Android Community |
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 FCC filing discovered
- Galaxy Note III screen size outed by Samsung Gamepad
- Dropbox acquires iOS email app Mailbox
- Sony Smartwatch update adds 7 new watch faces, improved notifications
- iRig Recorder app now available for Android
- Kyocera Torque smartphone review
- SwiftKey 4 confirmed as keyboard of choice on Galaxy S 4
- Sony Xperia ZL FCC filing points to an upcoming AT&T release
- Samsung Galaxy S III sales top 50 million
- HTC regards the GALAXY S 4 as “more of the same”
- EE Samsung GALAXY S 4 release confirmed for April 26
- Belkin, Case-Mate and Otterbox announce GALAXY S 4 cases
- HTC One trade-up program extended until April 4
- US carriers confirm Samsung GALAXY S 4 launch plans
- Samsung will bring some GALAXY S4 features to the GALAXY S III
- Samsung unveils the S View flip cover and S Band
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 vs GALAXY S III: What’s new?
- Samsung talks Knox and HomeSync
- Samsung GALAXY S 4 vs HTC One
- Samsung GALAXY S4 carrier and availability details revealed
| Samsung GALAXY S 4 FCC filing discovered Posted: 15 Mar 2013 11:45 AM PDT New smartphone announcements are often followed by the discovery of an FCC filing and the GALAXY S 4 is no exception to that rule. It seems that while Samsung was busy unveiling the GALAXY S 4 in New York City, the FCC was busy putting the final touches on the filing. This particular filing is for the international version of the handset, which really just goes to say that we should be seeing another in the not to distant future.
Anyway, while we wait for that next filing, lets cover the details from this one. The FCC filing shows the GALAXY S 4 as having support for GSM on the 850/1900 Mhz frequencies, WCDMA on the 850/1900 Mhz frequencies and LTE on band 5. The real clue as to the model comes in with the LTE support, for AT&T you would be looking for band 17. Nonetheless, this model would bring some support for T-Mobile and/or AT&T. The filing itself did not carry much that is worthy of spending time reading and offered the basics such as the label statement, the confidentiality request letter, FCC ID label and location (seen in the above image) and the test report. FCC filing aside, those who have yet to get enough of the GALAXY S 4 coverage should make a point to go back through our coverage. We have had details on the announcement as well as some hands-on time, accessory coverage and even a bit about what HTC has had to say on the matter. [via Engadget] Device Info
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| Galaxy Note III screen size outed by Samsung Gamepad Posted: 15 Mar 2013 11:20 AM PDT Yesterday was all about Samsung‘s latest and greatest smartphone the GALAXY S4, but that wasn’t the only interesting device they revealed yesterday. Samsung also has a GamePad in the works to take on NVIDIA’s Shield and many others. Like many of you we are already looking forward to the “Next Big Thing” from Samsung. That of course being the much rumored Galaxy Note III smartphone tablet hybrid. So how do those two come together? Read on to find out.
It looks like Samsung’s GamePad is a work in progress, and like the MOGA Game Controller will use Bluetooth for a connection and simply holds your smartphone in place. You’ll use NFC TecTiles for easy Bluetooth pairing, and will be gaming with true Xbox style controls in no time flat. With shoulder triggers, 4 action buttons, and dual-analog sticks for some fun gaming. However, their landing page might of revealed more than intended. We’ve heard conflicting reports regarding Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note III, which still hasn’t even been confirmed. Original leaks suggested a massive 6.3-inch 1080p screen that would take the phablet market by storm, but recently we’ve also been hearing 5.9-inches for the Note III. However, today it looks like Samsung might have inadvertently leaked the details. As you can see in their official image above, the Samsung GamePad Controller will support screen sizes from 4 all the way to 6.3-inches in size. Pretty specific if you ask us. This could just be a coincidence, but it looks like their GamePad is coming soon, and it will probably be followed with an announcement of the Galaxy Note III complete with a 6.3-inch display. Rumors have the Note III slated for a late August reveal, so stay tuned for more details. |
| Dropbox acquires iOS email app Mailbox Posted: 15 Mar 2013 11:06 AM PDT Dropbox has announced an acquisition, Mailbox. We understand that some may not be as familiar with Mailbox given, at present, it is available only for iOS users. The Mailbox app launched for the iPhone a short while back and it seems to be all the rage in the iOS world. We have yet to see if the hype that surrounded Mailbox will turn into anything other than people wanting something they could not immediately get.
