We have previously told you that the likes of Flipboard and S-Voice, two ‘exclusive’ Galaxy S III apps have already been yanked from the handset and become available for use on other phones. Now though, many more aspects are available to try out and if you have a Galaxy Nexus at your disposal, you can essentially turn your device to mimic features that Galaxy S III users will have once the phone launches in Europe at the end of this month.

A complete set of wallpapers, sounds, animations and applications are available to bring over to the Galaxy Nexus, providing that you are already running CyanogenMod 9 and AOKP. If you don’t have this and don’t have any experience in customizing your device, it is best to avoid so you don’t end up with a bricked device.

If this is well within your realms though, you’ll be able to enjoy all this and the likes of S-Voice and S-Memo if you don’t already have them. A short video demo of these Galaxy S3 features running on the Galaxy Nexus has been provided by the good guys over at Droid-Life. As you can see, the interface is as smooth as you like and you have to say that it looks fairly awesome. Instructions on how to download and all of the links can be found over at XDA Developer Forums here.

At the moment, we’re not sure if this works on the Galaxy S2 or Galaxy Note, but if you have already managed to get this working on other Android handsets, let us know in the comments section below. Are these the kind of things that make the Android OS great? We think so.

More About: Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Galaxy S III

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Even other Android owners are probably even aware of the Galaxy Nexus’s plight on Verizon, as it’s an unusual occurrence where such a high profile device fails to receive official support since launching a mere six months ago.

It’s almost turned into something of a laughing stock and obviously not the kind of headlines you are expecting to read when talking about Google’s current ‘flagship’ smartphone. Luckily, this update episode may be coming to an end as Droid-Life has heard that the Android 4.0.4 update could be dropping on May 22nd.

There’s no leaked documents from Verizon or Best Buy databases this time, but apparent confirmation from Verizon employees state that this is the solid date that the update will land. However, despite that there’s also no guarantee that Android 4.0.4 will bring any notable new features to the table and it could just be an update littered with bug fixes.

After waiting six months, we would like to think that Samsung are planning to add some new functionality in order to make up for the huge delay. The company did a similar thing when rolling out the premium suite Android 4.0 update for the Galaxy Note, so something on those lines would be great.

Are you holding your breath for an update on May 22nd, or do you just think it will turn out to be another disappointment? Let us know if the lack of official updates is ruining your Galaxy Nexus experience or not.

More About: Android, Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich

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While some of you may not be too happy with that physical home button that features on the Galaxy S III, you’ll probably be very impressed with the list of hardware specs that Samsung announced. The device will feature a Exynos quad-core processor as expected which is clocked at 1.4Ghz per core, but the most pleasing aspect for us is the inclusion of a 2100mAh battery.

For the very first time, Samsung has announced a phone with a battery good enough to meet the quad-core chip’s expectations and with a 2100mAh battery at your disposal, you’ll be able to manage a good amount of 4G data activity as well as graphic intensive games on the go.

Also impressive on the hardware side is an ‘HD’ Super AMOLED display screen which is a mammoth 4.8-inches in size. This easily eclipses the display screens featured on the Galaxy Nexus (4.65-inch) and the HTC One X (4.7), while at the same time it comes mighty close to the Galaxy Note’s screen at 5.3-inch and even closer to the PS Vita which has a 5-inch OLED screen.

One disappointing aspect which probably needs discussing is the camera. There was growing speculation that the Galaxy S III would feature a 12 megapixel camera, but instead we see that the device has actually been fitted with Samsung’s standard 8MP sensor which is similar to the ones used in the Galaxy S2 and the Galaxy Note. Having said that, most of you will probably be pretty happy with the quality of the 8MP sensor anyway.

Once again though, we have a feeling that it will be the battery life that users will appreciate the most when the device releases in Europe at the end of the month and Summer in the US. The quad-core HTC One X only features a 1800mAh battery which is really not good enough, and some of you aren’t really happy with the Galaxy Nexus battery at 1850mAh either. 2100mAh is a considerable step up for Samsung, so it will be interesting to see just how much extra juice it will be able to manage compared to other devices on the market.

Below is a very useful specs chart, courtesy of Droid-Life which compares Galaxy S3 hardware specs with those in the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S2 and probably Samsung’s biggest rival so far, the HTC One X. Are you impressed with what the Galaxy S3 can do on paper initially?

More About: Galaxy Nexus, HTC One X, Samsung Galaxy S III

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It was only days ago when we were telling you that Verizon may be to blame for the Android 4.0.4 update rollout delay, with the LTE version of the device seemingly last in line after the GSM and Nexus S handsets are already enjoying the latest version.

