Samsung won me with VR but is losing me with updates
I want to get a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, I really do. I like my Galaxy S6 Edge, with its striking curved screen, and the new model improves on it in nearly every way. Most importantly, I like to dabble in virtual reality — I’m not ready to commit $700+ to a PC-based headset yet — and I can still get a new Gear VR headset free with the S7 Edge. Shamefully, though, my S6 Edge hasn’t received an update to Android 6.01 Marshmallow, leaving me high and dry with Lollipop. I certainly didn’t expect that with a $800 flagship phone, and I refuse to let it happen again.
Marshmallow first came out on Nexus devices in October 2015, and “Nougat,” aka Android 7.0, will probably arrive around the same time later this year. The new release is full of interesting features, including a multi-window mode, improved settings and, most importantly to me, a new VR mode. For those reasons, and also the fact that I like having the latest software, I would like to get it as soon as it arrives.
The S6 Edge came out in early 2015 (I have the international, unlocked version), and some folks have indeed received an Android 6.0 update. To find out if there was a problem with my phone or carrier, I contacted the company’s support line in France, and was told that the release had not rolled out to me yet. So what’s the delay? Some users have reported problems with the fingerprint scanner and passwords after updating, along with slowness and battery issues. If that’s accurate, then Samsung may have decided to work on Marshmallow before releasing it widely.
Does my phone still work with Lollipop? Of course, but that’s not the point. Marshmallow brings a more stylish UI, a memory manager that my phone desperately needs, an improved “do not disturb” function (which I desperately need), per-app battery optimization and more. Also, as someone who likes to have the latest software (and, since I write about it, I kind of need it), I’d really rather not wait for it.
To reiterate, I really like the Galaxy S6 Edge and Gear VR. Samsung wisely partnered with Oculus, and the Gear VR is easily the best mobile virtual reality headset out there. As I mentioned in my mini-review of the original Gear VR Innovator Edition, I love the potential of VR filmmaking (even if creators haven’t quite cracked it yet), and the headset-and-phone combo gives me a way to view content. That includes games like Land’s End and interactive VR films including The Martian VR Experience. In addition, Samsung has created a VR version of its web browser that allows you to see 360-degree videos and other content.
I don’t want to sacrifice VR for the latest updates, but what if I can have both? The best way to make sure you’ve always got the latest Android release is to get a Nexus phone. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a VR option for Nexus that’s even close to as good as what Samsung has — at least, until Android Nougat came along.
For Nougat, Google has created a whole new VR platform called Daydream, and a VR mode with improved performance. It also created a reference headset that looks a lot like the Gear VR, but includes a motion-sensitive remote that resembles the controllers for the Vive and Oculus Rift. Its VR tech will only work on “Daydream-approved” smartphones, which will presumably include the company’s own upcoming Nexus models.
If things go as planned, Google’s VR should be on par with Samsung’s Galaxy S7/Note and Gear VR combination. There is a risk it’ll take Google a while to get to the same level as Samsung, which has a big head start and Oculus behind it. However, Google says that HTC, ZTE, Huawei, LG and, yes, Samsung have Daydream-ready phones in the works, and it’s partnering with HBO, Ubisoft, the NBA and others for content.
Until a few months ago, I was ready to get a Galaxy S7 Edge and the latest Gear VR headset.
This new information has created quite a conundrum for me. Until a few months ago, I was ready to get a Galaxy S7 Edge and the latest Gear VR headset. Now I’ve decided to wait until the fall, when the first Daydream-compliant smartphones and headsets arrive. I’ll continue to use my S6 Edge and Gear VR, and hopefully it’ll get the Marshmallow update before Nougat arrives.
I doubt my own experience is unique. Anyone who drops nearly a grand on a smartphone will want to wring the maximum utility out of it. Samsung delivered a great design, great screen and lots of power with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, and the Gear VR gave users another good reason to consider it. With the discouraging delays to Marshmallow on my S6 Edge, however, I’ve lost confidence in Samsung’s ability to keep its latest model up to date. And once Daydream comes along, it’ll have lost one of the best advantages it had in the Android market.
