Monday, June 10, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


Samsung Galaxy Note 3 prototype device leaks

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 09:29 AM PDT

Today, Samsung’s upcoming and highly anticipated third Galaxy Note smartphone has leaked in the wild. Following a successful Galaxy Note II release, we’re getting our first look at the upcoming 5.99-inch Galaxy Note 3, or at least a prototype of some sort. One that’s obviously being covered in a protective shell to disguise the design and identity of the device. Which is nothing new. Read on for more details and thoughts.

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We’ve heard a lot of different reports and rumors regarding Samsung’s plans, but nothing has been concrete up until today. This is our first actual image of the upcoming phablet, and it looks just as expected. Rumors have the Note III coming in with a 5.99-inch 1920 x 1080p full HD display and some other top-tier specs, but the design still looks eerily familiar.

Just like the Galaxy S 4 and GS3 before it, this leak comes by way of a device having some sort of case around it to hide the shape and final design cues, so we’re not getting the full picture today. However, we can clearly see that Samsung will be sticking to their familiar plastic design, and that massive dedicated home button. Nothing new here folks.

Rumors point towards a 5.99-inch 1080p HD display and Qualcomm’s impressive new Snapdragon 800 series 2.3 GHz quad-core chip. The S-Pen style is a given, and then a 13 megapixel camera will be on board. Then of course we’ll be getting the latest version of Android. Either 4.2 or 4.3 Jelly Bean if Google drops it by then, and it’s expected to be announced at IFA 2013 in Berlin in early September.

We can expect more pictures and details to make their way public soon enough so stay tuned.

Schermafbeelding-2013-06-09-om-12.21.251 Schermafbeelding-2013-06-09-om-12.17.531 Schermafbeelding-2013-06-09-om-12.14.111

SOURCE: TechTastic

Sony NSZ-GS8 Google TV set for release in July

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 08:25 AM PDT

Sony has officially announced their latest Google TV device. The model is called the NSZ-GS8 “Internet Player with Google TV” and availability is set to begin in July. With the GS8 in mind, this model is similar to the already available GS7, though there is one new feature worth mentioning. While the NSZ-GS8 is a full-featured Google TV box, one of the nicer perks comes with the remote control.

NSZ-GS8_B_UCL_ST

The remote has a full QWERTY keyboard and also allows the user to search by voice. For example, when using Chrome you will be able to use the remote to search without having to actually do any typing. The remote also has a clickable touchpad with pinch-and-pull zoom as well as a 3-axis motion sensor which should help those who are doing a bit of gaming.

Aside from the remote, this Google TV has Ethernet and WiFi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity as well as 8GB of internal storage space, two rear USB inputs, one optical audio output and one HDMI output. Of course, being the NSZ-GS8 is a Google TV box there will be the app experience. Users will find apps to include Netflix, Pandora, Amazon Instant Video and YouTube pre-installed, but there will also be access to the Google Play Store for many more.

NSG-MR7_B_-Both-Sides

Facebook and Twitter will also be available by way of the Socialife app which optimizes your social stream for a big screen. Similar to how searching is made easier with voice, Google TV users will also see the PrimeTime app which lets you browse live television as well as shows that you have already watched and suggestions for other content.

The NSZ-GS8 will be selling for $199.99. Those interested in making a purchase will be able to find this model direct from the Sony stores as well as with other electronics retailers. Finally, Sony has yet to reveal a specific release date, nor have they begun accepting pre-orders, however the NSZ-GS8 does have a “notify me” style listing on the Sony Store website.

SOURCE: Sony

Huawei Ascend P6 talked up by CEO Richard Yu

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 07:40 AM PDT

We are still expecting Huawei to announce the Ascend P6 during the upcoming “Beauty” event. This is set for June 20th, however in the meantime we have been seeing quite a few leaks. Thankfully though we have also seen a few legitimate teasers direct from Huawei. Back towards the end of May we saw an image revealed. That image reveal was also the time when Huawei confirmed the upcoming event would be the unveiling of the Ascend P6.

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Anyway, while June 20th is getting closer and closer, it looks like CEO Richard Yu has recently shared some of his first impression thoughts. Not to mention, Huawei also shared another image of the Ascend P6, which can be seen above. As far as the thoughts from Richard Yu, this is what he had to say;

You know, after using the P6 more and more, I’ve begun to notice how nice the side keys were designed and how good it felt to press them. Their positioning along the edge felt just right and natural. They aren’t protruding out too much so you don’t have to worry about the wrong button being pushed when it’s in your pocket, nor are they too flat that they’re uncomfortable to feel. We were able to find that “sweet spot.”

Again, the Ascend P6 is the handset that is rumored to be 6.2mm thick. That topic wasn’t addressed in the above statement, however the image does lead one to believe that could be an accurate measurement. This latest image is a nice follow-up to the last. That earlier image can be seen below and that gave a look at the top right-hand corner while this new image shows the bottom right-hand corner.

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Previous sightings of the handset had that metal band looking rather similar to the iPhone and while that is still somewhat accurate, it is nice to see that the metal band does not wrap completely around the device. Otherwise, the still rumored specs include Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean along with a quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera.

VIA: phoneArena

SOURCE: Facebook

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 unveiled with optional dual-SIM and LTE support

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 06:57 AM PDT

Samsung has officially announced the latest in the Galaxy Ace series of handsets. This one is arriving as the Galaxy Ace 3 and some of the specifics will vary from market to market. For example, the handset does have a dual-SIM option available. Not to mention, the market availability will depend on whether you see a 3G or an LTE compatible handset. That said, Samsung has the Galaxy Ace 3 running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and with the line of “S” branded apps.

samsung-galaxy-ace-3-540

Hardware features include a 4-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display along with a dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage (with roughly 1.77GB available for the user), a microSD card slot and 1500 mAh battery. The Galaxy Ace 3 will also have the basics to include WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0 and A-GPS/GLONASS as well as an accelerometer, digital compass and proximity sensor.

