Samsung offering free 30-day trial of Galaxy S6 Edge, Edge+ and Note 5 to iPhone owners
In what can be considered a great customer poaching ploy, Samsung is now offering a free trial of its Galaxy S6 Edge range as well as the Galaxy Note 5 to iPhone owners for a month. Yeah, you heard it right – if you happen to be a not so proud iPhone owner, you can consider this 30-day Samsung-promoted test drive to see whether you are ready to switch to Android or not.
For as little as a dollar, you can choose either the Galaxy S6 Edge, the S6 Edge+ or the Galaxy Note 5, which will come with an activated sim card and a help guide. Although you are not obligated to buy the device after the trial period gets over, if you choose to do so, Samsung is promising an even more tempting offer for you.
“Your test drive kit will come with the phone of your choice, an activated sim card, and a step-by-step guide to help you start your test drive. After 30 days, if you buy a qualifying Samsung device, there’s even more love in store for you,” the promotion reads.
If you decide to participate in “Samsung’s Ultimate Test Drive,” make sure to return the handset within a month, because if you fail to return it after a grace period of five days, the Korean company will put a bill of $820 on your card. It goes without saying that you should try not to damage your phone, otherwise you may have to pay $100 or more depending on the damage. The offer is only available for the residents of the Unites States currently.
This promotion drive can be seen as a step to improve the profit margin of the company, whose financial health is anything but optimum going by its last quarter’s earnings. Samsung’s overall earnings fell by 8% year on year, while its mobility department suffered a decline of 37.6% from the past year.
Source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: Samsung offering free 30-day trial of Galaxy S6 Edge, Edge+ and Note 5 to iPhone owners
Samsung wants to poach iPhone users by offering the Samsung Ultimate Test Drive
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As is the case most years in the modern smartphone era, Samsung is locked in a battle with Apple for supremacy – one thing is for sure, neither is willing to give an inch. To this end, Samsung has started a campaign called the Samsung Ultimate Test Drive which specifically targets iPhone users. Samsung’s offer allows an iPhone user to pay a dollar to “test drive” a recent Samsung device for 30 days – it would appear that the brand new Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ are available to test, as well as the slightly older, smaller S6 Edge as well. A “test drive” kit will include the phone, a SIM card, and a guide on how to get the whole thing started – unfortunately, this is available in the US only.
If at the end of the 30 days the iPhone user wishes to buy the Samsung device they were testing, Samsung says “there’s even more love in store for you” – we’re not exactly sure what that means, but we’re willing to believe it’s good. Now if you’re wondering if you can get in on this to score a Samsung device for 30 days, the website that hosts the Samsung Ultimate Test Drive only accepts iPhones when clicking the “Start Test Drive” button – if you aren’t on an iPhone, you’ll be politely greeted by the following message: “Due to the design of the program, we request that you enroll from your iPhone device to receive your Test Drive phone”. Bugger.
What do you think about the Samsung Ultimate Test Drive? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Samsung Promotions via engadget
The post Samsung wants to poach iPhone users by offering the Samsung Ultimate Test Drive appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Samsung offers iPhone owners a test drive of their flagship devices
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Channeling T-Mobile’s popular Test Drive program, Samsung is coming out with one of their own. Under T-Mobile’s version you can request an iPhone to see if their network works for you but under Samsung’s new promotion iPhone users can rent one of Samsung’s flagship devices for a month with no obligation to buy. The cost is only a dollar for the month of use and you can select from the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge or Galaxy Note 5. It’s open to all 4 major carriers but some devices aren’t available yet. A colleague tried to sign up to get a Note 5, and presumably because it hasn’t been widely released, it’s not available under this new program yet.
This is another ploy to move Apple users into the Samsung category by the South Korean giant. The redesigned Galaxy S and Note lines have been widely criticized for leaving behind features that made them popular (removable battery, micro sd card slot) but the strategy has been clear so far. Build a better and higher end version of the iPhone for Android users who want Apple like quality without giving up the OS they love and tempt iPhone users to switch sides. With a glass back and 7000 series aluminum casing, it’s hard to argue that the newest releases from Samsung aren’t the most beautiful Android phones on the market.
