Samsung may launch its own phone upgrade program
If Apple and Samsung were humans rather than multi-billion dollar multinational corporations, the best way to describe them would probably be “frenemies.” Time and again one looks to the other for inspiration, money, or as a source of parts, and today’s no different. The latest? Reuters reports (sourcing Korea’s Electronic Times) that the Korean tech giant is going to launch a phone upgrade program like Cupertino did last fall with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Basically, you’ll be able to upgrade every year so long as you’re on a contract.
The publication says that it could happen as early as March when the Galaxy S7 launches on home soil and could possibly allow folks to upgrade their devices annually in other countries in time. Until then, we’ll just have to pass the days figuring out what other tech companies round out the pack of mean girls here and if butter is in fact a carb or not.
[Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Via: Reuters
Samsung Gear S2 Rose Gold and Platinum receive new watch faces
Samsung recently unveiled that a Rose Gold and Platinum Gear S2 would be coming to the US at CES 2016. However, they have already been available to the Dutch for a little while now.
Samsung decided to go even further and release an update to bring two new watch faces for their new models. The latest Gear S2 update brings one for ladies and one for men. Only those with the new special edition Gear S2’s will have access to them meaning strictly Gear S2 Classic Rose Gold or Gear S2 Classic Platinum owners will get the watch face update.
The build number is BOL6 and the update is roughly 23MB. Also, the update has bug fixes and includes improved UX for heart rate monitoring in S Health.
Source: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung Gear S2 Rose Gold and Platinum receive new watch faces
Samsung may launch phone upgrade program
Samsung may be planning to launch a program that would allow customers to upgrade their device(s) every year.
Samsung, however, would not comment on the rumour, which was first reported by South Korea’s Electronic Times.
The Korean publication reported that sources said the program could begin when Samsung launches its new flagship phone, the Galaxy S7, in South Korea. The South Korean launch is expected to be some time around March.
Source: Electronic Times
Via: Reuters
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January Android security update heading to ‘major’ Samsung flagships
Samsung seems to be doing its best to continue to roll out those monthly security updates to its smartphones and has announced that it is releasing the January version for its “major flagship models”.
Unfortunately though, this vague statements means that we don’t know exactly which smartphones will be receiving the update. But we can assume that the current generation and probably 2014’s selection of flagship smartphones will see the patch, at some point at least. Samsung has previously applied updates to its Galaxy S5, S6, Note 4, Note 5, Tab S and Tab S2 ranges. Hopefully none of them have been dropped now that the company will soon have the Galaxy S7 to support as well.
We already know that Google patched a couple of critical and a few more minor issues in the January security update, and Samsung has thrown in a few of its own fixes as well, including a couple of specific fixes for the Galaxy S6. It hasn’t released details about all of its fixes though, presumably so they can’t be exploited before Samsung’s update reaches consumers.
See also: January security update patches Factory Reset Protection bypass bug
Keep an eye out for that update notification in the coming days and weeks, as the roll out might take a while to hit everyone.
We ranked the top 5 flagship Android phones you can get right now
Flagship smartphones are the race cars of the mobile device market. With normal automobiles you don’t need to go 200mph just to get to work. You don’t need specialized tires, exhausts, engines, and steering wheels for an everyday driver, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to go fast. Sometimes you want more than you need, and there is nothing wrong with that if you can afford it.
Without race cars, the limits of automobile technology wouldn’t be pushed. Did you know the rear view mirror and disk brakes came from race cars? What seemed innovative when those products were invented are now standard on all cars and trucks.
The smartphone industry is no different – flagship smartphones push the limits of what you can do with mobile technology. 1080p HD displays were “overkill” just two years ago, but are now almost a must have on a smartphone no matter the price. Fast processors, ultra-clear displays, massive amounts of RAM, and killer cameras on flagships make the mobile tech industry move forward.
While budget smartphones are an area of focus for me, I realize I may have forgotten about the enthusiasts who do want to go 200mph on their commute to work. So I have put together my list of the best flagships you can get before Mobile World Conference brings us a whole host of new phones for 2016.
