Samsung reports another mediocre quarter, raising the stakes for the Galaxy S6
Samsung released its results for Q1 2015, and while they are in line with the company’s own estimates, they are below what analysts have expected.
For the quarter ending March 31, Samsung reported a net profit of 4.63 trillion Korean won ($4.3 billion), which is a 39 percent drop compared to the same quarter last year. The result is worse than what analysts polled by WSJ and Bloomberg have estimated. This is the fourth straight quarter of declining net profit for Samsung.
But there’s some good news that suggests the worst has passed: operating profit increased from Q4 2014 by 13.1 percent to 5.9 billion won ($5.5 billion).
Samsung’s quarter was buoyed by the good performance of its component division, which makes memory modules and other chips, for Samsung and other customers. The semiconductor business rose 50 percent compared to Q1 2014 and 8.5 percent compared to Q4 2014.
The crucial mobile division didn’t do as well. Even if Samsung managed to ship 99 million handsets, out of which “over 80 percent” were smartphones, operating profit fell 57 percent year on year.
The silver lining is Samsung managed to sell more phones than last quarter (enough to put it back on the first place globally, according to Strategy Analytics) and increase its profit margin to 10.6 percent, compared to 7.5 percent. That’s because Samsung sold more mid-range devices and decreased marketing costs.
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For the next period, Samsung foresees strong sales for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, though the company expects the total amount of devices it sells to remain the same in Q2 2015. That’s because “increased competition in the middle- to low-end market and a possible decrease in demand due to the impact of foreign exchange rates in specific regions.” In other words, Samsung will likely cede some market share to rivals at the lower end, but high-end sales will make up for it.
Samsung is in an interesting place right now: after dominating the smartphone market in all ranges, the Korean giant is now focusing on the mid to upper ranges, with devices like the Galaxy A series and the Galaxy S6. Samsung can’t (or won’t) compete with priced-focused players like Xiaomi or Huawei, so a lot more is hanging on the success of the Galaxy S6. For now, the outlook for the Galaxy S6 is great, and Samsung said it expects record sales. But it remains to be seen how this strategy will turn out for Samsung in the long term.
Cyanogen and OnePlus are never ever getting back together
It’s always sad when a couple that looked so good together decides to part company, but that’s what’s happening with OnePlus and Cyanogen. The cracks in their relationship started to show back in November, when Cyanogen backed one of OnePlus’ rivals when it launched in India. After a few testy exchanges while out at parties, Cyanogen’s Steve Kondik has told PC World that the partnership is now over, but no-one’s holding a grudge. OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei agreed, telling the same publication that the team-up had been “mutually beneficial,” but that the two companies would take different paths in the future. For its part, OnePlus is now working on its own proprietary Android skin, OxygenOS, while Cyanogen is working with Microsoft and other manufacturers to get its operating system in more places.
[Image Credit: Getty]
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft, Google
Source: PC World
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A with S Pen goes on sale in Korea
In recent weeks, we’ve seen confirmations of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A becoming available soon in both Europe and the US, and now the S Pen equipped version of the 9.7-inch tablet has gone on sale in Korea. We have the pricing and specifications after the break.
The Galaxy Tab A with S Pen is available in two variants, with the WiFi version priced at 399,000 Korean Won ($370) and the LTE-equipped version selling for 484,000 Won ($450). Let’s have a look at what you will get for your money.
Specifications:
- 1.2GHz Quad Core processor
- 9.7-Inch TFT display with 1024 x 768 (XGA) resolution 4:3 aspect ratio
- 2GB RAM (Galaxy Tab A variant without S Pen has 1.5GB RAM)
- 32GB Internal storage
- MicroSD support (up to 128GB)
- 5MP Rear camera/ 2MP Front camera
- Dimensions: 242.5 x 166.8 x 7.5mm
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- Weight: WiFi – 487g/ LTE – 490g
- Available in Sandy White or Smokey Titanium
As you can see from the specifications, the Galaxy Tab A with S Pen is a decidedly mid-range tablet. What do you think? Does Samsung have a winner on its hands here? Or are you more interested in the upcoming Galaxy Tab S2?
Source: SammyHub
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A with S Pen goes on sale in Korea
LG G4: official product video
The LG G4 was officially unveiled yesterday and we’ve already had a pretty good initial look at what the flagship smartphone has to offer. LG, of course, is keen to highlight where its smartphone stands out and has released an official product video for the G4. See above.
Contained within, you’ll find a huge emphasis on the phone’s camera, in fact a fair amount of the video’s contains footage captured by a G4 attached to a flying drone. The results are rather impressive, especially thanks to the phone’s optical image stabilization. The sample photography that LG released yesterday has already shown off some impressive stills as well, and we’ll certainly be testing to see how it stacks up against the competition.
There’s also a look at some of LG’s new and improved software features, such as Smart Bulletin and the improved calendar app, and of course the stylish leather cover features a lot too. Interestingly, specifications are almost entirely absent. There’s only a fine-print mention of the phone’s QHD display resolution, rather LG is keen to focus on improvements to color and brightness.
What do you think about LG’s focus on the camera and look of its device rather than raw spec numbers? Refreshing or disappointing?
Could it be true: The Sony Xperia P2 is a sexy looking, beast of a flagship device
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Despite how much of the Sony Xperia Z4 had leaked before its official announcement, we were still kind of surprised that it was announced as a Japan-only device. A global release of the device was hinted at, though we kind of assumed it would just be the same device with a slightly different configuration. However, a rumour has dropped today that this device isn’t simply going to be the same, but a completely differently designed device called the Sony Xperia P2. As the images below no doubt point out, the Xperia P2 is actually a fantastically good-looking device (if true) and harnesses its screen-to-bezel ration far better than the Xperia Z4 (a long time criticism of the series).