Samsung has the Galaxy Ace 3 equipped with a VGA quality front-facing camera and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash. Coming with the camera hardware, the handset also has features to include Sound & Shot, Best Shot and Best Photo. Those “S” branded apps include S Translator, S Travel, Smart Stay, S Voice and Easy Mode. As mentioned earlier, the Galaxy Ace 3 will be available in a 3G and LTE compatible model and while many of those specs will remain the same, there are some bumps for the LTE model.

The LTE-equipped Galaxy Ace 3 will have a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 8GB of internal storage (with 5GB available for the end user) and an 1800 mAh battery. Otherwise, the network support for the LTE model will include;

  • LTE: 150/50Mbps 800/900/1800/2600 MHz
  • 3G: HSPA+ 42/5.76Mbps 850/900/2100 MHz

The 3G only model will bring the following for network support;

  • 3G: HSDPA 14.4Mbps/HSUPA 5.76Mbps 900/2100 MHz
  • 2G: EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

Otherwise, while Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Ace 3 and offered a complete breakdown of the specs, they have yet to mention some of the finer points. You know, the pricing, availability date and the markets where the handset will be available. Needless to say, Samsung still has the June 20th event in London and we are expecting to learn a bit more at that time.  

SOURCE: Samsung

AT&T upgrade cycle increased to 24 months

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 06:19 AM PDT

AT&T has announced a change to the upgrade cycle and moving forward users will need to wait a full 24-months before they will be eligible. According to details coming from AT&T, the carrier has said this change will allow them to align the “device upgrade eligibility with our standard two-year wireless agreement.” Moving forward this will affect all users, however there is a grace period before it will kick in for everyone.

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The carrier has said this change will apply to all users whose agreement expires in March 2014 or later. Or in other words, if you current agreement ends in February 2014 or earlier — you will still be able to grab your upgrade after 20 months. Otherwise, from March 2014 and after you will be waiting the full 24 months between available upgrades. AT&T did offer some options, however we suspect they will not apply for many users.

It looks like AT&T users will still be able to share an upgrade (with another person on the same account), purchase a device at full retail price, bring a compatible handset or trade-in your current handset towards the purchase of a new device. Of course, said new device would still be charged at the full retail value. There is one option that may be of benefit though.

AT&T users are eligible for early upgrades after 6 months. The carrier has said that after you complete 6 full months on your agreement you will be eligible for a partial discount off the full retail pricing. Granted, this is not going to be quite a low priced as a fully subsidized handset, however it could help those who find themselves stuck with a handset that don’t like or even one they damaged.

Finally, while AT&T has just recently announced this change, it is one that should sound familiar to Verizon Wireless users. In fact, Big Red announced this change back in mind-April. The details between Verizon and AT&T are rather similar, however Verizon did offer one bit that may help some users — they also announced a device payment plan which could help those needing to purchase a device at full retail.

SOURCE: AT&T

Samsung Galaxy S 4 gets custom colorful paint by way of Colorware

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 03:47 PM PDT

White or Blue not your colors? Perhaps you’re more of a Mocha Brown person? Maybe you’re a Midnight Purple aficionado? Thankfully Colorware has your answer and will let you “color customize” your Samsung Galaxy S4 for a not-so-inexpensive 1000 U.S. Dollars.

color_spectrum_635

With the Samsung Galaxy S4 being a hot seller (although who’s to say how long that will last) with over 10 million units sold last month, anyone in the know will gladly admit that its color palette is quite… small. Even though rumors are on the rise that there will be 4 new colors headed our way this summer, it still doesn’t quite fit the needs of some people seeking individuality.

Now, using a full color spectrum to allow you to choose from an endless supply of colors, Colorware has been the first one to take the step to a whole, new, colorful S4 world. You can have your phone in any color you want, but at the mind-numbingly, heart-achingly, bank account drainingly, astronomical price of $1000.

I’m sure you’re now wondering how you’re going to come up with coin, especially seeing the fact that to set a specific color to your phone will set you back almost twice the phones price itself. Perhaps selling off your car, or your house, or a kidney (or two if you’re feeling lucky) might be a good idea.

What you’re paying for though, is a labor of love. The Galaxy S4 is disassembled, cleaned, masked, painted, inspected, buffed, and then reassembled. This likely takes a few hours. Is it worth the $1000 in labor and paint? The decision is up to you.

As it stands now, we’ll take ours in a nice, vibrant, Lemon Lime, thank you very much.

SOURCE: TalkAndroid

Waze likely headed to Google through a 1.3B dollar takeover

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 12:35 PM PDT

Google has apparently just purchased Waze, the Israeli maps application organized via crowd-sourced data with the emphasis on social networking through location detection. With previous reports of serious mergers between Waze and other stronghold software conglomerates, the purchase of Waze through Google comes as a surprise to no one. The biggest question however is, “What will they do with it?”

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Last year there were numerous reports of a possible Apple merger with Waze, but according to Apple, through a conference held at D11, no such talks took place. Facebook was also interested, but that deal also fell through. With Google heavily involved in the maps application world itself, it made sense that they too would follow in the footsteps of other major players, and take the plunge.

The final result is an astounding takeover through a 1.3 Billion dollar acquisition. This puts Google in a situation where they can utilize interesting Waze features such as Live Lane Assistance, Hazard Reporting, Traffic updates, and more. The possibility of a merger between Zagat and Places via Google+ also remains a strong possibility. Waze itself was founded in 2009, with 2012 being an incredibly industrious year, bringing a 30 million dollar investment from Horizons Ventures, iFund, and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

Ultimately however, time will tell what it is exactly that Google is planning to do with Waze. Certainly they themselves have some serious money invested into it. Some theories have arisen that its features will be implemented in a 2014 update. When and if they are, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

SOURCE: Globes

Android Authority

Android Authority


Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 now official

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 02:39 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
Earlier today, we got a hold of what we thought to be a clear photo of a new Samsung smartphone called the Galaxy Ace 3. Now we can finally confirm that the information in our earlier report was correct, and the smartphone in question was is the Galaxy Ace 3 indeed. Samsung has just made the official announcement on its web site and provided all the release details for the world to see.