Anyway, so Dropbox acquired an app that is not even available for Android. Based on that one may wonder why the post on an Android blog. Well, maybe in the hopes that Mailbox would eventually be released in the Google Play Store. This part involves a bit of speculation because at the moment we have yet to see solid plans from Dropbox or Mailbox. At present the Mailbox team has said they want to put Mailbox in the hands of everyone that wants it. Going on to say that includes “support for more email providers and mobile devices.” Granted, that more mobile devices mention could also be nothing more than the numerous iOS users still waiting to gain access. While we are generally happy with the official Gmail app that is available for Android users, Mailbox does have an interesting approach to email. Some of the features include being able to swipe messages to archive or delete and even be able to snooze emails until a later time. Basically, the Mailbox team aims to have you remain at inbox zero and from what we have seen, it looks like they have an interesting perspective. So far what we have heard from the Dropbox team includes that they have fallen in love with Mailbox due to it being “simple, delightful, and beautifully engineered.” As for the Mailbox team, they have said they believe the product needs to grow fast and that “rather than grow Mailbox on our own, we've decided to join forces with Dropbox and build it out together.” [via SlashGear] |
| Sony Smartwatch update adds 7 new watch faces, improved notifications Posted: 15 Mar 2013 10:43 AM PDT If you’re one of the few people that are enjoying the Sony Smartwatch, we have some good news this afternoon. During the busy event with the Galaxy S 4 yesterday, Sony launched an update for their Smartwatch app bringing new features and tons of new looks to your watch face. The watch is getting better and better and we have all the details.
Probably the biggest change with yesterdays update is Sony added 7 new watch faces so you can personalize your accessory even more to match your style. The image above gives you an idea of what to expect, and it’s looking pretty good. As a reminder, the watch didn’t get updated, the watch controller app on the Google Play Store did. The new watch faces come in different colors, and they have neat styles too. They added the regular analog, as well as digital and even a large and small abstract-style watch face. Don’t forget to change the color to match your shirt and rock out in style. Along with all the new looks mentioned above, Sony also improved the installation for non-Sony devices and smartphones. Then as far as features, we have a few new things here too. The battery level information and indicator has been improved, and they added notification previews which is a feature many have been hoping would arrive. Last but not least the update added categories to the app search function. Get it today on the Google Play Store. [via Google+] |
| iRig Recorder app now available for Android Posted: 15 Mar 2013 10:35 AM PDT Those looking for a solid audio recording solution on Android, or those who may have been upset about the iRig recording app only being available for iOS users — your time has come. The iRig Recorder app has officially found its way into the Google Play Store. The app is available for free, however it does have an in-app purchase available for those looking for the complete feature set.
That is not to say the free version will be lacking. In fact, we suspect that it will be good for the vast majority of users. IK Multimedia US notes that the iRig Recorder app is a free app that comes with “full recording features” and “complete file-transfer and export functions.” Taking that a step further and you can get one effect unlocked for completing the registration. Even further out and you have the “All Functionalities Bundle” available for $4.99. The iRig Recording app can be as easy or in-depth as you desire. That is to say you can launch the app and begin recording and editing. Or on the flip side, you can use it as a companion with some of the iRig gear including the iRig MIC and iRig MIC Cast. Some of the features include one-touch recording and an optimized volume effect (this is the one you unlock with registration). Those using the iRig Recorder app will be able to export to .ogg or .wav and only find their recording times limited by the amount of storage on your device. And rest assured in knowing that you can record to internal memory or a memory card. That said, the iRig Recorder app is currently sitting at v1.0 and has arrived with support for devices running Android 4.0 or later. [via Google Play Store] |
| Kyocera Torque smartphone review Posted: 15 Mar 2013 10:11 AM PDT Kyocera recently announced the Torque smartphone. The announcement actually came towards the end of February and key to that, the Torque has arrived as a full touchscreen smartphone that is built to Military Standard 810G. While these rugged devices tend to not have us quite as excited as some of the other non-rugged smartphones these days, we have to say that we were pleasantly surprised. Basically, the Kyocera Torque is a rugged smartphone that seems to be able to handle the regular everyday use that we demand from a smartphone almost as well as it can handle the elements.
