HTC Flyer Getting Android 4.0 This Quarter?

Although the source of this story is from an HTC rep, we're going to err on the side of caution. A fellow named Bruno spoke with an HTC rep on their site to ask about the HTC Flyer and a upgrade to Android 4.0. The rep told him that we could expect to see it in Q1 of this year. The reason we're not jumping up with joy is because customer service reps can be wrong and have been wrong in the past. It's a good indication that HTC might be thinking about bringing the update to the tablet but we will elect to wait on a more official statement before getting too excited. In the meantime keep your eyes peeled on community efforts to bring a Sense-less ROM to the device. [via Android and Me]

LG CX2 images leaks, it's shaping as an LG Optimus 3D 2

Under an assumed name, CX2, LG is reportedly in the works to bring a successor to its Optimus 3D smartphone with a better processor, superior display, slimmer body, NFC chip and HSPA+ (21 Mbps). Now those are only alleged specs from an undisclosed source so take them under advisement. Speaking of which, it's expected to debut at the Mobile Word Congress in February and going retail in early spring. The OS of choice is rumored to be Gingerbread and not ICS though an update seems likely at some point. The processor of the CX2 should be a 1.2 GHz dual-core TI OMAP, the display, while likely to remain a 4.3-incher of WVGA (480 x 800) resolution, and it's said to be a NOVA unit, meaning superior brightness and contrast. It's expected that there will be a serious brightness decrease in 3D mode as opposed to 2D mode. The cameras are expected to remain 5 MP and the device will supposedly be thinner. Finally the auto-stereoscopic display is rumored to be more effective in converting regular 2D content into 3D. Source

Sony ST25i Kumquat to be called Xperia U when it launches

The Indonesian equivalent of the US FCC has given us the retail name of the rumored Sony Ericsson ST25i Kumquat. It's listed under the name "Sony Ericsson Xperia U", though by the time the phone is officially unveiled, we're sure that will have changed to just "Sony Xperia U". That's all the new info available on the handset, but we expect to see the Sony Xperia U at the MWC in about a month. The LT26i Xperia S is also listed among the applications for certification, but we already know this one. Anyway, you can brush up on the specs that the Sony Xperia U is expected to have in our rumor mill. Also, with models named Xperia S and Xperia U, we can't help but wonder if Sony is considering a new naming scheme. We guess we'll have to wait until we find out how the Nypon and Pepper will be called officially. Thanks to Giovan for the tip! Source

Huawei to launch Diamond series high-end Android smartphones

If you were impressed by the Ascend P1 S by Huawei at CES 2012 this year, apparently it won't even be the best device the company has up its sleeves. According to reports online, Huawei has got a new Diamond series of smartphones that the company will be unveiling at MWC next month. Huawei has already sent out invites for a press conference scheduled on February 26th, where it promises to launch its “smartest, fastest and most high-performing smartphone.” No specific details have been released but if the phones are supposed to be an improvement over the P1 S, which already packs pretty impressive specs (1.5GHz dual-core processor, 4.3″ Super AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass, 8-megapixel BSI rear camera, 1.3-megapixel front facing camera), we're definitely looking forward to finding out more.

Telstra HTC Velocity 4G to get Android 4.0 ICS next month

As previously announced, tomorrow (January 24) Telstra will launch Australia's first LTE smartphone - the HTC Velocity 4G. While the handset will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread at launch, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is coming really soon. According to AusDroid, the Velocity should get Android ICS "next month or so", before other Telstra smartphones like the HTC Evo 3D, or HTC Sensation. So those who buy the Velocity will not only get Australia's first LTE handset, but also one of the firsts to taste Ice Cream Sandwich. You can go here at Telstra to pre-oder the new smartphone.

Motorola Looking for Testers for Photon 4G Update

Motorola's issued the call to arms for those with Photon 4G units on Sprint. They are gearing up to release a new update soon and need testers to help them determine whether or not things are good to go for the vast majority of those who have the device. We're not sure what to expect but we somehow don't think this one is Ice Cream Sandwich. We will find out soon if everything goes well, though. If you have the device and are signed up to receive test alerts be sure to check your inbox. [Motorola via Android Central]

Sony Ericsson ST25i

While this is not the first time we've heard of this exotic fruit name bearing handset, we haven't had the pleasure of seeing it in a clear picture yet. Until today that is. Sony Ericsson ST25i "Kumquat" has emerged in a spy photo and it looks, well, quite familiar. The upcoming smartphone looks a lot like the highly anticipated Sony Xperia S flagship, which got announced at CES this year. Its specs however, have been toned down a bit. The device is rumored to feature a dual-core CPU, clocked at 1GHz and a 5MP snapper. The screen is reportedly in the 3.5" range, and has FWGA resolution. Expect to see the Sony Ericsson ST25i "Kumquat" get unveiled at MWC in Barcelona next month under a Sony name. As always, we will be covering it live, so expect the full scoop on the device as soon as we get it. Source

Twilight X2 Dual SIM Android Smartphone

Chinavasion offers you their latest dual SIM Android smartphone, the Twilight X2. Priced at just $101 fully unlocked, the handset comes with a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 resistive touchscreen display, a 416MHz processor, a 256MB RAM, a 512MB of storage, a microSD card slot (up to 16GB), dual GSM SIM card slots, a 0.3MP front-facing camera, a 2MP rear-facing camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headset jack, a built-in speaker, a 1500mAh battery and runs on Android 2.2 OS. [Product Page]

Upcoming Sony smartphones to support GLONASS

Sony has announced that their newly announced Xperia smartphones, the Xperia S and Xperia Ion, will come equipped with the GLONASS satellite navigation system built-in. What's more, they have also revealed that some of their previous smartphones on sale right now have had GLONASS support built-in since launch. These other handsets include the Xperia arc, Xperia arc S, Xperia ray, Xperia neo, Xperia pro, Xperia PLAY, Xperia active and Live with Walkman. In case you weren't aware of it, GLONASS is to Russia what GPS is to America. Most of the phones have just GPS on-board, which restricts them to 31 satellites but having both, GPS as well as GLONASS on-board, you have access to 24 additional satellites, which not only speeds up lock-on time but also ensures you get a lock-on in trickier places, such as when you're surrounded by tall buildings. Sony is not the only company to have GLONASS along with GPS built-into their phones. Apple, Nokia, Samsung and Motorola too have a few models that include this functionality. Hopefully, more phones will include this feature in future. Source