In depth virtual reality apps now closer to reality with Samsung’s new Gear VR app store
Not many people have had the luxury to test out Samsung’s Gear VR or even Google’s Cardboard, but for those who have, you can agree there’s a future for virtual reality and mobile devices. Google, among a slew of developers have created quite a few demonstration apps for VR, but few have created an immersive experience. All of the demo apps I have tried are wonderful, but I am always left wanting for more content. Google’s own Cardboard app, shows hints of what can come of virtual reality and it is exciting, mainly because it will be a new way to immerse yourself in content. How cool would it be to use street view and rather than clicking your screen, you just turn your head to see what is around you on the map? Or when you’re snowed in(Boston), you can strap on your VR headset and drop yourself in the middle of Hawaii to free yourself from the cold.
Leave it to Samsung, and Oculus to pave the path for the rest of the manufacturers, as they have announced a paid app store specifically for Gear VR which is specific to the Note 4. Just like when the original app stores arrived to mobile devices, there is a large opportunity for developers to make money in an industry that has yet to be tapped. More importantly, the paid app store gets us that much closer to actually having apps beyond demos.
It’s nice to see Samsung put those R&D dollars to good use, as they were second in the world the last two years in spending in R&D.
Source – Engadget
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Samsung Galaxy S6 vs. Motorola Moto X 2014
The Galaxy S6’s spectacular new screen boasts a QHD screen with 577 ppi, dominating the Moto X’s 1080p screen of 424 ppi. The Moto X’s screen still looks fantastic nonetheless and Motorola has taken full advantage of AMOLED technology with Active Display and off-screen notifications, as Samsung apparently has with the S6.
Samsung is using their own Exynos chip to power the S6, which beats the older Snapdragon 801 chip found in the Moto X in terms of speed and 64-bit capabilities, but Motorola has done a fantastic job optimizing their processor to make the Moto X one of the snappiest phones on the market.
It’s easy to say that the Galaxy S6 beats the Moto X in terms of camera performance, with the new Moto X under-performing even compared to 2014 flagships.
Both of these phones are capable of quick charging, with the Moto X capable of charging up to 80% in 15 minutes, and the Galaxy S6 “giving you four hours of use in a 10 minute charge” according to Samsung’s announcement.
Both of these phones use metal materials on the frames, however Motorola allows you to choose which type of back you want, ranging from leather, wood, to about all the colors on the rainbow for plastic.
Like many flagships in 2014, the Moto X is water resistant, even though submersing the device for a long period of time is not recommended. The Galaxy S6, strangely enough, is not.
Neither phones offer expandable memory or removable batteries, and the Moto X offers one front facing speaker above the screen while the Galaxy S6 speaker is located on the bottom of the device.
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The Unpacked Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge event now available to watch whenever you want
Didn’t get a chance to catch “What’s Next” from Samsung? Or maybe you did watch it, but your baby was screaming the whole time and you missed most of it. Either way, you can watch it anytime you wish since it’s now available on YouTube. Hit the break for the complete Unpacked Event and see what Samsung has in store. Hint, it’s the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Don’t forget, you can Chromecast this video to your TV or favorite it and easily open it from your Android TV YouTube app.
Be sure to check out our complete Mobile World Congress 2015 coverage.
Come comment on this article: The Unpacked Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge event now available to watch whenever you want
When and where to buy: HTC One M9
HTC announced its latest flagship Android experience, the One M9, at Mobile World Congress on March 1. According to HTC, the handset will begin trickling out to a number of carriers starting as soon as this month.
We’ve gathered up links and details for the various U.S. wireless providers; these will help if you’re interested in signing up for additional information or want to pre-register for your own device. Pricing has yet to be announced by any party however we’ll update this page over time.
Carriers
Retailers
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Best cases for Samsung Galaxy S6
With the release date of the Galaxy S6 right around the corner, or having recently launched (depending on when you’re reading this), now would be the perfect time to start picking out which case you’re going to use to protect your new investment. Pets, children, butterfingers and puddles all seem to be attracted to new devices.
Whether you’re into a heavy-duty housing or would rather opt for a minimal form factor, most will agree that just one drop, knick, or bash can be both a literal and figurative crushing blow. In hopes of curbing some of that trauma, here’s a handful of the best cases available to compliment your Samsung Galaxy S6:
Spigen Galaxy S6 Case Slim
We’ve heard nothing but good things from our readers regarding Spigen’s line of products so there’s no reason to doubt this Galaxy S6 slim case. Designed for a perfect fit, the non-slip surface is sure to help you keep a grip on your device.
Caseology Galaxy S6 Fusion Clear Case
This scratch-resistant clear cover offers something for those folks who have a taste for gold. The poly-carbonate bumper helps protect against impact and the raised lip keeps the front and back free of wear.
Verus Air Space Cushion Galaxy S6 Case
Here’s a great option for those who want a tough exterior without occupying too much space. This dual layered design offers drop protection while maintaining a slim silhouette. Plus, take a look at the textured back and tell me you don’t want to grip that.
Spigen Galaxy S6 Slim Armor Case
How about another fine offering from Spigen? This Slim Armor case has the prerequisite shock absorption and precision fit while also implementing a kickstand. Packed in a sharp gunmetal frame, this lightweight option is worth a shot.
Evocel Heavy Duty Galaxy S6 Armor Case
Craving something a bit more rugged? This Heavy Duty offering from Evocel packs dual layered protection with a TPU inner layer and poly-carbonate shell. Made in the USA, take one look at the tire-tread inspired design couple with the integrated kickstand and you’ll know that this is the case for those who ride hard.
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When and where to buy: Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone and its variant, the Galaxy S6 edge, was announced at Mobile World Congress on March 1. According to the hardware maker, the new dual-edged display phone will roll out to some 20+ countries on April 10.
We’ve gathered up links and details for the various U.S. wireless providers; these will help if you’re interested in signing up for additional information or want to pre-register for your own device. It’s worth pointing out that this model will not be as universally offered as the standard Galaxy S6
Pricing has yet to be announced by any party however we’ll update this page over time. Note that all parties listed below have been confirmed by Samsung.
Carriers
Retailers
- Best Buy
- Amazon
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Walmart
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Sony introduces new mid-range Xperia M4 Aqua
Fresh of Sony’s announcement of the Xperia Z4 tablet Sony also introduced the Xperia M4 Aqua. Sony claims to set the new mid-range standard with the M4 Aqua. Sony has been knows to create some of the best tablets and phones on the market for android. The Xperia M4 Aqua boast no compromise in features offering the most popular features from their Xperia Z line of tablets.
The phone will with some high end specs for a mid-range device. Sony states that the M4 will come with a 13MP camera with F2.0 aperture, octa-core 64-bit Snapdragon 615, and be water proof. The device will be launching in 80 countries worldwide and more than 100 carriers in Spring of 2015. The M4 Aqua comes in white, black, coral, and silver. The device itself comes with a metallic and tempered glass with cues from the Sony OmniBalance design.
With a crowded smartphone market Sony appears to be opting for dominance in the more affordable mid range line of smartphones while still offering a premium look and feel. Another key about the M4 Aqua is in the name itself boasting being waterproof, a feature dropped from the Galaxy line this year. Will it be enough to go head to head with other phones in the mid-range such as the Moto G and E? Or is this Sony backing away from the high end Android game?
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Pre-MWC with Special Guests! | The Friday Debate Podcast 006
In this special edition of the FDP, Josh gets together with a couple very special guests to talk about the devices they will be covering at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Michael Fisher (@captain2phones) of PocketNow (@pocketnow) and Nicole Scott (@nicole_scooter) of MobileGeeks (@mobilegeekscom) join the show!
While pondering over HTC, Alcatel, LG, and Samsung devices, quite a few fun moments happen in the hotel room where what Josh calls “The Trifecta of Collaboration” recorded this special episode. Among them are a botched tribute by Josh to the late Leonard Nimoy, talks about Barcelona and its beauty, and the exact opposite of beauty as Michael Fisher expresses his disgust at La Sagrada Familia.
It’s a jam-packed, longer-than-usual episode that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!
The Friday Debate Podcast – discussing topics in Android every week.
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Samsung Galaxy S6 First Look!
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Recorded on February 28, 2015 – Hosted and Produced by Joshua Vergara
Samsung and IKEA will bring wireless charging to your couch. Literally
IKEA has plans to include this technology INSIDE its furniture! Futuristic indeed!
Despite the fact that wireless charging has been included on Android devices for some time now, it’s never really taken off in perhaps the same way phone and accessory manufacturers hoped. There are a number of possible reasons for this, including the costs associated with buying a Qi-compatible charger, or the very cases we keep our phones in to protect them that negate the battery replenishing feature. Perhaps it’s simply that your wireless charger is at your desk but you want to top-up while on the sofa. Samsung and Ikea hear you.
Announced at MWC in Barcelona, Korea’s largest OEM and Sweden’s most famous furniture store are bring a brand new partnership to your living room. And bedroom. And well, just about any room in your house or office. Starting next month, IKEA will begin selling furniture with wireless charging capabilities in Europe and North America, with a global rollout thereafter. This coincides nicely with the April 10th release date of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.
Just imagine all the places where wireless charging could be embedded: the sofa, the table, the carpet…
The possibilities are endless really. Imagine a table with one-or-more corners containing a “hot spot” to place your phone for power regeneration. Consider a sofa with a wireless charging module built into the arm.
While IKEA has not specified just what wireless standard it will be using in its furniture (is it the aforementioned Qi? Something different perhaps?), both of Samsung’s new flagships support the world’s first universally compatible embedded wireless charging capabilities thus it really doesn’t even matter. (Of course, those with Qi-only compatibility will want to pay close attention when additional details are provided.)
Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2015 –Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and IKEA of Sweden usher in a new era of connectivity, expanding charging capabilities beyond fixed outlets in homes or work environments through their involvement with the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). With the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge– featuring the world’s first, universally compatible embedded wireless charging technology –and IKEA’s new home furniture range for wireless charging, users will enjoy a fully plug-free charging environment at home.
Today, consumers are demanding simple and efficient charging methods to make their lives easier and more convenient. IKEA is addressing this by building wireless charging technology directly into its home furnishings, effectively turning bedside tables, lamps and desks into charging spots. This is a perfect match for the Galaxy S6 and its groundbreaking wireless technology, compatible with any wireless pad in the market, including the new furniture from IKEA. Through this, Samsung and IKEA are helping customer live a more comfortable life at home.
“Mobile devices have become a natural part of our lives – our ability to pair a simple wireless charging process with IKEA’s household furniture gives everyone the opportunity to more comfortable and conveniently enjoy their smartphone experience like never before,” said Jean-Daniel Ayme, Deputy President of European Telecommunication Operations at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung strives to deliver the best mobile experiences for consumers, especially in the comfort of their own home or office, and we have a long-term commitment to innovative charging solutions.”
”Through research and home visits, we know that people hate cable mess. They worry about not finding the charger and running out of power. Our new innovative solutions, which integrate wireless charging into home furnishings, will make life at home simpler”, says Jeanette Skjelmose, Business Area Manager Lighting and Wireless Charging, at IKEA.
The new wireless charging collection from IKEA will be available in Europe and North America in April 2015 followed by a global roll-out. Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge is announced today at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona and will be launched in the global markets starting from April 10th.
About IKEA Group
Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people and we offer well designed, functional and affordable, high quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. The IKEA Group has 319 stores in 28 countries. The IKEA Group had 716 million visits during FY14 and more than 1.5 billion visits to ikea.com. In addition there are more than 46 stores in 21 countries run by franchisees outside the IKEA Group. Some countries have two franchisees so the total number of countries with IKEA stores in February 2015 is 46.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. We are also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. We employ 307,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of US $196 billion. To discover more, please visit our official website at www.samsung.com and our official blog at global.samsungtomorrow.com
Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge get some snappy cameras
Although Samsung really put a lot into improving the hardware present in their new flagship devices revealed at MWC 2015 today, like many other manufacturers did with their own devices, smartphones are pushing on the limits of the law of diminishing returns. One area where potential still exists though is the cameras and the ability of the devices to capture brilliant images. Samsung took advantage of that with some significant improvements to the cameras in the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
A major part of the improvement that Samsung made focused on the front camera which is now a wide-angle capable 5 MP camera. The sensor itself is 1.4 times larger than the Galaxy S 5. Samsung also added in full, real-time automatic HDR to both the front and rear cameras. The addition of this feature is partially thanks to the hardware in the rest of the phones as the processors can now keep up with the computing demands needed to stitch the images together. Besides adding this capability, normally reserved for rear-facing cameras, to the front-camera, Samsung has also made HDR video available to users.
Samsung put F1.9 lenses in the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge along with Optical Image Stabilization and IR White Balance. Combined, these enhancements will let users capture clear images with no blurring despite shaking or low light conditions. An advanced Auto-Focus function has also been implemented to help users correctly focus on both moving and stationary objects. The auto-focus is also very fast, taking only 0.3 seconds to focus.
To help users tap into all the power of the hardware available in the devices, Samsung added a new Quick Launch feature. According to Samsung, users will be able to launch the camera application in only 0.7 seconds, even if they are using another application. Once opened, users will find an improved user interface for the camera app that provides access to a variety of tools with a minimum of taps and no scrolling. Samsung also added a preview mode that shows the impact of filters in real-time while looking at the screen. In case a user wants to assert more control, Samsung also added a professional camera mode with full control over camera settings.
With all of these improvements, owners of the new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge should be able to capture some truly incredible images whether it is what they are looking at or a selfie.
Be sure to check back for more coverage of MWC 2015 to see what Samsung and other manufacturers are doing with their mobile device products.
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge get some snappy cameras
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