Samsung introduces 20.7-megapixel Galaxy K Zoom
Samsung on Tuesday announced its latest member of the Galaxy family of devices, introducing the 20.7-megapixel Galaxy K zoom. Powered by Android 4.4 KitKat, the camera-centric unit features a hexa-core processor, 4.8-inch 720p display, 2GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. Indeed, all of the familiar smartphone features are present, including 4G LTE connectivity, microSD, and NFC.
The main draw for the Galaxy K zoom, however, is the 20.7-megapixel rear camera with 10x optical zoom. Details here include a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 24-240mm lens (up to f/3.1), 1080p video up to 60 frames per second, and slow-motion video. All of the shooting modes found in the Galaxy S5 are present, as are a number of new features.
AF/AE Separation (Auto Focus/ Auto Exposure Separation) for the precise balance of light and clarity, next-generation Pro Suggest mode which offers 5 optimized filter settings, Selfie Alarm that allows users to take timed selfies with ease, and object tracing for a clear, focused shot of a moving subject.
The Galaxy K zoom will be offered in the same black, white, and blue dimple finishes as the Galaxy S5; pricing and availability is not clear.
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Samsung Galaxy K Zoom gallery
Take a look at Samsung’s latest member of the Galaxy family, the camera-centric Galaxy K zoom.
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Samsung blurs the line between phone and camera (again) with the Galaxy K zoom
Last year, Samsung tried something a little kooky: it made a mash-up of a middling smartphone and a solid point-and-shoot camera (you know, the kind smartphones have nearly driven to extinction). The resulting chimaera was called the Galaxy S4 Zoom, and it was… not great. To absolutely no one’s surprise, though, Samsung’s fixation on fusion is still going strong and the company’s trying to crack the code again with a new camera/phone combo called the Galaxy K zoom.
Mildly silly name aside (the “K” stands for “kamera,” seriously), the international K zoom packs 2GB of RAM and one of Samsung’s hexa-core Exynos chipsets into its chubby, dimpled frame. In this case, the chip combines quad-core 1.3GHz and a dual-core 1.7GHz processors — the pairing isn’t as snappy as a Galaxy S5, but it’s still beefy enough to handle most people’s daily routines. Toss in 2GB of RAM, 3G and LTE radios, 8GB of internal storage and a spacious 4.8-inch 720p screen and you’ve got yourself a package that’s a bit more robust than most. If the name wasn’t a dead giveaway though, the K zoom’s 20.7-megapixel BSI CMOS camera sensor is the star of the show here. Samsung’s rear shooter is kitted out with optical image stabilization, the ability to shoot 1080p video at 60 frames per second and a slew of software features that aim to make your on-the-go photos less terrible. That all sounds fine enough on paper, but here’s the bigger question: what’s it like to actually use?
Long story short, better than you might expect.
The first thing you notice upon laying eyes on the K zoom is how much it looks like an actual phone, a design philosophy that stands in stark contrast to the mixed signals the S4 Zoom gave off. This time around, Samsung chose to make the K zoom sleeker and more comfortable to hold — we’d argue that’s a net positive, though we almost miss the curvaceous rump that acted as a grip on the K zoom’s ancestor.
It’s not just the design that’s been improved. To no one’s surprise, it’s image quality is much better than its predecessor’s too — images the K zoom captured looked pretty sharp and reasonably vivid on its bright display, but we’ll refrain from passing judgment until Samsung gets around to shipping final hardware. That has a lot to do with the optics though, and at first glance that 10x zoom lens is a treat. You can pinch to zoom in and out just like you can on nearly any other smartphone, but there’s no cropping here — your gestures make the 10x optical zoom lens swoop in and out of the phone’s body. This, frankly, is beautiful. You don’t need to reset your expectations for how to interact with a smartphone camera, but the end result is significantly better shot than what you’d get out of a competitor without a moving lens.
As always, Samsung went on a bit of a software spree to make it a hair easier to capture some quality shots. The Pro Select feature, for instance, automatically recommends five of the myriad available filters depending on what sort of environment and lighting conditions it sees. In the mood for a little tweaking? There’s also a full manual mode (naturally), but here’s the kicker: if you happen upon a combination of settings you really dig, you can make it a preset and upload it into an online store front where others can download it. And we of the selfie generation would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Selfie Alarm, which will automatically snap three shots of your own face using the main camera once your head wanders into the proper pre-defined position in space
All things considered, we didn’t get to spend much time with the Galaxy K zoom at all. What does seem clear is that Samsung took a formula that was in dire need of polish and finally managed to do it some justice. At this point, the company hasn’t said exactly what the K zoom will cost or where specifically it’ll be available, but we’d expect it won’t be long before the full global onslaught begins in earnest.
Filed under: Mobile
Samsung’s giving you more to watch on that ridiculously expensive 4K TV
If Amazon, Netflix and DirecTV’s promised 4K content aren’t enough to entice you to pick up an ultra high definition TV, maybe this will help: Samsung is now giving buyers of its new curved TVs eight UHD films for free. The films are actually part of the company’s UHD video pack, a $300 1TB hard drive pre-loaded with three documentaries, Night at the Museum, The Counselor, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, G.I. Joe: Retaliation and World War Z. Sony has a similar promotion tied to its UHD sets, an effort to assuage buyer fears that there won’t be anything to watch on their expensive 4k display. Sammy’s freebie applies to all new purchases of its 55, 65 and 78-inch curved UHD sets from now until the end of June. Already have one? Check out the source link below to nab your new hard drive.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung
Source: Samsung
CREDO Mobile to carry $149 Galaxy S5 on May 1
Sprint mobile virtual network operator CREDO Mobile on Monday announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy S5. Starting from May 1, the flagship handset will be offered for $149.99, some $50 lower than some of the bigger players. The deal, as you might expect, does require a two-year service agreement and only lasts through the end of the month. Like other wireless providers, CREDO will toss in some bill credits good for up to $350 per line (up to five lines) for those who break a contract. Because CREDO piggybacks off of Sprint’s network, this version of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is tri-band 4G LTE ready.
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Samsung outs “Level”, a new series of premium audio products
In an attempt to bring their products to every facet of your home, Samsung has just released a new line of premium audio products. The line is called “Level”, and will be available to ship mid-May. So, what exactly is Level? Let’s take a look.
Level On
Offer a premium audio experience without breaking the bank
Sound – 40mm dual layered diaphragm
Design – Comfort ear pad and Headband
Interface – 3.5 mm ear jack
Feature – S Voice
Inbox – Premium carrying case, Detachable audio cable with microphone and remote controller
Dimension – 161.75×181.4×70.4 mm, 209.8g
Level Over
Considered to be the “flagship” earphones, these offer touch control, Bluetooth connectivity, and offer superior HD organic sound.
Sound – 50mm Bio-Cellulose Diaphragm with Neodymium Magnet, Active Noise Cancellation
Bluetooth – BT 3.0 / apt-X, SBC
Design – High elasticity sponge on the ear pad, Smooth leather-like material on the Headband
Interface – Smart Touch Control / 3.5 mm ear jack
Feature – S Voice, Bluetooth pairing ,2mic noise reduction / Echo cancellation, Talk(Listening) / Standby time when ANC On : 15hr/30hr, Talk(Listening) / Standby time when ANC Off : 30hr/200hr
Inbox – Premium carrying case / Micro USB cable, Detachable audio cable with microphone and remote controller, Plug adapter (for Airplane)
Dimension – 175x190x78 mm, 350g
Level In
Samsung’s new premium ear buds for a more portable experience
Sound – Three-way speaker system, 2 Balanced armatures (HD Sound for Treble & Mid-Range), 1 Dynamic speaker (Deep bass)
Interface – 3.5 mm ear jack
Feature – S Voice
Inbox – Premium carrying case, 4 silicon ear tips, 3 memory foam tips
Weight – 15.7g
Level Box
Bluetooth speaker with metal design, offering noise reduction, echo cancellation, and, you guessed it, S Voice.
Sound – 56mm Large stereo speaker with passive radiator
Bluetooth – NFC, Bluetooth pairing button
Design – Compact & Metal design
Feature – S Voice, Speaker Phone (Conference Call), Built-in MIC & Noise reduction/Echo cancellation
Inbox – Micro USB cable, Travel adaptor, 3.5 mm Audio cable
Dimension – 164.3×62.3×69.2 mm, 600g
No pricing information has been outed quite yet, so we’ll have to wait until mid-May to find out!
Source: Samsung Mobile
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Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime could launch as soon as June
Despite the Samsung Galaxy S5 not exactly being an old device, it seems Samsung are set to release the Galaxy S5 Prime as soon as June. Whilst the upcoming device is only supported by rumours at the moment, suggestions peg the device at having a 2560 x 1440 resolution with a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display and an octa-core Exynos 5430 CPU.
Whilst Samsung is certainly not going to win prizes for customer satisfaction releasing an upgraded Galaxy S5 device so shortly after their flagship device, if the Galaxy S5 Prime is real it certainly is shaping up to be a great phone, and could land as soon as June.
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Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini along with SM-T705 & SM-T700 tablet devices leaked
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini was listed on Samsung New Zealand website under the warranty terms and conditions for water proof devices along with the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4 Active. After it was listed mistakenly, Samsung has pulled the information offline. It was thus confirmed to be water-proof with a IP67 certification. Apart from being water-proof, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini is rumoured to be equipped with a 4.5 inch HD screen, quad-core processor, 1.5 GB of RAM and 8 MP camera.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Listed On Samsung New Zealand Website
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Possible Specifications
- Android 4.4 KitKat
- 4.5 inch HD touchscreen, water-proof IP67 certified
- 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1.5 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage, microSD card slot
- 8 MP primary camera, 2 MP secondary camera
A couple of Samsung tablets bearing model numbers SM-T700 and SM-T705 have also been leaked via User Agent profiles. Both the tablets feature 8.4 inch screens with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels running Android 4.4 KitKat. The SM-T705 will be a 4G LTE variant of the SM-T700. No other information about these tablets have been revealed as of now.
Source: Samsung New Zealand, Samsung Mobile UAProf | Via: GSMArena, PhoneArena
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How would you change Samsung’s ATIV Tab?
I don’t normally discuss products that I’ve reviewed on How Would You Change, but I’m making an exception for Samsung’s ATIV Tab. The Korean company pondered the merits of launching the device right up to its debut, and swiftly axed any US expansion before it could get off the ground. As one of the first Windows RT devices, it came with a hobbled operating system, but the hardware was staggeringly good. Unfortunately, it’s rare that anyone actually splashed out on this unit, but I’m still asking anyone who owned one of these units to chip in. Come to the forum and share your experiences of using the ATIV Tab. What did you like, what did you hate and what would you have changed?
Filed under: Tablets, Samsung, Microsoft
Source: Engadget Product Forums
Weekends with Engadget: Nokia joins Microsoft, lost Andy Warhol artwork and more!
Welcome to Weekends with Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines from the past seven days — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. For even more action, subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Nokia is now officially part of Microsoft
Well, it’s finally official: Nokia is now one with Microsoft. What does that mean for the of the Nokia X and Lumia handsets? Read on to find out exactly what you need to know about the acquisition.
A traveler’s guide to in-flight WiFi
Just as airlines are becoming more friendly towards gadgets, in-flight WiFi is making great strides at 30,000 feet. Read on as Zach Honig, our own resident travel expert, explains the newest connectivity options from several major airlines.
Netflix data didn’t feed House of Cards’ success, ‘the bliss of ignorance’ did
If you were turned off to Netflix’s House of Cards after the serie’s brutal opening scene, you wouldn’t be alone. But regardless of the negative feedback, Beau Willimon, the man responsible for the show’s development, says that his only responsibility is to “tell a great story.”
Defiantly plastic: designing the Galaxy S5
Many of you might be wondering why the Samsung Galaxy S5 is crafted from polycarbonate instead of metal. According to Senior Product Designer Dong Hun Kim, plastic is warmer, friendlier and better symbolizes the company’s design concepts.
Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet review: A top-tier slate with a familiar face
The Xperia Z1 slate was Sony’s debut into the high-end tablet market. Now, the company’s back for round two with the Xperia Z2 Tablet — and it looks a lot like its sibling. The Z2 may be more of a refinement than exciting new product. But hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Google Senior VP and head of Google+ Vic Gundotra is leaving the company
Earlier this week, Vic Gundotra, the man responsible for Google+, announced he’s parting ways with Google. After eight years of service to the Mountain View company, Gundotra fittingly took to G+ and explained that “now is the time for a new journey, a continuation.”
Lost Andy Warhol artworks discovered on Amiga floppies from the ’80s
Apparently, pop artist Andy Warhol crafted a small, previously unseen collection with an Amiga 1000 back in 1985. And thanks to the collaborative efforts of several artists, archivists, curators and the Carnegie Mellon University Computer Club, the works have been recovered from a whopping 41 floppy discs.
Google Glass now available to anyone, may be prepping for public launch
Move over Google Explorers. As of this week, anyone can splurge on their very own Google Glass headset, not just those with an invite. Now you can finally spend the $1,500 of cash that’s burning a hole in your back pocket.
Samsung opens its own Innovation Museum, we take an early tour
Samsung recently opened its new Innovation Museum to the public, offering a stylish look at the history behind some of the greatest technological milestones of our time. Fortunately for you, our own Mat Smith already visited the complex for a tour.
Samsung Gear Fit review: a messy merger of fitness band and smartwatch
Samsung’s Gear Fit is an interesting blend between a smartwatch and fitness tracker. Sure, it’s comfortable, has a beautiful display and a built-in hear rate monitor, but its software leaves much to be desired. As is, the Gear Fit isn’t worth $200.
Filed under: Misc
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