Hardware Before we get into the specs that deal with the rugged stuff, lets cover some of the basics. The Torque has a 4-inch display with a resolution of 480 x 800. The size of the display initially felt small, but that is most likely due to the fact that we are used to looking at the 4.8-inch on our current daily driver. On the flip side though, we often think of these rugged products as being big and bulky and in this case the smaller sized display probably helped. Simply put, we think the smaller display allowed Kyocera to keep the handset to a size that still felt comfortable in your hand. Of course, with a product that is expected to be carried into a variety of not-quite-everyday situations, maybe anything bigger than 4-inches would have been overkill anyway. The Torque is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz process which is paired with 1GB of RAM. All-in-all, that pairing seemed to handle our needs nicely and while a faster processor and more RAM is generally welcome, were did not notice any issues in day to day use. A really nice perk of the Torque comes in with the battery — 2500 mAh. Again, bigger is generally welcomed here, but we cannot complain on this matter. Those considering a purchase can also expect to find 3G/4G LTE connectivity along with a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with flash.
Rugged Design While the hardware may not be the highest in terms of specs, the Kyocera Torque is meant to shine in terms of being able to handle just about anything you throw at it. The handset is built with the Military Standard 810G certification and also with an IP67 rating. What that means in simpler terms — it is rugged and durable. The Military Standard 810G certification means it can handle dust, shock, vibration, solar radiation, humidity, blowing rain, low pressure, salt fog and extreme temperatures. The IP67 rating protects the handset against dust, sprayed water and full immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes time. What can we say, the Torque arrived at the perfect time to do some testing. This little gem came along on a 50k trail run that involved some direct sun, plenty of dirt and dust and even a rather chilly stream crossing. Nothing to worry about in any regard. The Torque rode along on the 6 hour plus journey and sat nicely in the camelback pack on our back. At the end of the run, the phone had gotten dusty from being on the trail and even dirty and muddy when it was accidentally dropped. No marks and no issues on either account. Of course, that stream crossing came towards the end of the run and it also provided the perfect opportunity to get it shiny and clean again. Again, while the specs may not be what is considered high-end these days, this phone truly shines in a rugged environment. A few other points to touch on here, the display is decent while outdoors, even in sunlight and thanks to the hardware camera button — we were able to quickly grab some pics while on the trail (without losing much time on the race clock).
Software The Torque is currently running Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. This is a touchy issue and we would be lying if we were to say that we didn’t miss having Jelly Bean. But the phone was able to provide a solid experience as it stands. Hopefully a Jelly Bean update will arrive and in-turn bring some of those extra goodies such as Google Now and the improved notifications. The Torque has the Play Store and all the Google apps such as Gmail and Navigation so there isn’t much that you don’t have or cannot get. Otherwise, Kyocera has the handset loaded with a few extras such as an LED flashlight and a panorama image app. The UI is clean and shouldn’t provide anything to complain about. In fact, aside from being used to using, and not having Jelly Bean — the Torque had enough to keep us happy. Benchmarks Given the specs for the device we were not expecting super high scores on the benchmarks, however as usual we grabbed some just for reference. Speaking a bit more real-world though, daily use didn’t result in any major performance issues. The overall performance was good, even while running multiple apps such as Slacker Radio or Audible along with RunKeeper. In fact, assuming Kyocera is able to upgrade this to Jelly Bean, we suspect the handset will be that much smoother. You can get a look at those benchmarks below.
Battery Life As mentioned above, the Kyocera Torque has a 2500 mAh battery, which was rather nice to see. Certainly not the biggest battery around, but all things considered, it was nice to see. Of course, it was that larger battery that helped to keep things up and running while we were, well, out running. Those who use their phone on an average (moderate) level should not have any concerns. As for us, we were left looking for the charger before the day was over. But truthfully, that was probably more due to the fact we were purposely trying to go hard and put this phone to the test. Basically, we would say the standard rules apply, the more you have the display on and the more you use battery killing features such as GPS and video playing — the more you will have to pay attention. But again, we saw no immediate cause for concern.
Camera While the Kyocera Torque does not claim to have a top of the line camera, we suspect there will be some looking to get pictures while they are out on adventures. You know, out in the field so to speak taking advantage of the rugged design. That being the case, we included a few sample images. These were taken on a day with full sun, which probably helped a bit. Nonetheless we had no complaints, and neither did the folks we shared them with. You can get a look at the images below.
