Samsung may produce a Galaxy Note S Pen that doubles as a stand
Kickstands are a welcome addition to practically any mobile device. There’s really only so long that you can awkwardly support your phone with the side of your pinky finger (like you may be doing right now), so it would be nice if you could just set your smartphone down at a nice viewing angle to keep browsing or streaming. Unfortunately, kickstands kind of grate against the aesthetic of premium devices. If your casing is made of plastic, a stand is all well and good, but they feel out of place on metal and glass. According to some recent patents, it would seem that Samsung has found a work-around.
The patent, discovered by Patently Mobile, outlines a design for a stylus that bends in the middle, which allows it to function as a kickstand while halfway inserted into its slot. The idea is to let users take advantage of their gorgeous displays without compromising the design’s overall aesthetic.
See also: Samsung patents an S-Pen case for non-Note Galaxy devices
When the S Pen is bent into a stand, a lock engages inside the slot so you don’t have to worry about it falling out. Once you bend the stylus back into its straight alignment, the lock disengages, and you can slip the S Pen all the way back in for storage or start scribbling away with it. If you’re worried about a bendable pen feeling unwieldy, you shouldn’t be too concerned. The joint seems to lock into place, creating a sturdy pen while you’re using it.
Samsung filed this patent in the third quarter of 2015, but the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office didn’t publish the application until this year. We’re not certain when this feature may be making its way to commercial products, but it is definitely a creative and innovate use of the S Pen. What are your thoughts regarding this patent? Let us know in the comments below!
Samsung’s Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge say hello in leaked photos
We’re in prime flagship leak season since Mobile World Congress is just a few weeks away, and we might have just gotten our first in-the-wild looks at Samsung’s Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. If this pace keeps up, we could all the most important details down before Samsung’s February 21st press bonanza in Barcelona.
Let’s start from the back. The first photo — obtained by ReviewDao.vn — doesn’t offer the most tantalizing view of Samsung’s new S7, but it does seem to validate a handful of reports that have made the rounds these past few weeks. Consider that camera, for instance — while we can’t tell if Samsung actually swapped the S6’s 16-megapixel sensor for a 12-megapixel affair, the hump that houses the lens is much slimmer than it used to be. Moreover, the photo matches up pretty nicely with a render shared by noted leaker/VentureBeat writer Evan Blass, while the curvy back (which should house a bigger battery than in last year’s model) syncs up with previously leaked CAD diagrams.
Meanwhile, a separate photo of what appears to be the Galaxy S7 Edge came from China and shows off the device’s trademark curved display. Weibo user JKwan managed to get the device running a benchmarking app that identifies the phone as an SM-G9350, a model number that was tied to the S7 Edge when it passed through China’s Compulsory Certification organization. Really though, none of us should be surprised that Samsung has a new Edge to go with the regular S7; the company underestimated demand for the S6 Edge last year, and it even accidentally confirmed the phone’s existence on its own site. Juicy details like the phones’ chipsets and pressure-sensitive screen have yet to be full-on confirmed, but with any luck, we’ll learn plenty before we even fly off to sunny España.
Galaxy S7 photo leaks show refinement to familiar designs
The unveiling of Samsung’s latest Galaxy handsets is fast approaching, but if you’re too antsy to wait, thankfully leakers have our backs. Today, we’ve gotten our best looks yet (allegedly) at the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. We also have some juicy details to round out the leaks.
First up is a rear shot of the Galaxy S7. We’ve previously heard that Samsung was working on slimming that unpopular camera hump from last year’s flagship, so many folks have been itching to get a visual of that effort.
While the camera component doesn’t look completely flush with the chassis, it does seem like a big improvement. If you’ve missed recent murmur about the S7’s camera module, it supposedly uses BRITECELL technology and underwent a reduction in megapixel count, from 16MP in the Galaxy S6 to 12MP (f/1.7 aperture lens).
Another interesting observation on the leaked image is that the back cover appears to be plastic rather than glass. But we shouldn’t jump to conclusions yet. It’s likely that this unit is a prototype. Also, notice that the Note5‘s curved back made a return.
Fortunately, that’s not all we have. Another image, of the alleged Galaxy S7 Edge, also surfaced.
This image doesn’t really show us anything we didn’t already know. We’re familiar with those sexy curved edges. The S7 Edge is supposed to be the larger of the pair (5.5″ vs 5.1″ on the S7), and it does look like it from these pictures.
Samsung is said to have refined the metal frame on the Galaxy S7, replacing it with a stronger magnesium alloy. Water resistance and considerable battery capacities have also been reiterated.
We all know that the chipset will be a beast (they always are). The AnTuTu benchmark score on the S7 Edge image is thought to be achieved with the newest Exynos SoC. But keep in mind that various sources have suggested that some markets will get the Snapdragon 820 (likely the U.S.). Quick charging will also get a significant boost, with a claim of 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes. Lastly, the Galaxy S7 is said to join LG in the high quality audio game, also packing the HiFi ESS Sabre 9018 DAC (digital-to-analog converter).
What do you think about the Galaxy S7 pair so fair? If these details are true, are you sold on one or the other?
Source: SamMobile
The post Galaxy S7 photo leaks show refinement to familiar designs appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Purported Galaxy S7 leaks in first hands-on picture
Curious to see how the Galaxy S7 looks in the flesh? After a series of CAD drawings and renders, an image published by Vietnamese website ReviewDao purports to show an actual Galaxy S7 in the wild.
The image confirms a couple of details we’ve been hearing about the Galaxy S7. First its camera, a 12MP unit that is said to be much better than the Galaxy S6’s, doesn’t protrude as much as on Samsung’s 2015 flagship. We can see from the picture that the camera is very close to being flush with the body of the alleged S7, while its shape seems a little rounder. This is something we first reported on in our exclusive Galaxy S7 CAD diagram leak, and Korean media later confirmed it.
See also: Samsung Galaxy S7 rumor roundup: release date, price, specs, features
Second, we can see from the picture that the Galaxy S7 will feature a glass back that curves gently into its metallic frame. This is another subtle change compared to the Galaxy S6, which had a flat glass back.
The image appears to be showing the rumored all-black Galaxy S7, which leaked in press renders last week. The paintjob combines a black glass back with what looks to be black anodized metal. Note that ReviewDao claims this is a prototype, so the commercial version could differ to a certain extent.
The report includes some information on the Galaxy S7, most of it being stuff we’ve heard before. It’s not clear where these details come from, but a couple of bits that stand out are the magnesium alloy frame (allegedly replacing aluminum) and the incredibly fast charging time of 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes.
We’ll see if these details pan out on February 21, when Samsung will introduce the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge at its Barcelona event. Let us know your thoughts!
Samsung’s S Pen could soon double as a kickstand according to a trademark application at the USPTO
Samsung’s Galaxy Note range of smartphones is famous for introducing us to the S Pen, a smart stylus that has grown more useful with every new iteration. Before the Note 5 was announced last year, we had rumours stating that the Note 5’s S Pen would eject by itself when prompted to by the handset’s firmware, and this year? Well, this year it could well be that the S Pen will double as a kickstand.
According to Patently-Mobile, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has received a trademark application from Samsung that will add a kickstand function to the S Pen. As you can see from the image above, the S Pen can be partly withdrawn from the handset and then folded at around the halfway point, forming an angled wedge that the device can then rest on. There will apparently also be a locking mechanism to keep the S Pen partially inserted while holding the handset at the chosen angle in landscape mode. Once the S Pen has been straightened, the S Pen can then be fully removed or inserted.
The trademark application was filed back in Q3 of 2015, so there’s no telling just how far along the development is, nor whether it will make an appearance in the Note 6 later this year. Would you like to see the Note 6’s S Pen tricked out with this ‘kickstand’ function? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Source: Patently-Mobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s S Pen could soon double as a kickstand according to a trademark application at the USPTO
Verizon’s Galaxy Note 4 update brings bugfixes, latest security patches and optimized performance
If you are rocking a Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910V) courtesy of Verizon, you’ll be glad to find out that the U.S. carrier is in the process of rolling out an update to your handset. While the new firmware, that bumps the Note 4 up to software version LMY47X.N910VVRU2BPA1, is still based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (boo-hoo!), the update is said to include performance tweaks, the latest security patches, as well as some bug fixes. We have the changelog after the break.
Verizon has provided the following details regarding the changes:
- Support for Android for Work
- Upgrades to the Samsung Know Platform
- Removal of previously pre-installed Amazon Appstore and Amazon Widgets
- Device performance optimization
- Bugfixes for known issues
- Latest security patches
The update is rolling out Over-The-Air, if you haven’t already received the notification, you can always navigate to Settings/System/About Device/Software Updates and then tap on Update Now to see if the OTA is available for your device.
While it’s always good to see a device get an update, it is disappointing that the Note 4 is still languishing on 5.1.1 Lollipop. I guess the wait for the Note 4 to be bumped up to Marshmallow continues. If you’ve received the update from Verizon, let us know if it was a smooth experience.
Come comment on this article: Verizon’s Galaxy Note 4 update brings bugfixes, latest security patches and optimized performance
Forget fingerprint scanners, Samsung wants to use your veins to identify you
U.S. patent and Trademark Office
That’s right, Samsung has patented a smartwatch-based vein-scanning technology that would be used as a contactless alternative to fingerprint scanners for biometric security on wearables. We haven’t even seen an iris scanner implemented in a commercial mobile device yet, but Samsung is already looking to the future for its next-gen biometric security inspiration.
Samsung’s smartwatch design patent details a wearable that projects a light source onto the back of the hand and uses a side-mounted camera to read the structure and pattern of your veins. Called a vascular scanner, vein-matching is actually already being used by the FBI, CIA and hospitals for verification and is considered by some to be more secure than fingerprint scanners.
Vein matching not only provides more data points for verification than finger scanners, it is also a truly contactless biometric system, meaning skin conditions can’t affect the reading. Anyone that has ever had wet, cut or otherwise “abnormal” fingers will know how much local skin conditions can affect the accuracy of a finger scanner.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Of course, Samsung patents all kinds of weird and wonderful technology and never brings it to market, so this is hardly a confirmation that the Gear S3 will have a vascular scanner for unlocking your watch and authenticating payments. But the fact that vascular scanners are increasingly popular for biometric security means the idea isn’t as far fetched as it might first sound.
Of course, one interesting problem this kind of tech brings up is that Samsung would need to make both left- and right-handed smartwatches or else the light sources and scanners would need to be placed on both sides of the watch.
See also: How fingerprint scanners work: optical, capacitive, and ultrasonic variants explained
A reversible interface would only partially negate this problem, because then any physical buttons would be on the wrong side as well as upside down. It may seem silly, but forcing left-handed consumers to wear a watch on an unnatural arm wouldn’t be the best marketing ploy. I’m sure Samsung will figure something out if and when this tech ever comes to market though.
What do you think of vascular scanners? Better or worse than fingerprint and iris scanners?
Android Authority this week – February 27, 2016
Hello Android fans, this week we finally had confirmation that the Galaxy S7 and the LG G5 are both launching on February 21 in Barcelona; we’ve heard about Google’s plans to take more control over the Nexus program; the first credible image of the HTC M10 leaked out; Google became the most valuable company in the world; Microsoft bought SwiftKey for a rumored $500 million; and Marshmallow graced several flagship phones and one device that was launched in 2011!
Inside AA HQ
Our smartphones are hardly phones anymore, with their large screens made for browsing the web and specs that rival laptops. It would probably be more accurate to call them “smartcameras.” Millions of users use their devices primarily to take pics and share them on their social network of choice. Thing is, despite the amazing advancements of mobile cameras, the average shot is still pretty… average. If you’re looking for ways to up your mobile photography game, don’t miss Edgar’s excellent piece with tips and tricks for getting better pics out of your phone right away. And stay tuned for more in-depth posts on mobile photography in the future.
Both Samsung and LG have confirmed that their respective flagships will be unveiled in Barcelona in exactly two weeks. Exciting times, as LG vies to turnaround its top phone series and Samsung is in the tricky position of having to top the superb Galaxy S6. And that’s just the cherry on the cake: MWC is shaping up to be more interesting than ever, and Android Authority will be there to cover it all. Flights are booked, accommodation has been arranged, now it’s time to wait. In the meantime, look out for our MWC preview, coming soon.
Back to the popular Nexus 6P for our popular Sunday Giveaway. Try your luck here!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Review: Krystal reviews the incredibly affordable honor 5X
- How-to: You always wondered, admit it – how can I take better pics with my phone. Wonder no more
- Tech talk: iOS has long held the lead in audio latency, but Marshmallow is narrowing the gap.
- Tech talk: Which fast charging standard is the best?
- For developers: Here’s what you need to know to start building apps with Android IDE
- Best apps: So you’re finally done with the Facebook app. Here are some alternatives
- Explainer: Fingerprint scanners are everywhere: here’s how they work
- Versus: Sibling rivalry: Mate 8 vs Nexus 6P
- Feature: 2016 is do or die for Sony Mobile – here’s why
News of the week
Google Nexus changes
Galaxy S7 release date
- Latest Galaxy S7 renders allegedly show off back of device
- It’s official: Galaxy S7 is launching on February 21
LG G5 teasing is on
M10 revealed
Marshmallow updates
- Google releases February security update factory images for Nexus devices
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow rolling out to the LG G4 in Canada
- BlackBerry Priv February security patch is now rolling out
- Marshmallow now rolling out to the original NVIDIA Shield Tablet (Update: OTA halted)
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow rolling out to the LG G4 in Canada
- Select AT&T Galaxy Note 5 users are receiving Marshmallow beta on their devices
Google’s raking in money
- Google posts Q4 and full year 2015 earnings – $74.5 billion in revenue for the year
- Alphabet is now the world’s most valuable company, toppling Apple
Microsoft now owns Swiftkey
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Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge+ not coming to the UK?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was a big phone, and it may have also been a big mistake. Or at least releasing it in the UK without offering the Note 5 anywhere in Europe was. That is, according to the latest rumor.
A “Techradar source high up” mentions the Korean giant has learnt from its mistakes and they are making things up with the coming flagships. The insider states the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge+ will not be coming to the UK after an onslaught of complaints from Galaxy Note 5 fans.
“Samsung isn’t going to launch the S7 Edge+ in the UK. I got the impression that it had been a bit of a disappointment sales-wise and that the decision to keep the Note 5 out of Europe is now considered a mistake. So our information is that the Note 6 will launch in the UK in August and that there will be no S7 Edge+.”
Also read:
I still don’t understand why Samsung wouldn’t just release both handsets in these specific markets, but the S7 series continues to be a mystery by now. We can all guess, but the truth is no one knows what Samsung is about to do. It’s possible they just won’t release the S7 Edge+ in the UK, just as it’s possible they won’t release it at all. And that makes a bit of sense; large screen fans do already have the Galaxy Note series around.
Maybe Samsung could just position this phone differently, but all we can do is wait until the truth emerges. Mobile World Congress is just around the corner, and we expect to learn more details there. Meanwhile, we will keep our eyes and ears open… and our fingers typing. Be sure we will get you all the latest rumors and news, so stay tuned.
But tell us, guys. Do you think there is a need for another large handset in the Galaxy S series? Do you think the Note smartphones are enough? Hit the comments to let us know!
The 100% full wood Nexus 6P skin by Toast
I am not a huge fan of using cases for my smartphones because they add too much bulk. There is definitely a purpose to them if you’re the type who is rough on your smartphone. But if you are gentle on your devices you should strongly consider getting a skin. I have a really unique skin made by Toast on my Nexus 6P and it is pretty freaking amazing.
About Toast
Toast is a relatively new company getting its start in 2012 by a man named Matias Brecher which I had the pleasure of meeting him in person at CES 2016. My first impression was a good one. Similar to other people I know who own their own businesses, I could tell he took great pride and passion in his work. He was standing at the CES booth and actually applying real wood Toast skins to people’s personal phones.
Matias Brecher – “Papa Toast” at CES
In the 15 minutes I was at the booth, I did get a chance to speak with Matias and even though he was tired from being on the CES floor for three days straight, he took the time to tell me about his company. He even told me he was the one who designed and cut my custom AG skin.
Toast got its name by the process in which the designers engrave and cut with a laser that burns in a very precise manner. So Matias named his company after toast which also burns.
Toast is a true U.S. based company which does all of its business in Portland, OR. In just three quick years, they have already grown to a company of 10 where they handle every step of the skin creation process. They are very good people. Toast takes part in the 1% for the Planet program in which a minimum of 1% of Toast’s net proceeds are donated to help save the earth. It’s a rarity for such a new company to have a social conscience, but it does and I am happy to support a company like Toast.
“We are a small company dedicated to quality products and quality of life: for you, for us, and for our planet.”
Real wood skin made in the U.S.A.
Toast makes a wide variety of skins – mobile devices, tablets, gaming consoles and even custom skins out of real genuine wood. I happen to have the grey Nexus 6P which has an all metal body. And if you’ve owned an all metal device before you understand that metal can be easy to scratch. If you’re like me and are tired of having the same old look in a smartphone with most of them being black, white or gold, skins can offer a superior level of customization without adding bulk.
I have been a fan of the “wood” look but only a few devices employed the look. Leave it to Toast to fill that gap with real wood skins that can be applied to almost any smartphone. My Nexus 6P skin is made from Walnut with an Ebony inlay for the camera and custom laser etched AG in the center of the skin. I also have the optional Walnut front cover which rounds out skin.
Every single detail is covered when it comes to the Toast skin. The cutouts are perfect for the buttons, cameras, and sensors. The wood itself is about a millimeter thick which a sticky backing which means it is very delicate until it is actually applied to the phone. Since it does add thickness, the SIM slot, power and volume buttons are slightly recessed when the main skin is applied. But Toast provides perfectly cut out wood inserts for that too.
Every detail is well thought out and Toast even provides an alcohol swab to clean your device to make sure the skin gets proper adhesion.
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Installation
I am not a huge fan of applying skins because they can sometimes be painful, but not the Toast skin. The laser that does the cutting is perfect and I say that without exaggeration. Once you line up the rear microphone hole, found below the Nexus 6P camera, and align the buttons all you have to do is push down and it fits perfectly.
Once the main section is in place, I dropped in the Ebony AG insert as well as the camera insert. It was as simple as removing the protective covering over the glue and fitting it into the skin like a jigsaw puzzle. Following those, I then put the inserts in for the SIM card, power button and volume rocker. I was a little skeptical of the tight fit and was worried they would get stuck, but was pleasantly surprised when my buttons worked without issue. And then all I had to do was apply the front Walnut screen cover and I was done. The whole process took less than five minutes.
Results
The skin fit perfect. It gives my 6P a unique look that I have not seen before on another phone. It definitely adds grip to what otherwise is a slippery Nexus 6P, and it is 100% made in the U.S.A. and supports charity at the same time. It even smells a little like burned wood. Rather than talk up the results I am just going to provide some sweet pictures. Words can’t do it justice.
Summary
Of all of the skins I have tried, the Toast all wood skin is by far my favorite. It was super easy to apply, has a unique look and is made by a company with values that I adore. The skins start at just $34 and can work their way up to $50+ if you want custom designs and graphics. I highly recommend checking out Toast skins if you’re up for a new look. You will not be disappointed.
Learn more at Toastmade.com
The post The 100% full wood Nexus 6P skin by Toast appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 