• android,  galaxy s,  google,  samsung

    Samsung Unveils the Galaxy S4

    March 15, 2013 /

    New York, USA, March 14, 2013 – Samsung Electronics announced today the fourth generation GALAXY S, the GALAXY S 4, designed to get you closer to what matters in life and bring your world together.

    Understanding what matters most to us in our lives, the Samsung GALAXY S 4 was developed to redefine the way we live and to maximize our fulfillment of life. This sleek and innovative smartphone makes every moment of life very meaningful; it understands the value of relationships, enabling true connections with friends and family.  It believes in the importance of an effortless user experience, making your life easy and hassle-free; and, it empowers your life, helping take care of your well-being.

    The beauty of the phone is the highly crafted design encompassing a larger screen size and battery, minimized bezel; all housed in a light (130g) and slim (7.9mm) shape. The Samsung GALAXY S 4 is slimmer yet stronger, with less to hold yet more to see. It has come up with simply unreal beauty. At launch, two color options will be available – Black Mist and White Frost; with a variety of additional color options to follow later this year.

    “With the GALAXY S 4, Samsung is again going to enhance the way we live,” said JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung. “All the innovative features of GALAXY S 4 were developed based on the insights and needs we found from our consumers all around the world. Following the successful GALAXY S series, this phone is yet another great proof point of people-inspired innovation. At Samsung we’ll never stop pursuing innovation conceived by people, so we can inspire them in return.”

    Samsung GALAXY S 4 Product Specifications:
    

    Network 
    2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
    3G (HSPA＋ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
    4G (LTE Cat 3 100/50Mbps) : up to 6 different band sets(Dependent on market)
    Display
    5 inch Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, 441 ppi
    AP 
    1.9 GHz Quad-Core Processor / 1.6 GHz Octa-Core Processor
    The selection of AP will be differed by markets. 
    OS
    Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
    Camera
    Main(Rear): 13 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Flash & Zero Shutter Lag, BIS
    Sub (Front): 2 Mega pixel camera, Full HD recording @30fps with Zero Shutter Lag, BIS
    Video
    Codec: MPEG4, H.264, H.263, DivX, DivX3.11, VC-1, VP8, WMV7/8, Sorenson Spark, HEVC
    Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p) 
    Audio
    Codec: MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/AAC＋/eAAC＋, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AC-3, apt-X
    Camera
    Features
    Dual Camera: Dual Shot / Dual Recording/ Dual Video Call
    Drama Shot, Sound & Shot, 360 Photo, Cinema Photo, Eraser, Night, Best Photo, Best Face
    Beauty Face, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama, Sports
    Additional 
    Features
    Group Play: Share Music, Share Picture, Share Document, Play Games 
    Story Album, S Translator, Optical Reader
    Samsung Smart Scroll, Samsung Smart Pause, Air Gesture, Air View, 
    Samsung Hub, ChatON (Voice/Video Call, Share screen, 3-way calling) 
    Samsung WatchON 
    S Travel (Trip Advisor), S Voice™ Drive, S Health
    Samsung Adapt Display, Samsung Adapt Sound
    Auto adjust touch sensitivity (Glove friendly)
    Safety Assistance, Samsung Link, Screen Mirroring
    Samsung KNOX (B2B only)
    Google Mobile Services
    Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude
    Google Play Store, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk,
    Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads, Voice Search
    Connectivity
    WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80)
    GPS / GLONASS 
    NFC,  Bluetooth® 4.0 (LE)
    IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0
    Sensor
    Accelerometer, RGB light, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Gyro, Barometer
    Temperature & Humidity, Gesture
    Memory
    16/ 32/ 64 GB User memory ＋ microSD slot (up to 64GB)
    2GB RAM 
    Dimension
    136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm, 130g
    Battery
    2,600 mAh

    Read the full press release on the Samsung website.