However, it’s now become apparent that Verizon are pushing out the Android 4.0.4, identified as build number IMM76K. It is a 39.8MB download and evidence of the update can be seen in the image below as seen over at Engadget. If you do a search over on Twitter for Android 4.0.4, you’ll see that a lot of people are seeing the same notifications message. However, just like most other software updates – not everyone is seeing the new version yet.

There’s talk that Verizon are only pushing this out to corporate users, but we’re guessing that the update will still reach everyone by the end of this week. However, we’ve spotted an excellent guide over at Android Forums which shows you how to update to Android 4.0.4 manually if you just can’t wait. There’s detailed update information for those who are rooted, unrooted and unlocked, although there’s help for those with a stock device who are looking to unlock their device as well.

We’re glad to see some good news for Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners at last – it’s been a long time coming hasn’t it? If you are in possession of an LTE Galaxy Nexus, let us know if you received the notification to update to Android 4.0.4 or not. Please state your area if you leave a comment.

More About: Android, Galaxy Nexus, Verizon

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At the end of March, we told you how Google had revealed that devices such as the GSM Galaxy Nexus and even the Nexus S would be getting an official software update to Android 4.0.4 – the latest version. However, as you are now well aware Verizon’s LTE version was inexplicably ignored and one month later owners are still wondering what is going on.

Now skip forward to today, as interesting reports surfacing over the weekend tell the story of one Android engineer who hints that it could be solely down to Verizon and Verizon alone as to why the Android 4.0.4 update is still not available for the LTE Galaxy Nexus. Some of you had thought that it may be Google’s fault for not bringing Android 4.0.4 to the LTE Galaxy Nexus, but according to Jean-Baptiste Queru, it’s because of certain ‘delays introduced by operator approvals’.

While he doesn’t specifically name Verizon, it doesn’t take a genius to work out it’s more than likely to be Verizon that he’s talking about. The good news, is that Google has now started to sell handsets again directly, as Jean-Baptiste points out, essentially cutting out the need for those buying handsets off contract to have to wait for carrier-approved updates.

What are your thoughts on the ongoing hold-up regarding new software updates for the Galaxy Nexus? We’re guessing that most of you were under the assumption that updates would be coming more frequently for your prized asset? If this is the case, tell us if you are slowly starting to consider switching to another carrier, or if you are prepared to wait.

More About: Galaxy Nexus, Verizon

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Fresh from their official unveiling of the brand new HTC EVO 4G LTE smartphone, it means that Sprint customers now have the option of choosing the mighty Galaxy Nexus instead.

The phone will launch on April 22nd, priced at $199 on a two-year contract with the carrier. Those who are looking to get one right away can pre-order straight away at the website here, but for those that are still on the fence, Sprint has teamed up with Google Wallet for a great little incentive for you.

As most of you should know, the Sprint version will come with Google Wallet support at launch. For those that pick up a Galaxy Nexus and activate a Google Wallet account within a month, Google will be crediting you with an instant $10 free to spend on what ever you wish. It gets better though – within free weeks of activating Google Wallet between April 22 and May 22, you’ll get an additional $40 – bringing your total free swag to $50! That’s not bad at all and what a great way to entice consumers to try out Google Wallet for the first time.

As far as we know, this offer was not available for the Verizon version of the device, so you should really take advantage of this if you are considering the Galaxy Nexus. Don’t forget that Sprint’s version will also include 4G LTE support as soon as the service goes live later this year.

The HTC EVO 4G LTE is obviously another nice attraction on Sprint, but this is $50 free we’re talking about here. Let us know if you plan to take advantage of it – remember you can pre-order the device already.

More About: Android, Galaxy Nexus, sprint

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There’s no doubt that the Galaxy Nexus remains one of the smartphone superpowers in the industry right now, and it would be a fantastic coup for Sprint if they were able to add the device to their growing lineup.

Don’t forget that the Sprint Galaxy Nexus is not really a secret. You may have forgot that Sprint actually announced their version of the device at CES 2012, but due to expected Verizon exclusivity, customers have yet to see the elusive device appear on their network. The wait may be worth while though, as a Best Buy inventory leak has revealed that Sprint will release the device on April 22.