The Galaxy Ace 3 is Samsung’s latest entrant into the entry-level/mid-range Android smartphone segment. It comes with modest features like a 4-inch WVGA display, a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, a 5MP camera with LED flash, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It also has Samsung-exclusive software features like S Translator, S Travel, S Voice, and Smart Stay.

There will be an optional dual-SIM-capable variant, as well as a version that supports 4G LTE in addition to 3G. Other features of the Galaxy Ace 3 include a front-facing VGA camera, 4GB internal memory, support for up to 64GB microSD cards, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n, USB 2.0, and a 1,500mAh battery (a 1,800mAh battery will be present in the 4G LTE version).

According to the official press release, availability of either the 3G or 4G LTE model will vary based on the local market. But it’s likely only going to be a matter of time until both models are released locally, wherever you happen to be on the planet. To find out more about this new Samsung handset, continue reading to get the full press release below.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 BACK


Enjoy the New Mobile Essentials with Samsung GALAXY Ace 3

SEOUL, Korea – June 10, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leader in mobile technology and digital solutions, today announced a new addition to the popular GALAXY family with the Samsung GALAXY Ace 3, a smartphone that synthesizes a multitude of smart features to produce an enriched user experience suitable for everyday life.

Building on the success of the previous GALAXY Ace series, the GALAXY Ace 3 brings users powerful performance with a dual core processor built to perform data-intensive tasks faster and more efficiently than its predecessor. Powered by Android™ Jellybean 4.2, users will enjoy the larger 4.0 inch display for a brilliant viewing experience while playing games, watching movies, and enjoying the device's many smart features. The 5-megapixel camera is equipped with multiple features, including Sound & Shot, Best Photo, and Buddy Photo Share to fuel users' creativity and to allow easy sharing amongst friends.

To provide a more intuitive user experience, the GALAXY Ace 3 comes equipped with several smart features, providing innovative tools that continue to make the GALAXY series successful in the market.

• 'S Translator': Gives instantaneous translations at any time
• 'S Travel': Provides guides and travel information for your next trip
• 'Smart Stay': Recognizes when a user is looking at the phone, and saves battery life when a user looks away by
dimming the screen and powering down using advanced facial recognition
• 'S Voice': Offers voice command functionality
• 'Easy Mode': Brings a simple and intuitive homescreen mode for streamlined access to your top functions

Depending on the market, the GALAXY Ace will be available in two different versions – 3G or LTE.

    


New Sony Google TV with voice search officially announced, old model put on sale

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 02:27 AM PDT

sony google tv nsz-gs8 press

Sony revealed the new Google TV NSZ-GS8, a revamped version of last year’s GS7 that brings voice search as the main new feature.

The device, which has been spotted during the WiFi certification doesn’t come with too many new things compared to its predecessor, the NSZ-GS7, but it does add a voice search feature, which is used via the new remote control. Basically, you can just tell the remote what you’re looking for, for example TV shows or apps.

Sony NSZ-GS8

The rest hasn’t changed too much, as you can see if you compare the two devices side-by-side on Sony’s website. As far as the price goes, the Sony NSZ-GS8 will cost $199, just like the NSZ-GS7, and, according to Sony’s official blog post, will be available at the beginning of July.

If you can do without the new remote and voice search, you can now get the old Sony NSZ-GS7 for $169. You can also add the voice search functionality to the old version of Sony’s Google TV by purchasing the new microphone-toting remote for $49.99, starting with June 17.

    


Weekly News Roundup #8 – India

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 01:58 AM PDT

wnri feature

In a 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.

With Computex 2013 dominating the news last week, this has been yet another slow news week for Android news in India. Of course, we still have seven new Android smartphones to talk about, an official upgrade to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean for the Micromax A116 Canvas HD, and great deal from Samsung for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Let’s get started!

iBall Andi 4.7G Cobalt officially launched

wnri - iball andi 47g cobalt

Joining the ever-increasing number of budget-friendly quad-core smartphones being launched in the country in the latest offering from iBall, the Andi 4.7G. As the name suggests, the iBall Andi 4.7G boasts a 4.7-inch IPS display with 1280×720 resolution, and is powered by a 1.2 Ghz quad-core processor, similar to the processors used by every other low-cost quad-core device available in India.

Other specifications of the iBall Andi 4.7G include 1GB RAM, 16GB internal memory which is further expandable via microSD up to 32GB, 12MP rear camera and 5MP front camera, a 2,200 mAh battery, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box.

The specifications of the device would have allowed the company to compete effectively against other local manufacturers, but unfortunately, is priced comparatively higher, which is definitely surprising. The iBall Andi 4.7G is priced officially at Rs 19,995 (~$370), even though it is available from various online retailers at a cheaper Rs 17,499 (~$324). At either price point, the smartphone is still more expensive than most other similarly speced devices.

That being said, none of the other devices offer as much internal storage as the iBall Andi 4.7G, and iBall also promises timely OTA updates for its smartphone, compared to other companies which require you to go to their service centers to receive any software updates. At a slightly higher price, these two features could definitely be worth it for some.

If you’re interested, you can pick up the device at the cheaper price point from online retailers Tradus here.

Source – Tech Tree

Lenovo launches six new Android smartphones in India

Lenovo unveiled six new Android smartphones in India last week, covering the entire price spectrum, from a low-cost entry level smartphone, to a high-end device powered by an Intel processor. You can check out the complete list of the latest smartphones on offer from Lenovo below -

Lenovo IdeaPhone K900

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The Lenovo IdeaPhone K900, first showcased back in January during CES 2013, is powered by a 2Ghz dual-core Intel Atom Z2580 processor. Other specifications of the smartphone include a 5.5-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage further expandable via microSD up to 32GB, 13MP rear camera and 2MP front camera, a 2,500 mAh battery, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on-board.

