Well, when was the last time we mentioned the Samsung Stratosphere? It’s been a little bit, but with Verizon approving an update for the device this morning, we thought maybe the time had finally come for this poor soul to receive some Ice Cream Sandwich love from Big Red. The short answer is “nope.” 

This update to build number i405.GC1 is to improve call quality, correct IMAP implementation, remove old bloatware applications, and improve the My Verizon app among other things. If a Stratosphere is currently in your pocket or sitting next to you on your desk, expect the update to roll out sometime this week at the earliest.

Let’s be real – if it doesn’t have ICS by now, it’s not coming anytime soon.

Via: Verizon

Verizon Approves Samsung Stratosphere Update to Build Number i405.GC1, Still Not Ice Cream Sandwich is a post from: Droid Life

The Samsung SCH-i425, or better known as the Godiva, appeared in its first set of pictures this morning. The device, which some were expecting to be the next in the Stratosphere line since the model number matched up to previous Strato models, may not be all that similar after all. Notice anything missing from the phone? Yep, that would be a physical slideout keyboard.

Other than the missing keyboard, we should be looking at a HD (720p) display, NFC sensor inside the back cover, and an Android version of 4.1.2. It’ll likely be an ultra-affordable 4G LTE device for those not willing to pony up $200+ for the latest and greatest Android device.

No official word from Verizon on name or release date, but if it’s in the wild like this, it may not be far off. Plus, Big Red has yet to announce anything for Q1, so we should be hearing and seeing something very soon. 

Via:  Engadget

Cheers Scott!

Samsung Godiva “Stratosphere 3″ Outed in Pics, R.I.P. Keyboarded Phones is a post from: Droid Life

Is the Samsung Stratosphere 3 already in testing? A new benchmark that appeared over at GLBenchmark hints at a device that certainly fits into the model number scheme that Verizon and Samsung have used for their Stratosphere series. 

A phone under the codename “Godiva” and with model number SCH-i425 showed up with a 720p (1280×720) display and dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor. It also has Verizon branding all over the software build, so we’re jumping to a bit of a conclusion by giving it the “Stratosphere” name, but not much of one. The original Strato was i405 and the Strato 2 is i415.

It seems a bit odd that Verizon and Samsung would be ready to push out a new Stratosphere device after having just released the Stratosphere 2 in November. Without announcing much at CES, they are going to need Q1 devices, though, so maybe this makes sense after all.

If you were considering the Stratosphere 2 as one of the last phones on the planet with a keyboard, you were probably disappointed in the low end specs. Maybe this new version will be just what you were hoping for, assuming it has a keyboard.

Does a phone with a keyboard still have a place in your heart?

Via:  Ameblo | GLBenchmark

New Samsung SCH-i425 Device Spotted in Benchmark, Headed to Verizon as the Next Stratosphere? is a post from: Droid Life

According to Verizon’s Equipment Guide, they are planning to introduce follow-ups to two of their late-2011, early-2012 devices. The Samsung Stratosphere, aka the first 4G LTE slider, will get a refresh and be released as the Stratosphere 2 (SCH-I415). We aren’t seeing much for specs that would impress, but are assuming it’ll sport a Snapdragon S4. What 4G LTE phone doesn’t these days, right? Otherwise, we know it’ll have a 4″ Super AMOLED display, and carry the exact same form factor as its predecessor. 

The LG Spectrum is the other device that apparently still has a refresh in the works, known as the Spectrum 2 (VS930). As with the Stratosphere 2, we know almost nothing other than the model number from this Equipment Guide shot. Thankfully, we have been tracking this phone on benchmark sites and in other leaks for months now and are pretty sure that this will be similar to the LG Optimus LTE2. It should sport a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, an HD display, and an 8MP camera. It should be a solid offering.

It’s starting to appear as if Verizon is 100% invested in the Snapdragon S4 processor as it is efficient enough to do wonders with LTE radios and battery life. All of last year’s phone running anything less are getting phased out. We know that Motorola has two devices on the way to replace the original RAZR and MAXX, both that run the S4, along with the LG Intuition. And as you all know already, the Galaxy S3 runs the S4.

