Latest tip indicates April 11 for Galaxy S6 U.S. launch, but it’s probably April 10
You might be wondering when you can purchase your shiny new Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge. Phone Arena has received a tip that the U.S. launch will be April 11. Supposedly the tipster works for one of the four major carriers and was told this by a Samsung rep.
The only problem with April 11 is that it happens to be a Saturday, which is traditionally not a launch day at any carrier. Furthermore, Samsung already revealed the global launch in their press release, which we posted at the bottom of our Galaxy S6 official announcement post.
It specifically stated….
The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge will be available globally starting from April 10, 2015 with 32/64/128GB storage options available in White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Blue Topaz (Galaxy S6 only) and Green Emerald (Galaxy S6 edge only)
I supposed Samsung could change the April 10 date, but it’s unlikely to be one day later, and on a Saturday to boot.
If you’re planning on picking up the Galaxy S6 or the Galaxy S6 Edge on launch day, you better reserve some time on April 10.
source: PhoneArena
Come comment on this article: Latest tip indicates April 11 for Galaxy S6 U.S. launch, but it’s probably April 10
New details for Samsung’s new round smartwatch surface
Samsung has flooded the Smartwatch market with a number of smartwatches. The Android Wear packing Gear Live, the Tizen powered Gear S, Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, Galaxy Gear and its smart-fitness band Gear Fit (though technically not a smartwatch) brings Samsung’s count for wearables up to six, but hey who’s counting? While we expected Samsung to unveil a new smartwatch along side the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, to our surprise Samsung did not and the company confirmed a change in philosophy.
According to Samsung’s Executive Vice President of Mobile Marketing, Young-hee Lee, the company wanted to break its tradition of simultaneous smartphone and smartwatch releases and hold back on releasing another smartwatch.
Lee said, “We’ve been introducing more devices than anybody else. It’s time for us to pause. We want a more perfect product.”
According to new details, a new round smartwatch with rotating bezel ring (that serves as the navigation tool for the watch) will sport device object and image recognition (above). Not only that but it will also support a barcode register for products that can be purchased through Samsung Pay and gesture controls. It will be able to be used as a remote for your TV, serve as a key to open or remote start your vehicle and determine health information. Chances are, the smartwatch will also sport a camera as well.
The device will also take advantage of wireless charging as well. From the information at hand, it looks like the watch will have a fall announcement. We’re not sure if Samsung will feature Tizen or Android Wear with its new watch but we’ll let you know when we find out.
source: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: New details for Samsung’s new round smartwatch surface
Android Authority this week
It’s been a fun week in the world of Android. Google finally dropped Android 5.1 and we were happy to see it’s more than just bug fixes. New features may also be coming soon to Android Wear. We heard more interesting tidbits about Samsung’s hot new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, including talk about an Active version featuring a massive battery. More rumors about LG’s and HTC’s next hero devices emerged. Google reorganized its device store and released a cheaper and nicer Chromebook Pixel. Cyanogen revealed some details about its upcoming plans. And finally Google issued nice updates to several of its apps.
Inside AA HQ
We’re back with a new installment of Android Authority this week after a two week hiatus for MWC. The show itself has been a blast, but we all had even more fun on the sidelines, just catching up with each other, meeting new people, and getting to hang out with fellow bloggers and journalists from the Android community. Check out a short gallery from the show here: it’s just a taste of an experience that we try to share with you at every show.
Moving on, we’re looking forward to reviewing the undisputed stars of MWC – the HTC One M9, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 Edge. All three devices are on their way and our reviews will be going up as soon as embargos let us. We’re really stoked to put these beasts through their paces, and we know you are stoked to learning everything about them, so stay tuned!
As always, keep an eye on our Sunday Giveaway page for a chance to win a hot new device!
The Friday Debate Podcast
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
Here are some interesting posts for your Sunday reading:
- Comparison: How does the new Galaxy S6 compare to Note 4? We take a look
- Comparison: We pitch the top two curved devices against each other: Galaxy S6 Edge vs G Flex 2
- Feature focus: Here’s what you can do with the interesting sloped screen of the S6 Edge
- Opinion: Apple Watch details are here: how does it stack up against Android Wear?