Bear in mind, when 2016 came about, I made a vow to only use smartphones that are unlocked and cost less than $400. Flagship smartphones are a passion of mine, but for 2016 I am only going to use and review smartphones that can save you hundreds of dollars.
With that being said, I still want to share the top five Android flagship smartphones you can get today without taking money into consideration.
Number 5 – HTC One A9
One of the most underrated phones is the HTC made One A9. Software wise, it is one of the few devices that actually runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow with its litany of features many users yearn for. The One A9 is very easy to hold with an all metal design, has a fantastic fingerprint reader for security, and comes with UH OH protection. No other flagship offers free protection from accidents, and that is what sets the A9 apart from the crowd.
No matter how hard some people try, they will drop, scratch and break phones – even with cases on. Replacing or fixing a device is never cheap unless you buy the HTC One A9 since it is free. And better yet, with Android 6.0 the A9 runs buttery smooth and has great battery life.
Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617, Octa-core; 64-bit, 4 x 1.5GHz + 4 x 1.2GHz
- Memory: 3GB RAM / 32GB Storage
- Main camera: 13MP with sapphire cover lens, auto-focus , BSI sensor, OIS, ƒ/2.0, 1080p video recording
Front camera: HTC UltraPixel™, fixed focus, ƒ/2.0, 1080p video recording - Display: 5.0 inch, Full HD 1080p
HTC One A9 at – Amazon.com, AT&T, Sprint
Number 4 – Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Without question the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is one of the most unique 5.1″ smartphones you can get today. It has a gorgeous 2.5D dual curved display that easy to use in one hand. With a Samsung made Exynos octa-core processor, and 3GB of RAM, the S6 edge frequently sits atop benchmark tests even though this phone was released almost a year ago.
The dual edge display wraps around the sides to give the phone a full display without bezels. As beautiful as the S6 edge is, the best part about the phone is the 16MP rear camera which is only matched in quality by its bigger brother, the Galaxy Note5. No other non Galaxy smartphone comes close to the high-quality pictures from the S6 lineup. And that 2k Super AMOLED display is to die for.
The main gripes I have with the S6 edge are the lack of expandable memory, slow updates, and replaceable battery. But it is still a great device you can still use in one hand.
Specs:
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 7420 2.1GHz, 1.5GHz; Octa-Core
- Memory: 3GB RAM/32GB Storage
- Main camera: 16MP
Front camera: 5MP
- Display: 5.1 inch, F1440 x 2560 pixels (~577 ppi pixel density) Super AMOLED
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge at Amazon.com, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile
Number 3 – Samsung Galaxy Note5
Any other year and the Samsung Galaxy Note would have been my top pick. The Samsung Galaxy Note line is arguably the most functional smartphone you can get with its top of the line specs, and one of a kind stylus. When the first Note came out, people laughed and said the large display was unwieldy. But the choice to go with a 5.7″ display set the trend for other large smartphones.
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While the Note5 sits at number three, it used to sit at number one for me. Samsung decided to take away features like the IR Blaster, expandable memory, and removable battery from its most prolific smartphone. It replaced those features with an S6 like build that indluded a metal frame sandwiched in between two very sturdy pieces of Gorilla Glass 4. The processor, camera, and 2k AMOLED display are the best you can get on any smartphone. And like the S6 edge, the Note5 also has built-in wireless charging capabilities making it much more convenient to recharge your device.
And the S-Pen, while not for everyone, is super useful for those who still like to use a pen for note taking.
Random question – Did you know Samsung refers to the Note5 without a space in the name?
Specs:
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 7420 2.1GHz, 1.5GHz; Octa-Core
- Memory: 4GB RAM/32GB Storage
- Main camera: 16MP
Front camera: 5MP
- Display: 5.7 inch, F1440 x 2560 pixels (~518 ppi pixel density) Super AMOLED
Samsung Galaxy Note5 at Amazon.com, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
Number 2 – LG V10
LG quietly sneaked out a powerhouse in the second half of 2015 with the LG V10. The LG V10 is a dual display smartphone with just about every feature you can think of. The dual display is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge design from 2014, but instead of the second display being on the side, it sits on top of the main display. You can control your music, see current weather conditions, check recently used apps,and see notifications all without disturbing your main display.