   Wrap-Up While we are not convinced to drop our regular phone in favor of using the Torque on a daily basis, it did cause us to rethink the whole idea about a rugged phone being usable. Little secret here, while a rugged designed would probably be ideal for much of my use, I have sort of hated them in the past. After using the Kyocera Torque, not so much anymore. Bottom line here, the hardware is nice, the software is good (minus the part about no Jelly Bean) and overall we really like that it can be taken out in the rain or even rinsed off in a stream after dropping it in some mud.           Device Info
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| SwiftKey 4 confirmed as keyboard of choice on Galaxy S 4 Posted: 15 Mar 2013 09:50 AM PDT If you’re one of the many that plan to pickup the exciting new Samsung Galaxy S4 when it arrives sometime in April, we have some good news on the typing front. Samsung has so many software features packed into the new flagship device that they forgot to mention the keyboard. Along with Android 4.2 on board, the folks from SwiftKey today have confirmed their technology is at the heart of the Galaxy S4.
Samsung sure had a lot to show us yesterday on stage regarding their new smartphone, and one important feature we all use way too many times a day is the keyboard. Our favorite option for Android, as you all know, is SwiftKey, and today their CTO confirmed the news in a quick blog post. Informing us of their technology being embedded into the Galaxy S4 experience.
So what exactly does this mean? It means that all the features and amazing technology behind SwiftKey will be powering Samsung’s new device. All the predictive and even next word prediction engines and tweaks in SwiftKey will make the typing experience that much better. It won’t look like the Swiftkey we use and love now full of themes, as Samsung has likely skinned the keyboard to match their UI guidelines. Basically the heart and brains of the keyboard will be SwiftKey technology in all its goodness. This also ensures the Flow gesture experience from Android 4.2 and SwiftKey 4 will be readily available too. In their open letter the company also took the moment to remind their fans that the keyboard will continue to grow and evolve, and they’ll keep working close with other partners to ensure their technology is in as many smartphones and tablets as possible. Good stuff guys. Keep it up. [via SwiftKey] |
| Sony Xperia ZL FCC filing points to an upcoming AT&T release Posted: 15 Mar 2013 09:43 AM PDT Sony previously announced plans to release the Xperia ZL for those in the US. That bit came back in early-March. The catch is that the handset will be available unlocked and contract-free. Basically, while it will be available for purchase, it will likely be selling at a price higher than many are willing to pay. Enter a carrier subsidized model which looks like it will be coming by way of AT&T.
The carrier has yet to offer any specifics, and instead we are getting these early details by way of a recently discovered FCC filing. The filing is showing an Xperia XL with HSPA and LTE connectivity. Specifically, the filing is showing support for HSPA on 850/1700/1900 and LTE on bands 2, 4, 5 and 17. In short, it looks like this particular Xperia XL is heading to AT&T.
While we wait on further word from AT&T. Or for that matter, from Sony, lets offer a bit of a recap on the handset itself. The Xperia XL is sporting a 5-inch Mobile Bravia Engine 2 display at 1920 x 1080 and powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with 2GB of RAM. You can also expect to find 16GB of storage, a 2 megapixel front-facing camera, 13 megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Similar to the unknowns with an AT&T branded Xperia XL, the unlocked model from Sony also remains in limbo. That is to say that the handset has a product listing in the Sony Store, but that it is still listed as coming soon with no details in terms of a shipping date or price. So how about it, anyone considering an Xperia XL given the recent other smartphone announcements? [via Engadget] |
| Samsung Galaxy S III sales top 50 million Posted: 15 Mar 2013 09:02 AM PDT While the hype has certainly been focused on the GALAXY S 4, we have to remember that Samsung still has other devices. Notable for some, the Galaxy S III. Not to mention, numerous other Galaxy branded devices. Shifting away from talk of the GALAXY S 4 for a moment and it looks like Samsung has revealed some details in terms of Galaxy S III sales numbers.