The rumour goes on to detail the specs of this Xperia P2 which includes a Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 5.2-inch 1080p display, 12.1MP rear camera, 5.1MP front camera and 4,240mAh battery. That’s a very impressive resume, and one that we’d gladly take – the step down in rear camera is notable, but if it gives birth to that device, we’ll take it. Of course, this is all just hearsay right now, so make sure to take this all in with a grain of salt, but a global Xperia device is due for launch at the end of May, so we’ll just have to wait this one out for a little longer.
What do you think about the Sony Xperia P2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: TalkAndroid
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This is what the LG G4’s box is going to look like
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Can’t wait for the LG G4 to be announced? Do you need some juicy info to tide you over the next few hours? Well, you’re in luck, because we get to take a sneak peek at what the LG G4’s box is going to look like. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the box is relatively unassuming with only a sticker on the top of it to denote it as a box for LG‘s latest flagship device. If we take a look at the rear of the box, we get a look at some of the hardware that we have been expecting, like a Snapdragon processor, the 8MP front camera, 16MP rear camera and a 3,000mAh battery. Check out the leaked photos below:
As far as leaks go, it’s not all that informative, as we basically know everything there is to know about the LG G4 already, but as its announcement event bears down on us (4 and a half hours and counting), we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more tidbits before the fireworks start. Make sure you tune in to the livestream here at 15:00 GMT.
What do you think about the LG G4’s box? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: underkg.kr via Phone Arena
The post This is what the LG G4’s box is going to look like appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
LG Watch Urbane officially available at Verizon in Silver for $349.99
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Yesterday the new LG Watch Urbane made its debut on the Google Store for a good portion of the world to order. It carried a $349.00 price tag with a ship date starting May 8th. Prior to that news we got our hands on some information that Verizon Wireless would be carrying the device on April 28th. Looks like the docs panned out and Verizon is indeed offering the new Android Wear toting device.
Running through the order process I see that Verizon is offering FREE 2-day shipping on all orders. That would place the LG Watch Urbane to your door by April 30th if you get your order in now. If you want to shell out a few bucks more, $12.99, you can opt for overnight delivery. The only potential downside is that the Verizon offering is only available in silver with the gold option not present. If the silver variant was your choice to begin with, then the $0.99 difference to have the device a week earlier than those who jumped on the Google Store option is a small price to pay.
Direct yourself over to Verizon Wireless to get your order started.
Via: Verizon
The post LG Watch Urbane officially available at Verizon in Silver for $349.99 appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
LG G4 is finally official, Sprint to carry it in June with a chance to win one
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This morning LG announced the long-awaited LG G4 device. It carries a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB on board storage and keeps to a 5.5-inch 1440 x 2560 pixel display pushing 538 ppi. It is powered by a 3,000mAh battery that sits behind a plethora of removable covers that bring genuine leather, contoured ceramic and hammered metallic looks. The devices rear shooter keeps the laser auto focus coming with a 16MP camera that sports a F1.8 aperture, a 40% larger image sensor, and a 3-axis optical image stabilizer. They paired that with a rather massive 8MP front shooting camera that carries the gesture shot feature as well. Probably more impressive is that all the shutter speed can be slowed down to 4 seconds and all images captured can be saved in raw format for all those photo editing gurus out there.
I missed the announcement event personally, but I am sure all the major carriers in the states will be carrying the device at one time or another. The first email to hit my account confirmed Sprint as offering the device in June. They leave a date off the press release, but they do confirm it as coming in Metallic Gray and Black Genuine Leather. As a side note, you can pre-register for the device now, by doing so you will also be entered to win one for free.
Head over to the LG G4 Sprint pre-registration page today.
Via: Sprint
The post LG G4 is finally official, Sprint to carry it in June with a chance to win one appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
AT&T LG Watch Urbane online today for $349.00 and in stores May 15th
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Along side Verizon, AT&T is also going to be selling would be buyers the LG Watch Urbane. They are listing it online today for $349.00 and it will be the same Silver offering that Big Red is getting their hands on. Shipping is free for standard shipping where as express will cost you $14.95. AT&T is a little less open on the timeline, but I chatted with a rep and was told standard would be 3- 5 days and express would be 1-2. Verizon has the upper hand for $0.99 more, at least until they hit store shelves. It all depends on if you have any carrier loyalty or if you just want the watch as fast as possible. Hit the links below to check out the press release and bounce to the order page if you are ready to toss your money at the latest Android Wear toting device from LG.
As a reminder, the LG Watch Urbane packs all the same innards that most other Android Wear devices sport with a Snapdragon 400 processor, 410mAh battery, 1.3-inch 320×320 P-OLED display and 4GB of storage. It does sport Wi-Fi and runs Android 5.1 out of the box though. So that is a perk for those looking to leave their phone at home.
Via: AT&T | LG Watch Urbane
The post AT&T LG Watch Urbane online today for $349.00 and in stores May 15th appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Android 5.0 Lollipop heading out to Verizon Galaxy S4 devices
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Those of you still rocking a Samsung Galaxy S4 with Verizon are in for a treat. Big Red has announced today that Android 5.0 Lollipop is now rolling out to Galaxy S4 devices across america. Like all the other Lollipop updates it brings along the colorful and vibrant Material Design look mixed with very beautifully fluid visual animations. You will also get the lock screen notifications, ability to set privacy and priority notification settings, a shortcut on the lock screen for the phone and the camera along with the Chrome browsers tabs being located in the Recent apps page.
As with any software OTA you will want to make sure your Galaxy S4 is charged over 50%, a solid Wi-Fi connection and some time to kill for the update to download and install. To check for the update you will want to head into your devices Settings > About Phone > Software updates > Check for updates then choose Download now if it is available.
Via: Verizon Wireless (PDF)
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