Considering the specifications, the Lenovo IdeaPhone K900 is priced very competitively at just Rs 32,999 (~$611), and will be available in stores from July.

Lenovo IdeaPhone S920, IdeaPhone P780, and IdeaPhone S820

Lenovo IdeaPhone S920

Lenovo IdeaPhone S920

Following the high-end IdeaPhone K900 is a series of quad-core smartphones that target the budget-friendly quad-core devices by local manufacturers that are currently flooding the market. The S920, P780, and S820 feature a lot of common specifications that include displays with 720p resolution, a 1.2Ghz quad-core MediaTek processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage expandable via microSD up to 32GB, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on-board.

The 5.3-inch IdeaPhone S920 features an 8MP rear camera and 2MP front camera, and a 2,250 mAh battery. The S920 is priced at Rs 26,399 (~$488).

Lenovo IdeaPhone S820

Lenovo IdeaPhone S820

The 5-inch IdeaPhone P780 features an 8MP rear camera and 0.3MP front camera, and a massive 4,000 mAh battery. The P780 is priced at Rs 22,529 (~$417), and is great choice for anyone looking for amazing battery life.

The 4.6-inch IdeaPhone S820 features a 12MP rear camera and 2MP front camera, and a 2,000 mAh battery. The S820 is priced at Rs 19,500 (~$361).

Lenovo IdeaPhone A706

wnri - lenovo a706

The IdeaPhone A706 is another mid-range smartphone from the company, with specifications such as a 4.5-inch display with 854×480 resolution, 1.2Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8225Q quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage expandable via microSD up to 32GB, 5MP rear camera and 0.3MP front camera, 2,000 mAh battery, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on-board.

The Lenovo IdeaPhone A706 is priced at just Rs 15,949 (~$295).

Lenovo IdeaPhone A390

wnri - lenovo a390

Finally, we have the entry-level IdeaPhone A390. The specifications of the A390 include a 4-inch display with 800×480 resolution, 1Ghz dual-core MediaTek processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage expandable via microSD up to 32GB, 5MP rear camera, 1,500 mAh battery, and Android 4.0 ICS on-board.

The Lenovo IdeaPhone A706 is priced at Rs 8,689 (~$160).

Source – Think Digit

Micromax A116 Canvas HD receives update to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

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The Micromax A116 Canvas HD was the first budget-friendly quad-core smartphone launched in India, and since then, we’ve seen a slew of similarly-specced devices launched from various local manufacturers, some of which boast Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on-board. Not to be left behind, Micromax announced the official upgrade to Android 4.2 for the A116 Canvas HD last week.

Unfortunately, the update isn’t available over the air, or even by connecting or device to your PC. Instead, you will need to head down to one of many Micromax Service Centers around the country, to update your device to the latest Android OS version. The good news is that the latest update includes a OTA feature, so any future software upgrades will be available over the air.

Other features included in the latest update are a fix for the delay in GPS location locking, a new semi-transparent notification panel, a panorama shot feature for the camera app, offline voice typing, and other bug fixes and performance improvements.

Source – Fone Arena

Samsung offers Rs 10,000 off on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in exchange of your old smartphone

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Samsung has introduced a Rs 10,000 cash back offer on purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, by simply exchanging your old smartphone.

The devices that are eligible for the maximum benefit include the Nokia Lumia and PureView phones, most Samsung smartphones except the Galaxy S4, all BlackBerry, HTC, and Apple smartphones, along with some smartphones by local manufacturers such as Micromax and Karbonn as well.  The above cashback offer can also be clubbed with a 6 month zero percent EMI scheme, wherein a user will have to pay Rs 4,564 each month for that the EMI period.

This deal will effectively reduce the price of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to Rs 27,500 (~$509), which makes the smartphone a steal! If you’re in the market for a high-end device with a large display, now will be the best time to pick one up.

Source – Know Your Mobile

What are your thoughts? What do you think of the new smartphones from iBall and Lenovo? Have you updated your Micromax A116 Canvas HD to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean yet? What do you think of the latest cashback offer from Samsung for the Galaxy Note 2? Will you be picking one up? Let us know in the comments section below.

See you next week! 

    


Samsung rumored to be getting ready for 12.2-inch tablet launch ahead of Apple in 2014

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 01:57 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy smartpad
Samsung has done a terrific job of covering pretty much all consumer market segments so far when it comes to both tablets and smartphones. It has products available in every level of the market, such as the entry-level segment, the mid-range segment, and of course, the high-end segment where phones like the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 Active comfortably belong. The Korea-based company can now rest on its laurels and simply watch all the money roll in as customers flock to buy its latest products, right?

Actually, Samsung just doesn’t work like that — as it has been revealed in the past — so instead, it is looking to conquer what looks to it as the next frontier: the market for 12.2-inch tablets. At least that’s what the latest batch of Samsung-related reports and rumors are suggesting.

According to a report that was published on the Korean ET News web site over the weekend, Samsung is currently getting ready to launch its own 12.2-inch tablet some time in the not-too-distant future, beating Apple which has also been rumored to have plans of making and releasing such a device in 2014. The report doesn’t give much in terms of detailed specs and release info, but it at least provides some data from unnamed industry insiders being cited as sources.

It is said that Samsung’s upcoming 12.2-inch tablet will feature a native resolution of 2560×1600 pixels, and might possibly use IGZO panels manufactured by Sharp, as seen in products such as the Aquos Pad SH-08E tablet announced for NTT DoCoMo in Japan earlier this year. If you recall, Samsung actually invested over $100 million in Sharp back in March in exchange for a 3% stake in the company and access to its IGZO display technologies. So that last bit about the upcoming 12-inch Samsung tablet using IGZO panels sort of makes sense.

