Samsung’s Galaxy Watch could be the Android smartwatch you were waiting for

Turn the dial to 11.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch bears a striking resemblance to the Gear Sport from last year, but it’s refined in a number of ways that, along with the rebranding to bring it closer to the company’s line of Galaxy phones, could help it stand apart.

Available in two watch face sizes, 46mm and 42mm, the Galaxy Watch features an OLED display covered in Corning’s new Gorilla Glass DX+ glass built specifically for wearables. So not only is the screen scratch-resistant, but the watch itself is both waterproof (up to 5 ATM) and sweatproof, something that will help it perform as a workout assistant. The 42mm screen is 1.2 inches, whereas the 46mm screen is 1.3 inches. Both have resolutions of 360×360 pixels. There’s 768MB of RAM and 4GB of storage in both models (the LTE version has 1.5GB of RAM), but the 46mm has nearly double the battery: a 472mAh cell as opposed to the 42mm’s 270mAh. Watch band sizes will be 22mm and 20mm respectively.

Samsung is enhancing its Tizen OS to integrate more closely with Samsung Health. The watch tracks heart rate all day, and can automatically detect workouts. Samsung’s included 39 specific workouts on the watch, but six of them, like running, biking, and swimming, are detected automatically.

Battery life has also been tuned thanks to a new “optimized” dual-core Exynos 9110 processor, so Samsung is encouraging users to sleep with the Galaxy Watch to track sleep patterns. This is on top of the regular Gear functionality like notifications and up to 60,000 watch faces available through the phone app.

Samsung also plans to release a standalone LTE version that will allow users to stream music and check news while they work out, no phone required. Of course, being a Samsung device, there’s Bixby functionality built in, too.

The 42mm version will sell for $329.99 and the 46mm option will be a slightly more expensive $349.99. The smaller version will be available in Midnight Black and Rose Gold color schemes, while the larger one will just be sold in Silver. The Galaxy Watch will be available starting August 24 in Korea and the U.S., with an LTE model launching later this year.

See at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hands-on preview
• Galaxy Note 9 vs. Note 8
• Where to buy the Galaxy Note 9
• Galaxy Note 9 specifications
• Is the Note 8 still a good buy?
• Join our Galaxy Note 9 forums

Will my Galaxy Note 8 case fit on my Galaxy Note 9?

Nope. Sorry.

In case you haven’t heard, the Galaxy Note 9 is finally official! As you probably expected, it’s another ultra-powerful Samsung phone augmented by a newly improved S Pen — but from most angles, it looks almost indistinguishable from last year’s Galaxy Note 8.

With that in mind, you might be thinking about picking up an older, cheaper Note 8 case to use on your shiny new Galaxy Note 9 … but sadly, that’s just not going to work. For as similar as the two phones look and feel, there are just a few key differences that will stand in your way.

Remember how frustrating it was to try and reach the fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy Note 8 without accidentally smudging the camera sitting right next to it? That is, if your finger could even reach the fingerprint sensor, since the entire module was placed so high up on the back of the phone. It was a bad location from the very beginning, and it needed to change.

The good news with the Galaxy Note 9 is that the fingerprint sensor has been moved below the cameras, which makes it significantly easier to reach and should lead to fewer camera smudges. The bad news is that the relocated fingerprint sensor will obviously require a cutout that just isn’t there on Note 8 cases.

Don’t be stingy — the Note 8 case just isn’t made to fit the Note 9.

Suppose you just use Intelligent Scan to unlock your phone, though, and you don’t care about the fingerprint sensor. Depending on how flexible your Note 8 case is, you could technically jam the Galaxy Note 9 into it … but it still probably isn’t a good idea. On top of the case obviously not being made to accommodate for the relocated fingerprint sensor, the new Note is physically just a bit wider (and shorter) than before; measuring in at 161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8mm, the Note 9 is 0.6mm shorter, 1.6mm wider, and 0.2mm thicker than the Note 8. While that all seems pretty negligible, the added width is enough to keep tight-fitting cases from playing nicely with the Note 9.

