When you pick-up your Samsung Galaxy S4 some time over the next few weeks (or month if on Verizon), we thought we should point out that the faux-metal band around the outside of the device is protected by a clear plastic sticker. It can be hard to see if you don’t know it’s there, so being the good samaritans that we are, wanted to make sure you knew about it. You could leave it if you’d like, I guess, but it’s not necessarily supposed to be there for the long haul. If you choose to remove it, you’ll find at least four pieces spread around the outside.

Update:  As Leif points out in the comments, there is also one around the camera, which you certainly want to remove.

Just lookin’ out. 

Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.2) is finally ready for the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy Note. Yes, the original. AT&T announced the update this morning as going live today, May 3, so be on the lookout should you still own this device.

With Android 4.1, you get all sorts of new features over Ice Cream Sandwich. Google Now is probably the most important, but you’ll see better and smarter notifications, along with a “premium package of new features including Popup Note, which allows users to instantly and conveniently write down directions, phone numbers, and other information while on a call. Popup Video and Browser allow users to watch video or browse the web while performing other tasks.”

Instructions for downloading and installing the update over Kies can be found at the links below.

Via:  ATT | Samsung

Last night during TNT’s NBA broadcasts, Samsung’s new “Pool Party” ad for the Galaxy S4 popped up at least a couple of times. The ad is long, like a minute and a half long. If there was any doubt that their marketing budget is practically unlimited when it comes to their flagship phones, this should change that permanently. You almost have to feel a little bad for their competitors, because there is no way they can keep up with commercials played during special events at peak hours that are pushing almost two minutes in length. 

Looks like a mystery update is being sent out from Verizon to owners of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The new build number is I605VRAMC3, but without Verizon posting an updated PDF with the changes, it’s hard to tell what’s new. If you spot something right off the bat, let us know.

Update:  The support PDF has updated and it’s massive. The big change is that the Galaxy Note 2 is now running Android 4.1.2, but you’ll see that a nice list of apps have been updated to support Multi Window on the device. The update also includes support for Isis Mobile Wallet,  fixes alarm clock issues, and added notification panel editing menu in Display Settings. Check below for the full details.

The update is 246MB in size. 

Dan Rosenberg (@djrbliss) posted a teaser photo this morning of his success at cracking the bootloader on the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. The initial reaction by most was, “When will the method be released to the public?!?” After a minimal wait, the answer has been given and is quite obvious if you think about it. Dan is waiting for Verizon to release their version of the Galaxy S4 at the end of May. Why would he do that, you ask? 

Development for the Galaxy S4 is taking off by leaps and bounds now that the device is landing in the hands of developers. And you know it’s going to be a good time when the founder of CyanogenMod, Steve Kondik takes to Google+ to show off Samsung’s newest flagship running a build of his custom firmware. Along with his post, he says, “Definitely not supporting the S4.” Oh, that guy sure has some knee slappers. 

According to a source of SamMobile, Samsung has three different working prototypes of the Galaxy Note 3 that they are leaning towards. One design is basically a larger Galaxy S4, which wouldn’t shock anybody given that’s what the Galaxy Note 2 was to the Galaxy S3. Then, there are two other designs which intrigue us quite a bit more. 

Two days ago, word of a locked bootloader on Samsung’s new Galaxy S4 spread across this vast internet thanks to Steve “Cyanogen” Kondik. The outrage poured in, as we have come to expect. Carriers hate us. Well, at least that’s how we perceive these direct attempts at keeping us from doing as we please with a product we paid good money for. We’re sure they have sold or lobbied to the FCC or any number of government agencies on the fact that custom software and unlocked bootloaders will blow up their networks and ruin the experience for everyone, something they likely have no proof for. But, that’s where we stand!