If you’re interested in the promotion head over to SamsungPromotions.com from your iPhone to look around and sign up. If you try to sign up on anything but an iDevice it’ll kindly ask you to switch over to your iPhone. The program will run for 30 days and cost your $1 for the use of the phone. You’ll have a few days to return it with a return label provided by Samsung or you can keep the device and pay full price for it. Samsung promises “some love” for those who go on to buy a Samsung device after the test drive but what that is hasn’t been disclosed. In the fine print Samsung makes you agree to only renting one device at a time and once you rent that device, it cant be rented again so my dreams of paying $12 a year for flagship Samsung device are unfortunately dashed. You must provide a valid credit card to Samsung to sign up for the program and if you damage the device you’ll be charged $100.
What do you think about Samsung’s plan? Will it really be enough to cut into Apple’s sales?
Source: Samsung Ultimate Test Drive
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Final Fantasy 7 hits iOS, Android could be next
For many of us E3 2015 ended when Square Enix took the stage and announced Final Fantasy 7 was finally getting that HD remake we have been begging for many years. The same remake we were told time and again would never come. Nothing was going to beat this announcement! That still stands true for Final Fantasy 7 fans, but we did get another surprise from the RPG king – the original Final Fantasy 7 game was set to come to mobile.
Fast-forward a couple months and we find ourselves welcoming the most iconic Final Fantasy title to the mobile realms. The only bad news is it is not out for Android yet. Final Fantasy 7 has only been released for iOS so far. Why is this news piece even here? Well, for the same reason we even told you about this during the announcement. While the Android release hasn’t been 100% confirmed, Square Enix has been exceptional at bringing all its main titles to Android. Especially the ones which will make good money… and Final Fantasy 7 definitely will.
By the way, we don’t only say that because the game will sell like hot pancakes. This title is also significantly expensive! Final Fantasy 7 is priced at a whopping $19.99 on iTunes, a cost that is higher than Square Enix’s already unreasonable $15-$17 price points. They know many of us will pay that cash, though. That’s where they get us!
If you don’t know Final Fantasy 7 by now? You really have some catching up to do. This game influenced a whole generation and boomed the Final Fantasy franchise success to the skies. So far up even the lifestream couldn’t stop it. It happens to be my personal favorite game of all times, and I know many of you are with me on that one. This is why I am worried about how you will feel about the next bit of news.
Square Enix, what did you just do?!
First and foremost, let me apologize about the words I typed last time I wrote about Final Fantasy 7. I told you this would be the same Final Fantasy 7 title we saw in 1997, ported and unadulterated; I was wrong. Square Enix changed one thing… one thing that may ruin your whole gaming experience.
The game comes with integrated cheating functionality. For starters, there will be an option to level up all your characters and give them max stats. But then why would you even want random battles? Don’t you worry, you can turn those off too!
To be honest, this shocked me more than when I saw Sephiroth’s Masamune pierce through you-know-who (actually… not really, but you get me). The battle system and leveling up is such an important part of Final Fantasy titles! Their level of difficulty and time consumption are what drives us to push through these challenges and spend months playing a single game. Why would you take that away from us?
I understand that the story line is also a huge part of Final Fantasy 7. Furthermore, many of us have beat the game plenty times, so skipping through that whole grinding process may be a viable option. I just feel like the experience will be ruined for all new players. But then again, is this release even aimed at first-timers? It just upsets me that it’s now so easy to ruin the experience.
But hey, tell us your own thoughts on this release! Do you agree with me on the whole cheat pandemonium? Hopefully an Android release is around the corner. Not seeing Final Fantasy 7 hit our devices would be something else to rant about.
Alright, now you can go download the game on your iPad or iPhone, if you want!
Fake ‘iPhone 6s’ Ad Envisions Colorful Versions of Apple’s Next Smartphone
A new “leaked” commercial ad for the so-called “iPhone 6s” has been shared today on YouTube, showing off a 30-second spot for the next-generation iPhone in an array of color options that more closely hues to an iPhone 5c-inspired look than the main line-up of colors available today with Space Gray, Gold, and Silver.
The ad is obviously fake, with no mention of the “iPhone 6s Plus” — as a note, the two phones only appeared in commercials alongside one another last year and were never separated — but still presents an interesting take on the new iPhones coming out in a few weeks.
Although well-edited, the false ad is more reminiscent of Apple’s older iPod music-inspired ads than the somewhat downbeat and more feature-focused commercials from the past few years. The ad’s suggestion of a line-up of next-generation iPhones without the now-expected Space Gray or Gold options — backed by the tag “Be vibrant. Even faster.” — is perhaps the biggest tip-off of its mendacity.
News and rumors surrounding the “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” have only gotten heavier as we move into September. Possible launch dates for the devices point towards September 18, with other stories suggesting Apple has fixed its “Bendgate” issues from last year and that users should see an increase in productivity and maneuverability on the new iPhone thanks to Force Touch shortcuts.
iPhone 6s Materials Analysis Confirms Stronger, Less Bendable Aluminum Alloy
Back in April, we first heard rumors about Apple planning to use 7000 Series aluminum alloys for the upcoming “iPhone 6s,” taking advantage of some of the expertise gained in using the material for the Apple Watch Sport to make for a stronger iPhone body compared to the 6000 Series aluminum used on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. That device received significant “Bendgate” attention after some early users found the device bending slightly under pressure in their pockets.
Increasingly reliable reports of 7000 Series aluminum for the iPhone 6s followed by hands-on impressions of a “stronger body” and ultimately some measurements showing thickening of the shell’s weak points have all pointed toward Apple making some changes to improve the strength and durability of the next iPhone.
MacRumors has recently received data on the elemental composition of the iPhone 6s shell, revealing that the aluminum alloy being used by Apple does indeed include roughly 5 percent zinc, which is in line with many 7000 Series alloys and not found in the iPhone 6 shell. A just-published video from Unbox Therapy is showing similar results, as well as test results showing a significantly stronger body more resistant to bending.
Sample points on milled surface of iPhone 6s rear shell
Interestingly, the data we received showed high iron levels of around 8 percent on average, although the iron composition varies significantly among test samples. Unbox Therapy, however, is not seeing particularly high levels of iron in its sample.
We’ve been told that some iron can be introduced into the shell during the milling process, which can account for some of the variability in measurements shared with MacRumors. The small quantities of iron at levels seen by Unbox Therapy can be used to enhance durability and make the material easier to work with during the casting process.
Elemental composition at each sample point
As shown in electron microscope images shared with MacRumors, the iPhone 6s shell is covered with a roughly 10-micron thick anodized aluminum oxide layer to help protect against corrosion. The anodization layer also enables Apple to introduce dyes for various color options.
Scanning electron microscope image showing 10-micron anodization with lighter aluminum color above. Chipped particle can also be seen.
Unbox Therapy also subjected the iPhone 6 and 6s shells to bending tests, finding that while the iPhone 6 shell began experiencing significant bending at roughly 30 pounds of pressure, while the the iPhone 6s shell withstood at least twice as much pressure before bending.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus at a media event on September 9. If tradition holds, the company would begin taking pre-orders a few days later and officially launch the new phone on Friday, September 18. The iPhone 6s should appear largely identical to the iPhone 6 but contain a number of hardware upgrades including Force Touch support, a new A9 chip with 2 GB of RAM, camera improvements, and more. A new rose gold or pink color option has also been rumored.
Night Sky MiniScope Review: This iPhone Telescope is More Frustrating Than Fun
iCandi Apps makes a series of popular star gazing apps designed to let iPhone owners discover constellations, stars, planets, satellites, and more just by pointing an iPhone at the sky. For kids and people interested in learning more about the night sky, these kind of apps are invaluable, and now iCandi Apps has released a new device for home astronomers — the Night Sky MiniScope.
Night Sky MiniScope is a full portable telescope that attaches to your iPhone and pairs with the Night Sky app so you can capture photographs of stars, planets, the Moon, and more. Night Sky MiniScope is not cheap, priced at $349, but it’s undeniably unique.
I want to make it clear that this review is written from a layperson’s point of view. I have never owned a telescope, I don’t do astrophotography, and I can’t review the Night Sky MiniScope comparative to other similarly priced telescopes because I don’t have a point of reference. I’m coming to this review as someone who has an iPhone, an interest in stargazing apps, and experience with photography, so testing the MiniScope is a new experience for me.
The Hardware
iCandi Apps packages the Night Sky MiniScope beautifully. It comes in a custom-designed box that houses the telescope itself, the miniature tripod, case adapters for six different iPhone models, lens caps, and a carry case.
The Night Sky MiniScope is made from a brushed aluminum that matches the aluminum finish on the iPhone. It’s much smaller than a standard telescope and is compact enough to fit into a backpack or a large purse, so it can be taken along on a hike or a camping trip. It’s not going to fit in a pocket or anything, but it’s more portable than the average telescope.