If you’re moving from a Note 8 to the Note 9 and just need something to hold you off for a few days until the Note 9 case you ordered online shows up, sure — assuming it fits, go ahead and slap on your old case for a bit. Some protection is better than none, and the last thing you want is to break your expensive new phone after just a day or two. But don’t rely on it forever — be smart and buy a case made specifically for your phone.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hands-on preview
• Galaxy Note 9 vs. Note 8
• Where to buy the Galaxy Note 9
• Galaxy Note 9 specifications
• Is the Note 8 still a good buy?
• Join our Galaxy Note 9 forums

Samsung’s first Bixby smart speaker is the Galaxy Home

This is Samsung’s take on the Google Home Max and Apple HomePod.

Samsung’s August 9 Unpacked event in New York City was filled with announcements. In addition to the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Watch, this is also where we got our very first look at the Bixby Home — Samsung’s first ever Bixby smart speaker.

Details are still pretty scant on the Galaxy Home, but this is what we know so far:

• There’s voice control using Bixby (“Hi, Bixby” is the hotword)
• You’ll be able to control smart home devices with SmartThings integration
• A total of 8 microphones allow for far-field voice detection
• The speakers have AKG tuning

And…that’s about it.

More details about the Galaxy Home will be shared at the Samsung Developer Conference this November, and that’s likely where we’ll learn about pricing, availability, music/smart home partners, etc.

What do you think about the Galaxy Home? Is it something you’d consider picking up? Let us know in the comments below!

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hands-on preview: $1000 well spent

Anker’s $13 ultra-slim Bluetooth keyboard works with tons of devices

Works with any Bluetooth device.

The black Anker ultra-slim Bluetooth keyboard is down to $12.99 with code ABCD7111 on Amazon. The keyboard normally sells for around $20 without the code and this is one of the best prices we’ve seen in the last year. You can also get the White version down to the same price with code ABCD7121.

These are wireless keyboards designed to be ultra compact and take up a lot less space than traditional keyboards. That makes them great for use with Bluetooth mobile devices, like the iPad or your smartphone. They have a power-saving mode that helps them last up to three months, which means you don’t have to worry too much about keeping them powered up when you’re on the go. There is space for two AA batteries. They are compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Anker backs them up with an 18-month warranty. Users give the white version 4.2 stars based on more than 3,300 reviews.

Use one of Anker’s $10 portable stands to prop up your phone or tablet while you type.

See on Amazon

Here are the PlayStation VR games releasing in August

Here are the unreleased VR games that we can’t wait to hit the market this year.

PlayStation VR is becoming a much larger VR platform, and with that comes a lot more games. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it’s hard not to be excited by seeing what has already been released. Here are some of the unreleased VR games that we’re most excited about that are releasing in August of 2018!

Apex Construct

Coming August 28, 2018

The world has been taken over by a sentient robot and her army of “children”. Hint, hint, the children are all also robots. They have destroyed the Earth and left it in ruins while simultaneously advancing in technology beyond any average person’s comprehension. Embark on a journey to retake the world in this phenomenal story where fantastic storytelling meats eye-capturing graphics. Kill the monstrosity robots before they see you… and you just might survive. You can pre-order this title on Amazon for $29.99 and it’s well worth it.

Besides, who doesn’t want to shoot a bunch of robots with a bow and arrow?

Pre-Order on Amazon

Firewall Zero Hour

Coming August 28, 2018

Not too many VR games these days attempt for a more realistic look instead of gunning for the usual high-quality cartoon style we see all too often. Usually, this is the inability to make graphics look good with the low(-er than we’re used to) screens available in a PlayStation VR headset. Regardless of this, Firewall Zero Hour has done a phenomenal job capturing this realism without sacrificing gameplay. In this title, you’ll take on the role of a special Elite unit with a very important job. Instead of robots, you’ll be fighting humans. In a way that kind of makes things a lot more difficult.

Are you willing to do what it takes to get the job done?

See on Amazon

Which VR game are you looking forward to?

Is there a VR game on this list that really caught your eye? Let us know down in the comments or shoot me a Tweet @OriginalSluggo!

Updated August 2018: We’ve updated this article with brand new games we’re excited to see in August 2018!

