Samsung rumoured to be launching foldable Project Valley device in January
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Earlier this week, we came across a patent that Samsung had submitted way back in February that detailed the folding mechanism of a device that would have a flexible display. That’s reignited talk of Samsung releasing a foldable device sometime in the near future, and the latest rumour suggests that this foldable Project Valley device could be coming out as soon as January – for those who can’t remember, Project Valley is the appropriately named Samsung project for a foldable device.
That’s not all that today’s rumour has divulged – according to the source, Samsung is actually testing two variants of the device, one running a Snapdragon 620 and the other running the more powerful Snapdragon 820. Other rumoured specs include 3GB RAM, a non-removeable battery and a microSD slot, but it will be most interesting to see how big the display will be, and what we’re going to start calling these devices – is it a folding tablet, or is it a folding smartphone? That aside, it looks like we have a few more months to wait, though it’s unlikely this will be last time we hear about Project Valley before 2016.
What do you think about Samsung releasing a foldable Project Valley device? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Weibo via Droid-life
The post Samsung rumoured to be launching foldable Project Valley device in January appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 LTE now receiving Lollipop update
If you’re the proud owner of a Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 LTE, we have some pretty good news for you. Samsung has started distributing the much-anticipated Lollipop update to the slate. The upgrade brings all of the standard changes you’d expect from Android 5.1.1, in addition to a plethora of bug fixes, stability improvements and speed optimizations to the tablet.
Check out the full changelog below:
- Material Design: You will quickly notice a whole new colorful look and feel to your device – from fluid animations to new application and system themes, colors and widgets.
- Notifications UI & Priorities: In order to alert you to the mosttimely and relevant information, the format and behavior of notifications have evolved:
- notifications will appear on the lock screen and are intelligently ranked by type and who sent them.
- you double-tap to open one, swipe left or right to clear one, or clear all notifications from the bottom of the list.
- you can set the priority and privacy of notifications for each application.
- very high priority notifications will pop up briefly over other applications so that you can take action.
- when you dismiss a notification on one device it will be dismissed on your other Android devices, if they are connected to the Internet.
- you can further tailor how notifications behave with the new Downtime and Ambient Display settings (see below).
- New Interruptions & Downtime Settings: You can tailor how interruptions behave, choosing to allow all, none, or only priority interruptions. You can personalize what counts as a priority interruption (reminders, events, calls, messages) and even tailor them to be from only contacts you specify. The Downtime setting will allow only priority interruptions during the times and days that you specify. e.g. allow only priority interruptions on the weekend.
- Recent Apps (Multi-tasking): The redesigned Overview space (formerly called Recents) will include both applications and separate activities within those applications. For instance, each open tab in Chrome will also appear here along with recent applications; both your Gmail Inbox and a draft email message will appear as separate cards. This provides a consistent way to switch amongst tasks.
- Flashlight: Lollipop includes a new flashlight option as part of Quick settings (swipe down with two fingers from the status bar to see it).
- Pin a view/app: Screen pinning allows you to keep a specific app or screen in view. For example, you can ‘pin’ a game and your child will not be able to navigate anywhere else on your phone.
- Battery: The Battery settings panel now shows an estimated projection for how much time you have left while discharging or charging. You can also enable a new battery saver mode that will save power by reducing performance and most background data operations to extend your battery life.
- Smarter Internet Connections: With Android Lollipop, your phone will not connect to a Wi-Fi access point unless there is a verified Internet connection. This feature improves hand-offs between Wi-Fi and cellular connections, helping to maintain your video chat or voice-over-IP (VoIP) call as you switch.
- Performance: Your phone now uses the new Android Runtime to help optimize application performance. After upgrading to Lollipop, your applications will undergo a one-time optimization process. Note that the optimization for ART requires more space.
- Security: Encryption can now use a stronger 256-bit key to help protect your data. Note that the stronger key willonly be used after you perform a factory reset on Android Lollipop. Otherwise encryption will continue to use 128-bit key. You can turn on encryption in the Security settings menu.
As usual, the update is being rolled out in stages, but if you don’t feel like waiting for a notification confirming that it’s ready for your device to hit your unit, you could always search for the upgrade manually. To do so, open the Settings app, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”.
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Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch coming to carriers on October 2nd
We’re hot off the reveal of the Gear S2, Samsung’s newest smartwatch, at IFA 2015 in Berlin. The new offering from Samsung is not an Android Wear offering but rather runs on Samsung’s own OS, Tizen. Even though that’s a bit of a disappointment, it will still work with your Android phone. Many are lauding it for it’s great looks and wondering when they can get their hands on it.
We may have just gotten our first piece solid info.
