Verizon's Galaxy S III gets global roaming workaround, packs its bags

What's the point of owning Samsung's shiny new flagship if you can't take it on tour? Well, prior to Verizon's Galaxy S III launch, customers were promised that global roaming would be enabled sometime in the future via an OTA update. That unspecified date has yet to come, but if it's something of a priority for you, XDA Developers forum member lair12 has discovered a way make it happen without Big Red's involvement. We feel we should add a warning here -- switching from LTE to GSM isn't a simple process and goes far beyond a basic rooting (which, of course, is required). It includes a fair amount of preparation, including manually adding GSM network identifiers, and several steps to switch allegiances once abroad. But if you're a jet-setting Android tinkerer interested in giving it a go (at your own peril), the step-by-step guide is just a source link away.

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon's Galaxy S III gets global roaming workaround, packs its bags originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2013 Buick Verano Turbo packs 250 HP, available six-speed manual

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, GM

There has been many a conversation about the Buick Verano around the proverbial water cooler here at Autoblog Towers. And while it isn't necessarily the type of vehicle you'd think a group of car enthusiasts would get excited about, those of us who have spent time with the Verano have all become quite smitten with it. Our only wishes: more power and a manual transmission.

Enter the 2013 Verano Turbo, packing 250 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque and yes, an available six-speed manual transmission. This is perhaps the most excited we've been about a Buick in... um... decades?

Powering the Verano Turbo is - you guessed it - General Motors' 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four. Buick states that the turbocharged Verano can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 6.2 seconds and that more than 90 percent of the engine's torque is available as low as 1,700 RPM.

The Turbo model is packed with standard equipment, including all of the optional goodies found in the Leather and Convenience packages of the standard Verano. That means things like heated leather surfaces on the seats and steering wheel, a premium nine-speaker Bose audio system, sport pedals, dual exhaust and a rear spoiler are all standard, as well as Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system.

Pricing will be announced closer to the Verano Turbo's on-sale date later this year. Considering how well-received the standard car is, and how good we anticipate the new Turbo model to be, we have to ask: Why buy a Regal these days? With how excellent the Verano range is shaping up to be, this seems like a clear-cut case of fratricide on Buick's part.

Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Verano Turbo packs 250 HP, available six-speed manual

2013 Buick Verano Turbo packs 250 HP, available six-speed manual originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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