PlayStation 4

• PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
• PlayStation VR Review
• Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome

Amazon

This is everything you need to know about the Galaxy Watch!

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch is sleek, round, and powerful. Here are the biggest details.

Following excellent wearables such as the Gear S3 and Gear Sport, Samsung’s coming back to the smartwatch market once more with the Galaxy Watch.

The Galaxy Watch ditches the Gear branding to be more in-line with Samsung’s other mobile products, and while there’s nothing all that revolutionary here, the Galaxy Watch is shaping up to be one heck of a gadget if you’re in the market for a new wrist computer.

Here’s everything you need to know!

It’s available in two sizes

For the first time, Samsung’s selling the Galaxy Watch in two different sizes — including 42mm and 46mm. Seeing as how the Gear S3 was a comically large smartwatch and the Gear Sport was designed more for smaller wrists, it’s nice to see that Samsung’s catering to people of all wrist sizes with one single product.

No matter if you pick up the 42mm or 46mm option, you’ll still get the same design, features, etc., but the 46mm model will have a much larger 472 mAh battery compared to the 42mm’s 270 mAh unit.

The Galaxy Watch is packed with fitness features

Samsung’s Gear products have often been focused on helping people live better lives, and although that Gear branding is no longer here, the Galaxy Watch continues that idea with a heap of fitness goodies.

You’ll find all of the regular suspects here, including calorie and step tracking, reminders to move throughout the day, guided meditation sessions, and heart-rate monitoring. The Samsung Health app on the Galaxy Watch can be used to track up 40 different workouts, can automatically detect six of the most common exercises, and has a built-in GPS to keep you connected while out on a run.

Rounding all of this off, Samsung’s also outfitted the Galaxy Watch with 5 ATM water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass DX+, and military-grade protection (specifically, MIL-STD-810G).

Tizen 4.0 is available out of the box

Despite all of the rumors claiming that the Galaxy Watch would run Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch is, in fact, powered by Samsung’s own Tizen operating system.

Samsung mentioned that the Galaxy Watch is running Tizen OS 4.0 which is an upgrade from Tizen 3.0 that shipped on the Gear Sport last year.

The software we’ve seen so far looks awfully similar compared to past Tizen versions, meaning that you can control the UI using the Galaxy Watch’s rotating bezel, download apps/watch faces from the Galaxy Apps Store, etc.

Samsung Pay is here…for NFC payments only

The Gear S3 did a lot of things right, one of which was its inclusion of Samsung Pay for both NFC and MST payments. Samsung Pay is making a return to the Galaxy Watch, but similar to the Gear Sport, only supports NFC transactions.

That’s not uncommon for smartwatches that allow for mobile payments, but considering that MST has been such a big draw to Samsung Pay since its introduction in 2015, it is disappointing to see that it won’t be coming to the Galaxy Watch.

Also, if you use the Galaxy Watch with an iOS device (aka an iPhone), you won’t be able to use Samsung Pay at all.

You’ll be able to get an LTE model

One feature the Galaxy Watch does keep from the Gear S3 is LTE support!

We don’t have specifics quite yet on which carriers will support the Galaxy Watch, but Samsung has said that it’ll work on 30+ carriers across 15+ countries.

It works on Android and iOS

If you’re interested in picking up the Galaxy Watch, you’ll be able to use it with both Android and iOS.

As mentioned above, Samsung Pay will not work if you’re using the Galaxy Watch with an iPhone.

Pre-orders open on August 10

Samsung will officially open pre-orders for the Galaxy Watch on Friday. August 10. You’ll need to pay $329.99 for the 42mm variant and $249.99 for the 46mm one.

Following pre-orders, Korea will get the Galaxy Watch on August 24 and then followed by a worldwide release on September 14.

See at Samsung

Updated August 9, 2018: Revamped this guide now that the Galaxy Watch has been announced!

The Ultimate Protection for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Under the Dome, is Life.