In a Samsung Electronics America (SEA) training video, October 2nd is the release date given for the Gear S2. At about the one hour and 55 minute mark of the video, the presenter reveals that the bluetooth only version of the new Samsung smartwatch will be coming to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular on October 2nd. Sprint is not mentioned as one of the carriers offering the watch and it’s not stated whether the country’s fourth biggest carrier will pick it up later.
If you want the 3G variant of the Gear S2, you’ll be able to pick it up about a month later, on November 6th, but no details were given as to which carriers will offer it for sale. T-Mobile and Verizon have perviously stated that they’ll sell it but have not confirmed when they plan to do so nor how much it will cost.
Source: AndroidCentral
The post Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch coming to carriers on October 2nd appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Verizon and AT&T are opening mini-stores in 250 Best Buys
Best Buy announced a pair of independent agreements on Tuesday with both Verizon and AT&T, according to Re/Code. The deal will reportedly see both brands receive dedicated floor space within 250 of the electronics chain’s locations by the end of the year. In many cases, both AT&T and Verizon outlets will be located in the same Best Buy. Each mini-store will range from 90 to 180 square feet and be staffed by Best Buy Associates specifically trained in each brand’s products and services. These agreements follow similar pacts struck with Apple, Samsung and Microsoft (not to mention Best Buy and Macy’s), all of whom are angling to reach consumers without having to invest in independent storefronts of their own. Best Buy has not released financial details regarding the agreements.
[Image Credit: Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press]
Filed under:
Misc, Internet, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Google, Verizon, AT&T
Source:
Re/Code
Tags: apple, Associated Press, att, Best Buy, BestBuy, google, Macys, microsoft, mini-store, Recode, Retail, samsung, Samsung Group, verizon
Samsung takes new shot at Apple in latest video
Samsung’s marketing execs seem to really enjoy taking digs at Apple. They recently took on the iPhone’s lack of wireless charging capabilities. Now they are going after one of the biggest differences between the iOS operating system and Google’s Android that powers Samsung’s TouchWiz interface – customization.
Samsung’s new video says users should be able to enjoy a phone that reflects themselves. One way to achieve this is through the customization of themes and icons amongst other settings. Samsung encourages users to figure out how to make their Galaxy devices unique and in the process points out how Apple’s users do not get this ability.
You can check out the video below. Notice that Samsung includes a new #OptionsIncluded hashtag in this ad.
Click here to view the embedded video.
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Samsung Gear S2 coming to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and US Cellular on October 2
Samsung just recently launched its new Tizen-powered smartwatch, the Gear S2, at IFA 2015 in Berlin. Even though various retail stores have already opened up pre-orders, until now, Samsung has been doing a great job at keeping us in the dark about the watch’s availability. At the trade show, Samsung told us that the Gear S2 would be available for purchase from its website and other retailers sometime in October, though the exact date has yet to be officially announced.
The Gear S2 won’t be available on Sprint at launch
According to an SEA Training video, which is associated with Samsung Electronics America, we now have a little more information regarding the watch’s U.S. release date. Around the one hour and fifty-five minute mark in the video, the speaker explains that the Bluetooth-only version of the Gear S2 will come to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular stores in the United States on Friday, October 2nd. He adds that Sprint will not carry the Gear S2 at launch, though he doesn’t specify whether or not the carrier has plans to sell the smartwatch in the future. Sprint has yet to comment on the Gear S2’s availability.
The 3G variant of the device is launching in the U.S. on Friday, November 6th, though no carrier information was given. Both Verizon and T-Mobile have previously announced plans to carry the 3G version, so we expect these two carriers will be among the first to get the device on the 6th of November.
Don’t miss: Samsung Gear S2 hands-on
Pricing information has yet to be announced, but we’ll let you know as soon as we learn more.
Perhaps the biggest news regarding the Gear S2 is that it will be compatible with other Android devices, unlike other Gear smartwatches in the past. Although there might be a slight hiccup in software and apps here and there when connecting to other Android devices, we’re sure fans of the new wearable will be quite happy with this news. As for other specifications, the Gear S2 features a 1.2-inch circular display with a resolution of 360 x 360, and it’s powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and comes with 4GB of built-in storage. There’s also NFC on this device, which will enable users to purchase goods from stores around the world using Samsung Pay.
Now that it’s been some time since the official announcement, do you think you’ll purchase the Gear S2 on launch day, or are you more interested in some of the new Android Wear watches? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Thanks for the tip, Salvatore Thomas!
Samsung Galaxy View marches one step closer to launch, gets Bluetooth SIG certification
Earlier this month at its IFA press event, Samsung unveiled the new Gear S2 smartwatch, but that’s not all. At the very end of the event, Samsung also very briefly teased a new product called the Samsung Galaxy View. Based on the short teaser and all the prior rumors, it seems likely the View is the rumored 18.4-inch tablet from the Korean giant.