Read more 
‘iPhone 6s’ Could Face Negative Growth Due to Low China Sales & Ambivalence Towards Force Touch
Despite the immense popularity of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, a recent KGI prediction estimates that Apple may sell somewhere between 65 and 75 million of the so-called “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” in Q4 2015, pointing towards a strong possibility of zero or negative growth year-over-year for the smartphone line.
According to Apple Daily [Google Translate] (via GforGames), the report states that the two biggest factors for the predicted performance plateau or decline of this year’s iPhone lies in weak sales for China and public ambivalence towards Force Touch as a flagship feature of the “S” generation.
The analyst quoted by the Taiwanese media says there are two main factors that could contribute to these results. First of all, compared to last year, smartphone sales in China have declined along with the spending power, and as you should all know, China is the largest smartphone market in the world.
Secondly, the analyst says that another big reason that could contribute to the iPhone 6s duo yielding zero or negative growth is Force Touch. More to the point, the technology itself should not slow down the market performance, but because Force Touch is supposed to be one of iPhone 6s’ main new driving feature and due to the fact that the public hasn’t been wowed by FT on the Watch and the new MacBook, the inclusion of Force Touch on the upcoming iPhone flagship might not attract as many customers as Apple might hope.
Apple still has high hopes for China, remaining bullish on the country as becoming its “largest market in the future,” spurring the company to factor in Chinese consumer tastes as major influences for the design of its products worldwide. If KGI’s estimates become true, it would indeed come under Apple’s results from earlier in the year, which the company reported to be 74.5 million iPhones sold total.
Although not a complete confirmation of the rumor, the KGI report also suggests that Apple recently reduced its manufacturing orders for the iPhone 6s by a total of 1 percent, pointing towards the possibility of a lower yield on this year’s generation of iPhone. The most recent news on the “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” described the way Force Touch may work on iOS, hinted at a stronger shell to avoid another “Bendgate” scandal, and pointed to a late-August ramp-up for mass production ahead of the predicted September reveal.
T-Mobile will swap your iPhone 6 for the next model at no extra cost
If you’ve ever had to upgrade an iPhone months after launch, you’ve likely felt some anxiety: you need a new device right now, but you know you’ll feel buyer’s remorse when the next model shows up in September. T-Mobile thinks it can set your mind at ease, however. It’s launching a promo that lets you swap the iPhone 6 for its successor while locking in the $15 per month JUMP On Demand lease price — so long as you buy the existing handset by September 7th, you just have to trade it in to upgrade. You’ll also get first dibs on the next iPhone if you order it from the carrier within the first two days of availability, so you shouldn’t be waiting for days simply because you ordered a few minutes too late.
You’re also getting a perk that applies whether or not you care for shiny new hardware. T-Mobile now includes Apple Music as part of its Music Freedom effort, letting you stream albums and playlists on the fledgling service as much as you like without denting your monthly data cap. It’s not a surprising move (virtually every significant music provider is covered at this stage), but it’ll definitely make life easier if you absolutely have to listen to some T Swift during your commute.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Apple, T-Mobile
Source: T-Mobile
Samsung Unpacked event booked for August 13th, teases a double curved profile
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It’s official: Samsung has announced that it has a Samsung Unpacked event booked for August 13th, and teased the event with a minimal representation of a dual curved device. This should be pretty much confirmation that Samsung will be announcing the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus which features a dual-curved edge display, but a dual curve also applies to the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 whose back is curved in the same way (as seen in the leak earlier today) and is also expected to be announced.
Join us for the next Galaxy Unpacked #nextisnow #GalaxyUnpacked #nextisnow http://t.co/kXVRe2WxAg pic.twitter.com/AKflqEPnzd
— Samsung Electronics (@SamsungTMRW) July 27, 2015
This announcement of this Samsung Unpacked event confirms the rumoured strategy that Samsung is attempting to beat the new iPhones prior to their announcement sometime in September. By announcing a few weeks early, Samsung is intending to have its devices available by the end of August, or early September, and have their devices in the marketplace before the iPhones hit the ground. It’s a risky strategy, but could be one that pays off as Apple is now directly competing with Samsung in the phablet space with its iPhone 6 Plus (and the inevitable release of the iPhone 6S Plus).
Are you excited for the Samsung Unpacked event on August 13th? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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AIVAnet 