Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Android 4.0 Smartphone Unveiled

HONG KONG: Samsung and Google execs took the stage in Hong Kong today and announced the Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone, the first to run Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It will be available in the US, Europe and Asia come early November.

Samsung Mobile honcho, J.K. Shin and Google Mobile chief Andy Rubin — each with an Android 4.0-based Galaxy Nexus — were hamming it up in Hong Kong, below.

The two giants unveiled the 4G LTE device, sporting a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, a 720p Super AMOLED display measuring in at 4.6-inches, clear to the edge of the bezel. Optimized for video, the smartphone includes facial recognition tech for unlocking the device, execs said, though the demo didn’t work on stage.

Google streamed the event live on YouTube. After the Samsung unveiling, Google took the stage for its Android 4.0 announcement, which held few surprises.

The phone will include Google’s cloud tech, NFC for Google Wallet, and a range of UI improvements via Android 4.0. Google exec Hugh Ybarra said the goal was to make Android “something you could looooooove.” It is no longer for just power users, he said.

The thin, ergonomic design is slightly curved. Google and Samsung invented a new typeface, Roboto, for extra screen readability on its ultra bright display, a Super AMOLED offering up 1280 x 720 resolution. Here are some of the specs. So far, pricing is unavailable:

Processor: 1.2GHz Dual Core Processor

Display: 4.65 1280 x 720 HD Super AMOLED screen.

Operating System: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Rear Camera: 5mp AF with LED Flash and zero shutter lag and fast shot2shot

Front Camera: 1.3mp

Connectivity: Bluetooth v3.0, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 A/B/G/N, NFC

Sensor: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Light, Proximity, Barometer (we are interested in how app developers will use the barometer!)

Member: 1GB Ram + 16GB/32GB RAM

Size: 135.5 x 67.96 x 8.9mm, 135g

Battery: Standard Battery, Lithium Ion 1.75