S Pen is also expected to be included as one of the 12-inch tablet’s highlight features, which would make it quite similar to Samsung’s current Note-branded tablet offerings.

Not one bit of info about this 12-inch Samsung tablet has been confirmed yet so far, so it’s best to take just about anything you read or hear about it with a grain of salt. But tell us, do you think a 12-inch Samsung tablet with S-Pen makes sense? Share your thoughts with us by posting a comment below.

    


Vine now more popular than Instagram in terms of total Twitter shares

Posted: 10 Jun 2013 12:58 AM PDT

Vine
Less than a week ago, Twitter officially announced the availability of the Vine for Android app on the Google Play store. It has since been downloaded more than 1 million times, and according to information from online analytics company Topsy, it has already surpassed Instagram in terms of popularity based on total number of media shares on the Internet — specifically, Twitter.

Data gathered during the last few days involving links to either Instagram and Vine that have been posted to Twitter reveal the truth. The newly-launched video sharing app, which was first an iOS exclusive, became more popular than Facebook’s billion-dollar photo sharing network a few days ago.

Looking closely at the details of the media shares, one will learn that the difference between the two now is only a couple hundred thousand shares. But Vine’s numbers still seem to be on the rise, while Instagram remains on seemingly slow and steady decline.

There is some speculation that perhaps Instagram’s refusal to integrate with Twitter cards is causing this recent slump in usage and total shares. But it’s also likely that a certain portion of Instagram’s userbase is currently getting the hang of Vine for Android, and have perhaps stopped using the former to spend more time with the latter.

In any case, it’s clear that Vine has greater mass appeal to have become so popular so quickly in a world where new mobile apps are being birthed every single day. As the app becomes even more popular, expect to see more and more creative stuff posted to it for your own viewing pleasure.

    


Former FCC Chair warns US not to get lazy about LTE

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 08:48 PM PDT

Network-tower-lte-advanced-article

In the US, we're a bit spoiled when it comes to LTE. We have a huge LTE network, thanks to Verizon, and all other carriers are hot on their heels. AT&T has achieved very respectable LTE coverage in a very short amount of time, and T-Mobile is also building out their LTE capability. The acquisition of Metro PCS will also help T-Mobile in the LTE realm.

Former FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has a few words of caution, though. At the FT-Telefonica Millennials Summit in London, he warned US carriers not to get lazy. "The US has regained global leadership in key broadband metrics," said Genachowski. He went on to add "We need to remember that the US was ahead in 3G before it was behind in 3G, so in this new world it's dangerous to think that because of any country having a lead it's then set in stone – it's not."

He's got a point. The US may have the largest LTE coverage, but mobilizing such a network elsewhere only requires a lot of dedication. Much like we saw with 3G coverage, if Europe were to get serious and widely adopt the technology, it would be a multi-pronged effort. With so many carriers, and so much area to cover, European carriers simply need to get on the same page with one another to get a large LTE network.

To further drive home his point, Genachowski noted "We are right in the middle of a global bandwidth race – every country is trying to find its strategic bandwidth advantage. The US is in strong shape but in order to continue its current trajectory, it needs to recognise there is a lot of work to do and that competitive global dynamics will only speed up."

We couldn't agree more.

    


Pics show what may be the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 08:25 PM PDT

Samsung Logo

If you're looking for a mid-range mobile device, Samsung probably has a device for you. From their lineup of "mini" Galaxy S devices, to their slew of Ace devices, Samsung has something for all of us who don't want to spend much on a cell phone.

Speaking of those Ace devices, a leaked picture show what is believed to be their Ace 3. Nothing official has been announced, but we're about due for a new Ace device. Samsung is on the traditional annual upgrade cycle for the phone, so we're comfortable this is legitimate.

We originally saw the device at Sammobile, but the page has been loading sporadically. Of course we snagged the image before it went down completely, as you see below. We don't have any official specs, but here's what is being reported:

  • 4.0" TFT display at 800×480
  • 5MP Camera with flash
  • VGA front camera
  • 1.0 GHz dual core processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 4GB Memory, supporting up to 32GB externally
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • 1500 mAh battery

The dimensions will be 121.2×62.7×9.79mm, according to Sammobile. The device is said to be available sometime this summer, hopefully in July, and come in three colors: Metallic Black, Pure White, and Wine Red. No mention yet of which carriers we can expect the device on, either. Previous rumors allege that the Ace 3 will come with Android Jelly Bean, but no confirmation or further rumors on which variant of Jelly Bean it would be running have come to light. We'll keep you updated as we hear more.

Samsung-Galaxy-Ace-3

    


Foursquare develops new Android tablet UI ahead of iOS

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 07:59 PM PDT

Foursquare tablet UI update

There are times when Android gets the drop on iOS. It's still pretty sparse, but it happens. Developers are increasingly aware of Android as a primary platform to develop for, and are doing so more often.

Though it happens, the tablet sector is still tough for Android. It hasn't been very long that Android has been serious about tablets, only in the past year or so asking developers to be mindful of those screen sizes. While the iPad still has the advantage for tablet apps, Foursquare has taken an important and interesting step in developing a UI for Android tablets before iOS. The app will now take advantage of the larger screen sizes with an updated "explore" experience, as well as updated map browsing features. The iPad will continue to suffer a stretched iPhone version for the time being.

Foursquare is a relatively popular app, so their dedication to Android updates before iOS suggest they experience more success on the platform. It's especially interesting that the updated their tablet experience ahead of iOS. It may be hard to think that most users of Foursquare are using tablets, but perhaps most of those who do are using an Android tablet.

Whatever the reason, we think it's pretty cool, and commend Foursquare for their commitment to Android. We hope this is one of the first signs that more developers will be doing this. Android now leads in the tablet market, so there's no reason not to.

