Android Authority |
- Samsung tablet news: Tab DUOS, Tab 8.0, Tab 11, and Nexus 11
- Android Authority On Air – Episode 61 – Samsung Galaxy S4 Live Q&A
- Rumored Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 (SM-T311) spotted at the Bluetooth SIG
- Galaxy Mega 6.3 with LTE spotted at the FCC, no support for U.S. 4G bands though
- LG Optimus F5 ready to launch globally, starting with France on April 29
- Rumor: Galaxy Note 3 specs include 5.99-inch display, Exynos 5 Octa CPU and 3GB of RAM
- Weekly News Roundup #2 – India
- Limited edition Samsung Galaxy S4 MARVEL Iron Man Beam Case retails for $39
| Samsung tablet news: Tab DUOS, Tab 8.0, Tab 11, and Nexus 11 Posted: 29 Apr 2013 02:34 AM PDT
Some of you may be a little bored constantly hearing about the Galaxy S4, so perhaps some Samsung tablet news will be more to your taste, especially as it contains information about the Nexus 11. A whole list of Samsung tablet related news has popped up this morning, regarding the Tab DUOS, Tab 8.0 AMOLED, Tab 11 Super PLS TFT, and the Nexus 11. But Samsung has also supposedly delayed and may even completely cancel the next generation Galaxy Note 10.1 due to poor sales. In typical Samsung fashion, the company has designed a wide range of new products to fit the needs of virtually every consumer that Samsung can dream up, starting at the lower end with the 7-inch Dual SIM Galaxy Tab DUOS. I must admit that this is a product which confuses me a little, it's not a high end tablet really designed for business users, as it has a pretty measly 1024×600 pixel display and an older dual-core CPU. It strikes me as a more budget orientated product, but with space for two SIM cards. On a slight side note, the specifications for the Galaxy Tab 3 are supposed to be roughly the same as the Galaxy Tab DUOS, which seems a little disappointing. See the end of the article for a few more details. Moving on, Samsung's other Galaxy Tab devices are definitely more in-keeping with the higher specs we're familiar with in Samsung tablets. The Tab 8.0 will feature a 1080p AMOLED display and a quad-core Cortex A9 based Exynos 4412 processor. The 11-inch Tab opts for a TFT LCD display and a newer dual-core A15 Exynos 5250 chip, which is the same processor used in the Nexus 10. Now for the part I found most interesting, the Nexus 11. According to the news out today, Samsung's Nexus 11 still needs approval from Google, so this certainly isn't concrete evidence of the device's specs or existence yet. But if true, the news means that the Nexus 11 will be the world's first octo-core tablet, as it will feature an Exynos 5410 processor. This is the same ARM Cortex A15/A7 big.LITTLE chip used in the Exynos version of the Galaxy S4. Just like the Galaxy Tab 11, the Nexus 11 will also be using a TFT LCD display rather than Samsung's AMOLED technology. Remember that we saw a Samsung reference build tablet for the Exynos Octa at MWC earlier this year? Perhaps the Nexus 11 will be a fully realised vision of the prototype that Samsung has been working on for a while. We'll just have to wait and see. Here's the list of known specs for each of the tablets: Samsung Galaxy Tab DUOS 7.0
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.0
Samsung Galaxy Tab 11
NEXUS 11
Spot anything that interests you? |
| Android Authority On Air – Episode 61 – Samsung Galaxy S4 Live Q&A Posted: 28 Apr 2013 06:52 PM PDT
This past week was unofficially Samsung Galaxy S4 week around the Android world. So, we decided to continue with the trend and have a live Question and Answer session on the show. Our own Kristofer Wouk (Woukie) happened to have an S4 in hand and fielded questions live from our viewers on YouTube and on Google+. If we didn’t get to your question or if you would like a full in-depth review, check our our Galaxy S4 reviews and related content here. Besides SGS4ing all the things, we covered Android ecosystem news this week. Google acquired Wavii, Eric Scmidt said Glass won’t be available for probably a year-ish, and Google added tablet optimization tips to the Google Developer Console. Google also updated their Google Play Store Content Policies to thwart apps from updating themselves outside of the Play Store. Yep, we’re looking at you Facebook. That’s a no,no. Q1 quarterly earnings are in for various companies from Apple to Samsung. Samsung is making billions while Apple reported their first decrease in profit since 2003. Apps continue to get updated and get better. This week we talked about Minuum Keyboard, a Kickstarter project. We also talked about Facebook Home and its’ 500,000 installs. If you’re rocking soft-keys on your phone or tablet, you should check out SoftKey Z. T-Mobile and Metro PCS are officially allowed to tie the knot and will become official on May 1st. This week we’ll have tons more information about the merger. Speaking of T-Mobile, T-Mobile agrees with a Washington State attorney general that their "uncarrier" branding is misleading and plans to offer options to rectify those that were “duped”. Verizon Wireless also announced the "device payment plan", which is similar to T-mobile's approach with their uncarrier branding in that you can buy a device worth at least $350, and make payments over the course of 12 months, with a $2 per month per device charge for financing. Tons of devices received Jelly Bean (FINALLY) this week. The Motorola Photon Q on Sprint, T-Mobile One S, Samsung Galaxy S Relay, LG Optimus L9, Verizon LG Spectrum 2, and Sony readied JB for the Xperia P, Xperia Go, and Xperia E dual. All this and more on the Android Authority On Air Show! Miss the show? As always, you can watch and listen below.
|
| Rumored Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 (SM-T311) spotted at the Bluetooth SIG Posted: 28 Apr 2013 05:05 PM PDT
A device that appears to be the rumored 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 Android tablet has been spotted at the Bluetooth SIG, although it's yet to be announced by Samsung. While Bluetooth SIG doesn't identify the product as the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 – and this product name isn't official either – the model number mentioned is one we have seen in previous Galaxy Tab 3 rumors. SM-T311 is apparently the model number for this new 8-inch Android tablet that Samsung reportedly has in the works. The Bluetooth SIG clearly mentions the fact that we're looking at a Samsung "Mobile Tablet" and offers an April 26 certification listing date for the device. Just a few days ago, the Wall Street Journal explicitly mentioned that Samsung would launch a new 8-inch tablet this summer, without specifying the model number or commercial name. Considering that Samsung's first 8-inch tablet (the Galaxy Note 8.0) is already selling in some countries, it makes sense to assume that the WSJ was referring to the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0.
The Bluetooth SIG apparently suggests that the SM-T311 is heading to Europe, although, in case this is indeed the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0, we're surely going to see Samsung launch it in a variety of markets, just as it did with previous Galaxy Tab models. UnwiredView reminds us that the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is rumored to feature an 8-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution, quad-core processor and run Android Jelly Bean. The tablet would be available in white at the beginning, just like the Galaxy Note 8.0 and would be just 6.95mm thin. However, these tech details aren't official, so we'll still wait for Samsung to properly launch it. What’s certain, from this Bluetooth SIG certification is that the tablet will come with Bluetooth 4.0 support. Are you looking forward to buying an 8-inch tablet this year? |
| Galaxy Mega 6.3 with LTE spotted at the FCC, no support for U.S. 4G bands though Posted: 28 Apr 2013 03:31 PM PDT
After an HSPA+ version of the Galaxy Mega 6.3 has been recently seen at the FCC, an LTE model of the handset has now been spotted in a filing with the regulator. The Galaxy Mega 6.3 with LTE support has hit the FCC, but don't get too excited just yet. The phone appears to only have support for LTE band 5 (850MHz), which isn't used in the U.S. by any carrier. In other words, don't expect this particular version (model GT-I9205) to hit the U.S. in the near future, or at least don’t expect it to connect to existing 4G LTE networks, in case you buy it elsewhere. The Galaxy Mega 6.3 is Samsung's biggest smartphone (phablet if you will) to date, part of a new Galaxy subfamily of devices – the Galaxy Mega 5.8 is the other member of this handset line, a non-4G handset. Announced only a little while ago, the two Megas will launch in international markets at first, according to Samsung's initial press release. Even though we've counted two FCC filings for the bigger version to date, we’re yet to see Samsung mention launch plans for the USA.  Image Credit: Engadget It's not clear at this time what markets will get the Megas first (although Russia has been specifically named when the handsets were announced), or how much these mid-ranged handsets will cost, but we'll certainly keep you in the loop as we approach the projected May European launch window for the two devices. Are you looking to replace your handset an tablet with a single device, a Mega model, a gadget that seems ready to bring you features from both worlds? |
| LG Optimus F5 ready to launch globally, starting with France on April 29 Posted: 28 Apr 2013 02:42 PM PDT
LG on Sunday announced that its Optimus F5 (also known as the Verizon Lucid 2) smartphone will launch globally starting with France on April 29. In addition to France, the LG Optimus F5 will also be released in a variety of other markets in the coming weeks, including South and Central America, Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Pricing details for the Optimus F5 have not been mentioned for the France launch yet, but considering the handset is not a flagship device, you're likely to get a good deal on it when purchasing it with a new carrier contract. Unveiled only a few months ago at MWC in Barcelona, Spain, the LG Optimus F5 is a mid-range handset by 2013 standards, sporting a 4.3-inch IPS display with 256 ppi and 960 x 540 resolution, 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, 4G LTE support, 5-megapixel camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 2150mAh battery and Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 with various "exclusive UX features" on top, including QSlide, Live Zooming, Video Wiz and QTranslator. Looking for more LG Optimus F5 details other than just raw tech specs? Check out our LG Lucid 2 review and our Optimus F5 hands-on from MWC (videos embedded below): Anyone looking forward to buy this particular handset? LG F5 MAKES ITS GLOBAL DEBUT SEOUL, April 28, 2013 – Following its successful unveiling at the 2013 Mobile World Congress, the Optimus F5 – the first device from LG’s newest Optimus F Series – will make its world debut starting in Europe on April 29. Launching initially in France, LG will roll out the Optimus F5 in South and Central America, Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) over the next several weeks. The Optimus F Series is a new family of Android smartphones for consumers who are ready to experience the blazing speeds of 4G LTE without the high costs that normally go with such a device. As a key component of LG’s strategy to make 4G smartphones as ubiquitous as they are fast, the Optimus F5 features LG’s advanced LTE technology and enhanced user experience (UX) features. As display size and battery life become increasingly important among smartphone consumers, the 1.2GHz Qualcomm Dual-Core Optimus F5 addresses user demands by featuring a 4.3-inch IPS display and a largest-in-class 2,150mAh battery. LG engineers The Optimus F5 includes the latest Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 operating system and the best of LG’s innovative and exclusive UX features: • QSlide allows users to open multiple apps at the same time in full screen mode with the ability to change the size, position and transparency of the windows. “LG has consistently set the standard in the mobile industry with technology that com-plements, not complicates, users’ lives,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The Optimus F5 is a natural exten-sion of LG’s lineup of strong LTE devices, offering the lightning-speed of 4G LTE and UX features of a premium phone. With the Optimus F5, we’re confident we can capture an untapped market of new and upgrading smartphone users who crave a feature-rich, LTE device.” Key Specifications: |
| Rumor: Galaxy Note 3 specs include 5.99-inch display, Exynos 5 Octa CPU and 3GB of RAM Posted: 28 Apr 2013 04:26 AM PDT  Galaxy S4 (left) vs Galaxy Note 2 (right) A new rumor reveals certain specs for the upcoming third-generation Galaxy Note model, although we're yet to see the device confirmed by Samsung. The report mentions the display, processor and RAM for the Galaxy Note 3, but also other specs details, as follows :
Chinese site MyDrivers also provides an image (see below) of two Samsung handsets. What appears to be the Galaxy Note 2 sits on the right side of a bigger model, supposedly the Galaxy Note 3. The image also appears to reveal the model number for this purported Galaxy Note 3 model, I9500, which is really puzzling.
The Galaxy Note has model number GT-N7000, while the Galaxy Note 2 has model number GT-N7100, so I9500 doesn't make any sense considering especially considering that GT-I9500 happens to be the model number for the international version of the recently launched Galaxy S4. We'll also remind you that Samsung has already announced a couple of smartphones that are bigger than the Galaxy Note 2. These are the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3, part of a new Galaxy subfamily of devices. In addition to the top image from our Galaxy S4 vs Galaxy Note 2 comparison, the following picture helps us visualize the size difference between the new Megas, the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S4. When looking at all these images, it seems clear that the unspecified Samsung model in the image provided by MyDrivers isn’t one of the Megas, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the Galaxy Note 3 either.  Image Credit: PhoneArena
The Chinese site also seems to suggest that the new Galaxy Note 3 could be made official in mid-June, which is a lot earlier than expected. Previous rumors indicated that Samsung would unveil the handset at IFA 2013 in September, the same event where the previous Notes were announced. That said, we'll hold firmly to our grain of salt when going this new Galaxy Note 3 rumor, as there's no way of confirming any of the details in this new Galaxy Note 3 rumor yet. What would you like to see from the Galaxy Note 3? |
| Weekly News Roundup #2 – India Posted: 28 Apr 2013 04:18 AM PDT
In a new weekly segment, I'll be doing a roundup of the mobile technology news in India, including new device announcements and releases from Indian manufacturers, network carrier news, and anything else that captures the pulse of the Android scene in India. The Android scene in India this week was dominated by the launch of the highly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S4, along with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 510 (Note 8.0) and the ASUS Fonepad, and the availability of the 32GB version of the Nexus 7 from the Google Play Store. But as always, Indian manufacturers have been a tad busier. In the second edition of the Weekly News Roundup, we have two new budget-friendly quad-core smartphones, a Jelly Bean voice-calling tablet, a new app from Rediff, and a host of network carrier news. As you can see, there’s a lot to talk about. Let’s get started! Android SmartphonesSpice Stellar Pinnacle Pro
Following the success of the Spice Stellar Pinnacle, the company has now launched the successor of the device, which features an upgraded quad-core processor and one of the few devices from not only local, but international manufacturers as well, to feature Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on-board. The specifications of the Spice Stellar Pinnacle Pro include -
With a quad-core processor and Android 4.2, the Spice Stellar Pinnacle Pro has a lot of advantages, but the qHD display resolution is definitely not good enough for a screen of that size, especially with competing devices from Micromax and Karbonn featuring 720p displays. The Spice Stellar Pinnacle Pro is available from for Rs 14,990 (~$282) from online retailers Saholic. Source – NDTV Gadgets Zen Ultrafone 701HD
Following similar releases from Micromax, Karbonn, Spice (above), and others, it’s now time for Zen Mobiles to jump on the quad-core smartphone bandwagon. The Zen Ultrafone 701HD, which falls in the sub-Rs 15,000 category as well, boasts some impressive specifications, that include -
As you can see, the specifications are definitely worth the price, and the fact that Indian manufacturers have moved to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on their latest device releases is great to see. The Zen Ultrafone 701HD is available for pre-booking from SnapDeal, and is priced at Rs 11,999 (~$226). You can find out more about the device here. Source – Think Digit Android TabletsSolara Fontab
Joining the slew of voice-calling capable 7-inch budget-friendly Android tablets in the country is the Solara Fontab. Priced at just Rs 6,899(~$130), the device features decent specifications that include -
The specifications are standard fare for a tablet at this price point, but it’s really good to see budget-friendly devices featuring the newer iterations of the Android OS, which has been an issue in the past. Source – BGR India Android AppsRediff News
Rediff.com launched a news app that gives users free access to news from over 30,000 Indian and international sources including the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, Economic Times, Times of India, The Hindu, and more, as well as news from rediff.com. Features of this new app include -
The simple tile-based interface is intuitive and easy to use, and the app works great as a compiler for news from around the world. You can download the Rediff News app for free from the Google Play Store here. Source – Think Digit Network Carrier NewsRCom offers unlimited access to Twitter for 3 months
Reliance Communications has announced a partnership with Twitter, that gives users unlimited access to Twitter on their smartphones with no additional data consumption charges. Valid for 90 days, the “Reliance Twitter Access Pack” is available for free to all Reliance GSM prepaid subscribers. Of course, additional charges will apply if users choose to visit external links from Twitter.The Twitter page for people who opt for this free service will show a customized message informing of any such additional data charges when clicking on an any external link. Anyone interested can subscribe to this service by visiting twitter.com or mobile.twitter.com on their Reliance GSM prepaid device. Users can also subscribe by sending a “ACT Twitter” SMS to 53739 or by dialing *777*30#. Source – BGR India Vodafone launches special roaming packs for prepaid subscribers
If you travel a lot around the country, I’m sure you have multiple SIM cards for different states to avoid high roaming charges, which also the reason for the popularity dual-SIM smartphones in the country. The good news, if you’re a Vodafone prepaid subscriber, is that the newly announced special roaming packs drastically reduces the call rate while on roaming. Now, outgoing calls will cost 90p per minute, with incoming calls, which earlier cost up to 1 Re, now reduced to 30p per minute. The plans come with a roaming benefit of 30 days, with a tariff validity of 180 days. The packs are priced in the range of Rs 26 and Rs 47, depending on which circle you’re a part of. Granted, this plan isn’t as good as a similar offer from Aircel, in which incoming calls on roaming are free, but with National roaming expected to be free by the end of the year, this is a good first step, and we can expect similar price cuts from other network carriers as well. Source – Think Digit What are your thoughts? Will you be picking up any of the new smartphones or tablets announced this week? Have you tried out the new rediff news app yet? What do you think of the free access to Twitter pack from RCom, and the reduced national roaming charges from Vodafone? Let us know in the comments section below, and also let us know what else you'd like to see covered in this segment. |
| Limited edition Samsung Galaxy S4 MARVEL Iron Man Beam Case retails for $39 Posted: 28 Apr 2013 02:48 AM PDT
This cool case will help keep shards of malware from reaching the heart of your brand spanking new Galaxy S4 (No wait, that's Knox security). In all seriousness, this is a stylish and slim case for dedicated Iron Man fans, designed to protect your Galaxy S4 from knocks, drops, dents, slips, scratches and the dreaded cracked screen (and if the drop tests are to go by, you are going to need one). But this isn't your run of the mill, everyday protective hard case. Nope, this case has got a few tricks up its sleeves. With features like glowing eyes and arc reactor when you connect through NFC, this case definitely has the wow factor that you've been searching for to compliment your new Galaxy S4. In case you want one, you’ll have to know it’s available to order and retails for $39.
So you've got your new Galaxy S4 in hand and you've got your ticket for Iron Man 3, this case may just complete the trifecta. Check out the video below for a demonstration of the glowing arc reactor. Are you planning on covering up your Galaxy S4? |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Authority To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment