HTC offers a bit more on the decision to not upgrade the Desire HD to Android 4.0 ICS and more

In This Issue...

HTC offers a bit more on the decision to not upgrade the Desire HD to Android 4.0 ICS
LG 'Cayenne' LS860 smartphone for Sprint [Leaked Image & Specs]
Telus launches a new 6GB data promo plan, has it priced at $65 per month and available for a limited time
Google offers details for the Nexus S Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update
Samsung will be announcing a new Galaxy device on August 15th
Radio Shack kicks off another smartphone sale, means $50 discounts on all Android smartphones
Asus reveals why the Nexus 7 lacks a rear facing camera
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HTC offers a bit more on the decision to not upgrade the Desire HD to Android 4.0 ICS

Earlier in the month we learned that Telus had changed the status for the HTC Desire HD Android 4.0 ICS update. And well, as that had turned out, it was HTC canceling the update — not Telus. Anyway, it looks like Telus has finally begun to offer a bit more information on the situation. The carrier has recently sent an email to the folks over at MobileSyrup. Said email stated rather clearly that it was HTC who cancelled the update. A bit more specifically, Telus stated that "the decision to suspend the software for this device was made by HTC, not TELUS." Furthermore, they also noted that "if HTC should take this upgrade out of a suspended status, TELUS will follow normal process to ensure that the software is released to our customers." Bottom line, it looks like those who are sporting an HTC Desire HD will not be getting Android 4.0 ICS. Of course, as we stated earlier in the month — while this is disappointing news for Desire HD users — we would prefer to stick with an older version of Android and have a properly running phone as opposed to getting ICS and having issues.

Via [MobileSyrup] and [HTC]

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LG 'Cayenne' LS860 smartphone for Sprint [Leaked Image & Specs]

It looks like another leaked smartphone image has surfaced online. The latest is coming by way of the @evleaks Twitter account and is showing off the LG LS860, which is also known as the Cayenne. The release date (and also the pricing) remains a mystery, however in this case we have been presented with a non-blurry image of the handset along with some specs. In terms of the device, the LG Cayenne is expected to arrive with features to includes a 4-inch WVGA display, dual-core MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. In addition, the handset will have a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and support for the Sprint 4G LTE network.

Via [Twitter @evleaks] and [AndroidPolice]

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Telus launches a new 6GB data promo plan, has it priced at $65 per month and available for a limited time

Telus has announced their latest promotion voice and data plan, the Promo Voice and Data 65. This new plan is priced (as the name would imply), at $65 per month and includes 6GB of data along with the following;

200 local anytime minutes
Unlimited Nationwide Family Calling
Unlimited local Early Nights (6PM) and Weekends
Unlimited text, picture and video messages
Unlimited nationwide talk and text messaging with your 10 favorite numbers

This plan also includes Caller ID, Voice Mail, Call Waiting and Conference Calling as well as unlimited local calling for one month. Lastly, this plan will remain available until August 9th.

Via [Telus] and [MobileSyrup]

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Google offers details for the Nexus S Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update

Google has officially confirmed the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Nexus S smartphone. The details were posted on the official Google+ page for Nexus and is letting everyone know that the update has already begun rolling out. Perhaps more important though, Google has also offered details on which carriers will be offering the handset at this time. Bottom line, those sporting a Nexus S with T-Mobile, Rogers, H3G, O2 and Vodafone (in most countries) should be on the lookout for an update notification. Notably missing at this time, Sprint and the Nexus S 4G.

Via [Google+]

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Samsung will be announcing a new Galaxy device on August 15th

Samsung has come forward with some details for an upcoming announcement. Basically, they have sent out a “save the date” email letting everyone know that they will be announcing a new Galaxy device on August 15th. Of course, like most of these ‘we have an announcement coming’ bits — the details aside from the date, time and location were left a mystery. As for the speculation, it is looking like Samsung will be announcing the next US bound Galaxy device. Possibly the Galaxy Note 2. Or more than likely, the Galaxy S Blaze Q, which is a slider-style handset with a full QWERTY keyboard that had been spotted with T-Mobile branding not all that long ago. Regardless, if you are curious — make sure you mark August 15th on your calendar.

Via [Enagadget]

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Radio Shack kicks off another smartphone sale, means $50 discounts on all Android smartphones

Radio Shack has officially kicked off their latest Android smartphone sale. The sale is currently underway and will remain in effect (for those shopping in-store) until Saturday July 28th. And on the flip side, the sale will remain available online through the end of August. End dates aside, the sale is for Android devices and means a $50 discount for any handset priced at $99.99 or higher. The only small catch, this sale does not includes any pre-paid handsets. Simply put, in order to get the $50 discount you will need to be ready to upgrade your current agreement or sign a new two-year agreement.

Via [Radio Shack]

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Asus reveals why the Nexus 7 lacks a rear facing camera

One of the main driving forces in creating the Nexus 7 was keeping the cost low. In order to achieve an affordable price, Asus realized some functions would have to be skipped — namely the rear facing camera. In a Q&A post, Asus explains why the rear facing camera was left off the Nexus 7 and why it is for the good of the customers.

If a product is to include a feature, then it should be high quality and useful. Asus realized a high-quality rear facing shooter would drive up cost of production and customers would have to pay more out of pocket. By throwing in a low quality shooter just for the sake of having a rear camera would lead to customers claiming it is a cheap, gimmicky camera. Therefore, Asus consciously decided to leave off the rear facing camera to keep the cost down.

My personal belief is that most people who own a tablet also own a smartphone that can be used to take great quality pictures anyway. I can’t imagine many people who would rather whip out a tablet to capture a picture instead of a smartphone.

The complete answer from Asus on the rear facing camera contention can be read below:

"Why is there no rear camera?
To make this device accessible to the widest possible market, price is very important. ASUS believes that for this device a good rear camera is important. Adding a high quality rear facing camera will increase the price point and many users would not have a use for it. Adding a lower quality rear facing camera would compromise on the overall user experience so the decision was made not to include a front facing camera therefore keeping the price down and user experience extremely high." – ASUS

Via [Slashgear]