    


Mad Catz CEO announces new Android gaming console dubbed “Project M.O.J.O.” coming at E3

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 04:48 PM PDT

Ouya

Ouya gaming console

E3 is nearly upon us, and of course, a lot of gaming news is expected. We’ll be hearing more about PlayJam’s Android-powered plug-and-play GameStick, but they aren’t going to be the only guys at the expo showing off the Android gaming experience, as Mad Catz CEO Darren Richardson announced Project M.O.J.O., another Android gaming platform, during an earnings call.

Richardson, calling it an Android “micro console,” says the device can be plugged into your flat screen TV. He also mentioned that this device is all about hardware performance, and that it will be an open platform. We’re not sure exactly what that means, as there isn’t a whole lot of info on the device aside from confirmation it exists.

However, Engadget reports that Project M.O.J.O., a “keystone product” in Mad Catz’s GameSmart initiative, could be the results of a recent partnership with NVIDIA, which likely means that we’ll be seeing Tegra Zone compatibility. In other words, it should have some pretty cool games available on launch.

It’s awesome to see Android gaming finally getting some decent competition – we now have GameStick, Project M.O.J.O, and OUYA, though the latter won’t technically be at the Electronics Entertainment Expo this year. Instead, it’ll be there unofficially at ”a parking lot directly across from the Convention Center’s South Hall,” according to a message sent out to OUYA developers.

Regardless, it’s exciting to see a larger Android gaming presence at E3 this year, and being gadget lovers, it’s hard to not get excited over a new Android “micro console” announcement. Are you looking forward to this year’s E3?

Mad Catz Reports Fiscal 2013 Revenue of $122.7 Million
- Goodwill Impairment Charge of $10.5 Million -

SAN DIEGO — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Jun. 6, 2013 — Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz” or “the Company”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ), today announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2013.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the Company generated net sales of $122.7 million, an increase of 4% from net sales of $117.6 million in fiscal 2012. Gross profit for fiscal 2013 increased 10% to $34.5 million, from $31.5 million in the prior fiscal year, while gross profit margin increased to 28%, compared to 27% in fiscal 2012. Total operating expenses in fiscal 2013, inclusive of a $10.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, were $44.0 million, an increase of $8.7 million over the prior year, leading to an operating loss of $9.5 million, compared to an operating loss of $3.9 million a year ago. Foreign exchange gain was $0.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to a loss of $0.6 million in fiscal 2012. Reflecting income tax expense of $2.0 million, the Company recorded a net loss of $11.2 million, or a loss of $0.18 per share, in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share in the prior fiscal year.

Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure (defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, goodwill impairment and change in fair value of warrant liability), was $4.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to a loss of $1.1 million in fiscal 2012. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share, which exclude the impact of amortization of intangibles, stock-based compensation, change in warrant liability and goodwill impairment, were $0.0 million and $0.00, respectively, in fiscal 2013, versus $2.7 million and $0.04, respectively, in fiscal 2012. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share to the Company’s net income (loss) and net income loss per share is included in the financial tables accompanying this release.

For the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2013, Mad Catz reported net sales of $24.6 million, down 16% from $29.1 million in the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter. Gross profit for the March 2013 quarter declined 29% to $6.4 million, from $8.9 million in the same quarter of the prior year, while gross profit margin declined to 26%, compared to 31% in fiscal 2012. Total operating expenses in the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter, inclusive of a $10.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, increased 121% to $18.8 million, resulting in an operating loss of $12.5 million, compared with operating income of $0.3 million in the comparable prior year period. Foreign exchange gain was $0.6 million in the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter, compared to a loss of $0.2 million in the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter. Reflecting income tax expense of $0.3 million, the Company reported a net loss of $12.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, or $0.19 per diluted share, versus net income of $0.8 million, or $0.01 per diluted share in the prior year fiscal fourth quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA loss was $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss per share of $2.2 million and $0.04, respectively, in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2013 compared with adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.3 million and $0.02, respectively, in the same period a year ago.

Introduced the GameSmart technology initiative that allows control products to function through the Bluetooth Smart stack and be game and hardware independent;
Announced a new range of products featuring the Company’s new GameSmart technology, including the R.A.T.M mobile gaming mouse, the F.R.E.Q.M headset, the M.O.U.S.9 wireless mouse, and the C.T.R.L.R wireless gamepad;

“Fiscal 2013 net sales of $122.7 million were the second highest in the Company’s history. We also made improvements in gross margin from 27% to 28%. Operating expenses excluding goodwill impairment were reduced by 5%. We also made significant improvement to our balance sheet with inventory decreasing from $32.5 million to $23.8 million, a decrease of $8.7 million. Net debt was also reduced from $14.2 million to $6.1 million. This leaves the Company favorably positioned for the upcoming console transition.

“A key initiative that became a reality in fiscal 2013 was the launch of GameSmart, our line of interactive mobile gaming accessories including controllers, mice, keyboards and headsets. Smart devices have made considerable inroads in delivering all forms of entertainment including games, music, movies, books, and social media. Mobile gaming is a vibrant and exciting space and, while we don’t see controller-based games replacing touch screen games, we expect controller-based games to enhance and enlarge the smart device gaming experience to include the living room experience.

“At next week’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles we will unveil the keystone product in our GameSmart initiative, Project M.O.J.O., an android micro console configured to harness the maximum gaming horsepower from an android device. The Project M.O.J.O. android micro console is being designed to interact seamlessly with our GameSmart controllers, mice, keyboards and headsets. With our long history in the gaming industry, Mad Catz has the technical capability, product breadth, global distribution, and developer and publisher relationships that uniquely position our company to embark on this ambitious initiative. We believe the GameSmart initiative fits perfectly with our long-term strategy of designing innovative products for passionate gamers and our strategy of expanding into emerging markets.

