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Samsung unveils Galaxy Nexus with Android 4.0, SDK available now

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 18 Oct 2011 10:22 User comments (10)

Samsung unveils Galaxy Nexus with Android 4.0, SDK available now Samsung just live streamed the event here: http://www.youtube.com/android
The Android 4.0 ICS device will have a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED screen and dual cameras 1.3/5 MP. Curved design, thin, impressive no-shutter lag camera.

Galaxy Nexus goes on sale in November.

Android 4.0 ICS is far and away the most impressive part of the device, however.

Interface



The new typeface in ICS is dubbed "Roboto" and is specifically designed for HD displays. There are also now live wallpapers available for the lock screen. Speaking of the lock screen, instead of a need for a password or pin, ICS has facial recognition as an option.

Screenshots are now available for all devices, with a quick touch of the power + down volume.

Virtual soft keys run on the bottom of the device and hide when not in use. Widgets are resizable and can drag dropped from the widgets tab into any home screen.



Folders are easily made, such as "games" or "multimedia" and apps just drop right in. To close an app that is open (when multitasking) just flick it off the screen.


Keyboard


The new keyboard has improved error correction, and the spell checker/dictionary are improved, as well. Talk-to-type now writes out words as you speak them, not waiting until after you are done.



Core Apps



Google's new browser adds tabs (finally). There is live preview of the screen you are trying to open, as well as flick gestures for closing tabs. There is an easy toggle for mobile/desktop mode when visiting a site.

Bookmarks are synced from your desktop version of Chrome, and their is finally offline reading. Just hit save and the page is cached for reading when you don't have access to the Web.

Gmail has been completely redesigned and included 2-line previews in the inbox. A new "action bar" on the bottom of the screen shows your most used actions, like "compose" and "search." You can search, offline, through the last 30 days of mail and read them, when not connected to the web.

The Android calender adds easier navigation and pinch-to-zoom to see more details about any event.

Data management is made easier with an impressive task manager.

The gallery can be organized by tabs, people, places and more. Each has HD preview.

Using the impressive camera, you can take Panorama shots. Glide the camera across an area and ICS will piece it together and create a panorama.

The camcorder allows for 1080p HD video recording, zoom whilst recording, and the ability to snap pics while shooting.

Visual voice mail has been update and is available right in the call log. You can speed up the voicemail if someone talks slow, or vice versa.

If you are busy when someone calls, swiping upwards allows you to send a "Quick Response" text such as "in a meeting, call you later" instead of just hanging up on the person.





Beam



Using NFC tech, Beam allows users to put their devices back to back and share info. You can share apps, games, web pages, Google Maps info, and more.

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10 user comments

118.10.2011 22:32

Ok, ICS looks absolutely fantastic.

218.10.2011 22:47

Damn I was really hoping it wouldn't have this lame name. Nexus prime sounded so much better.

318.10.2011 22:48

Originally posted by plutonash:
Damn I was really hoping it wouldn't have this lame name. Nexus prime sounded so much better.
This could be called "The Poop Phone," and wouldn't matter, ICS is amazing, just wow.

418.10.2011 22:57

love the beam feature

518.10.2011 22:57

Nice...too bad about the hardware...I honestly expected a lot more than my current phone; not less.

618.10.2011 22:58

it has the same specs as my evo 3d

718.10.2011 23:29

I like how it has a 720p HD resolution.

819.10.2011 03:56

Looks like ICS is more of the big news rather than the phone itself. The specs are not quite as I expected.

919.10.2011 04:56

Originally posted by plutonash:
Damn I was really hoping it wouldn't have this lame name. Nexus prime sounded so much better.
The Verizon variant (CDMA) is called Galaxy Nexus. But: The World (GSM) might will keep the name of Nexus Prime and for sure with better specs.
http://bit.ly/pxKOvi
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 19 Oct 2011 @ 4:56

1019.10.2011 13:49

I was going to wait for the Galaxy Note, but after seeing the live event last night, I'm going to have to go with the Nexus hands down.

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