    Read More
  • android,  galaxy note 8,  google,  samsung

    Samsung Announces the Galaxy Note 8.0

    February 26, 2013 /
    SEOUL, Korea February 24, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the 8 inch tablet, the GALAXY Note 8.0; a new era of intelligent Note technology set to re-ignite the mid-size tablet category that Samsung established in 2010. Providing unrivalled multimedia performance within a compact one-hand-grip screen, the GALAXY Note 8.0 has the power and advanced technology to evolve the tablet experience and ensure you achieve new levels of efficient multi-tasking while benefitting from superb voice call functionality. Furthermore, the intelligent S Pen brings together the latest innovation and the ease of using a traditional pen and paper; creating a sophisticated mobile experience that will enhance life on the go.
    “Back in 2010 the launch of the first Samsung GALAXY Tab with 7 inch screen opened a new chapter in the mobile industry. Now almost three years later, Samsung continues to evolve the sector that meets the demands of modern life.” said JK Shin, President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.
    “The GALAXY Note 8.0 breaths fresh life into the category as it delivers the perfect fusion of portability and everyday productivity – the result is a pioneering, pocket-sized solution that enhances and enriches our everyday lives, whether at work or play,” added Shin.
    At the core of the GALAXY Note 8.0’s innovative solutions are beneficial functions, including multi-window options to split the portable 8inch screen and allow optimal access to a number of live applications; a new generation of Samsung’s intelligent S Pen with advanced usability; access to a suite of S Note templates and tools that allow you to create, edit, manage and share everyday documents; the Samsung “reading mode” technology to enjoy e books with optimized resolution, video and voice calls＊. In addition, a suite of exciting new content and services are pre-loaded for users at no additional cost including, for the very first time on Samsung GALAXY tablet, the innovative Flipboard, and Awesome Note.
    A smart diary for life on the go
    Slim and compact enough to become the perfect on-the-go work and play companion, the GALAXY Note 8.0 brings powerful performance and functionality to support even the most demanding of lifestyles. Designed to store and manage your personal and professional data efficiently, the new era device gives users the perfect pocket-sized hands-on organizational tool. Practical S Note templates and S Planner feature help to manage everyday tasks, including meeting notes, to-do lists and even personal diary entries. All content can be entered and updated with the finest of detail thanks to the evolution of the intelligent Samsung S Pen. Enhanced precision is offered with Handwriting-to-Text conversion and advanced Productivity Tools that support formula and shape recognition are now available at the touch of your S Pen.
    New content and services
    GALAXY Note 8.0 is packed with pre-loaded content and apps specifically for the value maximizing, mass multimedia consumer. Upgraded Chat-On provides easy instant messaging and group chatting in multiple formats – images, video, voice, contacts – for simple, enjoyable communication. Awesome Note, an integrated application that is introduced in android tablet for the first time with NOTE 8.0, is capable of unlimited note-taking uses including Memo, Diary and Must-remember lists. With Flipboard, your news, social network and other feeds come together in one stylish, flippable format so you can enjoy all your news and life’s great moments in one place. Flipboard developed a customized version of its application exclusively for Samsung that allows users to take the S Pen’s hover feature and preview article headers beneath Flipboard’s main screen tiles. Finally, Smart Remote, gives you a universal remote control and electronic programming guide allowing you to manage TV and video watching seamlessly.
    A new age of S Pen intelligence
    Optimized to aid personalized creativity, the Samsung S Pen has evolved to increase everyday usability and enhance creation expression. Embedded within the tablet, the S Pen is an extension of the GALAXY Note 8.0. Removing the S Pen from the device will automatically launch innovative features such as Pen Detection that will suggest adapted menus that it thinks you’ll need and Page Buddy, a feature that will intuitively activate your most recently adapted S Note home screen. 
    S Pen technology is now so advanced that it doesn’t even have to touch the screen. With Air View, the S Pen needs only to hover over the screen to see previews of videos, emails, photos and appointments on SPlanner without opening the file or application in full. S Pen Gesture allows images and content to be easily edited and cropped, whilst Paper Artist and Photo Note allow photos to be artistically personalized. 
    In addition, for the very first time in GALAXY NOTE category, you can use S Pen to control the physical menu/back buttons on the device with WACOM technology. 
    Maximizing mass multimedia consumption
    Creative multi-tasking with the GALAXY Note 8.0 is effortless due to innovative Dual View feature, two multi window options that seamlessly allow you to facilitate multi-screen usage. Dual View’s split screen accommodates optimal operation of different apps, such as launching the S Note on the web browser screen and allowing content to be resized, dragged and dropped as required. 
    Multi-tasking is extended to phone calls＊. Pop Up Note allows you to access S Note at any time to keep track of key actions and Pop Up Video ensures you can keep surfing the web whilst chatting – content windows can be easily resized by pinching to enlarge or reduce.
    Perfect info-tainment partner
    Packed with features to engage, entertain and excite, the GALAXY Note 8.0 supports your practical everyday needs. Reading Mode transforms the GALAXY Note 8.0 into an e-Book reader, provides the optimal reading conditions to ensure you can curl up and enjoy a good book. You can even turn it into a universal remote control with Smart Remote, to seamlessly manage TVs, set-up boxes, DVD & Blu-ray players.