“Be it our Saitek simulation products, Tritton audio products, R.A.T. gaming mice or our GameSmart line of products, we are confident these premium products hold much longer product life spans and offer the best path forward as the video game industry reaches another inflection point with both the introduction of new gaming consoles as well as the growing shift by casual gamers towards tablet and smartphone gaming. We realize and understand that more sales of these key products are needed and we are committed to increasing our sales and marketing efforts to expand awareness of these products, while keeping a sharp eye on operating expenses. We look forward to these factors benefiting our fiscal 2014 results.

“As games are increasingly crossing geographic borders brought on by the borderless on-line play afforded by the Internet, we will continue our efforts to expand our geographic footprint and position the Company as a leading provider of products that optimize the passionate video gamer’s performance on a global basis. We are starting to realize the benefits of our investment in an expanded geographic footprint in the Asia Pacific region and Europe. European net sales increased 14% to $62.0 million in the fiscal 2013 full-year period, while net sales to other countries increased 65% to $9.4 million.

Mr. Richardson concluded, “So far in fiscal 2014, we’re seeing a sharp reduction in our console product sales due to the upcoming console transition. This decline, however, is being partially offset by continuing strong growth in our PC & Mac product sales. We are hopeful that our GameSmart products will begin to make a positive contribution as the year unfolds, and we also expect to see added revenue from our drive into emerging markets. We are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming launch of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles and are excited about the opportunity to develop a range of innovative products to support the platforms that we expect will help drive new revenue streams and additional scope for innovation.”

    


How to get T-Mobile’s $30/month unlimited data smartphone plan

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 03:51 PM PDT

t-mobile-logo-huge

If you don't talk on your mobile phone much, but like to use apps, navigation, or any other kind of data-absorbing functions, you know how important a good data plan is. What if we told you that you could pay about $30/month for unlimited data, with the first 5GB at top speeds? Now we're talking!

The Consumerist recently highlighted the low-cost plan, so we thought it was a good opportunity to let everyone know how to get it. The monthly plan is for 100 minutes of talk, with unlimited data and text. This is great for data hogs who may not need to chat much. Data consumption with decreased talk minutes are increasingly the need of many users, which is why we see data sharing plans from carriers like Verizon.

Keep in mind, this is on the T-Mobile network, which may not be the best in your area. We suggest using Open Signal Maps before considering any new plan, as it will give you a detailed map of which carriers and what service works best in your area.

T-Mobile Prepaid Plans

Finding the plan

On a personal note, this is the plan I have, and can say it is a really nice option for me. I make most calls at home, via Google Talk (I have kept Google talk alive in Gmail until Hangouts can make calls). I rarely make phone calls on my phone, so 100 minutes of talk per month is fine for me. I do use navigation quite a bit when out and about, and also subscribe to All Access on Play Music.

Finding the plan can be tricky, as T-Mobile doesn't make it immediately noticeable. To find it, you'll need to visit T-Mobile's prepaid site, which is also not easy to locate from their main site. After you find the landing page, you'll see a header of "Unlimited talk + text + web plans". Tucked at the bottom of that little box, you'll see a "Browse plans" link. Once you click that, you're on your way.

After navigating to that page, you'll see a listing for the plan. There is no way to select it, but if you navigate back towards the top of that page, you'll see the header "Get Started". Under that, there will be the option to shop for phones, or bring your own device. This is the turning point.

    


Google reportedly purchasing Waze for $1.3 billion

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 01:44 PM PDT

Google purchasing Waze

Waze, the popular GPS and social app, has been courted by many top tech firms lately. Apple was said to have made an offer of around $500 million, which was later denied by Tim Cook. Facebook and Google have reportedly been in a bidding war of sorts, with Facebook having recently pulled out of negotiations. The turning point for Facebook was their desire to move the Israel-based Waze team to their headquarters in California, and Waze CEO's Naom Bardin refusal to do so.

This, in turn, leaves Google as the only real suitor. Google has teams all over the world, including Israel, so having them close to home is of no concern. They are reportedly set to purchase Waze for $1.3 billion, a huge price tag with some real upside.

Google is leading a huge shift toward contextual data, and Waze is just that.

Waze is a direct competitor to Google in many ways, and outdoes them in a few others. Waze relies on user signal feedback to create a real-time traffic picture, and user feedback on construction or police speed traps paint a detailed picture of your surroundings. While this clearly has the downside of wide adoption in your area, Google doesn't have that problem. Far more people use Google Maps than Waze for navigation, so implementing it into Maps would be instantly successful.

Waze also has a friend finder function, much like Google has inside of Maps when you make your location available to friends. Waze's location sharing ties into social functionality, which would be great for Google as it relates to Hangouts.

Interestingly enough, Forbes reports that Google will allow Waze to operate independently until 2016. If true, that is a curious move. Perhaps there are other interests at stake for Waze, or Google is really interested in having them under the umbrella of services for other purposes. Waiting to implement Waze more intrinsically into Google Maps is odd, but should become more clear if Google purchases the company.

Google is leading a huge shift toward contextual data, and Waze is just that. Social, interactive, with GPS location tracking; you don't get much more contextual than that.

    


Galaxy Note 3 prototype allegedly spotted; phone “shipped in low quantities for R&D” report says

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 01:08 PM PDT

Samsung Logo

A prototype of the next Galaxy Note flagship handset has been spotted in the wild one publication says, while a different source claims that the device is shipping for R&D purposes.

From the looks of it, Sam Mobile and TechTastic handled the device shown in the images below, which is said to be a Galaxy Note 3 prototype. According to the first site, this isn't the Galaxy Mega 6.3 "because of the corners, high resolution display and bezel."

The device is apparently packing a Full HD screen, but S Pen functions have not been confirmed yet.

The second source says the handset has been "shipped in very low quantities for R&D purposes" – TechTastic’s report isn’t specifically talking about the device shown in the images in the following gallery though – and that it's supposed to hit the Bluetooth SIG in the very near future. Apparently the handset has model number SM-N900, dropping a zero from the recently spotted SM-N9000 model number that was seen on a web page on Samsung’s website a few days ago.