- Overview: Matt takes a look at the position and outlook of the biggest players in the mobile industry
- Review: Lanh takes the Mi Note for a spin. These are his conclusions
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
Android 5.1 is here
- Google officially unveils Android 5.1 Lollipop
- Here’s the full Android 5.1 changelog
- Android 5.1 brings back silent mode, sort of
- Android 5.1 Lollipop – Here’s what’s new
- (Update: Nexus 5, 6, 7, 10) Android 5.1 OTA update links begin to surface
- Android 5.1 said to be rolling out to Nexus 6 today
- Android 5.1 Lollipop SDK is now available with support for devices with dual-SIM cards
- Android Lollipop 5.1 factory images are now ready for download
Galaxy S6 bits and pieces
- Video: Samsung talks us through the Galaxy S6’s hardware
- Samsung is already ramping up Galaxy S6 production – report
- Samsung Galaxy S6 boasts the best display in the business
- Samsung reportedly has 20 million pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
- That curved glass on the S6 Edge? It takes time and money
Galaxy S6 Active
LG G4 and G Note shaping up
- “Early” press render hints at curvy LG G4
- More alleged LG G4 renders show front and sides… and an outdated logo
- Look out Samsung, LG may have a Note of its own
Android Wear is getting smarter
New Chromebook Pixel hits the Google Store
- Chromebook Pixel (2015) arrives, USB-C ports in tow — starting at $999
- Google goes all-in with USB Type-C
- Play Store shake up: devices section renamed to Google Store, Nexus 5 is gone
One E9 breaks cover
Google app updates
- Chrome v41 adds pull-to-refresh functionality, Beta v42 brings ‘site notifications’
- Street Art, Google’s first Android Wear watch face, is now live in the Play Store
- Google VPN service spotted hidden within Android 5.1
- YouTube now supports 360-degree video on desktop and mobile
- Latest Waze update helps estimate how long you’ll be stuck in traffic
- Google Messenger version 1.2 update adds GIF support
- New Google reference app helps developers build multi-screen apps
Cyanogen preview
- Lollipop-based Cyanogen 12 OTA for OnePlus One/Yureka now coming “in a few weeks”
- Cyanogen OS 12 will ship with Boxer as default email app
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
BlackBerry’s first tablet in years is a secure Galaxy Tab S
BlackBerry’s first experience with tablets was more than a little traumatic, but it hasn’t completely given up on the idea. The company’s SecuSmart wing has teamed up with IBM to launch the SecuTablet, an extra-secure version of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S 10.5. Reportedly, the slate’s included security bundle prevents sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands while allowing personal apps. Yes, you can watch YouTube on the same device that carries your classified documents. You aren’t likely to find this in stores (certainly not at its $2,380 price) as a result, but ongoing German government tests hint that you may well see it in the field — and there’s a real chance that it will outlive its ill-fated predecessor.
Filed under: Tablets, Samsung, Blackberry
Via: Wall Street Journal
Source: BlackBerry
BlackBerry’s first tablet in years is a secure Galaxy Tab S
BlackBerry’s first experience with tablets was more than a little traumatic, but it hasn’t completely given up on the idea. The company’s SecuSmart wing has teamed up with IBM to launch the SecuTablet, an extra-secure version of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S 10.5. Reportedly, the slate’s included security bundle prevents sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands while allowing personal apps. Yes, you can watch YouTube on the same device that carries your classified documents. You aren’t likely to find this in stores (certainly not at its $2,380 price) as a result, but ongoing German government tests hint that you may well see it in the field — and there’s a real chance that it will outlive its ill-fated predecessor.
Filed under: Tablets, Samsung, Blackberry
Via: Wall Street Journal
Source: BlackBerry
A birth in virtual reality was live-streamed by Samsung
While most people will probably use VR sets like the Gear VR and the HTC Vive for gaming, YouTube’s 360 videos, and VR concerts, there’s a use that’s well… a front row seat to the miracle of child birth. Samsung announced that the company has streamed the very first child birth in virtual reality.
Jason Larke, who couldn’t be at the birth of his third child due to work commitments in the Land Down Under, was able to witness his wife, Alison give birth thanks to Samsung and the Gear VR. The Korean company allowed him to watch the entire thing via a live-streamed feed for the Gear VR. Basically giving him the experience of being there.
Even though he was over 4,000 miles away, he was able to experience the birth of his third child in real time. Given that this is a brand new technology, it’s nice to see that it can be used for something more than novelty features. We have the video for you below.
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: The Next Web
Come comment on this article: A birth in virtual reality was live-streamed by Samsung
Samsung patent describes flexible phone design
With Project Ara, Google eyed modules as a way for users to build a custom phone that meets their unique needs and in the long term, may make it easier to keep up with the latest and greatest developments in smartphone tech as only particular modules need to be replaced. A new patent application from Samsung reveals that company has identified another use for modules in the smartphone market – making devices flexible.
The new patent application describes a device that goes beyond just having a fixed, curved screen. The device that Samsung submitted is capable of curving the frame itself by using a series of modules and can curve either inward or outward.
To achieve the feat described in the patent application, Samsung described how the same concept could be applied to a battery with the modules connected by cables. Making a component like the battery flexible is a requirement for a device like what Samsung has described since the smallest module is limited to the biggest component inside a smartphone.
Samsung points out that the design may lend itself especially well to devices marketed to active users. With the design of the modules and hinges, it may be possible for such a phone to be clipped onto clothing without the need for a case or band.
source: Patently Mobile
via: GSM Arena
Come comment on this article: Samsung patent describes flexible phone design
That curved glass on the S6 Edge? It takes time and money
The public reception of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge has been generally favorable, enough to make Samsung ramp up production levels and promise similar designs for other products coming in 2015. The downside is Samsung may be actually having trouble meeting the demand for its new devices, in particular the Galaxy S6 Edge.
A report from Taiwanese website TechNews claims Samsung is facing issues with the curved glass covering the Galaxy S6 Edge, including low yield rates, lengthy fabrication processes, and high costs.
Reportedly, Samsung’s China-based supplier of curved glass currently works with a 50% yield rate, meaning that half of all glass sheets have to be scrapped. That’s due to the lengthy and complex “thermo forming” process that each sheet of Gorilla Glass 4 needs to go through in order to attain the needed shape. Samsung explained the process in a blog post: put simply, each sheet of glass is heated to 800 degrees centigrade (which softens it), then pressed into shape using a special mold, chemically strengthened, and finally polished using high-precision machines. The polishing step alone can take 40 minutes.
According to the sources cited by TechNews, the final cost of each curved glass can reach $25-$26. It’s not clear if this cost accounts for the current low yield (if it factors in defective products), but it’s definitely above the average price of a conventional, flat Gorilla Glass screen. One source that’s often cited on the web says a flat sheet can cost as little as $3. Even if the cost reported by TechNews isn’t as high as $25, it’s safe to say it’s significantly higher than $3, and that’s likely one of the reasons the S6 Edge is more expensive than its non-curved sibling.
Samsung’s original order was for up to 8.5 million sheets of glass in Q2 2015, but due to the low yield, the supplier won’t be able to make more than 6.5 million units, says the report. As such, Samsung is said to be looking for other suppliers to make up the difference.
To be clear, this doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a shortage of Galaxy S6 Edge in stores. Even if this report is entirely accurate, Samsung may secure additional suppliers or a breakthrough in the manufacturing process could increase yields in the future.
Samsung reportedly plans to manufacture 4 million Galaxy S6 Edge units by the end of April.
Samsung commits to premium designs and high-res screens across its range
Samsung held its yearly shareholder meeting today in Seoul, and one of the hottest topics was the performance of the mobile unit and what Samsung is doing to reverse the decline from 2014.
Speaking to shareholders, head of mobile unit JK Shin said Samsung would double down on premium features in 2015, in a bid to make Samsung devices stand out against a resurgent Apple and the assault of cheaper Chinese competitors.
“Samsung Electronics aims to consolidate its leadership in the premium market and plans to newly change the smartphone line-up to strengthen competitiveness,” the executive said.
- Samsung is already ramping up Galaxy S6 production – report
- Samsung reportedly has 20 million pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
- What the tech world thinks about the Samsung Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9
- Samsung Galaxy S6 hands-on and first impressions
- Samsung Galaxy S6 officially announced: here’s what you need to know
Samsung will focus on three core aspects: metal casings, slim designs, and high-definition displays, according to Shin, and interestingly, these features will be used across Samsung’s range of models. That’s a clear sign that Samsung intends to employ metal designs in more devices this year, joining devices like the Galaxy A series and, of course, the new Galaxy S6.
Samsung Electronics Vice-Chairman Oh-Hyun Kwon reiterated the focus on premium devices in his letter to the company shareholders:
“For our core businesses, we will focus more on developing premium products and reinforcing technology leadership to secure competitive advantage. By doing so, we will maintain our absolute superiority not only in advanced markets but also in growth segments such as emerging and low-priced markets.”
Samsung’s newfound focus on premium designs has likely been bolstered by the warm reception that its new flagship is enjoying – regular customers, pundits, and carriers have showered the Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge with praise, prompting Samsung to increase the initial production run by a million.
Do you think a bigger focus on premium features will be enough for Samsung to resume growth?
UK customers will be able to catch their first glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy S6 this weekend
Samsung UK has announced that customers in the region will be able to catch the Galaxy S6 in action this Saturday (March 14) from dedicated Samsung Experience stores in the region. The company has ensured that all Experience stores in the UK will carry demo units of the Galaxy S6 as well as the Galaxy S6 Edge.
This should allow customers to make an informed decision about getting either of the two handsets before they go official next month. Up until now, users have only seen the two smartphones in pictures, so this will be a good opportunity to get up close and personal with the latest and greatest from Samsung.
The company will also have similar Experience shops set up here in the U.S. shortly, so customers Stateside will not have to wait long to get their hands on the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge. The smartphone will be simultaneously released in 20 markets, which includes the U.S., on April 10. With less than a month to go for the launch, the company has already built up enough hype and demand for the handset, with reports mentioning an increase of sales estimates from the company.
Via: Sam Mobile
Come comment on this article: UK customers will be able to catch their first glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy S6 this weekend
AIVAnet 