It is time, the wait is over. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has just been unpacked, but if you missed the live stream in New York you don’t need to be left out. The phone officially goes on sale in two weeks, so once you get yours, you need to decide what protection is best for you. Well, Whitestone has the answer, and it is DOME GLASS. Whitestone Dome Glass is a specialized brand for the entire high-end market of cellular bezel-less devices, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

In today’s world, everyone wants smartphones that are thinner and lighter, but still want to watch videos and play games on the biggest possible screens. Therefore, edge phones and bezel-less phones are leading the way. They make use of limited screen size and maximize it to its fullest extent. The Note 9 is no different. It has increased the screen size to 6.4 inches (up from 6.3″) and slimmed the screen bezel.

With the larger screen and slimmer bezel, it is that much more important to protect every inch. Whitestone provides the first true “full-screen adhesive” tempered glass screen protector for curved bezel-less phones. They do this by using their patented LOCA technology which stands for ‘Liquid Optical Clear Adhesive’. LOCA is a liquid glass which evenly disperses over the entire screen, including repairing existing scratches and scuffs and sets to create a watertight edge to edge protection. Their revolutionary liquid glass adhesive forms around the curved screen to create a single, solid layer of anti-shatter glass. Thus, giving you (and your new Note 9) complete security.

Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Glass
Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Case

Now, Whitestone Dome Glass is not cheap, but nor should it be. It was created for high-end model smartphones. Whitestone is the only tempered glass screen protector recognized by SMAPP (Samsung Mobile Accessory Partnership Program) and as such is the best option for your Note 9. The other plastic or urethane protectors have no true protection, are vulnerable to scratches, and even can reduce transparency. Also, most other well-known brands of tempered glass protectors only cover the flat side of your device and falsely advertises themselves as a full-cover tempered glass. They attempt to trick you by using a black cover adhesive along the side to hide lifts, or they cover the areas between glass and screen with dots which makes the device prone to touchscreen errors. But that’s not the case with Dome Glass. Get your Note 9 the security it deserves. Why invest in the top of the line phone and settle for second-rate protection?

Why invest in the top of the line phone and settle for second-rate protection? Get your Note 9 the security it deserves.

The one major difficulty with this screen protector is because it really works so well, you only get one shot at putting it on, so you need to do it right. It’s not hard, but you can’t rush through it. Quality is reflected through commitment, so make sure you have enough time and patience to get an undeniably perfect result.

To prevent errors and air bubbles, an install frame and UV curing light are included. If you just want to throw on a screen protector in a minute before you walk out the door, then this is not the one for you. But, if you follow the simple installation steps, you will get the best shielding available. For help with installation, here is a link to some of their reviews and tutorial videos that show you step-by-step how to do a proper installation.

On top of the comprehensive 3D glass curved surface protection and liquid dispersion technology, it also provides protection against Blue Light. As more and more people are so reliant on their cell phone, it has become even more important to identify the harmful side effects. One of the negative effects of smartphones is the emitting of shorter wavelengths called Blue Light. Studies suggest that, over time, exposure to blue light (especially at night), can cause insomnia or even more serious long-term damage to your eyes. Whitestone Dome Glass decreases the strength of blue light by up to 25%, protecting you and your smart device!

Dome Glass, which is already a top seller on Amazon Worldwide and AT&T and is touted as one of the best-tempered glass protectors by NTT Docomo (the largest cellular provider in Japan) has the maximum strength and scratch resistance rating of 9H (hardness measurement) provides full touch and total edge to edge coverage without any gaps or bubbles and does not fade or fog with extended use.

To top it all off, every Whitestone Dome Glass product comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty which means that if your Dome Glass is damaged or worn, you could request a replacement through Whitestone’s webpage. Also, for a limited time, our very own Android Central readers can use the code ANDROIDCENTRAL to save 30% off Whitestone Dome Glass for their Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Just click here to order today and for their web page and more information on these screen protectors visit whitestonedome.com. Whitestone Dome Glass protector is #1 in protecting your entire screen and is an essential accessory for any new Note 9 owner. So, with the Samsung Galaxy being unpacked today, it is only right to get it the protection it deserves.

Don’t forget to use coupon code THRIFT30 to save 30% off the Note 9 Dome Glass 2 pack and Note 9 Dome Case on Amazon for a limited time!

Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Glass
Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Case

Win a Galaxy Note 9, Dome Glass 2 pack, and Clear Case!

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has just been unpacked, and the phone officially goes on sale in two weeks, but we wanted to give you a chance to WIN one along with some cool accessories from Whitestone to keep it safe.

Whitestone’s Dome Glass, which is already a top seller and is touted as one of the best-tempered glass protectors by the largest cellular provider in Japan, has the maximum strength and scratch resistance rating of 9H (hardness measurement), provides full touch and total edge to edge coverage without any gaps or bubbles, and does not fade or fog with extended use.

Created from Samsung’s original blueprints, the Whitestone Levitation case exhibits precise cutouts that align perfectly with your Note 9. This durable, shock absorbing clear case provides the ultimate protection for the best smartphone. And with only 1 mm between you and your phone, this clear case is light and not bulky; it’ll feel like your device is completely bare. You will definitely want to check out these products to protect your new Note 9!

For a limited time, Android Central readers can score 30% off these accessories on Amazon with coupon code THRIFT30!

Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Glass
Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Case

Enter to win a Galaxy Note 9 and more!

THE PRIZE: One Android Central reader will receive Galaxy Note 9, a 2 pack of Dome Glass, and a Clear Case. An additional 10 runners-up will receive a Dome Glass 2 pack and a Clear Case.

THE GIVEAWAY: Use the widget at the bottom of this page. There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values. Complete all of the tasks for maximum entries and your best shot at winning! Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. Please note that this giveaway is available in the US only.

The giveaway is open through August 22, 2018, and the winner will be announced right here shortly after the closing date. Good luck!

Win a Galaxy Note 9, Dome Glass 2 pack, and Clear Case from Whitestone and Android Central!

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Apple Became World’s Most Valuable Company Seven Years Ago Today, Two Weeks Before Steve Jobs Resigned as CEO

Today marks the seventh anniversary of Apple passing U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil to become the world’s most valuable company for the first time, with a market capitalization of around $341.5 billion at the time.

Apple achieved the milestone on August 9, 2011, just over two weeks before the late Steve Jobs resigned as CEO on August 24, 2011, the same day that he nominated then-COO Tim Cook to succeed him in the position. Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Apple dropped back below ExxonMobil a few times, and was briefly surpassed by Google parent company Alphabet in market cap at times in 2016, but the iPhone maker has been the world’s most valuable company for the better part of the past seven years, and continues to hold that title today.

Apple becoming the world’s most valuable company was a remarkable accomplishment given that it flirted with bankruptcy in the mid-to-late 1990s, until Jobs returned and streamlined its product lineup. Under his leadership, Apple introduced several hits, including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Apple has continued its success under Cook, becoming the first publicly traded U.S. company worth a trillion dollars last week, shortly after reporting record-breaking $53.3 billion revenue in the third quarter of the 2018 fiscal year. Apple’s stock has appreciated over eight percent since the results came out.

Apple will look to build upon its success by expanding its focus on technologies such as augmented reality, autonomous driving, and artificial intelligence, in addition to services like Apple Music and its upcoming Netflix competitor.

Tag: AAPL
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Google’s New iOS App ‘Cameos’ Lets Celebrities Respond to Popular Questions in Search Results

Google this week debuted a new app called “Cameos,” which lets celebrities record video answers to “the most asked questions on Google,” and then post the recordings directly to Google’s search results (via TechCrunch). The company says that this will let users “get answers directly” from the source when searching for facts and trivia about certain people in the spotlight.

Although anyone can download the app [Direct Link], Cameos requires access to be granted once it’s downloaded. Celebrities who gain access can browse the Internet’s “top questions” asked about them, choose which ones they want to answer, and record a video of their response.

Cameos will push celebrities with new questions and searches to ensure that their Google-related content “stays recent and timely.” With the app, high-profile users can respond directly to their fans’ biggest questions and leave out any potential misinformation provided from other websites sourced from a Google search.

Once a question is answered, Google says that the response videos get posted “right to Google” so that users can see the videos when they search for the celebrity, or similar questions about the person. The videos will also appear on each celebrity’s feed in the main Google app.

Tag: Google
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