using a Wi-Fi network in order to avoid unwanted data charges.

Verizon iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus Users Get “Advanced Calling”

Verizon iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus Users Get “Advanced Calling”

Verizon Wireless has finally allowed customers the ability to use data while on the phone, but there’s a catch. For the moment, only iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus are available to use data while on a call. This is due to the fact that the two new Apple flagship smartphones have VoLTE support.

Verizon adds VoLTE to Apple iPhone 6 on its network

VoLTE stands for voice over LTE. It means what it says – instead of using the typical 2G or 3G network to make a call, you’re on the 4G LTE network.

Verizon users haven’t ever been able to make phone calls and use data, which is something many AT&T users have been able to do for ages. This is great news, especially if you’re looking to pick up a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus on Verizon Wireless, or switch your iPhone 6’s carrier.

Verizon’s support of VoLTE now gives consumers “Advanced Calling” on top of being able to use data on the phone. This new feature allows consumers to have better sounding phone and video calls.

This won’t automatically be available on your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus though – you’ll have to manually enable it. In order to do so, you’ll first have to go to Verizon’s website, and then add the feature to your account (which is free, by the way). From there, you’ll have to go to Settings>Cellular>Enable LTE>Turn on Voice & Data. Finally, you can enjoy HD phone and video calls.

You’ll soon see these features available on other high-end Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the LG G3, but for now, it’s only available for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users. There’s no word on when Android devices will be seeing the update, but it’s likely sooner than later.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 US Availability: Pre-orders Begin on Verizon, AT&T, Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 US Availability: Pre-orders Begin on Verizon, AT&T, Amazon

Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have taken up plenty of media attention when it comes to their pre-orders and release. But Apple isn’t the only tech giant releasing a new smartphone. As of today, consumers will be able to start pre-ordering a new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 from AT&T or Verizon Wireless. There probably won’t be the hype or quick sell-outs and server overloads, so you’ll be able to order your device cool and calmly.

Note 4 pre-orders start in United States

Both carriers have their pre-orders on their official websites, as well as on Amazon. The new Galaxy Note 4 is available in charcoal black and frosted white in a 32GB model on all websites.

On the AT&T page, you can either pay $299.99 upfront with a two-year contract, $34.42 monthly for 18 months through their Next program, $41.30 monthly for 12 months through their Next program, or $829.99. The device will apparently ship out on October 14th and should arrive on your doorstep the day of the release. The Amazon AT&T page shows the same information, but does not give out the shipping date.

On the Verizon Wireless page, you can either pay $299.99 upfront with a two-year contract, $34.99 for 20 months through their EDGE program, or $699.99 off-contract. Neither the Amazon page nor the Verizon Wireless page gives you a shipping date, but once purchased, it likely will.

Currently, you aren’t able to make use of the EDGE program or the Next program while pre-ordering through Amazon, so if you’re looking to do so, we recommend you pre-order through the official carrier website.

We’re not quite sure why there’s such a heavy price difference in the off-contract models between carriers at this moment, but it’s listed the same on both Amazon and the carrier websites.

If you’d like to get your device on T-Mobile or Sprint, sadly you’ll have to wait until September 24th or September 26th.

Apple iPhone 6 US Availability: Coming Verizon Wireless

Apple iPhone 6 US Availability: Coming Verizon Wireless

One of the biggest news this week is that the iPhone 6 is getting released by Verizon. Fans are already preparing to assault the shelves, so as a response, the telecommunications company has declared it will open two hours earlier than usual. The company will start selling the famous flagship this Friday – we’re hoping they have plenty devices in stock because they’re likely to run out in mere hours if they don’t.

The iPhone 6 is the latest revision of Apple’s flagship and has sparked a lot of controversy in the media, attracting rants, but also compliments. The device sports a 4.7-inch 750 x 1334 pixel display, an Apple A8 processor, 1GB of RAM, no microSD support, and an 8MP primary shooter. It’s not a huge improvement from last year’s flagship release, but it’s still a very important event in the tech industry and thousands of fans are still willing to purchase it.

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile to expected join the iPhone 6 bandwagon

We’re curious to see which carriers will adopt this new device. Our eyes are definitely pointing towards AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint, and we’re certain they’ll find a way to surprise us, because this is a true battle between carriers to convince people to strike new contracts with them. As a warning, always make sure to check the stock of the store you intend to purchase the iPhone 6 from, to make sure you’re not wasting your time.