Galaxy Note 3 Galaxy Note 3 Galaxy Note 3 galaxy-note-3-prototype-leak-4

The smartphone is rumored to pack a 5.99-inch Full HD display, a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with Adreno 330 GPU, 13-megapixel camera, LTE, 802.11ac, S Pen and Android 4.2.2 with TouchWiz on top.

TechTastic also says that it can confirm the Galaxy Camera 2 (EK-GN120) and the Galaxy S4 LTE-Advanced (SHV-E330S), two other products that are apparently in the works and rumored to arrive soon. Both devices have been seen in previous rumors.

Galaxy Note 3

While these reports seem legitimate, we're still going to advise you to take everything with a grain of salt, as nothing is confirmed yet. We'll be back with more details on the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Camera 2 and Galaxy S4 LTE-Advanced as soon as we have them.

Let us know what device gets your blood boiling down below!

    


Paranoid Android’s Halo theme is ready for public beta testing!

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 12:56 PM PDT

test

Paranoid Android was enamored with Facebook Home when it came out. We all were, really, but the thought of Facebook in our face all the time was a bit much. Chatheads was a particularly cool concept, but just not as finished or nice as we would have hoped. Paranoid Android fixed that for us.

Their Halo theme is one we've been excited for, and have kept track of throughout. There is a lot of cool stuff about Paranoid Android ROMs, but Halo brings the Chathead feature to us on a wider scale. Rather than being focussed on Facebook Messenger, as Home was, Halo brings those cool little pop-ups to just about every app you have.

While in other apps, you will still get pop-ups for others. We currently get that with the notification bar, but Halo saves the trouble of having to pull down the top-bar menu to respond. Halo has been in alpha testing for some time, but is now ready for public beta testing.

Paranoid Android notes they re-wrote much of the code for Halo beta, as the alpha testing evidently showed them enough issues to warrant doing so. We're happy they didn't scrap the idea, as it's the most exciting ROM we've seen in some time.

Keep in mind, like anything beta, it will have some quirks and issues. That's what beta is all about, though, right? Testing and reporting, driving the whole program forward. If you're interested in being involved, give it a whirl! If you want to know what it looks like first-hand, check out the video below.

    


Is a Chrome dongle in the works? We’re doubtful.

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 12:26 PM PDT

Chromebook-PIxel-logo-AA

Our living room is fast becoming the new battleground for tech manufacturers and service providers. The XBox One announcement was ripe with talk of TV functionality, and Google has long had their Google TV hardware. A recurring rumor suggests that Google may have another piece of hardware in mind for our precious HDMI ports.

Keep in mind, this "Chromekey" is nothing but innuendo and assumption.

The crew at Droid Life received a tip prior to I/O suggesting Google is developing a Chrome dongle, named "Chromekey". While their original commentary positioned the device as Chrome OS on a key, they now ponder it as a receiver. Without getting into details, as there really aren’t any, they consider it to be able to mirror the content of your Chrome browser to a TV screen.

What is being rumored is essentially Miracast, just Chrome. Miracast is underused, and definitely desired, so what Droid Life is suggesting is interesting. The ability to broadcast Chrome onto any TV, or monitor with an HDMI port, has a lot of use-case scenarios which would make sense. At their rumored $35 price point, it's an easy buy for consumers.

We’re also curious if those awesome Chrome Experiments, like Roll It and Racer, are early works for such a technology. It would be neat to have, as we could envision our tablets being used as keyboards, while the display was on a larger TV screen. There are Android dongles that are on the market with mixed reviews, but a similar Chrome device would be much lighter and (probably) not require an OS.

Keep in mind, this "Chromekey" is nothing but innuendo and assumption. The specs listed are a wish-list, and there is no definitive method for functionality. The concept has been modified twice now, and while we're interested in a Chrome dongle, we're going to need something official before we entertain any more chatter. We've reached out to Google for comment, and will update you if we hear anything confirming such a device. We know you're just as excited as us to see Android Authority on the TV screen!

    


Google Plus photos allude to a Galaxy Camera successor, 20.2MP shooter included

Posted: 09 Jun 2013 11:49 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Camera Logo aa 4 1600

Samsung Galaxy Camera

Following a flurry of Galaxy S4 Zoom leaks, we began to question whether Samsung was releasing an actual camera phone, or a successor to the Galaxy Camera. However, it looks as if Samsung is taking the connected camera seriously this year, as it appears to be gearing up to release both a Galaxy S4 Zoom and a successor to the Galaxy Camera.

TechTastic spotted a trio of photographs that appeared on Google Plus, which seem to reveal the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2. The model number for the camera that took the photographs is EK-GN120, which could be a successor to the Galaxy Camera, which has model number of EK-GC100.

The photographs also revealed that the Galaxy Camera 2 will feature a 20.2-megapixel shooter, which is the same as the camera used on the Samsung NX300. This looks to be an upgrade from the original Galaxy Camera's 16.2-megapixel camera, but we don't know a whole lot else about the device.

If it does follow the Galaxy Camera’s suit, the device will be running Android and will be another attempt at the connected camera.

A connected camera is a device that has at least Wi-Fi connectivity (the original Galaxy Camera also came in a 3G variant), and allows you to upload photos directly to the cloud or your favourite social network.

When we reviewed the original Galaxy Camera we found it to be a decent attempt at a smart camera, but we found its battery life and low light capabilities to be a bit lacking.

Galaxy Camera 2 calendar galaxy camera 2 scissors galaxy camera 2 photo g+

Samsung does have an event scheduled for June 20 in London, so we may very well see the new camera then. Alternatively, we could see it appear at IFA in Berlin, Germany, the same event where its predecessor was unveiled at last year. Remember, there is nothing official yet, so don't get your hopes up even though it appears as if a Galaxy Camera 2 is coming!

Are you sold on the whole connected camera idea?