Eager I5700 Galaxy Spica might have jumped into the Android 2.1 pool early but for those who were waiting; Samsung has officially released the Android 2.1 update for Galaxy Spica. The update has been initially rolled out in Germany and will be released gradually in the rest of the regions.

The update will be available via Samsung’s PC Studio 7 software and will feature 9 home screens for users to customize, augmented reality support, widgets and Visual bookmark. Samsung has also done some work on other fronts like an upgraded camera to enhance image options and viewing functionality, quick attachment of files to MMS and emails and improved contact management.

If you can’t wait till Q2 when Samsung will officially release Android 2.1 update for Galaxy Spica, you can download the unofficial ROM from the link below to delve in the Éclair goodness now. New things the update brings to the table is the new UI, personalization features and more. The phone however, doesn’t work all smooth as the person who put this guide claims Google Maps not working properly and freezing issues.

Instructions and Download link here.

Via

Samsung has released its second Android device in the Indian market, making it the cheapest Android device around. The I5700 as we all know sports an 800MHz processor and features global GSM support, 3G, 3.2-inch LCD screen, 3.2MP camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio jack, GPS, DivX, DNSe 2.0, microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB and 1500mAh battery capable of giving up to 8-9 hours of talk time.

Samsung will sell I5700 Galaxy Spica for under Rs. 15,000.

Specific regional divisions have already announced the Galaxy Spica for their respective markets and after half a month later, here is an official acknowledgement from the Samsung HQ. Galaxy Spica, smaller sibling of Galaxy I7500 is now available in parts of Europe and CIS. To quickly rehash, Galaxy Spica I5700 features an 800MHz processor, 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen (no AMOLED), 3.2MP camera, GPS, 200MB internal memory, microSD expandable slot (up to 32GB) and a 1500mAh battery.

Samsung confirmed the phone will reach the MEA region soon.

Specifications:

Network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, 3G 900/2100MHz
Dimensions: 115×57×13.2mm
CPU: 800MHz processor
Display: 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen (320×480)
Camera: 3.2MP camera
Connectivity: Bluetooth v2.1, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi
File formats supported: H.263, H.264, WMV, MPEG4, MP3, AAC, WMA, eAAC
Internal Memory: 200MB
External Memory: microSD card slot up to 32GB
3.5mm headphone jack
Battery: 1500mAh
Talk time: 6.1 hours (3G)
Standby time: 340 hours

Update 3: Launched in Germany. Will be available in December for 399 Euros ($596).
Update 2: Norway and Sweden also gets the device. It will trade for NOK 3,500 (USD 614) in Norway whereas SEK 4,500 (USD 639) in Sweden.
Update: Galaxy Spica also announced in Denmark. Price 2,999 kr ($596).

Samsung Galaxy I7500’s smaller sibling has set its foot in Finland after being launched in Russia. This Galaxy Spica remains unchanged except for the fact that it comes with Nordic language support. It will start selling in November at a price of 469 Euros ($692).

Full Specifications:
Network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, 3G 900/2100MHz
Dimensions: 115x57x13.2mm
CPU: 800MHz processor
Display: 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen (320×480)
Camera: 3.2MP camera
Connectivity: Bluetooth v2.1, USB 2.0
File formats supported: H.263, H.264, WMV, MPEG4, MP3, AAC, WMA, eAAC
Internal Memory: 200MB
External Memory: microSD card slot up to 32GB
3.5mm headphone jack
Battery: 1500mAh
Talk time: 6.1 hours (3G)
Standby time: 340 hours

Just like Unwired View we’re unsure if Samsung unveiled I5700 Galaxy Spica but yes, they did announce it in Russia. Launching in November in Russia, the Galaxy Spica will become the second Android device from Samsung to be available in different regions (in the coming months). Galaxy Spica features a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, 800MHz CPU, 128MB RAM, 3.2MP camera, GPS, compass, microSD card slot (up to 32GB), variety of multimedia codec support and 1500mAh battery.

The phone will retail for 14,000 Rubles ($483).

Galaxy Lite I5700 seems to be the worst kept secret for Samsung. Yet more images and info have made it to the interwebs, courtesy a Dutch site. Unlike what we heard the last time, the site claims that I5700 will be announced this month while sales will start from next month. It will be priced at around 350 Euros, competing with HTC’s affordable Android phone, Tattoo.

As for the specs, they still remain the same but the incorporation of TouchWiz UI is unlikely. Galaxy Lite aka Galaxy Spica features a 3-inch touchscreen display, Android 1.5 OS, HSDPA, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.2MP camera and microSD card slot.

[Thanks, Jonathan!]

We’ve already seen Galaxy Lite pictures couple of times before but these new ones looks more refined, pretty much like the final build. However, this post is not about how better it looks from the previous prototypes but the claim that Dial a phone is making. The phone was slated for an October release but according to them, the release date is now pushed back to 2010 so as to provide the original Galaxy some more time. This decision, if true, will be surprising since both the phones will target different segments.

The site has also divulged the full spec sheet, which includes 3-inch WQVGA TFT touchscreen, Android 1.5 OS, TouchWiz UI, HSDPA, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, Google Apps and Android Market, Chrome Lite browser, 3.2MP camera, 200MB internal memory with microSD expansion slot (up to 32GB), accelerometer and 3.5mm audio jack. Mention of TouchWiz is interesting and since the above picture has the default UI, we expect Samsung to add it in the final retail version.

[Thanks, Ahmed!]

New images and a video has surfaced showing Samsung’s second Android phone. The new pictures show a different Galaxy Lite complete with a Home and Web button which were lacking in the previous image. It has a 3.2MP camera, 1GB internal storage, microSD slot, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and HSDPA. There’s no mention on the processor speed and display size but is said to carry an AMOLED screen, like the Galaxy.

Check the video of Galaxy Lite running on Android v1.5 Cupcake.

Just in case you had some doubt about Galaxy Lite (I5700) running Android OS, here’s Bluetooth SIG certification to prove it. Another good thing is it has also divulged some more features like 3MP camera, microSD card slot, Bluetooth v2.1+EDR, Wi-Fi, HSDPA, GPS.

However, the previous report gives another interesting yet unconfirmed information. The Galaxy Lite (or Spica) will feature a 800MHz processor, much faster than Galaxy’s 528MHz CPU.