We told you back in March that the ICS update had been delayed, to obvious moans and groans from the Android community. At the time though we told you it wasn’t all bad since Samsung had plans in place to make the ICS update worth while since it would also come bundled with some other new functionality for the phablet device.

According to a thread we spotted on XDA Forums, the update is now rolling out sporadically, with users in Germany said to be getting the update first. However, the update is now appearing in other countries as well, so it’s a good idea to check your Kies software updater to see if the upgrade is available.

We have word that the update is 318MB in size and just as Samsung promised, it includes the Premium Suite extras as well. These are the My Story app, the new S Note app and also an app to scribble down some quick memos. Let us know if you have received the notification in the US and other parts of Europe – we have a feeling that it will be available to everyone before the end of the weekend, since that’s usually the case with major Android updates.

It has been a long time coming, but for those that are already running Android 4.0 on the Galaxy Note – is the wait worth it? Let us know how your Galaxy Note handles now with a brand new interface.

More About: Ice Cream Sandwich, samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

We’ll get the bad news out of the way first, as Samsung has confirmed that the Android 4.0 update will not be releasing in the first quarter of 2012 as initially stated. The company has now delayed the update and will be ready for release sometime during Q2, but they have given Note owners reason for optimism.

ICS will come as part of a major update which they have dubbed the Premium Suite. Aside from the update to Ice Cream Sandwich, the device will also offer some brand new applications to check out which have been specifically designed for use with the Note’s Pen S stylus. One of these apps will be called My Story and will allow users to create personalized digital cards using hand-drawn notes, photos taken on the Note and also voice messages as well.

Another of the apps which users will find useful is the S Note app, a writing-based app which supplies you with various templates to compile notes in a stylish format.

While it is obviously disappointing that Ice Cream Sandwich has been delayed, it’s nice to see Samsung supporting the device with four brand new unique apps to use which will help to distinguish the device further from other smartphones on the market. Additional details on the Premium Suite can be found at Samsung’s press release here – there’s some information on Angry Birds Space too for those that are interested.

What are your thoughts on the delay folks – willing to wait another few months for this or not?

More About: Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

We have four visual reviews for you to gauge an idea regarding the Note and if you think it’s a worthy smartphone or whatever we should be calling it? The handset itself has a very stable platform because it has been built on top of the ever-popular Galaxy S II, although there are a few needed upgrades to make the device more relevant – well it is newer after all.

Our first video review will be interesting because they have had the European version of the Samsung Galaxy Note for just over a month so have given it a decent test drive, he does say you need to make certain you are prepared to have such a big device in your pocket for the next two years though.

It’s easy to see that the Note looks a little silly because of its size and could take time to catch on, but look what was said about the iPhone when that was first introduced. The reviewer said that he is going to find it hard going back to his everyday phone because the Note is so good – the biggest issue will be the size difference.

In the next video review goes on for almost 30 minutes and from the start the women in the video is full of praise for the Galaxy Note, and even though she points out the size of the thing she does say that it’s pretty manageable. While the reviewer is informative we can’t help think she is speaking a little too fast – much like the wife does when I’ve done something wrong.

The third video is much easier to understand because the guy in the video is not talking too fast or getting over excited about the Galaxy Note, instead he’s just keeping a level head and going over all the facts that you need to know. While he does his best to explain all there is to know about the device we can’t help feel the quality of the video could have been better.

Our final video the reviewer explains that AT&T are calling this a Super Phone because of its size, which makes the iPhone 4S look silly once placed side-by-side with each other. The market for the Samsung Galaxy Note might not be like it is for the Galaxy S II, but Samsung are not stupid and are doing their best to cater for all consumer needs – even though it’s a little over the top.

More About: samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Earlier this month we had the news that a French cell phone carrier may have leaked the dates for a number of devices that included the Galaxy S2, which was pegged for March. Now according to an article over at Unwired View, a tweet by Eldar Murtazin is claiming that Samsung has almost completed work on its own Android 4.0 version and TouchWiz interface.

He continues by saying that Samsung will begin pushing out the update for both the Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note on the first day of March. The smartphones will be updated via the Samsung Kies software or an over the air update.

