The update rolling out today for the Samsung Nexus S 4G is a mix of good and bad it seems.  Hopefully fixing some of the radio and connectivity woes more than a few are seeing with Sprint's first Googlephone, the latest OTA will also end the free tethering that Nexus S 4G owners have been enjoying.  We've heard some rumblings of this across the web, but a confidential source from Sprint has confirmed with a bit of internal communication that the GRJ90 update does indeed stop tethering for those who have not opted in for the hotspot plan.  This move shouldn't really surprise anyone, and those determined will easily find one of many work arounds, but it looks like "officially free tethering" is done for the Nexus S 4G.  We've reached out to Sprint for confirmation, we'll update if they have anything to tell us.  A screen shot of the communication is after the break.

More: Android Central forums. Thanks, anon!

Ready to update your Samsung Nexus S 4G to GRJ90, but don't want to roll back and lose root?  No problem -- Shabbypenguin has you covered with a ClockworkMod flashable version, all ready to go.  It's pre-rooted (of course), deodexed, and has busybox tossed in, but other than that it's the stock system clean and shiny just like you would have had you accepted the OTA.  Of course, there's that small matter of native tethering being broken to consider, but it looks like the easy way to go.  Hit the source link for more info and downloads, and be sure to thank Shabby!

Source: Android Central forums

According to this screenshot, T-Mobile retail locations will be receiving SD cards pre-loaded with the files to update the MyTouch 4G and T-Mobile G2 to Gingerbread, as well as updating the MyTouch 3G Slide to the latest Froyo version.  Coming August 1, techs in the stores will be able to assist customers who have difficulty understanding or completing the OTA update process, which is a great way to help the less tech-inclined folks that still love the freedom and customization that Android offers.

We've already seen that the Gingerbread update for the MyTouch 4G is in the works, and Gingerbread for the G2 has been leaked out as well as accidentally shipped on some warranty devices, but it looks like things are a go for an OTA roll out, and not a moment too soon.

Source: TmoNews

What's this we have here? Popular custom ROM CyanogenMod 7.1 running on the HTC Sensation (aka Pyramid) and LG Optimus 3D (aka Thrill 4G)? The tantalizing screenshots above were recently posted on Google+ by CM developers Ricardo Cerquiera and Ed Carrigan. According to both coders, the CyanogenMod 7.1 ports for both phones are still in the early stages of development, so don't expect to be flashing official builds anytime soon.

Still, it's great to see CM7 on its way to speedy high-end devices like the Sensation, Optimus 3D and Samsung Galaxy S II, which started receiving nightly builds last week.

Source: Ricardo Cerquiera on Google+, Ed Carrigan on Google+

If you are a Sidekick 4G owner who has been experiencing some bugs on your device, you will be happy to know that an OTA update has begun rolling out to fix some of these for you. While the update does not boost the device to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) it is stated to bring a slew of bug fixes for the device, and that is always welcomed. The update began on July 21, and should be trickling out to all users, so be sure to check for updates on your device, and if you have already updated, be sure to let us know how it is working out for you!

Source: TmoNews via: T-Mobile

Not a huge fan of the subdued look of the HTC Sensation? Wish that it stood out a bit more, and was more eye catching? So did the folks at Whitesites Blog, and so they took sand paper and metal polish to the device to give it an all-new chromed-out look, as you'll see above. You'll also find full instructions on their site if you'd like to trick out your Sensation in the same way. It involves a little time and elbow grease, but the results are worth it, if you're a fan of shiny things.

Let us know in the comments if you're planning on chroming out your Sensation, or if you've tried your hand at any cosmetic modding in the past.

Source: Whitesites Blog; via: Engadget Mobile

Remember the HTC Ruby that popped up? Well, we still don't really have any details on whether or not it's an Android device or not but it sure looks that way, especially when looking at the camera UI in the photo. Look to the right and you'll see what is clearly a T-Mobile logo as well. Alas, specs and pretty much everything else remain a mystery at this point so hopefully some more details will pop up soon.

Source: Flickr; via PocketNow

The Samsung Epic 4G still isn't shipping from Sprint with Gingerbread on board, but that doesn't mean you can't have a try on your own.  Build EG22 brings yet another leaked Gingerbread ROM for the Epic, and early word is that it's a fine piece of engineering.  It appears that most of the debugging code has been stripped out, which means there's a good chance this will be the final release, and that Android developers won't have to work as hard to clean it all up for those that prefer the custom ROM route.  One important thing to know is that there are enough changes in this build that themes and other customizations built for the EF02 leak might not work, but I imagine everyone involved will have that sorted out soon.

There's several different ways to get this one on your Epic, hit the forums and holler at AC adviser Paul627g with questions and for advice -- that man is an Epic hacking machine and will steer you right.  If you're the type who would rather wait to get your update pushed from Sprint, it looks like it won't be too much longer now.

Source: Android Central forums.  Thanks everyone who sent this in!

Update: Grrr. Sam's Club, folks. Not Costco.

Fresh in from our folks behind the shelves at Costco Sam's Club, we have some new info about upcoming releases. In handy bullet point form are the following:

• Motorola Droid Bionic. "Pushed to September." Hard to say exactly what this means for the actual Verizon launch date of the Droid Bionic. Presumably one is tied to the other, but a September launch for the DB at Costco doesn't by any means mean Verizon's launch date has slipped. (And, yes, we're fully aware of that MDB228 Twitter account -- which might or might not be legit -- pointing to a possible Aug. 4 launch.)
• LG Thrill. "Late July." That's this week, right? We still don't have an official launch date for AT&T's version of the LG Optimus 3D, but we're expecting it any time now.
• HTC Status. "Late July." OK. Makes sense, seeing as how it officially became available on AT&T last Sunday.
• Samsung Conquer. "Pushed to late August." We've seen a July 24 date (hey, that's today!) attached to Sam's Club, but the phone has yet to be announced, never mind that Samsung accidentally leaked it out already.
• Motorola Photon 4G. "Pushed to late July." No surprise there either, seeing as how it officially launches on July 31.

So, that's that. We're still in agreement that we'll see the Droid Bionic sooner rather than later, but these things aren't official until they're official. But if you're waiting to get it at Costco, Sam's Club you might have a few extra weeks to hang on.

Thanks, anon!

If you are an AT&T customer and have been waiting for a Nexus S that'll actually use your carrier's 3G bands, your big day is here. The Nexus S for AT&T is officially available today at Best Buy locations, as well as via BestBuy.com.  The device will run you $99 with the use of an upgrade, or $529 when purchased outright, so will you be picking one up?

Purchase online: Best Buy