Any takers?

Samsung Stratosphere 2 and LG Spectrum 2 Also on the Way to Verizon is a post from: Droid Life

The Samsung Stratosphere is set to receive its first update since being released on Verizon almost a year ago. The update is labeled FF1, is 53.8MB in size, and includes a number of features that will add to the user experience. The biggest is probably the new face unlock that security feature that we have become familiar with thanks to Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), however, this update is not Ice Cream Sandwich. The device will still be running Gingerbread (Android 2.3). They also tweaked the incoming call screen, gave more sorting options in the app drawer, included a photo editor, and allow for stills to be taken during video recording.

Other than those major UI changes, Verizon and Samsung patched security (probably a root exploit), improved navigation audio, added video chatting in Google Talk, and improved touch screen response. Again, it’s the first update for the device, so as you can expect, it’s a pretty sizable one.

No official word has been given for a timeline for rollout to users, but we usually see it within a matter of days once Verizon has posted up support docs like these. 

More info.

Samsung Stratosphere to Receive First Update – Includes Face Unlock and Other ICS Features, is Not ICS Though is a post from: Droid Life

I’m going to go out on a limb here (not much of one) and assume that the Samsung Galaxy Stellar is not the “newest Galaxy” that Samsung is planning to unveil on August 15. I could be wrong, but if this new Galaxy device is already appearing on rebate forms, I would assume it’s not worthy of a press event. With that said, what is it?

Well, we saw Samsung file for a trademark of the name Stellar back in early March, but that’s about all we know. We have however, seen a device codenamed the Jasper (SCH-i200) appear in both pictures and benchmarks in recent weeks. It’s a mid-range device with some decent power, but definitely not on the level of the Galaxy S3.

Over the weekend, another Samsung device jumped onto our radar as it cruised through the FCC, Bluetooth SIG, and WiFi Alliance. With model number SCH-i410, it looks like another headed to Verizon. As you may recall, the Samsung Stratosphere carried the model number SCH-i405, so one would assume that this is some sort of a follow-up device.

Is the Stellar the Stratosphere 2 or the Jasper? The mid-range battle begins!

Cheers ___, Bryan and  ___!

Samsung Galaxy Stellar Headed to Verizon, but What is It? is a post from: Droid Life

Samsung Stratosphere owners are the latest target for Verizon’s new Backup Assistant Plus service. Many of them are receiving text messages from VZWNMN, something that we understand to be annoying, to say the least. We actually wrote about this exact same tip in June for the Incredible 2, but for whatever reason, it’s Big Red’s other 4G LTE slider that is being attacked today.

Like I said, the messages have to do with Backup Assistant Plus which is VZW’s new subscription service that allows you to store more than just contacts. You can manage multiple webmail accounts, store media (pictures and video), and access them all from anywhere. It may sound neat, but your Android phone already does all of the contact backup automatically to Google’s cloud. And if you want to backup media, there are plenty of options like Dropbox or Box that will do just fine. There is really no reason to sign up for this service other than to make your life hell when setting up your next Android phone. 

So here is what you can do to get rid of the service and those pesky texts:

1.  Login to your Verizon account.
2.  Click on “Account” at the top and then “Change Features” from the bottom right.
3.  Select the device you would like to remove the service from.
4.  Then scroll down until you find “Contact Management” and click “Remove.”

*Note - If you aren’t able to remove the feature from within your MyVerizon account, you’ll need to call *611 and have a customer service rep do it from their end. Have them search for “Backup Assistant Plus” and remind them that it’ll be listed as free feature and that you need to them to take it off of your account.

Samsung Stratosphere Owners Receiving Text Messages from VZWNMN? Here is How to Stop Them is a post from: Droid Life

Did anyone purchase the Samsung Stratosphere when it was released two weeks ago? If you did, know that you can now root the lil’ guy and attempt to have even more fun with your LTE speeds and physical keyboard. The instructions look massive and are not for just any casual hacker though. You need adb, Heimdall or Odin, and to follow the entire process that is listed at the source link below.

If only rooting could add a second processor, Super AMOLED Plus screen, and 1GB of RAM, this would be really hot.