In speaking with The Wall Street Journal, JK Shin has said that Galaxy S III sales have now topped 50 million globally. Certainly not a bad number, however it looks like Samsung has some higher goals in mind this year. Shin commented about how they expect shipments to be higher than 400 million units this year. Aside from the Galaxy S III, we also heard comments about how their main focus in the US market is “selling the Galaxy line of high-end smartphones.” Of course that is not to say that are going to ignore the low-end market either. Shin said they were “quite active” in the low-end market noting that depending on the carrier, they have options as low as $19 on a two-year contract. Touching back on those earlier reports about Samsung’s dominance with Android not being good for Google. Well, Shin has said that they plan to continue the good relationship, going on to say that he doesn’t “think it’s correct to say that there’s friction.” Bottom line here, the GALAXY S 4 is certainly the new flagship for Samsung, however they still have plenty going on — including the possibility of bringing some new features to the Galaxy S III. [via Wall Street Journal] Device Info
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| HTC regards the GALAXY S 4 as “more of the same” Posted: 15 Mar 2013 08:34 AM PDT HTC has been rather vocal in terms of the GALAXY S 4. Their reaction began before Samsung even started the announcement with a crew hitting the streets and showing off the One handset. Showing it off to those who were waiting to watch as Samsung announced the GALAXY S 4. They went as far as handing out coupons for the $100 trade-up program and even later bashed the announcement event and the device itself.
Basically, it seems as if HTC did not like the show or the device. Some of the comments dealt with the announcement itself. It seems HTC didn’t think much of the show, having asked; “So…how off-Broadway is this production?” Not to jump on the HTC bandwagon, but the show was a bit much. The HTC Twitter stream then went on to follow with comments about how the One is “STILL the best phone” and told everyone that you should “make your next phone the One they want to see.” Being vocal on Twitter is one thing though, it seems the GALAXY S 4 bashing carried over to actual statements from HTC execs. In a statement provided by email, Benjamin Ho, HTC’s Chief Marketing Officer touched on the plastic body and said that the GALAXY S 4 is just “more of the same.” His full statement can be seen below;
All in all it seems we have a bit of a smartphone war ahead of us. Of course, some of this will likely be settled by who can have the handset available and in customers hands first. And by in customers hands we are talking by way of a purchase, not by trolling the line of visitors waiting to attend the Samsung announcement. The price points should be close (if not the same) so that shouldn’t be much of an issue. The other factor will deal with carriers. For example, there is still some discussion about the One coming to Verizon Wireless. Bottom line though, they both appear to be solid offerings. Those still looking for a bit more about either (or both) should make sure to visit our portals for the Samsung GALAXY S 4 and the HTC One. |
| EE Samsung GALAXY S 4 release confirmed for April 26 Posted: 15 Mar 2013 08:03 AM PDT We are beginning to get a look at what we can expect in terms of a US release for the GALAXY S 4, the one catch is that we have yet to see any specific dates. That doesn’t seem to be as much of an issue for those in the UK though as EE has announced an exact release date as well as the date when pre-orders will be available.
The carrier will have the GALAXY S 4 available on April 26. Perhaps a bit nicer for those anxious to make the commitment, they will have pre-orders available from March 28. They have yet to offer any pricing details, however we suspect those will arrive at the end of March when the pre-orders go live. EE is also promising an “exclusive incentive” for customers that pre-order the GALAXY S 4 from EE, T-Mobile or Orange. And for those worried about the offer, rest assured in knowing that it will be available for new and existing customers. Otherwise, EE has said that further details will be announced in “due course.” Basically, sit back and wait for now. Those choosing to go with EE, aside from LTE coverage will also get a few other perks. EE has said those who purchase a GALAXY S 4 on a 4GEE price plan will also benefit from EE Film, have access to fast track their customer service requests, get a discount on the EE Superfast Fibre Broadband and more. [via SlashGear] Device Info
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| Belkin, Case-Mate and Otterbox announce GALAXY S 4 cases Posted: 15 Mar 2013 07:34 AM PDT Samsung unveiled the GALAXY S 4 last evening and at the same time they announced the S View flip cover. You likely remember that one, it is the flip cover that has the window which allows you to get some information without actually flipping open the cover. That aside though, it looks like we have a few others with GALAXY S 4 cases ready and waiting for release.
