ABI Research: Samsung catching Apple in tablet shipments in 2014
Apple pioneered the tablet device market and has had a headstart on its competitors for years, opening up a huge lead in the number of devices sold. That gap is gradually closing, however, and the latest statistics to support this comes from ABI Research who has just released its latest findings. According to the findings, in the first quarter of 2014, Apple still led with 16.4 million units shipped with Samsung in second place with 13 million units shipped, marking the first time the two giants have been so close in these figures. The key here is that Apple’s shipments in this quarter were actually down by 10.1% since a year ago, whereas Samsung has experienced a 10.80% increase in the same period.
Interestingly, while Android has a market share of tablet shipments totalling 56.3%, Samsung and Apple alone made up for 71.3% of the 41.3 million tablets shipped in Q1 this year. To put that in perspective, ASUS, who is a distant third in these standings, shipped 2.1 million tablets in Q1, which already takes into account the Nexus 7 tablets. Tablets may remain iOS’ realm for another quarter, but it won’t be long before Samsung overtakes them in the near future, and hopefully the other Android manufacturers can take a bit more of the cake too.
What do you think about these tablet figures? Are you surprised an any of these numbers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Source: ABI Research via Phone Arena
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Is this Samsung’s Galaxy S5 Prime?
When a $600 smartphone isn’t considered “premium,” then we’re all in deep, deep trouble. That’s the problem facing Samsung’s Galaxy S5, however, with scores of people hoping that an even more expensive version of the flagship is lurking just around the corner. The folks over at PhoneArena are showing off an image of what purports to be the “Galaxy S5 Prime,” apparently packing a QHD display and some spec bumps to ensure it remains a few Snapdragon model numbers ahead of its immediate rivals. The other big alleged difference is that the handset will come with an aluminum body, in the hope of luring back any customers who are drawn towards the HTC One’s shinier chassis. Naturally, there’s no proof that such a device actually exists, but the images do show some subtle differences compared to the regular GS5 we know today: The optical blood pressure monitor appears to sit behind the same glass panel as the camera sensor, and there’s no speaker grille on the lower-left quarter of the rear case. All in all, we’re going to file this in the “we’ll believe it when we see it” box, since even Samsung wouldn’t be crazy enough to replace its flagship just months after launch, would it?
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung
Source: PhoneArena
Aluminium Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime or Active gets featured in pre-production Video running Android 4.4.3
We’ve been hearing increasingly frequent rumours surrounding a possible Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime device, one that upgrades the original Galaxy S5 with a 2K resolution display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor. There have also been rumours that this ‘more premium’ version of the Galaxy S5 would in fact be aluminium, and in a new video featuring what looks like a pre-production model of the device, it looks like an aluminium Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime is a decent possibility. Check it out:
As you can see from the video, the device is definitely made from aluminium, and definitely bears some very subtle differences to the original Galaxy S5. As the video mentions, this is a pre-production model which could mean the finished product may look slightly different to the one in the video. What’s interesting is the video is labelled as for both the S5 Prime and S5 Active as there have also been rumours swirling regarding a follow-up Active device; we’d definitely lean towards suggesting this is the S5 Prime as yesteryear’s S4 Active device has some very different bodywork compared to the Galaxy S4.
As a follow up to the above video, TKTech went on to examine the specs of the device in another video:
As the video seems to suggest, the device has a model number of SM-G906A which matches what we expected for the S5 Prime and interestingly the device is running Android 4.4.3. However, the device is apparently running a Snapdragon 801 and the screen resolution of the device is only 1920×1080, not 2560×1440 as would be expected from a 2K display. Something is definitely amiss with the pre-production device, however we’re not about to dismiss everything that we’ve seen in this video seeing as it is a pre-production model. We’re expecting to see Samsung launch the S5 Prime in June to combat the release of the LG G3 later this month, so we won’t have long to see what the actual device looks like if this all ends up true.
What do you think about the appearance of the aluminium Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime? Happy to see a metal body? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Source: YouTube (1), (2) via Phone Arena
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Likely Samsung Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition spotted getting Bluetooth SIG Certified
Devices that are often on the imminent path to release have to go though Bluetooth SIG certification, so it’s not unusual to see rumoured devices passing through Bluetooth SIG’s website on their way to market. Sometimes though, it’s hard to tell exactly what the devices are as they only bear model numbers in the database, and a certain SM-G900FG has perked up everybody’s attention. It’s been suggested that this device will end up becoming the Samsung Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition that we’ve assumed is coming ever since the Galaxy S5‘s launch.
While there’s no real concrete evidence to say that this device actually is the Galaxy S5 GPe, the two corroborating facts being used are the fact that the model number for the international Galaxy S5 is SM-G600F and that the Galaxy S4 GPe tacked a “G” at the end of the international Galaxy S4′s model number (i.e. SM-I9505G). The release of the Galaxy S5 GPe will likely be good news for those Android enthusiasts who are yet again disappointed by the bloated TouchWiz UI but want the hardware prowess under the hood.
Would you buy the Samsung Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition if/when it is released? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
Source: Bluetooth SIG via SamMobile
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Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 will be ‘Terminal Samsung Galaxy S5′ for two weeks as part of marketing Campaign
Samsung is well known for its over-the-top and arguably excessive marketing campaigns, however, this one definitely takes the cake. Starting on May 19th for two weeks, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is going to be temporarily rebranded as ‘Terminal Samsung Galaxy S5′, a rebranding which will include all the signs in the terminal, as well as all 172 digital panels around the terminal, and will feature the terminal’s new name and images of the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone.
To be completed in collaboration with JCDecaux Airport, the campaign will be witnessed by the thousands of air travellers that pass through part of the ‘busiest airport in the world’ every day, and is the first initiative of its kind. Naturally, Samsung is hoping that the campaign will further boost the impressive performance of the Samsung Galaxy S5 in the U.K. and Europe, though it’s not like that much help in selling truckloads of the devices, but why quit when you’re ahead right?
It’s definitely an interesting move by Samsung to try something on this scale, but we wonder that since Samsung has now set the precedent, will we be seeing more campaigns like this in the future? Let us know what you think of the campaign in the comments.
Source: engadget via Android Authority
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Samsung’s tablet for schools carries a tougher shell and extra smarts
We don’t envy schools that have to go tablet shopping; many slates can’t survive roughhousing by playful kids, let alone impart some wisdom. Teachers will be glad to hear, then, that Samsung has fulfilled its promise of a classroom-ready tablet by releasing the Galaxy Tab 4 Education in the US. Hardware-wise, it boils down to a Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 with a rugged case — nothing truly special, but enough to survive a fall from a desk. The real highlight may be the software, which includes educational apps, books and videos alongside easy access to Google Play for Education. Samsung’s smarter Galaxy Tab carries just a slight premium at $370, although schools will want to tack on another $30 if they want Google Play’s help with their lessons.
Via: AnandTech
Source: Samsung (1), (2)
My week with LeBron… the app
LeBron James is the best NBA player… to follow on Instagram. Whether you’re a superfan of the Miami Heat forward or not, scrolling through the carefully curated mix of courtside action, Lanvin outfits and video tributes to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is pretty freaking endearing. He — with some help from his publicist, no doubt — is a master at communicating with us normals through social media, and even as someone who isn’t rooting for Miami this season, I’ve missed his updates since they stopped around the beginning of the playoffs. It’s not like I need to suffer major withdrawals, though; Samsung has an exclusive LeBron app with original content to keep Galaxy phone users attuned to his every move and outfit change.
I spent this past week, in which the Heat handily defeated the Brooklyn Nets, checking this app several times a day. I didn’t exactly have a good time. For one, I had to trade my non-Samsung phone for a Galaxy Note II to even get access to the app, and then there’s the fact that checking updates across the app’s four sections becomes pretty time-consuming. Still, I ended up fascinated — and also very confused.
So why does this app exist, you ask? Just because.
So why does this app exist, you ask? Just because. There’s no real point — for the user, at least — other than to look at pretty things and appreciate how awesome this guy’s life is. That means no links for buying LeBron’s sneakers or anything like that — it’s just perfect photo after perfect photo. There’s also no option to share posts on Twitter or Facebook, so it’s not intended to be a social experience. Maybe that’s meant to make the updates feel more intimate; look at you, lucky Galaxy S5 owner, getting exclusive access to your personal hero.
I expected celebrity cameos and selfies on private jets, but the LeBron app is more about video from recent games and behind-the-scenes photos of James at Samsung photo shoots. Best of all, if you want to watch game highlights, you’ll be treated to some of the highest-quality video you’ll ever see on your phone. Samsung clearly optimized clips for the app, and they look amazing.
The “Style” and “Journey” sections of the LeBron app do give you a look at pregame meals and snapshots with captions such as “Sunday reading,” but Samsung’s heavy hand feels very apparent in the presentation of these. The upside is that the app looks fantastic, especially compared to the official Miami Heat application with its omnipresent, pixelated TigerDirect ads.
When asked exactly how involved James is with the daily updates, a Samsung rep made it clear that the app is a team effort.
When asked exactly how involved James is with the daily updates, a Samsung rep made it clear that the app is a team effort. (And the company really doesn’t want any one person taking credit; the spokesperson wouldn’t even let me print his or her name.) “While LeBron is focusing all of his energy on the playoffs, Samsung is working closely with his team and the NBA to capture exclusive content,” he (or she) said. I confirmed that James is in charge of curating the radio feature, though, so you can listen to “HeadBand” by B.o.B and 2 Chainz knowing it has his stamp of approval.
The LeBron app does serve up some amusing stuff — you can pretty much eat vicariously through it, considering how many amazing photos of breakfast you’ll see — but it’s basically a publicist in app form. Samsung’s version of LeBron is a lot less entertaining than the one offered through the hashtag-heavy Instagram account that’s clearly run by him. I’m happily removing this app, switching back to my favorite LG phone and patting myself on the back for not being an obsessive celebrity stalker.
Filed under: Software, Samsung
Source: LeBron (Google Play)
When you land at Heathrow Terminal Galaxy S5, you’ll know who to blame
A Samsung-sized marketing budget buys airport-sized publicity stunts, as you may well notice if you fly to or from Heathrow this month. For two weeks, starting May 19th, the owners of the “world’s busiest terminal” have allowed Samsung, in partnership with JCDecaux, to re-brand all Terminal 5 signage at entrances, security points and gates as “Terminal Samsung Galaxy S5.” And who cares if that sounds like an illness?
Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Mobile, Samsung
Via: Android Central
Samsung: 11 million Galaxy S5 sales in first month
As if you might have expected anything else, Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S5 is off to a strong start. According to Co-CEO JK Shin, the new flagship smartphone is selling better than any of its predecessors. How well is it doing? In the first month since it was released the Samsung Galaxy S5 has been sold 11 million times. Thanks to an ever-increasing presence (125+ countries), the handset also benefits from standalone retail stores and market saturation.
Are you among the 11 million buyers? Do you plan to join the club or is there something else you’ve got your eye on?
The post Samsung: 11 million Galaxy S5 sales in first month appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung likely to announce new Galaxy S tablets at June 12th event
Samsung have just issued invites for a 2014 Galaxy Premiere event on June 12th at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Unsurprisingly perhaps then that Samsung are expected to be introducing a whole new lineup of their Galaxy Tab S lineup in both a 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch variation that will feature an AMOLED display that are expected to run at around 2560 x 1600 resolution.
The updated display technology and bump in resolution should make the yet-to-be announced Samsung Galaxy S Tab devices some of the best we’ve seen from the company yet.
Keep your eyes peeled at that June 12th event.
The post Samsung likely to announce new Galaxy S tablets at June 12th event appeared first on AndroidGuys.
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