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Announced last September, over 1 million Europeans already own the Samsung Galaxy Note but hopeful U.S. buyers may be able to own the Samsung Galaxy Note hybrid in 2012. The Galaxy Note is a 5.9 inch touchscreen tablet with a built in Smartphone.

SamMobile published a photo of a possible U.S. version, sparking bloggers to prognosticate more information will be available at this year’s CES along with a possible 2012 release. People lucky enough to have access to the new LTE network may get excited.

Specifications

• 5.29″WXGA Super AMOLED (C-type touch), Full Touch Bar
• Android OS: Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread
• 21M + HSPA, LTE
• 8MP AF with LED flash, 2MP Camera Front
• HD Recording (1080) / MHL ver1.0
• A-GPS, GLONASS / BT v3.0 + HS / USB v2.0 / WiFi (802.11 a / b / g / n) / OTG
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Light, Gyro sensor, Barometer
• TouchWiz 4.0 for Android, Multistage, Augmented Reality, Integrated phonebookwith SNS, IM, Email, Face Recognition, etc.
• WiFi calling, Qik
• NFC

This might be an interesting hybrid for tablet lovers, too, however, I’m concerned that bloggers are suggesting the release will not have Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich.

Verizon decided not to institute the $2 convenience fee.

12/30/2011

Verizon Wireless has decided it will not institute the fee for online or telephone single payments that was announced earlier this week.

The company made the decision in response to customer feedback about the plan, which was designed to improve the efficiency of those transactions. The company continues to encourage customers to take advantage of the numerous simple and convenient payment methods it provides.

“At Verizon, we take great care to listen to our customers. Based on their input, we believe the best path forward is to encourage customers to take advantage of the best and most efficient options, eliminating the need to institute the fee at this time,” said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.

Engadget has a hands on video of the Nokia N9. The Smartphone looks sharp – and the swiping gestures appear “natural.”

First Video

Second Video

Now, I’m a little concerned about this statement:

The whole phone is essentially built into the external shell, which does mean the battery isn’t user-replaceable and there’s no microSD expandability

Uhm. Is that wise?

IDC

A reliable source told BGR that the Apple iPhone 5 (not 4GS) is expected in August with “a radical new case design.” This agrees with Thisismynext April post that the iPhone will have a teardrop-shaped case design. RIM is handing out layoff notices. Combine these leaks with the Nokia N9 announcement, and we have some wonderful questions to asking ourselves and companies about product positioning and timing of announcements.

Oh no  - one more piece of information – IDC states the android market has peaked in March.

Now, I ask, will the Nokia slide continue? Can the iPhone 5 help Apple?

The graph suggests Apple’s marketshare oscillated – based on announcements. Nokia’s slide is constant.