As though Samsung weren't already selling enough of their flagship Galaxy handsets by the handful, they've now incorporated the LaFleur fashion line into the S3 (regular and mini), Ace 2, S Duos, and Ace Duos as part of a new 2013 collection. Identical to their original design in every way beside a new backplate, these arrive on shelves just in time to get your girlfriend a new themed phone that still comes packed with all the features we've come to love from the Galaxy series.

So far Russia is the only confirmed importer of the phones, and will go for about $760 US unlocked. Samsung hasn't released any details about releases outside of Eastern Europe, but those lucky enough to live there can expect stocks to fill up on February 1st.

What's the best way to get to know Samsung products if not to try them out in person? Samsung Experience shops officially open today in New York Square and expect to see Experience Shops across the country in the following months. Samsung CEO JK Shin formally opened the shop along with Best Buy CEO Huber Joly and Bruno Mars will make sure the guests and spectators are entertained.

Some 1,400 Experience Shops are going to be launched in the next few months and Samsung is truly doing all it can to make sure the public knows its products. In addition, this will be a good opportunity to add to the "overwhelming demand" for Samsung Galaxy S 4 before it will be formally launched in most carriers in May, unless, of course, if your carrier is US Cellular. If reports are true that their S 4 launch will carry on as scheduled, then how come all other carriers can't do the same?

Google and Microsoft both reportedly want to extend the Nexus 7 and Surface tablet lineups to include smartphones as a means to further increase the penetration of their own platforms, but the two companies will implement the techniques in a different tune, based on industry sources.

Google aims to launch smartphones based on its Nexus 7 platform in cooperation using a number of smartphone branded vendors with Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sony Mobile Communications and HTC likely to be potential partners, said the sources.

However, Microsoft is reportedly tapping ODM maker Pegatron for that production of WP8-based smartphones slated for launch within the first half of 2013, the sources indicated.

Google reportedly will permit branded vendors setting hardware specifications along with looks of the forthcoming Nexus smartphones so long as the models are based on its latest native Android system, said the sources, adding this approach seems to be acceptable to brand players, since Google apparently is keeping its promise of not offering preferential treatment to Motorola.

Microsoft's go on to cooperate with ODMs could backfire, since its own-brand WP8 smartphones may compete directly with comparable models via its brand partners, including Nokia, HTC and Samsung. The three branded vendors have unveiled their WP8 models.

Additionally, Microsoft also requires all WP8 models to utilize the same platform and interface, reducing the differentiation of WP8 smartphones and thus creating more competition in the same camp, the source commented.

Source: androidandme