Just to remind you, when the device does actually arrive it will boast 4G LTE connectivity like the Evo 4G LTE and Google Wallet from day one as well. It also means that the Sprint Galaxy Nexus will arrive before the already official Evo 4G LTE, meaning that you’ll be faced with a difficult decision on whether to pick up the Galaxy Nexus, or wait for the Evo 4G LTE which may not release until May.

Sprint’s 4G LTE network has been a long time coming, but it looks like the company have two amazing smartphones to firmly compete with rival networks AT&T and Verizon. If you had to make an immediate choice between the Galaxy Nexus or the Evo 4G LTE on Sprint – what handset would you choose and why?

More About: Galaxy Nexus, HTC Evo 4G LTE, sprint

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Many Galaxy Nexus users on Verizon will agree that their purchase was made under the assumption that the device was Google’s new pride and joy and that they will be receiving official software updates before any other handset, like the Nexus S before it.

However, that doesn’t appear to be the case here. A recent statement on Google+ reveals that Android 4.0.4 is now ready to be installed for GSM / HSPA+ users of the Galaxy Nexus and also the GSM variant of the Nexus S only, identified as model number I9020.

We’re not sure about you, but seeing the Nexus S get an official software update before the LTE Galaxy Nexus is a mighty low blow from where we’re standing, and Verizon customers really have a right to be a little frustrated about this. At the moment, there’s no indication from Google on when 4.0.4 or indeed 4.0.5 will be arriving exactly, but they have told LTE users to expect an update ‘in the coming weeks’.

Those of you who are eligible for the update should enjoy a much smoother performance, improvements to the camera and also phone recognition enhancements as well. As we told you earlier on this week, there’s still no word on a revised date for the Galaxy Note ICS update, which has now been delayed for the time being unfortunately.

Our visions of software updates becoming mandatory for all smartphones simultaneously seems a long way off just yet. If you’re a Galaxy Nexus user on Verizon, let us know your thoughts on the victory for GSM users.

More About: Android, Galaxy Nexus, Verizon

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Some Galaxy Nexus owners are currently on Android 4.0.4 at the moment, but an apparent ‘Android insider’ has dished the dirt on the next update which is set to become available officially in April. According to the Twitter account of ‘Black Man X’ (yes, seriously), the update will bring data stability fixes as well as a bug fix for the irritating audio reboot issue.

We know a lot of you are not happy on the official support that the device has received from Samsung following on from launch, so hopefully Android 4.0.5 will bring some welcome changes and it will be the start of frequent support for a device which is meant to be the company’s bread and butter at the moment. On the other hand, there seems to be a lot of support for the Galaxy Note and no so much for the Galaxy Nexus. Let’s hope that the rest of the year will see a change to this trend.

Going back to the GSM Galaxy Nexus, some users are still stuck on Android 4.0.2, let alone Android 4.0.4. Samsung really needs to start showing some love to both versions of the device, and starting rolling out these updates on a global scale. These are exactly the tactics which lead people to the rooting scene, so we would like to see Android 4.0.5 become available for the GSM variant as well.

If you own a Galaxy Nexus, let us know your thoughts on the update situation so far. Are you happy with the way Samsung are rolling out the updates or not? Alternatively, if you have any problems on Android 4.0.4 which still haven’t been addressed, let us know what they are below.

More About: Android, Galaxy Nexus, samsung

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If you haven’t done so yet though, a new alternative is available courtesy of Seidio and their extended battery pack for the handset. Rather than just pick up a standalone battery and add another 1,850 mAh battery to the Galaxy Nexus, you can now save yourself the hassle of changing the battery out in favor of a new pack from Seidio which adds a further 3800 mAh to your handset, as noted by Droid-Life.

This instantly puts your handset in the realms of the god-like RAZR MAXX in terms of battery life, but unfortunately there is a downside to this. You’ll have to put up with a considerable amount of added bulk due to the extended battery pack meaning that you may want to keep your smartphone firmly inside your pocket whenever you are in public – presuming your pockets are big enough of course.

Another stumbling block for this extended battery is price, as it will cost you $75 to prize one away. It’s worth mentioning that this is already the second iteration of Seidio’s extended battery for the Galaxy Nexus, with the new one coming with added NFC support. If you happened to pick up the first version, you’ll be pleased to know that you can pick up this new one for just $20, which is not a bad deal at all.

Personally speaking though, I would just opt for a spare battery as I don’t really like the look of that added weight to the lovely Galaxy Nexus. If battery life is essential for you though, you may just want to consider this. Let us know what you think about it, or if you have some other alternatives for extending battery life.

More About: Galaxy Nexus, samsung, Seidio

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