The V10 also added real steel siding to the smartphone that gives it a gorgeous look with a four foot drop rating to keep it from breaking in minor accidents. The base memory is also massive at 64GB with the option to expand via the micro SD card slot, and it also has a user replaceable battery too. I find the V10 to be the replacement for what I miss most in the Galaxy Note5. The Quantum 2k display is a real gem too – it has one of the clearest displays of any smartphone and it does it without Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology.
If you like HiFi music, the V10 also has a built in digital to analog converter(DAC) which is audiophile code for a chip that makes music sound awesome. The built-in DAC sets the V10 apart from all other Android smartphones.
Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 MSM8992, Hexa-core, 1800 MHz, ARM Cortex-A57 and ARM Cortex-A53, 64-bit
- Memory: 4GB RAM/64GB Storage
- Main camera: 16MP
Front camera: 5MP
- Display: 5.7 inch, F1440 x 2560 pixels (~515 ppi pixel density) Quantum IPS
LG V10 at Amazon.com, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
The best of the best Google Nexus 6P
You can’t go wrong with any of the top three phones if you like plus sized phones. But the Huawei made Google Nexus 6P is the overall champ of the flagships. It comes in an all metal body that is gorgeous, easy to hold, slim and “premium”.
What sets the Nexus 6P apart from the others is the ability to be used across any network, including Google’s own Project Fi, and the pure unadulterated version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Manufacturers are struggling mightily to keep up with Google’s software updates, and sometimes over customize what Android should be.
The Nexus 6P doesn’t have the greatest specs on paper, but with a clean version of Android it has incredible battery life, access to the most timely updates, and the smoothest software interface of all Android smartphones. The included fingerprint reader on the back is also amazing with incredible accuracy, and your finger will not only unlock your device, it will also turn on the display.
Other flagships that are sold through wireless carriers get added bloatware, and another layer of customization which slows updates to a grinding halt while taking up valuable space. Pure Android 6.0 Marshmallow is Google’s idea of what mobile software should be and I agree 100%. It’s fast, clean, and gets regular updates.
Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1 2.0 GHz Octa-core 64-bit
- Memory: 3GB RAM/32GB Storage
- Main camera: 12.3MP
Front camera: 8MP
- Display: 5.7 inch,WQHD (2560 x 1440) AMOLED display at 518 ppi
Nexus 6P at Amazon.com, and Google.com
I know my top five smartphones you can get today may not match your list. Let me know what your top five phones you can get today are below.
The post We ranked the top 5 flagship Android phones you can get right now appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Get the full-featured BlitzWolf VR headset for just $22 on sale this week
The Blitzwolf VR headset is on sale now for just $23.99 with an additional 10% savings when you use discount code 12blitzw at checkout.
Most VR headsets you can buy for around $20 are just about the basics. They’re usually made of cardboard, come in a fixed size, and are fun for about five minutes. And if you want better built virtual reality headsets like the Gear VR from Samsung, you’ll end up spending $100. Bangood.com is having a limited time sale on the Blitzwolf VR headset which is a full package designed for truly enjoying movies, games, and 3D content on devices with screens 3.5-6″. Best of all you don’t have to make compromises just because of the fantastic price.
In case you’re wondering, it works with Android devices as well as iPhones. The Blitzwolf VR headset is not made from cardboard, instead it is made from quality ABS plastic with resin lenses for optimal durability. It also comes with a comfortable head strap so you can enjoy your virtual reality content for hours versus minutes. Best of all it’s on sale for less than $22 when you use discount code 12blitzw for an additional 10% savings.
When you buy from banggood.com you also get a three day price guarantee. Find it cheaper somewhere else and they will refund you the difference. The Blitzwolf VR headset comes with free shipping and an 18-month warranty.
