So what to expect from the latest firmware? Here are the highlights:

• Enhanced HSPA+ network speed – from 14 to 21 Mbps
• Improved video playback in 2D and 3D
• 3D Video Editor with the ability to create new projects
• 2D to 3D conversion for videos and images
• Ability to convert OpenGL games from 2D to 3D
• Improved video recording quality
• Improved battery life with low-power modes during music playback
• Upgraded sound quality with Dolby Mobile Effect
• Improved camera loading and switching time from 2.5 seconds to 1 second
• Improved 3D depth with 720p camera

So what are you waiting for? Hit “Settings”, “About phone” and update from there. If you don’t see the new software – don’t worry, it will be there in the next couple of days.

[Via: MobileSyrup]

There you have it. If you plan to get this super-big phone as soon as you can, this Valentine’s Day will be truly special for you.

[Via: MobileSyrup]

Even though the Optimus Pad was launched a year ago, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad device. Quite the contrary, it has a dual-core processor and its 8.9-inch screen is said to be perfectly-sized by many folks.

Now something tells us Rogers is clearing out the inventory as it prepares to launch the LTE-enabled version, which has been recently unveiled in South Korea. Aside from the 4G LTE radio, it also comes with a faster processor, enabling even smoother experience. Hopefully it will ship with Ice Cream Sandwich preloaded, or at least get the update in a record time. We’ll see…

[Via: MobileSyrup]

Rogers has come a long way, it’s the first to launch an LTE network in Canada, starting in Ottawa last July, followed by Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver in September. The company’s VP and CMO, John Boynton, expressed how proud he was with the company trendsetting the way when it came to 4G in the country of Canada.

“We were proud to be first to bring the LTE network to Canadians,” said John Boynton, Rogers Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Today, we reach over 11 million and we are continuing to expand. By the end of 2012 we will double this with 20 million Canadians able to use LTE devices to download apps, stream HD videos and music or play on-line games, with no delays or buffering.”

Rogers 4G network is said to bring in peak download speeds that could potentially hit 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 70 Mbps, which is more than likely around 30 Mbps. A sophisticated LTE network like this is awesome for our neighbors up north.

Rogers customers, are you excited to get some LTE coverage in a town or city near you?

[via Rogers]

So if you want both a tablet and smartphone — both of which rock — this is the offer for you. I doubt you’ll be able to get the same deal for less. After all, Rogers is selling the Galaxy S II alone for $149.99 on a 3-year contract, meaning you’re getting the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for just $100 more. Neat, don’t you think?

[Via: MobileSyrup]

The second device is Lumia 800 and it’s “coming soon” (whatever that means) to TELUS. The carrier will offer the fancy Windows Phone in black, cyan and magenta. Price was not announced, though.

Both Nokia devices run Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, while sporting a single-core 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 512MB of RAM. The Lumia 710 comes with a 3.7-inch TFT WVGA ClearBlack touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus and 8GB of built-in storage, while its better cousin sports a 3.7-inch AMOLED ClearBlack display, 16GB of built-in memory, “unique unibody construction,” and 8-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, auto- and touch-focus, and dual LED flash. In other words, the Nokia Lumia 800 will be easily the best camera phone running Microsoft’s mobile platform once it start selling…

This is a pretty sweet service, but the only clincher is that you have to be married twice to Rogers – once for internet service, and again for TV. I’m curious if they’ll sub in wireless service as a requirement for support on LTE-enabled devices down the road. I used to be in that position, but have since jumped ship to Teksavvy and Mobilicity, who both win out when it comes to bang for buck (if not slick crossover products like this). My big worry is that Rogers will do something stupid like ask for another $5/month for access to the app once it leaves beta and goes live in 2012. Your loyalty should be enough at this point, n’est-ce pas, mes amis? Fingers crossed.

The link to the new Rogers Live TV app is in the App Store, but make sure you have your Rogers MyAccount linked to all of your services before giving it a shot. If you own an Android tablet, sit tight- another version will be heading your way soon.

Currently, the Rogers LTE device lineup is decent, including the HTC Raider, Samsung Galaxy S II LTE, HTC Jetstream, and an internet stick and mobile hotspot to handle the mobile broadbend end of things.  Bell is also getting in on the LTE fun, but we still haven’t heard much from TELUS about when they’ll start rolling out their offering. I’m curious to see how long it will take the little guys like WIND and Mobilicity to jump into the pool; it sure would be interesting if they got it up before TELUS, or better yet, they partnered in some kind of 4G roaming agreement. Chalk that one up to wishful thinking.

You can find out more about the Rogers LTE rollout over at their minisite.