Samsung announces Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition, now with Faux-Leather
When the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was released with a faux-leather back cover, many wondered whether consumers would appreciate the departure from Samsung‘s normally plastic affairs. Well, they have, or at least Samsung believes they have, as Samsung has just announced the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition, and also the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Black Edition, which replaces the original plastic back cover with a faux-leather one a la the Note 3.
Predictably, there are no hardware differences between the original devices and these Black Editions, besides the back cover of course, though according to the product page, they are being shipped with Android 4.2.2 instead of the latest Android 4.3 version. The devices were spotted on Samsung Russia’s website and are being offered for $660 USD for the Galaxy S4 and $460 for the Galaxy S4 Mini; there are no additional details yet on whether the Black Edition line will make it anywhere else internationally or if there will be any other colours offered.
What do you think about these new Black Editions and their faux-leather backs? Do you prefer this over the original plastic back covers? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Samsung (1), (2) via Phone Arena
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo aims to offer S-Pen experience without flagship specs
We’ve seen the Galaxy Note series get larger and larger as time passes, but this is the first time we’ve seen the Note actually get smaller. The Galaxy Note 3 Neo has now been officially unveiled by Samsung Poland and will come in two flavors — 3G and “LTE+,” and the latter offers connectivity on higher-speed Category 4 networks (up to 150Mbps down/50Mbps up). The two share a lot of similarities, but there are a couple key differences as well: as you might expect, the LTE+ model is the more specced out of the pair and offers a hexa-core processor consisting of two 1.7GHz Cortex-A15 cores and four 1.3GHz Cortex-A7 cores. The 3G (HSPA+ 21Mbps) version, on the other hand, will enjoy a quad-core 1.6GHz processor of unknown make.
So what’s important about the new Neos? Both versions of the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean device feature a 5.5-inch 720p Super AMOLED panel with full S-Pen capability, which means you’ll be able to take advantage of Air Command, S Note, Multi-Window and other pen-related functions; in other words, it’ll be a less expensive version of the Note 3 for those who want the functionality without the absolute top-of-the-line features. It even comes with the same leatherlike back cover as its flagship counterpart (shown below).
The 162.5g Neo is 8.6mm thick, is compatible with Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch and comes with a pretty decent array of specs: you’re looking at a 3,100mAh battery, 8MP rear camera/2MP front-facing camera, 2GB of RAM, IR, NFC, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 16GB internal storage and microSDXC capacity up to 64GB. Not too shabby for a “Note 3 mini” of sorts, although we’re not sure what the price is at present time. Samsung says we should expect a global rollout next month (except the US and the UK, if the company hasn’t changed its mind) in our choice of black, white or green.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, Google
Via: PhoneArena, SammyToday
Source: Samsung Poland (translated)
Leaked Samsung app aims to catalog everything you do on your smartphone
Samsung could become the latest company to jump aboard the lifelogging bandwagon with its new “Life Times” app. Judging by leaked screenshots shared with SamMobile, Samsung wants to automatically log phone and app usage on Galaxy smartphones, cataloguing photos, emails, location, music, messages and social network updates, displaying all of that data in a daily digest. Samsung’s Story Album app already offers similar features for photos, based on common details such as location and time, but Life Times appears to function more as a diary app, like Day Journal for Android or Day One on iOS.
It does, however, fly in the face of reports suggesting Samsung is working with Google to scale down its Android customizations and reduce the number of in-house apps. Given the wording used in some of the screenshots, we reserve a healthy amount of scepticism while understanding the app could also be in early development. Samsung has rolled out new apps and services with its new flagship smartphones in the past, leading us to wonder if Life Times, if it is real, could make an appearance with the unveiling of a certain new Galaxy S handset.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, Mobile
Source: SamMobile
Samsung escapes penalty after its lawyers leaked secret Apple documents
Late last year, Samsung found itself in trouble over claims it had secretly spied on Apple and Nokia documents to gain a better position in patent deals. It denied any wrongdoing, saying it hadn’t done so wilfully, and now US judge Paul S. Grewal has finally drawn the same conclusion. PCWorld reports that the US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled Wednesday that the Korean company could not have used confidential information for its patent licensing talks with Nokia, a deal that was extended in November, because it already knew all of the terms ahead of the leak.
The court considered sanctions against Samsung after the company’s legal negotiator, Dr. Seungho Ahn, had reportedly told Nokia that its terms with Apple “were known to him,” even though they were marked “highly confidential — attorneys’ eyes only.” Up to 50 Samsung employees were said to have been given non-redacted copies of Apple documents by its external counsel Quinn Emanuel, which included patent deals with Nokia, but also Ericsson, Sharp and Philips. While Samsung has escaped further action, the court will force its legal representatives to cover both Apple and Nokia’s legal fees, effectively making the “junior associate working late one night” pay for underusing that big black marker.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Nokia
Source: PCWorld
Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2 available for pre-order in the UK
We have been hearing rumors about a super-sized Samsung Galaxy tablet for months, until it was finally debuted during CES 2014.
The Note PRO packs a selection of high-end specs including a gigantic 12.2-inch display resolving at 2560×1600, Exynos 5 Octa core processor clocked at 1.9GHz, 3GB of RAM, 32 or 64GB of storage with a microSD slot, an 8-megapixel rear camera and a massive 9,500 mAh battery. The device also supports LTE and ships with Android 4.4 KitKat with TouchWiz UI on top.
For whatever reason, Samsung decided to initially launch the tablet in the UK instead of the US, with more countries to follow. You can pre-order the device from Samsung’s website. It will set you back £649 — around $1074. If you pre-order now you will also be provided with a $99 gamepad for free.
If you’re planning to buy a new tablet you can now pre-order our latest Galaxy NotePRO 12.2 from our e-store http://t.co/sRkHWuoWpD
— Samsung Mobile UK (@SamsungMobileUK) January 28, 2014
In case you are interested head over to Samsung’s e-store and opt for one before it goes out of stock. Let us know if you picked one up in the comments below.
Source: @SamsungMobileUK Twitter
Samsung to back down on copying Google apps
New deal between the two should see less look-alike apps and services on Android
Earlier this week, Samsung and Google inked a patent deal for cross-licensing which should benefit both companies and help in any would-be lawsuits. As part of the terms, Samsung now agrees with Google to stop copying the infamous apps that make up Google’s service portfolio
CES 2014 featured some of Samsung’s current products, a launch of the Galaxy Camera refresh, and new Galaxy Pro tablets. It seems that Samsung has tried to make Android their own system in a sense, but now hopefully that does change. Perhaps the company’s push into Tizen might help place some extra space between them and Google.
As a Samsung user, I can definitely attest to the fact that many of these apps simply just aren’t needed. Hopefully this year we can see Samsung do something more simplified with the oft-overbearing TouchWiz/NatureUX.
Samsung shouldn’t feel the need to recreate something that already exists. On the other hand, when you’re that big, you can stretch out your arms a bit. There’s nothing wrong with trying to woo users to your platform-agnostic services.
There does come a time, however, when even Google has to step in and speak up. While some Samsung apps may have jump-started changes in apps like the default Video player, many owners (that we know of) haven’t much used some of the others. How many of you are using apps and services such as Samsung Apps, ChatON, and Samsung Wallet?
Recode via Android Community (image also courtesy of Android Community)
The post Samsung to back down on copying Google apps appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google Tells Samsung to Stop Making Storage-Clogging Apps
The Galaxy S4 came out last year, and it ended up being one of the most purchased devices on the market. The phone is loaded with all kinds of apps and features not found in other phones. Features that improved the experience, and features that were useless and stupid. The drawback of having these bloated apps and features, is that very fact: bloated. This causes of course some lags, as well as battery drains; so why put such features or apps if not needed?
According to certain sources, Google met with the Sammy boys and told them to stop developing these storage-clogging apps and features. Instead, work on apps that are more pure to the Android experience. Thank you Google. Yes, the Galaxy line are nice devices with some nifty features, but there are many features and apps that no one will ever use. But Google also told them to stop doing this simply because they want more control of their Android system. They are hating that Chinese manufacturers are running Android on their devices, but using their own UI’s and not placing the Google core apps into those devices.
Not only will Samsung consider dumping or altering the Magazine UX interface in future devices, but, more importantly, new Samsung devices will spotlight Google’s suite of apps to get movies, music and other content at the expense of its in-house developed software, which was once a proud showcase of Samsung’s evolution as a mobile industry leader.
The source was also quoted in saying that, which is a very good thing, because that Magazine UX was pretty laggy when we tried it at CES. Wasn’t appealing to us as well, so we will see what happens with future Samsung devices. Let us know your thoughts about this.
HDTV deals of the week: 01.29.14
Early in the year is the best time to save your hard-earned cash on a new TV. Whether you’re prepping for the big game this weekend or just looking to upgrade your existing living room display, there are price cuts across the board on 2013 models to make room for this year’s releases. In order to lend a hand with the search, we’ve selected a handful of worthy contenders after the break. With a variety of sizes and price ranges covered, there’s sure to be something for those eyeing a new HDTV this week.
Just window shopping? No worries. Join us and add the gadgets you’re shopping for to your “Want” list; every time there’s a price cut in the future, you’ll get an email alert!
55-inch Sony KDL-55W900A
Price: $1,773.55
Regular Price: $3,300
Buy: Amazon
This 55-inch HDTV from Sony’s 2013 lineup has been touted for its picture quality, which many folks note is right up there with the best models available. In fact, Engadget users have given that stat a perfect 10. When compared with the current top-scoring HDTVs in our product database, the KDL-55W900A stacks up nicely in both ratings and price. Want to see how it stacks up to your current display? Make your own comparison right here after clicking “add to compare” on your HDTV’s product page.
46-inch Samsung F8000 Series
Price: $1,429
Regular Price: $2,449
Engadget Global Score: 87
Buy: Abe’s of Maine
This 46-inch LED HDTV from Samsung has also earned high marks for both picture quality and speedy performance, tallying up an Engadget Global Score of 87. According to our price-tracking tool, this is the lowest price we’ve seen on the unit since mid-November as well. Thinking about holding off a bit? Add the F8000 Series to your “Want” list and we’ll send you alerts as soon as the price tag fluctuates.
50-inch Panasonic Smart VIERA ET60 Series
Price: $841.30
Regular Price: $1,400
Engadget Global Score: 81
Buy: Amazon
Panasonic’s 2013 Smart VIERA ET60 LCD line is getting in on the end-of-the-model-year action as well with savings of around 40 percent off the MSRP. The HDTV has mustered an Engadget Global Score of 81 thanks to sharp picture and accurate color handling. If you’re after a bit more oomph, step up to the Smart VIERA ST60 Series and its 92 Global Score that’s currently priced in the $1,600 range for a 55-incher. To compare the two, mosey right over here for a side-by-side comparison.
32-inch Vizio M-Series Razor LED
Price: $360.04
Regular Price: $399
Buy: Target
Don’t need a massive HDTV to get the job done? Well, Vizio’s M-Series Razor family offers a 32-inch option that’s been discounted $40 from its original price when it arrived back in May. While the stats and picture may not blow you away, the affordable price for a smart TV with Hulu, Netflix and more packed in make this selection worth more than just a passing glance. Right now, it’s also priced the lowest we’ve seen in more than a month, according to the 90-day price history.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Reported Google deal could see Samsung deliver cleaner Android, less bloat
Google and Samsung agreeing to a 10 year patent licensing deal was good news for Android. But that might only be the tip of the iceberg. According to a report from Re/code the two are working together on a broader initiative that will bring the Samsung version of Android more inline with Google’s vision. The talks appear to have started at CES following the reveal of Galaxy Tab Pro and Note Pro lines, which featured a new skin called Magazine UX. The interface was not only a dramatic departure from the familiar TouchWiz, but from the very core of Android itself. In fact, the panel-based home screen looks a lot more like Windows 8 than Mountain View’s mobile OS. But Re/code’s sources say that future Samsung devices will either feature a drastically scaled back version of Magazine UX or lose the interface all together. Obviously, keeping the Android experience as consistent as possible across devices and brands is good for Google, but it could also help Samsung, which is now looking at maintaining three different Android-based tablet skins.
Google has been pressuring companies to minimize the tweaks to the Android UI (with varying degrees of success) for sometime now. So it balking at Magazine UX should come as no surprise. The more interesting part of the deal reportedly involves Samsung’s in-house apps. For years now the South Korean giant has been promoting its own (often lackluster) products that replicate functions of Google’s core Play Services. For example, WatchON, ChatON and the mSpot-enhanced Media Hub. Sammy has apparently agreed to instead shift focus to the Play store, Newsstand, Hangouts and other Google-built apps. Again, this will bring additional consistency to the Android universe and, considering the size of Samsung’s market share, will broaden the reach of Mountain View’s services.
What isn’t clear, is what concessions Samsung wrangled out of Google to get this deal done. It could simply be that Sundar Pichai threatened to pull access to the Play store if the Galaxy line didn’t, well, get in line. But that seems doubtful. Perhaps the company was promised the next Nexus device or even a seat at the brainstorming sessions for Lemon Meringue Pie (Lollipop? Lik-M-Aid?).
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Samsung, Google
Source: Re/code
Google’s partnering with Samsung and others for new educational devices this spring
Google began its play for the education market late last year with a student-oriented version of the Play Store. Since then, partners of the Google for Education program have provided their classes with learning software and tools on select Chromebooks and Android-based tablets. Today, Mountain View announced two new devices headed for that very lineup this spring: Lenovo’s ThinkPad 11e series and the Toshiba Chromebook, starting at $349 and $299 (respectively). Samsung’s also on board with a classroom-ready edition of its Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 set to launch this April.
And what’s the best way to complement that influx of hardware? Google thinks it’s by adding thousands of K-12 books to Google Play for Education, including popular titles like Bridge to Terabithia and Lord of the Flies. The plethora of digital reads are available for affordable access periods (60, 180 or 360 days) to a few select schools as early as today, but arrive for the rest in the coming weeks.
Filed under: Google
Source: Google
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