Samsung’s designer Serif TV reaches the US for $1,499
How much do you value design over sheer value for money? You’re about to find out. Samsung’s Serif TV is now available for US pre-orders through the Museum of Modern Art at a price of $1,499 — given that this is only a 40-inch set, you’re clearly paying for the typography-inspired body more than you are the electronics. Not that you aren’t getting some decent hardware. The Serif packs a 4K display with high dynamic range color support, and you’re getting perks that include an exclusive remote control, detachable legs and a custom interface with a simple “curtain mode” menu. If you’re at all interested in this conversation piece, the biggest obstacle may simply be having to wait until it ships in August.
Via: The Verge
Source: MoMA
‘Galaxy Note7’ name confirmed by leaked pics
Can’t wait for Samsung’s next entry into the plus-sized phone category? A tweet from Evan Blass aka evleaks reveals three colors of what will apparently be called the Galaxy Note7 (no space?), in Black Onyx, Silver Titanium and Blue Coral. There have been rumors about the phone and its number-skipping name floating around, but the clear images confirm this is what we’ll see announced this summer. Naturally, there’s a stylus and curved edges, while the specs cited by Blass on Android Police include a 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, 12MP/5MP front/rear camera setup, 64MB of storage and IP68-rated water resistance.
Samsung Galaxy Note7 in (from l to r) Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, and Blue Coral pic.twitter.com/QiePUEG9GP
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 1, 2016
Via: Android Police
Source: Evan Blass (Twitter)
The Olympics will be shown in VR, but only on Samsung headsets
NBC began outlining its plans for broadcasting Rio 2016 yesterday, but a few more juicy tidbits have now filtered through. The AP (via ABC News) is reporting that around 85 hours of programming will be available to watch in VR, but only if you use Samsung’s Gear VR. The brief report claims that the opening and closing ceremonies will get the 360-degree treatment, as will the men’s basketball, gymnastics and track and field. Details beyond that brief outline are sketchy, although it’s interesting that the footage is provided by a unit of the International Olympic Committee rather than the usual suspects, like NextVR. All of the content will be available on the NBC Sports app, assuming that you’ve got a Gear VR-compatible smartphone, of course.
Source: ABC News
Samsung releases unlocked Galaxy S7 phones in the US
Waiting for the unlocked versions of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge? We hope you’ve been saving up. They’re now available in the US for those who don’t want to be locked into a contract with a carrier for two years and those who want the freedom to choose their plans. The unlocked devices are still the same phones you fell in love with earlier this year and will work on most GSM and CDMA carriers in the country, including all the big hitters (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular). You can nab one straight from Samsung’s website, but you can also get either of them from various distributors and retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy and Target. As always, expect to pay more up front for an unlocked device: the Galaxy S7 will set you back $670, while the Galaxy S7 edge will cost you $100 more.
Source: Samsung
Samsung to Capitalize on First OLED-Based iPhone in 2017
Samsung Display will remain the global leader among AMOLED display suppliers over the next few years, with shipments estimated to increase to 560 million units by 2019, according to Taiwan-based DigiTimes Research.
Samsung Electronics, which produces the company’s lineup of Android-based Galaxy smartphones, is expected to remain Samsung Display’s largest customer over the next few years, with its in-house AMOLED panel demand projected to grow from 239 million units in 2016 to 290 million units in 2019.
Apple is rumored to release its first OLED-based iPhone in 2017, moving away from traditional LCD technology it has used since 2007 for at least one iPhone model. The report estimates that Samsung Display will supply Apple with 40 million AMOLED panels in 2017, 80 million units in 2018, and 120 million units in 2019.
LG Display, AU Optronics, Japan Display, and Foxconn-owned Sharp may also share production of OLED panels for future iPhones.
Earlier this year, DisplayMate found that Samsung’s Galaxy S7 makes a compelling case for Apple to switch to OLED display technology. Possible benefits include increased brightness, improved color accuracy, improved screen visibility in bright environments, and more efficient power consumption.
A number of China-based smartphone vendors, including Vivo, Oppo, GiONEE, Huawei, and Lenovo, have also adopted or decided to adopt AMOLED panels in the future, with Samsung Display’s combined shipments to them projected to increase from 99 million units in 2016 to 150 million units in 2019.
Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
Tags: Samsung, digitimes.com, AMOLED, OLED
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Spin Samsung’s Notebook 7 screen right round on June 26th
When we reviewed Samsung’s Notebook 9, my editor Dana noted that it was an excellent back to basics model from the company. It didn’t feature a touchscreen or even a rotating screen — it had a pretty good normal screen, though. For the folks who need the above accoutrements, though, Samsung is introducing the Notebook 7 Spin. With it comes a new 1080p touchscreen you can use like a tablet when spun 360 degrees. Hence the name. The 7 Spin can also go into tent mode for watching a movie with its HDR video capabilities. Or, if you’re a traditionalist, you could use the computer like a normal laptop.
Beyond the screen’s tricks, the computer also boasts fast charging. A full charge takes an hour and a half on the 15.6-inch model, and an additional ten minutes for the 13.3-inch version. But, if you’re only near an outlet for 20 minutes, that’ll eke out two extra hours of battery life. The Spin also offers either a 6th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and 1TB hard drive, with options for more RAM and solid state storage.
You can snag one starting next week on June 26th from Best Buy or Samsung directly, with configurations starting at $799.
Samsung is encouraging filmmakers to create VR experiences
Samsung has launched a new initiative called “Creators” to entice storytellers and filmmakers to spin VR and 360-degree tales that Gear VR users can enjoy. To start with, the Korean company has teamed up with YouTuber Casey Neistat to spotlight creators on the website who put out compelling 360-degree videos. They plan to show a curated list of works by those YouTubers at VidCon, where Samsung will also provide seminars and classes to filmmakers under the Creators program. VidCon is an annual online video conference in SoCal, which will take place from June 23rd to 25th this year.
But that’s not all the chaebol is doing to encourage more user-generated content. Samsung is also launching its 360-degree, high-res camera in the US and selling it at VidCon for $350 each. If you can’t go, you’ll unfortunately have to wait for further announcement on wider availability. Finally, the company is rebranding its Milk VR app to Samsung VR and changing the way it works. While the free app has always offered both downloadable and streamable experiences, people can now load and share their own videos through the service.
Marc Mathieu, Samsung America’s Chief Marketing Officer, said:
“We want to bring the power of VR technology directly to the people. To help creators learn and perfect the art of VR storytelling, we’ve built an entire VR ecosystem that pushes beyond the frame and empowers them to develop unforgettable, immersive stories, and inspires us all to do the same.”
Source: Samsung Creators
Samsung pours $1.2 billion into the Internet of Things
Samsung is willing to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to the Internet of Things. The electronics giant is spending $1.2 billion on IoT development in the US over the next 4 years, sharing it between startups and its own work. This isn’t just about getting into a young field, if you ask Samsung. The company pitches this as crucial to dealing with an aging population — connected gadgets could help an older generation maintain its independence.
It’s also worried about regulation. Samsung is co-founding a “National IoT Strategy Dialogue” in a bid to shape US policies on always-online devices. The hope, as you might guess, is that the guidelines will be loose enough that they don’t “hold back” Samsung’s interests. There’s no guarantee that it’ll get its way, but it’s evident that the company wants as much say in its IoT future as possible.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Samsung Newsroom
Apple Pay users can withdraw money from select BoA ATMs
If you’re an Apple Pay user with access to the cardless ATMs Bank of America installed earlier this year, you might be able to withdraw cash from the machines using your phone. Reports that BoA’s machines will support Cupertino’s mobile wallet began circulating back in January. Now a Redditor who goes by the moniker “WhatWhatTech” successfully used Apple Pay to withdraw cash from his account through a machine in Redondo Beach, California. These cardless ATMs have an NFC logo right beside the card slot — simply tap your phone on that logo, and you’ll be prompted to key in your PIN before the screen displays all the available transaction options.
Before you get too excited, though, take note that the feature hasn’t been enabled for all cardless machines just yet. Further, you can only get the ATM to spit out cash if you’re using a BoA card, and you can’t deposit money using the service. Still, it’s worth a shot if you have access to one of them. According to BoA’s website, its cardless machines now also support Samsung Pay, in addition to the Android Pay support announced in May. It’s likely being rolled out slowly, as well, so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work on your first try.
[Image credit: WhatWhatTech]
Via: 9to5Mac
Source: WhatWhatTech (Reddit), (Imgur), Bank of America
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