Many users will probably not see the new operating system quite so early though, as it will depend on the various operators being ready to release it as well. For some users it may take up until May to receive it, and could be even longer for users of the US versions. Owners of SIM free versions of the handsets may be in for some better luck though.

Samsung are likely getting its updates out to its devices quicker than its rivals because of the Galaxy Nexus device. Once Google chooses a company to provide a Nexus handset with the latest version of Android, they then get access to the software code under development. The company can then begin making changes to it for its own branded devices.

In the meantime rival companies have to wait until Google has finished its work and release the software to everyone. This early access to the software normally allows the Nexus handset maker to release operating system updates and next generation handsets a few weeks before its rivals. This is what happened in 2010 with HTC, who were able to release the Desire, EVO, and Droid Incredible before Samsung released its first Galaxy S.

Are you hoping to get ICS on March 1st?

More About: Android Ice Cream Sandwich, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy SII

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

LG has begun teasing a new Android smartphone that features a 5-inch screen, and will seemingly make its debut later this month at the Mobile World Congress in Spain. As SlashGear are reporting the device has the unusual 4:3 aspect ratio display instead of the now common 16:9. According to the company this allows the device to fit better in the user’s hand.

It is being claimed the handset will come packing a 1.5GHz Qualcomm WPQ8060 dual-core processer along with 1GB of RAM. It is not currently known what the screen resolution will be on the Optimus Vu, but it is thought to feature an eight megapixel camera. In the promotional video that you can see below it seems the device also has a front facing shooter as well.

There is thought to be 8GB of ROM space along with built-in NFC technology, which is nothing new from LG as they have already offered it in the PRADA Phone 3.0. Other features that can be seen from the video include circular metal buttons for both the lock and power operations. There is also a sliding cover for the microUSB input.

The Galaxy Note comes packing a stylus to simplify operation and while it can’t be guaranteed the LG will feature one, there does seem to be a place for one from the clip but it’s a bit blurry. Time will tell on that one but we can expect to see more information about the LG Optimus Vu at the end of the month at MWC 2012.

In the meantime if you are thinking of getting hold of the Galaxy Note there is a video review for you below. Do you like the idea of either of these handsets?

More About: lg, LG Optimus Vu, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

The last time we saw Samsung bash Apple in a commercial was when the company reminded the world that Apple’s iPhones are still not 4G supported, in reference to the latest release from Apple, the iPhone 4S.

Apple then launched a Christmas iPhone 4S ad of their own, but there was no sign of any revenge from the company. Now during the Super Bowl XLVI, Samsung released their latest advertisement, which touted the US release for the Galaxy Note device. During the ad, we see the lines ‘freedom’ being shouted by new Samsung Note owners, who Samsung portray to be waiting in a boring queue for their iPhone.

The message we see at the end is the most prominent though, with Samsung making a point to suggest that ‘the next big thing is already here again’. There’s also another standout point right at the end of the video where we see a character state the words ‘well that was over the top’.

Compare to this new ad and the one we saw about the iPhone 4S not having 4G – We didn’t see too many blatent pokes at Apple this time around. They are still referencing the typical iPhone crowds though in every ad, so we have a feeling that it won’t be long until we see Apple issue a little payback. As for the purpose of the ad, the Samsung Galaxy Note will soon be available to buy on AT&T on February 19th, where it will be priced at $299 on a two year contract.

What are your thoughts on Samsung’s Super Bowl ad? Do you enjoy seeing these ‘humorous’ pokes at Apple, or do you think it is slightly petty from Samsung?

More About: apple, samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Until now, there has been no official word from Samsung regarding Ice Cream Sandwich updates for any of their devices other than the Galaxy Nexus, but now thanks to a Facebook post from Samsung Norway, it looks like official updates for the Galaxy S II and Samsung Galaxy Note could be landing in a few months time, as noted by Phandroid.

According to them, the company will be launching Ice Cream Sandwich for both devices before the end of the first quarter this year, and it looks like Norwegian consumers will be getting their updates before the rest of the world get it. If you remember, the Galaxy Nexus launched in Europe a full month ahead of a US launch, so US consumers will now be praying that Samsung do not take as long to get Ice Cream Sandwich out to them.