Those others are Belkin, Otterbox and Case-Mate. The latter also includes a few models being introduced under the Vaja brand. Up first is Belkin, which can be seen in the above image. Belkin has eleven case models in the works with prices ranging from $24.99 up to $49.99. The cases in the above image (from left to right) include Sartorial Wristlet, the Wallet Folio and the Micra Glam Matte. The Belkin cases are expected in April. Next up is Otterbox. Here we have a bit less in terms of details. Otterbox has said they will have GALAXY S 4 cases available in the Defender, Commuter and Reflex Series. We have yet to see prices for any of these models and the release time was simply noted as being “soon.” Needless to say, with the actual handset not yet available, we suspect Ottebox still has some time to announce their pricing. Last up we have the options from Case-Mate and Vaja. The former has nine case options ranging in price from $50 to $150 and the latter has four cases which range in price from $80 up to $120. While we have yet to see images of all the Case-Mate and Vaja offerings, they are being teased as the “most fashionable and protective cases we have ever released.” They are all expected to arrive by April 26. Device Info
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| HTC One trade-up program extended until April 4 Posted: 15 Mar 2013 07:10 AM PDT Taking a small step back from the GALAXY S 4 excitement, lets talk about that other recently announced flagship, the HTC One. We have previously mentioned the trade-up program that HTC was offering and as of today, it looks like there has been an extension. HTC has given their reason, however we also have our theory as to why.
We cannot help but think this has something to do with the recent talk of delays, however HTC notes that it comes as a result of “an overwhelming demand.” Regardless of the reasoning though, the end result is simple — those looking to take advantage of the HTC One trade-up program now have until April 4, 2013. Otherwise, the details of the program remain the same.
That is to say you can get a $100 (in the form of a prepaid Visa Card) by following three steps. The process begins with pre-registering your email address and moves into actually buying an HTC One smartphone. The steps conclude with you sending your old phone and proof of One purchase to HTC. Now that the GALAXY S 4 announcement is out of the way, it seems a good time to start considering which (if any) of these two handset may be the next you purchase. While both have a decent set of overall specs, they also both bring some interesting software features and perks. The HTC One has Sense 5 along with goodies such as BlinkFeed, Boom Sound and even the Zoe feature. For a more in-depth look at the HTC One you should check out our recent review. [via HTC] Device Info
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| US carriers confirm Samsung GALAXY S 4 launch plans Posted: 15 Mar 2013 06:40 AM PDT Based on details that came by way of the Samsung event and the wording from the press release, we already knew that the GALAXY S 4 would be available with a wide variety of carriers in the US market. In fact, Samsung noted that the GALAXY S 4 would be available with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, Cricket and others from the second quarter.
On that note, while we have yet to hear from each and every carrier, we have begun to hear from a few. In fact, AT&T, T-Mobile and US Cellular have since released confirming statements of their own. The unfortunate part is that we have yet to learn any specifics in terms of dates and prices. AT&T has taken this as an opportunity to remind everyone they were the first in the US to offer the Galaxy series and at the same time have said they “are excited to bring the Galaxy S4 to the nation's fastest 4G LTE network.” US Cellular has said they are “excited to bring the Samsung Galaxy S 4 to our customers” and that details and presale information will be shared soon. US Cellular was the closest to giving a timeframe, but even that was a generic sounding “in the near future.” T-Mobile has said that they are “excited to partner with Samsung to bring the Samsung Galaxy S 4 to our customers.” Otherwise, similar to the other carriers, T-Mobile has launched a pre-registration teaser page. And for those with any concern about the T-Mobile model and LTE (like we saw with the Galaxy S III), that teaser page has the 4G LTE logo displayed. Bottom line though, what we have at this time are carrier statements that match rather closely to what Samsung has already announced. Device Info
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| Samsung will bring some GALAXY S4 features to the GALAXY S III Posted: 15 Mar 2013 06:18 AM PDT We watched as Samsung unveiled the new flagship last evening. That handset, of course, was the GALAXY S4. While the GALAXY S4 may share a look similar to that of the GALAXY S III, there were plenty of hardware features that are a step above. Granted, that is not to say the GALAXY S III has suddenly become unusable, however we can understand some degree of jealousy.