    You can read the full press release on the Samsung Mobile website.

    Read More
  • apple,  galaxy III,  iphone,  rumors,  samsung,  wsj

    Rumor: Apple Working on Less Expensive iPhone Model

    January 9, 2013 /

    According to an article that appeared in today’s Wall Street Journal, Apple is rumored to be working on a lower cost version of their popular iPhone smartphone.

    “Apple is working on a lower-end iPhone, according to people briefed on the matter, a big shift in corporate strategy as its supremacy in smartphones has slipped” reports the Journal.

    We’ve heard rumors of cheaper iPhones before along side rumors of an “iPhone mini”, however, it seems that this time around, Apple is taking a closer look at finally selling a high and low-end iPhone.  Up until now, Apple has favored keeping around the previous two years models as their less expensive purchasing options.

    Here in the United States, customers typically purchase wireless carrier subsidized phones.  That means, that the newest iPhone, the iPhone 5, starts at $199, last year’s iPhone 4S is $99, and the two-year old iPhone 4 is now free.  These prices all require that you purchase a 2-year service agreement.  If you chose to purchase an iPhone without a service contract, a 16GB iPhone 5 will cost you $649,  a 16GB iPhone 4S will cost you $549, and an 8GB iPhone 4 can be had for the low-low price of $450.  Not exactly “cost effective.”

    Now, factor in that in many other countries, wireless carriers do not subsidize the purchase cost of smartphones.  Customers have to pay the full price up front, but have the option of changing carriers without the hassle of early termination fees and other lock in tactics that U.S. carriers use to keep people tied to their service.  Suddenly those prices look insane for customers to purchase with the current global economic situation.

    Making matters worse for Apple, Samsung has had an amazing year selling their Galaxy-line of smartphones in China and emerging markets.  At the end of 2012, Samsung was estimated to have about 31% of the worldwide smartphone market compared to Apple’s 14.6%.  To put a finer point on it; the iPhone generates about 48% of Apple’s total annual revenue.  Any perceived slowing or decline in Apple’s global share is likely to send investors running for cover.

    So, what might we expect from Apple should they decide to go to market with new version of the iPhone that will be less expense?  The Journal has this to say:

    “Apple has been considering a less-expensive iPhone since at least 2009, viewing it as a way to grab market share and introduce people to the brand, said people familiar with the efforts. 

    Before the launch of the iPhone 4 in mid-2010, the company developed designs for cheaper phones that were very similar to the iPhone at the time but had a less expensive back and sides, one of the people said.”

    You can read the full article online. (Subscription maybe required.)

    [Via Wall Street Journal…]

    Read More
  • android,  apple,  galaxy s,  google,  ios,  ipad,  iphone,  samsung,  t-mobile

    Android and iOS – It’s a Personal Preference

    August 26, 2012 /

    I’ve been thinking a lot about devices running Google’s Android operating system lately.

    My long time readers shouldn’t worry, I’m not planning a defection any time soon.  I’m still an Apple fan boy and I still very much love using Small, Medium, and Large; more commonly referred to as my iPhone 4S, iPad 3 (ok, ok, ‘the new iPad’, sheesh!!), and my 17-inch MacBook Pro.

    So what’s with all of this Android mind share then?  It just seems that everywhere I look, there is an Android powered something or someone is asking me about whether to get a Samsung or an iPhone. And then there are the technology blogs, newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and all the rest that are talking about Android. Oh, and let’s not forget the little spat between Apple and Samsung that is going on right now.

    But the truth is, and by ‘truth’ I’m really talking about my ‘opinion’ here, is that copied or not, there are a number of interesting things going on with mobile devices running Google’s mobile OS.

    A good friend was over last night with his Samsung Galaxy S II and was talking about all the things that he does with it: file sharing, document and email printing, game playing, interfacing with the computers at work, and yes, the obligatory email and web surfing.  Granted, that he is what many of you would call a ‘computer geek’ and did ‘root’ his phone, still, the enthusiasm was there.

    About a week ago, a co-worker was asking me about whether or not to get an iPhone 4S or a Samsung Galaxy S III.  Connie has an iPad 2, and while she didn’t specifically say, I’m willing to bet that her high school age or older children both have iPod touches or iPhones too.  The query came from a desire to have the ‘best’ phone.  Since we were sitting in a conference room helping ourselves to a free pizza lunch, the other people in the room chimed in on the conversation.  After about a 10 minute discussion, we all agreed that the phone from Samsung was a good phone, that there was an ability to reuse applications from the iPad on the iPhone, but at the end of the day, it came down to costs and not features or vendor lock-in.  She had American Express card reward points to use and they were offering a free AT&T Samsung Galaxy S III.  Not amount of marketing and jockeying for customer mind share can complete with ‘free.’

    And there was an article I was reading about the Samsung Galaxy Note for T-Mobile.  Anyone else seeing a trend developing here?  Anyway, I was intrigued about the Note.  The device is massive.  It measures in at 5.78 x 3.26 x 0.37 inches.  (Not that I’m thinking about it, the Galaxy S III is almost just as big at 5.38 x 2.78 x 0.34 inches.)

    The interesting thing about this device is that it’s what I’d call a ‘tween’ device.  It fits in between a smartphone and a 7-inch tablet like the Google Nexus 7.  Who knows if that category of device will take off or not.  I’m sure many people will want to use a device that size, but the question is are there enough people to make it a viable market or not.  Will have to stay tuned to find out.

    The market has spoken and by and large, it’s a two horse race: Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.  The device you pick is your choice to make.  For me, iOS will be my mobile OS of choice.  There are a lot of good things happening with Android, and it is just as powerful and functional as iOS.

    Read More
  • android,  att,  google,  samsung

    BGR: Samsung’s Galaxy Note is the Most Useless Phone I’ve Used

    February 15, 2012 /

    Ok BGR’s headline made me laugh and so I had to read the article.

    “Samsung and AT&T are getting ready to launch a new smartphone, superphone, phablet or whatever else you want to call it, and I picked one up earlier today. It’s the first time I have used or even held the device personally, and I really need to share some immediate thoughts even though a full review is forthcoming. This is a phone, after using it for a few hours, that feels like it is too big to be taken seriously. That’s the end of it.”

    [Via BGR.com…]

    Read More
  • hp,  rumors,  samsung,  web os

    Rumor: Samsung Looking to Buy webOS from HP? [UPDATED]

    August 30, 2011 /

    Palm employees and fanatics alike have lived through many near death experiences with their company, hardware, and software.  The latest rumor, if true, may give webOS a new lease on life after HP announced a drastic cut back on webOS hardware, canceling the HP TouchPad and greatly reducing the markets the HP Pre3 would be released in.

    Now, according to DigiTimes, via AllThingsD’s blog, Samsung may be talking to HP about acquiring webOS.

    “The latest: That Samsung is mulling a bid for webOS as a way of reducing its reliance on Google’s Android OS and competing more effectively with Apple. Samsung could conceivably pick up where HP left off, bringing the operating system not just to phones and tablets, but to PCs as well. Added bonus: the accompanying IP would likely prove helpful in the company’s patent battle with Apple.”

