Google and Samsung announced today the availability of Android’s latest worst-kept secret, the Nexus S. Though not officially positioned as such, the Nexus S is an update to the now-retired HTC Nexus One. Like its predecessor, the Nexus S offers the “pure Google” experience without a disruptive manufacturer skin. That means you’ll get direct access …

Android phones come with a very capable camera app ready to snap out of the box, but the Market also provides a number of alternatives that can add useful extra functions or effects, allowing you to produce some cool-looking results at the tap of an on-screen icon. Whether you want to reduce camera shake, take photos that look like they’ve …

After months of leaks and even a brief public appearance, Google and Samsung made it official and announced the Nexus S on Monday, the first smartphone to run Android 2.3. The Nexus S will be sold from Best Buy, both online and in stores, and will be available for purchase on December 16. You can buy it unlocked for $529 …

Welcome to The 411, my column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have similar queries, too. Occasionally I solicit answers from readers if I’m stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at [email protected]. If you prefer to …

The Indian government is in talks with companies using Research In Motion’s BlackBerry service to gain access to their employees’ secure communications, The Wall Street Journal reported today. CNET In an interview with the newspaper, Home Secretary G.K. Pillai downplayed reports that the Indian government plans to block access to the BlackBerry service if the government’s security demands aren’t met …

We can’t blame you for getting excited about Google’s official Gingerbread announcement–also known as Android 2.3–and all it contains. That said, we wouldn’t hold our breath over seeing an Android 2.3 update immediately pop up. Yes, purchasers of the Google Nexus S will be the first to use the Gingerbread OS update–it’ll be available at Best Buy stores in the …

MetroPCS plans to follow the release of the LG Optimus M handset with its first Android-based LTE smartphone in the first quarter of 2011. Due as early as February, this handset will be the first of as many as six Android phones for the carrier in the coming year. MetroPCS CEO Roger Linquist highlighted Android at the UBS Global Media …

Almost six years after it acquired Nextel for $35 billion, Sprint today announced that it was finally phasing out Nextel’s iDEN technology starting in 2013. The news isn’t surprising in the least–indeed, Sprint has floated the idea several times since 2005–but this is the first time we have a real timeline for putting iDEN out to pasture. The iDEN news …

If the rumors are true, iOS 4.3 will make it so you don’t have to individually buy each issue of a digital magazine or newspaper. Conde Nast Magazines and newspapers are migrating to iOS devices (most notably the iPad) at a steady clip, but there’s one problem: publishers don’t have a way to sell subscriptions–not yet, anyway. That may change …

iPads could end up being as useful as a scalpel in the O.R., according to interview. Apple Georgetown University has begun a program that uses iPads in their operating rooms to assist doctors with complicated operating procedures. The iPads allow surgeons easy access to all sorts of medical data, imagine, and processes during an operation. The ease of using iOS …