Via:  RootzWiki

Cheers knightcrusader!

Samsung Stratosphere Rooted Already is a post from: Droid Life

It may not be the Galaxy SII, but if you love Samsung, slideout keyboards, low prices, and 4G LTE, the Stratosphere is your only option for the time being. We all know that a set of powerhouse devices is on the way including the HTC Rezound, DROID RAZR, and Galaxy Nexus, but there are a handful of people out there that can’t live without a physical keyboard. None of those devices has one. For $149 on 2-year contract, this little guy and its 1GHz single-core processor can be yours.

Buy.

Samsung Stratosphere Available Today from Verizon for $149 is a post from: Droid Life

No surprises here, but we still wanted to point out that the Samsung Stratosphere is finally “official” on Verizon. Available this Thursday (October 13), this is one of the cheapest 4G LTE phones at just $149 after $50 rebate. It is essentially the Samsung Fascinate but with a keyboard and 4G LTE. Full specs can be found here and here.

More pics and other specs after the break.  

FIRST 4G LTE SMARTPHONE WITH QWERTY KEYBOARD FOR VERIZON WIRELESS: THE SAMSUNG STRATOSPHERE^™

Features a 4-inch Super AMOLED^™ Display, 1 GHz Processor and B2B Enterprise Solutions

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the Samsung Stratosphere^™, a Galaxy S^® smartphone, will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 13.

The Samsung Stratosphere is the first 4G LTE smartphone from Verizon Wireless equipped with a five-row QWERTY keyboard and designed with Samsung’s four-inch Super AMOLED^™ display.  Additionally, the Stratosphere supports enhanced B2B-enabled connectivity services from Cisco^™, the most comprehensive mobile implementation of Microsoft^® Exchange ActiveSync^® (EAS) and support for secure remote device management from Sybase ^® Afaria^®.

Ideal for the business professional, the Samsung Stratosphere offers robust data management support.  The Stratosphere will support Samsung’s Enterprise Platform enhancements such as VPN, encryption and Mobile Device Management (MDM).  EAS includes features such as direct push, email, calendar, contact sync and Global Address List (GAL), as well as EAS policies including storage card encryption, device encryption, and simple and complex password support, all essential for streamlining business on the smartphone.

Key features:

• ·         4G LTE – customers can expect fast download speeds of  5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE mobile broadband coverage areas
• ·         Five-row QWERTY keyboard
• ·         Samsung Super AMOLED^™ Screen Technology makes watching movies, viewing videos and playing games come to life, even in bright light and outdoor environments
• ·         Android^™ 2.3 Gingerbread – support for Google^™ Mobile Services including Gmail^™, YouTube^™, Google Talk^™, Google Search^™, Google Maps^™ and access to more than 250,000 apps available to download from Android Market^™
• ·         Samsung 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor
• ·         Front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for video chat and 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and flash (720p HD playback and 480p DVD-quality recording)
• ·         Mobile Hotspot Capability – share 4G connection with up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to five devices
• ·         AllShare^Ô – enables wireless connectivity through Digital Living Network Alliance^® (DLNA), so customers can send multimedia content to other DLNA Certified^®-enabled devices such as TVs and laptops
• ·         Samsung Media Hub – Samsung’s own content service, offering a vast lineup of critically acclaimed films and TV programs for rent or purchase
• ·         Bluetooth^® 3.0 technology – support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, and object push for vCard and vCalendar
• ·         Multiple video file formats supported, including DivX and XviD
• ·         Wi-Fi Connectivity (802.11 a/b/g/n)

Business features:

Samsung’s enterprise mobility solutions will provide flexibility and connectivity for mobile workforces, ensuring that users are able to operate more efficiently on the go.

• ·         Microsoft^® Exchange ActiveSync^® (EAS) – communicate directly with your Microsoft Exchange Server enabling push email, calendar and contacts
• ·         Support for Cisco AnyConnect 2.1 SSL VPN – supports access to private corporate networks using industry-standard VPN protocols with enhanced security of 4G LTE networks helps users tap into VPN networks with no waiting
• ·         Encryption Services – users and IT administrators can initiate a remote wipe command to erase private information
• ·         Support for Sybase Afaria^® – MDM capabilities allow an integrated experience for the end user in the event it is required by their IT department or corporate policy

Pricing and data packages:

• ·         The Samsung Stratosphere will be available on Oct. 13 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online atwww.verizonwireless.com for $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
• ·         Customers that purchase a Samsung Stratosphere smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visitwww.samsungwireless.com.

