Stories you shouldn't have missed this week

Well, it is the end of the week again: time to kick back, relax, and enjoy your spare time. But while you are chilling out, why don’t you dedicate a few minutes to the week’s most interesting stories?

First, we have some news regarding the Samsung Galaxy Note for AT&T. Those who have their minds set on the phablet can pre-order theirs no later than this coming Sunday, February 5. If you prefer waiting for the rumored Samsung Galaxy S III, however, you might have to sit tight for a bit longer. In fact, the smartphone is most definitely not going to make an appearance in Barcelona this month. What will likely be shown off at MWC, on the other hand, is a smartphone known as the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus, powered by Android Ice Cream Sandwich.

• Samsung Galaxy Note for AT&T is landing on February 19th for $300, pre-orders start February 5th
• Samsung Galaxy S II Plus press photos leak out, coming at MWC?
• Samsung officially confirms that the Galaxy S III flagship won't be unveiled at MWC this month
• Android users more likely to get lucky on the first date

But if you are not a big fan of Android, you will probably be more interested in knowing when exactly the iPhone 5 will be announced. Well, nobody knows for sure, yet some say that we might witness the next iPhone iteration’s unveiling during WWDC 2012. And if Windows Phone is the mobile platform you like the most, we got a hold of some rumors regarding WP’s next major overhaul, codenamed Apollo. Some claim that Apollo will be actually known as Windows Phone 8 when it lands, and the list of new features and improvements that it will bring will be quite significant.

• Analyst says Apple iPhone 5 to be unwrapped in June at WWDC
• Apollo to land...as Windows Phone 8

We brought you a whole bunch of articles and cool posts this week for your reading enjoyment. First, those of you who want to learn a bit more about camera phones and the way they work can check out our article titled “What makes camera phone pictures look good, and what doesn’t”. The next article of ours that is totally worth checking out deals with the future of Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and the rest of the less popular smartphone platforms out there. Also, if you own an iPad, iPhone, or an Android smartphone, make sure you check out the pack of interesting apps and accessories that we brought to your attention this week.

• What makes camera phone pictures look good, and what doesn't
• "Predictions" that need to stop in 2012 - Windows Phone, BlackBerry and the rest
• What our readers think of the Galaxy Nexus
• Samsung flaunts its powerful but frugal 32nm Exynos line, WQXGA mobile display chewed for breakfast
• 5 monthly add-on features that you can probably go without to save yourself some money
• 10 iPhone apps that you wouldn't expect to work
• Skiing this weekend? Don't forget your smartphone apps!
• Rubber vs diamonds: the luxurious iPhone bumpers
• 10 cool iPhone accessories for $20 or less
• Prep your phone for Sunday with these Super Bowl apps that get you in the mood
• 10 funny iPad accessories that are real (almost)

Last but not least, there is a new wireless service in town. Called Ting, it is a contract-free offering that flaunts flexible monthly plans at affordable costs and with no overage fees. It rides on Sprint’s 3G and 4G WiMAX networks, meaning that it offers nationwide coverage. Those of you who are looking for an alternative to their current cellular service might want to check Ting out.

• Ting cellular service is now live nationwide, no ball and chain required