Anyway, while Samsung cannot bring any of the hardware features, it does appear as if they will be bringing some of the software features to older devices. The details have yet to be finalized, however Samsung’s vice president of portfolio planning has said that “anything that we can do that’s not dependent on hardware like infrared, we’ll definitely bring to all the flagship devices.” Basically, this means GALAXY S III (and possibly even Galaxy Note II) users should have an update to look forward to. The question as to what will be included in this update remains. Speculation suggests those users may see Smart Scroll and Smart Pause. Possibly even the S Translator and S Health options as well. Features aside, we are going to say that we are more worried by timing. As we have seen with phone updates in the past, they often depend on the carrier. In other words, while Samsung could potentially have this update ready fairly soon, we are still left waiting on the carrier approvals and carrier rollouts before it will show up on your specific device. Bottom line though, it is nice to see that Samsung does not have any plans to stop supporting the ‘older’ devices just yet. [via PC Mag] Device Info
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| Samsung unveils the S View flip cover and S Band Posted: 14 Mar 2013 05:42 PM PDT Coming along with the GALAXY S4 announcement this evening, we also have word of accessories. Because really, what brand new flagship phone announcement would be complete without the accessories. And while we sort of say that in jest, Samsung did actually unveil some interesting products — two of which included the S View flip cover and the S Band.
Up first here is the S View flip cover. This is actually a pretty neat concept. The flip cover protects the display in the same manner the previous flip covers did, however this one has a see-through window towards the top that will allow you to see certain information. It will be able to show details such as time and battery life as well as call and/or messaging details.
Next up is the S Band, which should be good for those who are paying closer attention to their body. This sort of reminds us of another Fitbit or Nike Fuel Band competitor. The Samsung S Band features a pedometer which means it will be able to count your daily steps. The S Band will also keep track of calories. This will also tie in with a scale for weight and a heart rate monitor. So far these accessories are looking decent. The S View flip cover is unique and certainly something that we are going to be checking out. The S Band comes as part of the overall S Health setup. The two items still missing at this point in time is when they will each be available and how much will we have to pay. |
| Samsung GALAXY S 4 vs GALAXY S III: What’s new? Posted: 14 Mar 2013 05:37 PM PDT Samsung has shared their new smartphone and all its software aspirations with the world, and this is the first thing that came to mind. Yup, you knew this was coming now that the quite similar Samsung GALAXY S 4 has been announced and shares some resemblance to the older and smaller brother. While the look and feel is largely unchanged, the hardware under the hood and software under the skin is what’s new. Lets take a look.
It’s all about comparisons here folks. You already have the Galaxy S III and you’re wondering if you should upgrade, or you know the S III will be getting a price drop (eventually) once the 4 arrives – what do you do? It’s a hard choice out there for a tech lover. Not to mention all the other devices available. While we know many of you probably already know everything that’s different, but for those that would like it spelled out check out the specs and video below. Samsung GALAXY S 4 Samsung GALAXY S III So now you’ve seen the specs, you’ve watched a quick video, so what about software and features? We have those too! The Galaxy S III is currently running on Android 4.1.2 for most of the users, with a few leaks of 4.2 in the wild. It has the Premium Suite update with many new features, but nothing compared to the new Galaxy S 4. The GS4 is running the absolute latest Android 4.2.2 from Google, and is loaded with all sorts of goodness. From Hover features like the Note II, Eye tracking (which probably won’t arrive in the GSIII) Airview, S Health and much much more. We expect plenty of the new features to arrive eventually in software updates from the respective GS III carriers, but some will probably be exclusive to the new GALAXY S 4. For an idea of everything the new device has to offer hit the timeline of links below. So what do you think, we’d love to know. Enough of a change and new features? Or too similar? That HTC One is looking pretty unique and different right about now.       Device Info
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| Samsung talks Knox and HomeSync Posted: 14 Mar 2013 05:22 PM PDT Samsung has announced the GALAXY S4 and while they covered the hardware specs, they also had some other notable items worth mentioning. Two of which include Knox and HomeSync. The first here is something that we have seen discussed before. In fact, we learned about Knox back towards the end of February.
Knox is an enterprise level solution that is designed to keep your work life and personal life separate. Samsung has described this as being a “comprehensive mobile solution” for work and play. A little simpler, you can likely think of Knox as being the reason that your IT department gives you the go ahead to use a GALAXY S4 for work and play.