Samsung Stratosphere Announced by Verizon, Available October 13 for $149 is a post from: Droid Life

The Samsung Stratosphere stopped being a mystery long ago, but after a couple of missed release dates, we now have the official one thanks to our friends at Verizon.  You can purchase this mid-tier 4G LTE slider next week on October 13.  Pricing has not been announced, but we are expecting or assuming at least, that it will swing in around the $149 mark on 2-year contract.

We have full specs (again) for you below, as well as the user manual and some side shots.  

Download the user manual here.

A look at the device from all angles:

Cheers ___ and A!

Samsung Stratosphere Launching October 13: Full Specs and User Manual Available is a post from: Droid Life

With accessories now arriving in stores for the Samsung Stratosphere, I’d say we may just see it this week on October 6 after all.  We essentially already know just about everything there is to know about this phone now, including the official specs and what it will look like.  It’s a mid-tier 4G LTE phone for those that can’t live without a physical keyboard and will likely sneak in around the $149 mark on 2-year contract.

Keyboard fiends, are you ready for it?

Cheers ___!

Samsung Stratosphere Accessories Start Arriving in Verizon Stores is a post from: Droid Life

When the Samsung Stratosphere first popped up on DL, most of us had fingers an toes crossed that it would be Verizon’s Galaxy SII variant.  We now know that not to be the case and will instead see a device more on-par with the Epic 4G on Sprint than anything.  That doesn’t mean it is a total flop though – remember that there is a pretty good sized group of people that cannot live without a physical keyboard and also want 4G LTE.  This will be their option, for now.

We just received the comparison specs sheets for the device from our friends at Verizon, so that those interested can get an idea as to what they might expect when the device launches on October 6.  What we have is a single-core 1GHz processor, Android 2.3, 1.3MP front camera, 5MP rear camera, 512MB of RAM, 4″ Super AMOLED display, and 4G LTE capabilities.

Verizon is calling it a “mid-tier” option, so we can hope that means it will come in around a $149.99 price point.  

How it compares to Verizon’s other 4G LTE phones (sans Bionic):

How it compares to the competition’s 4G sliders:

Keyboard lovers, still excited or are you now waiting for the DROID4?

Cheers ___!

Full Specs for the Samsung Stratosphere, Comparisons to Other Devices as Well is a post from: Droid Life

When visiting the WireFly page for the newly available Pantech Breakout, a keen-eyed reader noticed two press shots of the upcoming and unannounced Samsung Stratosphere. Both images were bundled within the Breakout’s gallery and matched up to the ones we saw earlier this month.

The Stratosphere is an upcoming Verizon 4G LTE device that contains a QWERTY keyboard (think Epic 4G) and is rumored to be arriving in early October. The Stratosphere should provide a QWERTY option to those looking for an LTE device that won’t break the bank. Unfortunately, pricing is unavilable at this time. Another photo can be found after the break.

Via: OwenJohnston

Leaked Images Of Verizon’s Upcoming Samsung Stratosphere Hit The Web is a post from: Droid Life

Last night we got a random tip suggesting that the HTC Vigor was to be rebranded as the DROID Incredible HD and would be out on October 13.  Whether that date and name are legit remains to be seen, but we know now that RadioShack is at least expecting to see the device as the “Vigor” on October 20. Well, via direct fill anyway.  And if that is indeed the case, then I would say that Verizon must be planning a pre-order for it that week?  Something to consider.  Just over a month away, folks.

And as to not shun the Epic 4G Samsung Stratosphere, we should point out that it also made The Shack’s list and is expected to be available via d-fill on October 6.  So much for this being a slow Fall?

Cheers ___!

RadioShack Expecting the HTC Vigor on October 20, Stratosphere on October 6 is a post from: Droid Life