Don’t be surprised that we don’t have an official date for you yet though, as you’ll know that isn’t Samsung’s style of doing things when it comes to software updates. On a side note, this will be great news for those of you planning to pick up a Galaxy Note from AT&T, as the carrier has just confirmed that a release is happening on February 19th and that it will be available to buy for $300 on a two year contract.

How many of you are currently enjoying Ice Cream Sandwich, is it really worth rooting your device and exploring the inner depths of your device, or are you one that likes to keep your smartphone in its default state, regardless of how long it takes for official updates to come out?

More About: Ice Cream Sandwich, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy S II

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

As expected, both Samsung and AT&T unveiled the device officially at CES 2012, confirming that AT&T will have the addition of a LTE 4G radio to make use of the carrier’s new 4G network. The phone tablet combi is already available to buy in Europe of course, but this week we have heard whispers that the device will be launching on February 18th and will be priced at $300.

That falls on a Saturday which is pretty interesting, and we think $300 is a pretty fair price for a new 4G LTE tablet device which also doubles up as a fully fledged smartphone. Then of course new owners can expect Ice Cream Sandwich to arrive soon on the AT&T Galaxy Note as well which will further add to the bragging rights for the AT&T version.

On a side note, the information cited at BGR also reveals that AT&T may be planning to bring a further two new smartphones on this date as well. February 18 will also bring the Samsung Rugby Smart and the AT&T Fusion, both of which will be on placed on the entry-level spectrum of Android devices.

It’s all about the Galaxy Note in our eyes though, as the device is proving to be a huge hit in Europe. Does it do enough though for you to pick up ahead of the likes of the Galaxy Nexus and Droid RAZR on Verizon? If the Note continues to sell well for Samsung, then we may be seeing Samsung follow up with multiple tablet/phone devices with even more exciting hardware specs.

More About: samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

The device was officially unveiled last week and as T3.com is reporting, the company said that it wanted to provide its customers a choice. It will follow its darker sibling with its 5.3-inch screen and dual-core processor. To start with the white version will be an exclusive to the Oxford Street branch of John Lewis in London.

Also the first one hundred customers who snap up the device will be treated to £250 worth of movies, eBooks, and music. If this is not convenient for you from next month the white version will become available from a variety of different retailers and networks.

The tablet come smartphone has a 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED screen with 1280 x 800 resolution, and includes a dual-core 1.4GHz processor running for now Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but expect it to be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich sometime in the future.

It has the Samsung S Pen Stylus and an eight megapixel camera on the rear that is capable of 1080p video capture, while on the front is a two megapixel unit for those video calls. Currently it is not known how much the device will cost SIM free, but the darker version retails for around £430 for the 16GB version.

Are you interested in the white Samsung Galaxy Note?

More About: John Lewis, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

The update itself is 74MB in size and can be manually triggered by going into Settings, About Phone and then tapping “Check for Updates”, depending on your carrier’s data speeds you may want to connect to a WiFi hotspot beforehand to save time. The update procedure is straight forward and shouldn’t take too long, once installed you should notice quite a few subtle changes which come together to deliver a richer overall user experience.

Firstly when your Galaxy Note is locked you should see a message reading “Swipe screen to unlock” this never appeared before, when you do unlock the device it is far easier and requires less of a swipe as before this update the screen size meant that you had to swipe quite a long distance to unlock your Note.

One aspect of the Galaxy Note which has been somewhat overhauled is the virtual QWERTY keyboard, firstly as the screen size is huge Samsung has decided to add number buttons above the QWERTY keys, this enables you to input numbers far easier than before and despite the fact that there’s 10 new buttons to tap on it doesn’t look like it will hamper the ease of typing which the Galaxy Note delivers. Samsung has also added a setting which enables you to right or left-align the QWERTY keyboard and numpad, this makes it far easier to input words and numbers one-handed when using the Note in portrait mode as the majority of people’s thumbs can’t reach the opposite side of the smartphone’s large display – you can see the changes below.

Other changes worth mentioning include the fact that a torch widget is now built into the Galaxy Note and brightness settings aren’t universal, which means that you can adjust the brightness independantly for the web browser.

All in all we think the changes will be welcomed by most people, you can see more screenshots of the changes via the link in the first paragraph of this brief article, have we missed anything which you’ve noticed? Have encountered problems post update? Let us know in the comments section below…

More About: Android, samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad