Android Authority |
- Diamond Pixels: Galaxy S4’s unique subpixel arrangement gets a close up
- Samsung Galaxy S4 loses to iPhone 5 in ‘breakability’ test, and here’s why you should have seen it coming
- Best gadgets and apps for camping with your Android
- Why is Google being so complimentary about Facebook Home?
- Samsung Galaxy S4 coming to 60 countries worldwide
- Yet another Tegra 4-powered HP device shows up in benchmarks, this time the SlateBook 10 X2
- Extreme Galaxy S4 ‘teardown’ performed with .50 caliber bullet [video]
- Android kicking butt and taking names, represents 58.4% market in the UK and 49.3% in the U.S.
- How to take apart the Galaxy S4, put it back together [video]
- Funny Windows Phone TV ad targets arguments between Android and iPhone users (video)
| Diamond Pixels: Galaxy S4’s unique subpixel arrangement gets a close up Posted: 30 Apr 2013 03:14 AM PDT
A high-resolution shot of the Galaxy S4's screen reveals the unique subpixel arrangement that Samsung used in order to achieve the 441ppi pixel density on an AMOLED display. In the months preceding the unveiling of the Galaxy S4, several rumors emerged about the display of the upcoming flagship. Samsung was said to have problems with the design and manufacturing of a full HD (1928 x 1080) AMOLED display. One report even said that the Korean smartphone maker was considering using LCD for the Galaxy S4, due to the supposed insurmountable technical difficulties that would prevent it from making enough panels for the upcoming blockbuster. But on March 14, the Galaxy S4 was launched, with a full HD Super AMOLED screen of a whopping 441 ppi, a pixel density that is second only to the (smaller) HTC One's. Not only that, but, as display expert Raymond Soneira pointed out, the display of the Galaxy S4 is a huge improvement over the S3, and is finally closing in on the iPhone in terms of quality. But how did Samsung manage to pack all those pixels in the display of the Galaxy S4 after all? An image that the Korean manufacturer provided to Soneira gives us a few more clues. These are the "diamond pixels" we've first heard about in January. As you can see, Samsung employed a combination of diamond shaped and oval subpixels, in order to maximize the number of subpixels that can go on every square inch of the display. This is still a PenTile arrangement – there are twice as many green subpixels as blue and red ones. However, at this resolution and pixel density, the drawbacks of PenTile arrangements are very hard to notice. For a primer on the difference between PenTile and the "regular" RGB displays, check out our Galaxy S3 vs Galaxy Note 2 comparison. According to Soneira, Samsung dubbed this novel subpixel arrangement Diamond Pixel, which is a bit misleading, considering that the subpixels (the "dots" of color that make up one pixel) are the ones that are actually diamond-shaped. Samsung probably wanted to distance this new layout from PenTile, which has often been the target of critics due to the “fuzziness” it shows around text and other fine graphics. Why are the red and blue subpixels larger than the green ones? And why are the green ones oval?The reason lies in the different efficiency of the three colors. Blue subpixels are the least efficient, meaning that manufacturers have to make them bigger in order for them to output the required luminosity. If you look closely at the image, you will see that the blue subpixels are slightly larger than the red ones. On the other hand, green subpixels are very efficient, so Samsung can make them much smaller than the red and blue ones.
In order to maximize the number of subpixels that can fit on the display's surface, Samsung used the new diamond subpixels arranged in a 45-degree symmetry. Finally, the green subpixels are oval to make the most out of the limited space available between the red and blue ones. As a comparison, last year's Galaxy S3 featured a PenTile arrangement composed of rectangular subpixels, as you can see in the image below (contrasted with a regular RGB layout).  Left: RGB; Right: PenTile The full HD panel of the Galaxy S4 is an impressive technical achievement in its own, one that should finally mute (most of) the critics of the PenTile technology. For the record, this is the first time Samsung acknowledged this new Diamond Pixels technology. What is your experience with PenTile displays? Are you satisfied with the display of the Galaxy S3? Have you seen the new Galaxy S4? |
| Posted: 30 Apr 2013 03:07 AM PDT
SquareTrade, a company that sells insurance for mobile phones, recently conducted its own Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5 drop test — it was part of an even bigger test to find out the so-called “breakability score” of these phones — and yielded some very interesting results. First, not only did SquareTrade pretty much settle the debate on which device can handle drops better, but it also delivered drop test results that corroborated the results from our own. So what exactly came out of SquareTrade’s tests, anyway? In terms of breakability, which smartphone scored the highest?
Numbers don’t lieHere’s the answer. When pitted against its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S3, as well as the Apple iPhone 5, the Samsung Galaxy S4 performed poorly in terms of durability and garnered and overall score of 7 out of 10 on the SquareTrade breakability scale. It’s nearly 50% more breakable than the iPhone 5, and it actually scored worse than the S3 which came before it. This short infographic from SquareTrade, which is titled, “How breakable is the new Samsung Galaxy S4?” says it all.
First, take a look at the SquareTrade breakability test video from which all of the above-mentioned information is based. Then there’s this video from YouTube user GizmoSlip, which tests the Galaxy S4 against the Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5. And of course, don’t forget to check out our own Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5 drop test here. So what’s the problem? Well, the problem is really quite clear. The Galaxy S4 is just a little too breakable for something that ought to be the best of what’s out there right now. And not only does it have a higher breakability level than one of its main competitors — not to mention its very own predecessor — it also seems to scratch easier and also scores worse in terms of grippability. But in all fairness to Samsung — as well as Corning, which is the company responsible for the Galaxy S4′s Gorilla Glass 3 screen — they can’t really take all of the blame here. It’s just nature at work. And every time a smartphone screen bends or breaks, it’s really mostly due to the the laws of physics. Gravity, how does it work?We have a theory that perhaps the reason why the Samsung Galaxy S4 is categorically worse than the iPhone 5 when it comes to drop tests is simply because it is not only bigger but also heavier. It’s both half an inch taller and half an inch wider as well as 20 grams heavier than the iPhone 5. And it’s also a wee bit thicker, which explains why a .50 caliber round from a sniper rifle can easily breeze through its center and make the screen peel right off in (mostly) one piece, as seen in one of the more extreme Galaxy S4 teardowns we found online. The bottom line is, the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is somehow able to score high on a breakability test shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone at all. And if we had to pick the three biggest lessons we’ve learned about this whole thing so far, we’d say these are:
You may now read the detailed findings from SquareTrade’s breakability test in the press release embedded below. SquareTrade's Breakability Score Debuts as New Richter Scale for Device Danger – New Samsung S4 Rated a Dangerous 7New Scorecard Fills Gap Left By Traditional Product Reviews and Calculates Danger in Everyday Situations SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – SquareTrade®, the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers, today announced its Breakability Score™ for the new Samsung Galaxy S®4. The SquareTrade Breakability Score ranks today's top devices based on how prone they are to break due to accidents. Evaluating key elements such as front and back panel design, edge construction and materials, size, weight, friction quotient, water resistance and grip-ability, SquareTrade's Breakability Score fills in the missing gap left by traditional device reviews: it tests devices in everyday danger situations brought on by our lifestyles and habits. "Our Breakability Score creates a new Richter Scale for accidental damage to help consumers assess when, where and how their phones are in danger," said Ty Shay , CMO at SquareTrade. "It's been two years since we created the first Drop Test video for the industry and we thought it was time to expand the concept." The SquareTrade Breakability Score is based on a number of factors, from physical characteristics to the results of our SquareTrade Drop Test. The higher a device scores on a scale from 1-10, the higher the risk of it breaking due to an accident. Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S4 to the S3 and Apple's iPhone®5, the iPhone 5 was the clear winner. SquareTrade's Breakability Score revealed the following: While the S4 proved slightly more water resistant than its predecessor the S3, Samsung's new Galaxy phone actually performed worse in most other categories. Major strikes against the S4 include high breakability during SquareTrade Drop Tests, a slippery back panel, and a wider screen that reduces grip-ability, especially compared to the ultra-slim iPhone 5. Breakability Score: 7 "Our research and experience shows that even the smallest device characteristics can dramatically affect its breakability: the weight balance of a device can affect the way it spins in free-fall, making it more likely to land on its screen; devices with rubber backs are less likely to slide, and device dimensions can effect how snugly smartphones fit in pant and jeans pockets," continued Shay. "The likelihood of damage due to these common scenarios has never been higher." |
| Best gadgets and apps for camping with your Android Posted: 30 Apr 2013 01:57 AM PDT
It's been a long winter, but, with trees and flowers in full bloom, spring is finally here. With any luck we have a long, hot summer in prospect, and that means camping season. You can head off into the wild at the drop of a hat, if the weather looks right. More people go camping every year than jet off to foreign climes. It's an affordable way to escape your daily grind and find a little adventure. For the tech-obsessed, the idea of being without your Android could be enough to put you off, but fear not, you can take it with you and enhance your trip with the right camping gadgets and apps. We'll kick off with some gadgets that bring your creature comforts to the great outdoors, and then we'll move on to round up the best Android camping apps in the Play Store. Keeping your gadgets safeIf you're going to take your smartphone or tablet camping with you, then you'll want to be careful how you carry it. Your standard everyday case probably won't deal with a dip in the river, and tablets can shatter if they're packed in a rucksack that gets dropped or bumped.
Anyone taking a tablet or a netbook will want the right luggage. You'll struggle to find a tougher solution than the Pelican ProGear S140 backpack. It combines the crushproof and waterproof credentials of a case with a comfortable backpack that has all the pockets and features you need to carry your gear and keep it safe. You can also find a few waterproof cases at OtterBox. They offer an affordable way to pack your smartphone and other precious items, like your wallet and keys, safely away and protected from the elements. Some of them are crushproof too. Power supplyThere's no doubt your Android smartphone or tablet can prove really useful on a camping trip, but you have to have a plan to keep that juice flowing. If the battery expires and you didn't prepare, then you're left with dead weight.
Staying entertained
On the next page we'll run through some handy apps to install before you go. |
| Why is Google being so complimentary about Facebook Home? Posted: 30 Apr 2013 12:46 AM PDT
There could be a variety of reasons that Google is being so complimentary about Facebook Home, it could be nothing, it could just be Google promoting the openness of Android. But there could be something else. What follows is just pure speculation and only the future will tell if any of it is right. One possible reason that Google is being nice is that it just changed its Play Store terms and conditions to ban apps which update themselves without using the Google Play update process. The new wording says that ”[a]n app downloaded from Google Play may not modify, replace or update its own APK binary code using any method other than Google Play’s update mechanism.” Why did Google do this, basically because of Facebook. About six weeks ago, reports started to appear that the Android Facebook app could “self update” without using the Google Play app store. This new ban could have upset Facebook a little and maybe Google are just trying to smooth things over. Another possibility is that Google intends to integrate Google+ into the Android launcher, an equivalent of Facebook Home but for Google+, Google Home for want of a better moniker. In the past such a bold act would lead to cries of monopoly, antitrust and raise privacy concerns. Google has already been through this loop with its failed social network Google Buzz. Also Microsoft fell foul to this when the EU decided that it wasn’t fair that Internet Explorer was the default (and only installed) browser on Windows. If Google integrated Google+ into the launcher the company could be open to the same accusations, but if the search giant can show that companies like Facebook are able to replace the launcher (and any Google+ integration) with their own social network then Google could have a defense. Similarly it could argue that HTC is able to create a phone with Facebook as the default. Connected with this are the persistent rumors about Google’s new unified messaging system called Babel. If Babel is deeply integrated into the next version of Android, including into the launcher in a style similar to Facebook Home, then again Google could be open to some tough antitrust and monopoly accusations. There will be cries from users about not having freedom to choose which messaging service they use, why is Babel the default? There will concerns that most users won’t know about alternatives and so on. Again Google can just point to Facebook Home. There are of course more “far out” and wildly speculative possibilities including secret talks between Facebook and Google that would allow Google to index Facebook statuses or OS level integration of Facebook into Android (like in iOS). If Google and Facebook are involved in any kind of negotiations, at any level, then the odd positive comment from high up Google employees certainly might help the talks! Since other modifications to Android like HTC Sense or TouchWiz don’t actually help Google with it plans then Google doesn’t really comment on them - positively or negatively, but Facebook Home has had some special attention. What do you think the reason is for this? |
| Samsung Galaxy S4 coming to 60 countries worldwide Posted: 29 Apr 2013 10:48 PM PDT
According to Samsung, the Galaxy S4 is now slated to roll out in a total of 60 countries worldwide, and will be released in even more locations throughout the second quarter of this year. For now, the list of countries wherein the Samsung Galaxy S4 will first become available includes Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. A report from the English-language Yonhap News Agency of South Korea web site reveals that Samsung’s plans to roll out the Galaxy S4 in more places throughout Q2 2013 involves working with over 300 operators such as AT&T, Vodafone, and Telefonica among many others in a total of 155 countries. All of this will surely help make the company gain an even bigger chunk of the smartphone market than it already has. Only last week, the company announced that it had scored an operating profit of nearly $8 billion USD, owing to the success of its popular Galaxy smartphone range. The number reported easily exceeded the company’s own profit forecast for the first quarter of this year, and if things keep up, it is likely that it will beat its profit forecast yet again for the next three months. |
| Yet another Tegra 4-powered HP device shows up in benchmarks, this time the SlateBook 10 X2 Posted: 29 Apr 2013 04:51 PM PDT It looks like HP might be preparing a major Android push in the near future. With the HP Slate 7 now out the door, there have been two new HP Android devices allegedly revealed today, both thanks to AnTuTu benchmarking scores. Earlier we reported on the HP Slate 21 AIO, and now it looks like a device called the HP SlateBook 10 X2 is also in the cards. Just like the HP Slate 21 AIO, the SlateBook 10 X2 benchmark reveals a device equipped with a Nvidia Tegra 4 processor and running on Android 4.2.1. While they run the same processor, the SlateBook X2 actually scored a bit higher on the posted results with a 27,259 versus the Slate 21′s 23,584. Of course, benchmark results can vary wildly from test to test, so the difference in scoring might not mean much. So is this legit? Hard to say, as benchmarks can certainly be faked. If they are indeed real, it’s interesting to see HP is not only embracing the high-end of Android, but doing it with Nvidia as a partner. So far the only other potential partners we’ve heard about for the Tegra 4 are Toshiba and ZTE. It is worth mentioning that HP’s two newly benchmarked devices seem to be a bit “different” from the rest of the pack, with the Slate 21 being a massive tablet and AIO, and the SlateBook 10′s name could perhaps be hinting that it might be some kind of convertible Android tablet/notebook– of course that’s just a bit speculation, as the ‘book’ part of the name could mean absolutely nothing. What do you think, would consider a premium tablet from HP considering their mixed history in the mobile sector? |
| Extreme Galaxy S4 ‘teardown’ performed with .50 caliber bullet [video] Posted: 29 Apr 2013 04:34 PM PDT
A tech enthusiast decided to check out how the Galaxy S4 fares when having to face a bullet shot right at it from a .50 caliber sniper rifle, and recorded the event with help of slow motion cameras. As you might have guessed, this isn't your run-of-the-mill experiement to test the durability of Samsung's latest flagship. And since we're talking about a .50 caliber bullet shot from a Barrett M82A1 rifle it's more than clear what happens with the device in the process. Spoiler alert, we're looking at the worst teardown ever for the handset, as the Galaxy S4 doesn't really survive the test. And how could it, considering that the bullet carries tremendous energy – it’s fired from only a few yards away and has a muzzle velocity of 2,799 ft/s (853 m/s) – and the Galaxy S4′s only defense is plastic? On a more serious note though, we'll remind you that iFixit has already performed its official Galaxy S4 teardown, and we have also shown you a video in which it's explained how to dismantle the handset and put it back together, if you so desire. As for actual durability tests, we performed our own Galaxy S4 experiment, a drop simulation of the device performed in good company, Apple's iPhone 5. You can watch that comparison drop test in the video below, as it shows more relevant accident scenarios for the handset than dating a .50 caliber round. The Galaxy S4 isn't necessarily the best built device out there, but at least it's easy to repair. The company has confirmed that it will announce a dustproof and waterproof Galaxy S4 version in the coming months, although it's not clear whether that version will be capable of handling drops better. Moreover, if you're interested to see some (conflicting) opinions regarding the Galaxy S4's design, you can always check the company’s Galaxy S4 design story. Finally, we'll remind you to handle with care your Galaxy S4, and avoid drops, spills and any other accidents you can think of. |
| Android kicking butt and taking names, represents 58.4% market in the UK and 49.3% in the U.S. Posted: 29 Apr 2013 02:45 PM PDT
Kantar Worldpanel’s latest stats are in, and it doesn’t look good for iOS. Based on the three month period ending with March, Android dominates the scene in every "key global market" with the exception of Japan, where iOS enjoys 3.4% more control than Android. That’s right, even the United States currently sees Android on top with 49.3% of the market, as opposed to iOS’ 43.7% share. In Europe, the situation is even more dire for the Cupertino giant. In the United Kingdom, Android continues to steal the show with a massive 58.4% of the smartphone market, with iOS following in a distant second with 28.9%. Think that’s a crazy low share for Apple? In Spain, Android represents 93.5% of the smartphone market for 2013, with Apple representing just 3.2% of the market. Looking at Spain, the UK, Germany, Italy and France together, Android represents 68.8% of the market, with iOS in second place with 19.4%. Similar growth exists in Australia as well.
This has clearly been a great year for Google’s Android OS, and is only about to get better with highly anticipated Android flagships like the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 already generating quite a bit of hype, and rightfully so. One iPhone model just can’t compete with hundreds of excellent Android devices – ranging from the low end to the extremely high end – which is probably why rumors continue to indicate Apple is preparing a low-end handset of its own. It is worth noting that while Apple didn’t get any great news with these latest stats, the situation for Microsoft is much better than ever before. In the United States, Windows Phone represented 5.6 percent of the sales for the first quarter of 2013, which was up 1.9 percent from the same period last year. In the European Union Five, Windows Phone represented 6.5% of the market, versus 4.1% last year during the same timeframe. For Symbian and Blackberry, things continued about as you’d expect them: downhill in every market that Kantar tracks. What do you think of these latest stats? Does it surprise you that Apple is continuing to decline while Microsoft is starting to see growth? |
| How to take apart the Galaxy S4, put it back together [video] Posted: 29 Apr 2013 01:55 PM PDT
The Galaxy S4 is now available from many top carriers and, as with any smartphone, there comes the risk of breaking something, typically the screen. Unfortunately, the Galaxy S4 has not performed well in drop tests. In our most recent drop test, it did not hold up to the build quality of the iPhone 5. This is a little disappointing considering the display features Gorilla Glass 3. However, in somewhat good news, the Galaxy S4 is easy to repair, scoring an 8 out of 10 in iFixit's teardown. While having your phone repaired under warranty is ideal, if you do ever end up having to replace the screen, digitizer, camera, USB port, etc. yourself, Max Lee from HighOnAndroid has you covered.
Before getting started, you will need a Philips #00 screwdriver, and plastic prying tool. Both can be purchased for several bucks or less on Amazon. To get started, remove the cover, and pull out the battery. Then, simply unscrew all nine screws.
Once you have removed all nine screws, use the plastic pry tool along the entire edge of the phone, starting at the volume buttons. This will help to pop the frame off, revealing the hardware inside.
With the frame removed, it is now time to remove the motherboard. Unplug all connectors, and unscrew the black screw on the top right that is holding the motherboard in place.
At this point, the motherboard should come off with very little effort. If you just need to replace the camera, you can skip removing the motherboard.
To replace the screen, and digitizer, you first need to remove all the sensors on the top. Also, there is a vibrating motor on the left, and the 3.5mm headphone jack on the right.
In some cases, you will need to remove the USB board due to space constraints.
From there, you can replace the screen, and digitizer. Once completed, simply follow these steps in reverse to put the Galaxy S4 back together. For more detailed hands-on instructions, you can watch the video above. As a disclaimer, we are not responsible for any damage caused to your phone. |
| Funny Windows Phone TV ad targets arguments between Android and iPhone users (video) Posted: 29 Apr 2013 01:25 PM PDT
The new Windows Phone TV ad that will start showing today, while it does make fun of Android users alongside iPhone users, is a pretty funny one. The ad’s story takes place at a wedding where people start fighting over what phone each one of them is using (and most of us will probably have to admit having done so more than once). You might even hear some of the cliché lines some of us use during said fights. A couple of waiters are shown filming the fight using Nokia Lumia 920 and stating the obvious, that users of the two platforms like fighting, (it’s part of the fun, isn’t it?). You can watch the ad below: Microsoft is no stranger to attacking Android, doing so when Facebook Home was launched, and trying to show that Windows Phone is better through its Windows Phone challenges. The current ad is trying to position Windows Phone as an alternative to Android and iOS, and, while it may not be the best one, as Microsoft’s Michael Stroh says in the blog post promoting it, the ad is still quite funny and it’s good to see that Microsoft can have a sense of humor. How about you? Did you ever get into fights with users of other platforms? |
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