    Publicly, at least, HP has pledged to continue to develop webOS for use on the company’s PCs; which they are also looking to spin off, in a move similar to the one that IBM made a few years so.
    Update:

    “Samsung CEO Gee-Sung Choi has struck down any such thoughts (and unlike Leo Apotheker, Choi has a firm grasp of what’s going on in his company), saying outright to reporters at the IFA conference in Berlin that Samsung would “never” pursue a purchase of webOS. Bloomberg reported that a Samsung spokesperson confirmed the statement. He went on to say that “It’s not right that acquiring an operating system is becoming a fashion,” and that creating an OS is “harder than people outside think.”

    Read More
  • apple,  galaxy tab,  ipad,  samsung

    Samsung Uses New Math To Talk Galaxy Tab Sales Figures

    February 1, 2011 /

    Samsung management have some egg on their face that needs to be wiped off with regard to the “new math” they used to report sales numbers of their Galaxy Tab.

    Not only did Samsung have to back track and report that the 2 million Galaxy Tabs that where shipped where to retailers, not to consumers.  The “sell through” number that indicated how many consumers are buying devices, was not disclosed my Samsung.  The only consumer figures that Samsung’s Vice President of Mobile Communications was willing to state, was “quite small.”

    Adding to the deceptive sales figures, investment research firm ITG is now reporting that their survey of 6000 retailers indicates that the Samsung Galaxy Tab has a consumer return rate of 15-16%.  Yikes!

    I guess Samsung really should have listened to Google when they warned that Android 2.2 Froyo really wasn’t geared to to be run on tablet computers.

    Since Samsung was hell bent on getting the Galaxy Tab out the door as an iPad killers, I think it’s fair to point out that the return rate on the Apple iPad is only 2%.  As for sell through to customers, well, I think we all know the answer to that question.

    At least the Galaxy Tab has a cool looking wallpaper.

    [Via Digital Daily…]

    Read More
  • android,  best buy,  google,  nexus,  samsung,  tmobile

    Samsung Nexus S Unveiled

    December 7, 2010 /

    The new Nexus smartphone is being launched by Samsung and is headed for T-Mobile here in the United States.

    Samsung and Google deliver Nexus S, the world’s first handset to feature the latest version of Google’s Android™ platform. Powered by Android 2.3, Gingerbread, this smartphone is packed with powerful technology and the latest in hardware features.

    Form Meets Functionality

    Featuring both superior functionality and a stunning user-experience, the Nexus S has a brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen that provides a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display has a curved design for a more ergonomic style and feel when held to the user’s face.

    Powered by a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right. It also comes with 16 GB of internal memory.

    Impressive Features

    Nexus S features Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows users to read information off of everyday objects like stickers and posters that are embedded with NFC chips. It’s also equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera, and features a new and improved keyboard with multi-touch support, Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support) and a clean new user interface.

    Get Access to Apps

    This powerful smartphone also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking and access to Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Voice Actions, Google Voice™ and YouTube™, and access to over 100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market™.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Samsung Nexus S will be going on sale at T-Mobile on December 16 for $199 with a new 2-year service agreement.  You can also purchase the Nexus S from Best Buy as an unlocked phone for $529 according to AndroidCentral.com.

    To learn more about the Nexus S, visit the Samsung or Google Nexus S websites.

    Read More
  • android,  best buy,  galaxy tab,  google,  samsung,  sprint,  verizon

    Briefly Noted: Samsung Galaxy Tab Sprint Pre-Order, Best Buy On Tap

    October 25, 2010 /

    In addition to today’s RIM BlackBerry Playbook news, more details about Samsung’s Galaxy Tab have surfaced.

    First up, the Google Android powered Samsung Galaxy Tab will begin shipping for Sprint customers on November 14.  If you want to make sure you get yours on launch day, starting today, Sprint is accepting pre-orders for the Galaxy.

    “The 7-inch tablet will launch online and in select stores on November 14, and it will run $399.99 with a new 2-year contract. As far as what that 2-year contract entails, Sprint is making two data plans available alongside its first tablet offering: a 2GB option for $29.99 per month and a 5GB option for $59.99 per month.”

    Also, we have learned by way of leaked Best Buy advertisement, the Wi-Fi only Samsung Galaxy tab will sell for $499.  The specs are the same as the Verizon and Sprint editions of the tablet, minus the cellular radio.

    [Via BoyGeniusReport.com…]

    Read More