Now it looks like we are one step closer to an official Galaxy View announcement, as the View may have just been certified by Bluetooth SIG. Technically the certification didn’t specifically name the View, but instead a Samsung device with the model number SM-T670. Of course, that’s the same model number that has been associated with the 18.4-inch Samsung tablet.
While passing through Bluetooth SIG tells us nothing new about the tablet, it lends more credence to the idea that the Galaxy View is on its way and will pack a massive screen size. As for the rest of the rumored specs? Reportedly the tablet will offer a 1920 x 1080 display, an Exynos 7580 processor with 2GB RAM, 32GB of on-board storage with microSD for expansion, a 2.1MP front cam, an 8MP rear cam, and a 5700mAh battery. Its dimensions are said to be 451.8mm wide, 275.8mm tall, and 11.9mm thick.
Everything we’ve heard about the tablet suggests that Samsung is aiming it at living room use, though it could also make its way into classrooms and schools. The success of such a product will likely come down to marketing, and if Samsung can showcase enough family-oriented apps (board games, etc) to make the idea of a family-sized tablet one that resonates with consumers.
What do you think, at all interested in the Samsung Galaxy View? Conversely, do you feel it will be a massive flop?
Foldable Samsung smartphone to arrive in January?
Remember those interesting looking foldable display prototypes from Samsung last year? Well, a new report from a “leakster with in-depth knowledge” suggests that Samsung may be preparing to launch a foldable smartphone next year.
The handset, also previously known as “Project Valley”, could appear as early as January 2016. The device has previously been rumored to feature a dual-display setup, with a larger display on the inside that might fold over when the shell is closed. There will apparently be two versions of the handset, both powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
Alongside the SoC, the foldable smartphone will also apparently be powered by 3GB of RAM, will feature a microSD card slot and will come with a non-removable battery. That said, there’s no way to validate these rumors right now.
However, Samsung Display has previously stated that “the commercialization of foldable smartphones will be possible in 2016” and a patent for Samsung’s dual-screen Project Valley foldable smartphone cropped up earlier this year too. Samsung certainly seems to be working on this type of device in some capacity, but there’s always a big leap from prototype to a retail product.
Would you buy a foldable smartphone, or is the design just too odd to be practical?
Report: Samsung to cut jobs in China, reduce component orders
Samsung can’t seem to escape reports that it is preparing to shrink its workforce in one way or another. The latest report comes from China and states that Samsung may be looking to cut around 1,000 jobs in the country, as smartphone sales hit saturation.
If true, this job cut would affect around 9 percent of Samsung’s workforce in China. Samsung declined to comment on the matter. Earlier in the month, Samsung dismissed reports that it was preparing to cut a number of management positions at its headquarters in South Korea. However, the tech company did state that it would be relocating some employees.
Sources from Korea area also suggesting that the company will be reducing its component orders for mobile products. As tablet and smartphone sales continue to remain under strain, Samsung is likely looking to reduce the number of devices that it produces to save costs. Although this means that the company may struggle to meet any up-tick in demand.
This will also have a knock-on effect for Samsung’s component businesses, such as its AMOLED display and semiconductor divisions. To offset its own falling product orders, Samsung may have to sell additional components to rival manufacturers. Flash memory sales have been strong lately, and the company should profit from 14nm chip manufacturing for Apple and Qualcomm. Chinese vendors are apparently expressing strong interest in Samsung’s AMOLED display technology too.
See also: Report: Samsung to focus on profits rather than growth
Poor smartphones sales and questionable financial results are driving opinions that Samsung needs to do something to improve profits. Cutting labour costs would be one way to do it, as could taking tighter control over stock orders. Samsung is reportedly switching focus to profits rather than growth going forward, but there haven’t been any official details about how the company is planning to make this adjustment.
Slickwraps launches limited edition Superhero line of smartphone cases
Slickwraps has announced a new collaboration with artist Justin Maller to bring some superhero flair to your smartphone with a line of protective cases. The cases feature several heroes and are available for most 2015 flagship devices.
The lineup includes Batman, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man designs, which all look fantastic. They’re available for the LG G4, HTC One M9, Motorola’s Nexus 6, and Samsung’s entire high-end Galaxy family, including the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+, and Galaxy Note 5. There are also skins for other devices including Macbook ands the Playstation 4 and Xbox One, so even if you don’t think you’d like a superhero smartphone case, you can still grab one for some other electronics you might have.
The cases run about $25 and begin shipping on September 16th. Remember, they’re limited edition runs, so if you want one you might want to go ahead and lock an order in.
source: Slickwraps
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