HomeSync on the other hand may sound a bit more exciting for some. We spent a bit of hands-on time with HomeSync during Mobile World Congress so some of this may sound familiar. This is a home server. It is almost like a cloud storage solution, however the ‘cloud’ so to speak, is actually a server running in your home. The HomeSync server will contain a 1TB hard drive and that means you should be able to load up your media and access from anywhere you have connectivity. The HomeSync setup will be good for up to 8 users and those users will be able to connect using NFC, of which the GALAXY S4 will have. Of course, those rocking older devices such as the Galaxy S III or Galaxy Note II will also be able to play along as they both also have NFC. Otherwise, HomeSync will be running Jelly Bean and powered by a dual-core 1.7GHz processor with 2GB of RAM. It will also have Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI-out and optical audio. |
| Posted: 14 Mar 2013 04:59 PM PDT Now that the cat is out of the bag and we know all there is to know about Samsung’s next generation GALAXY S 4 smartphone, we’re sure many of you are wondering which device to buy. While we haven’t had enough time for a straight up answer to the question on many users minds, we do have pictures and video to maybe help you decide. Check it out and decide for yourselves which premium smartphone is right for you.
We’ve already reviewed the HTC One and know what it’s all about, and absolutely love it. The GALAXY S 4 on the other hand has only just been revealed, and we haven’t had enough time with her for an honest opinion. We have pros and cons with both devices, and both surely are as top-tier as it gets. So lets take a look and rundown everything that’s important here. The Samsung GS4 continues on right where the GSIII left off. The design is for the most part unchanged, and everything will feel extremely similar, but in a good way. It’s already a winning formula so why change. However we get an ultra impressive 5-inch 1920x1080p full HD display with 441 pixels per inch, 8-core power and 2GB RAM, 13 megapixel camera, and all-day battery life coming in at 2,600 mAh under the hood. Oh, and we can’t forget Samsung did it right and we have Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The One however, sadly is only on 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. Check out the quick video while we had a moment with both: Then with the HTC One we have pretty impressive specs and hardware all around, and a radically different design from previous generations. If you want something new and fresh, the HTC One is it. If you love Samsung and what they’ve done, the GS4 will surely be something you’ll love. The One features a 4.7-inch 1080p HD display, that is actually slightly smaller and higher pixel density than the GALAXY S 4. Yet the device is a little longer. It also is SLCD3 and feels a bit more natural and lively – in our personal opinion. Here’s the full rundown for you sticklers: Samsung GALAXY S 4 HTC One Obviously we’ll need more time with both smartphones, especially the just announced Galaxy S 4 before we can logically make a choice, but honestly the HTC One feels more premium and durable, and also is more cutting edge. It features front facing speakers that are brilliantly loud and rock Beats Audio integration. The aluminum design is edgy, new, yet extremely comfortable and durable. Blinkfeed is awesome and brings us the news we want, but Flipboard does the same on the Galaxy S 4 and even features their new hover technology.
Will the premium feel and design of the HTC One win you over? Or will Samsung’s continued software perks, larger display, changeable battery and external storage be the deciding factor for you? It really is a hard choice and so far we’re absolutely loving both of these smartphones. It’s clear Samsung and HTC are pushing the cutting edge and adding in features at full-force. Enjoy the rest of the pictures and we’ll review this GS4 as soon as humanly possible.          Device Info
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| Samsung GALAXY S4 carrier and availability details revealed Posted: 14 Mar 2013 04:54 PM PDT Samsung has officially announced the GALAXY S4. The event kicked off with immediate talk of features and then jumped into the next best thing — the where and with who. You know, the availability timeframe and the carrier details. We didn’t see specifics, but suffice to say that the GALAXY S4 will be available with a wide variety.
Samsung has said the GALAXY S4 will be available from the end of April. The roll-out will include 155 different countries and a total of 327 wireless carries. There will also be support for 3G and 4G LTE across multiple frequency bands. JK Shin, the president of Samsung has said that the GALAXY S4 will support all frequencies and standards — inlcuding global LTE roaming. While we have some details, we obviously still need some more. Notably the specific carriers and specific launch dates. Pricing is something else that we have yet to see anything on, however we suspect that will come by way of the carriers. Speaking of which, they can feel free to begin releasing those details anytime now. Otherwise, some of the initial highlights were talking about the 5-inch 1080p display at 441ppi and a bit about the handset weighing in at just 130 grams. Not to mention, the thinness, as in 7.9mm thin. The GALAXY S4 will also have a 1.6GHz Exynos Octa-core (or a quad-core 1.9GHz Qualcomm), 2GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera. [via SlashGear] |
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