BlitzWolf VR Headset
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Use discount code 12blitzw for an additional 10% off.
Product information:
| Brand | BlitzWolf® |
| Model | BW-VR1 |
| OS Support | Android & IOS |
| Phone SreenSize Support | 3.5″- 6.0″ (Lmax: 154mm Wmax: 82mm) |
| FOV | 70°-80° |
| Pupil Distance Adjust | 55mm-75mm |
| Focal Distance Adjust | ±5mm |
| Screen Resolution Suggest | Above 1080P |
| Effect | The equivalent of five meters away to see 320-inch screen |
| Material | ABS shell with piano paint tech, imported resin lenses with 8 nano coating layers,artificial leather patch |
| Weight | 380g(Glasses)+150g(Package) |
| Size | 200*100*140mm |
| Color | Black |
The post Get the full-featured BlitzWolf VR headset for just $22 on sale this week appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Many Samsung apps coming to iOS in 2016
Although no official announcement yet, the folks over at SamMobile say that inside sources they’re fairly confident in have revealed that Samsung plans to bring the vast majority of its apps to the iOS over the course of this year. In fact, it might even be possible that all of Samsung’s apps will be arriving on iPhones soon.
This comes right on the coat-tails of Samsung’s announcement that the Gear S2 will soon have iOS support. Although many Samsung apps are already available in the App Store, some key apps from the Samsung line are definitely missing. The company is looking to make even more of their stuff compatible with Apple products.
Right off the bat, it looks like the Gear Fit Manager is going to be one of the most important apps to land on iOS. This will add the Gear Fit to the list of potential fitness trackers available to iPhone users. Pairing nicely with this, Apple fans will also get access the S Health app, which is a pretty sleek all-around health monitoring tool.
See also: Apple demanding $180M extra cash in settlement from Samsung
Although the Smart Camera app is currently available on iOS, it looks like Samsung will soon be taking the photo-snapping program a lot more seriously. The UI right now is pretty clumsy, by many accounts, but it looks like the app is slated for a full overhaul. Before long, controlling Samsung smart cameras from your iPhone will be a cinch.
Finally, iPhone users will be getting Galaxy View support via Remote Control and Family Squar apps for the iOS. This will give these users the ability to control the Galaxy View from their smartphones as easily as Android users currently can.
Although the company is clearly up to its elbows in the Android operating system, it’s important for Samsung to ensure that its non-smartphone devices interact smoothly with smartphones regardless of operating system. This initiative is part of their push for the ever-developing Internet of Things, which requires fluid interaction between a wide variety of devices, accessories, and wearables.
What do you think of Samsung filling out their iOS app line? Let us know in the comments below!
Seeing Samsung apps on iOS might be a reality in the near future
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It’s no secret that there is no love lost between Samsung and Apple – their long-running, bitter patent infringement lawsuit is probably the best example of this. Despite this bad blood, it sounds like Samsung is looking beyond its hate to do something a little uncharacteristic for them – putting Samsung apps on iOS. We know that Samsung has already committed to iOS support for the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch, but this latest report appears to suggest that there is a lot more coming from Samsung to Apple’s devices.
According to SamMobile, Samsung is considering porting its Gear Fit Manager, S Health, Level, and Smart Camera apps to iOS as alternatives to what already exists on iOS and allows for the Gear Fit wearable to be paired with the platform. Perhaps the most surprising news among all of this is that Samsung is working on a way to add iOS support for the gigantic Galaxy View – the idea is to allow an iOS device stream its material to a Galaxy View tablet, not unlike how a Chromecast streams to a TV. Overall, it might seem like an unusual move from Samsung given how closed Samsung has kept their ecosystem in the past, but it might turn out to be a stroke of genius – only time will tell.
What do you think about Samsung putting Samsung apps on iOS? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: SamMobile
The post Seeing Samsung apps on iOS might be a reality in the near future appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Galaxy S7 photos snapped in manufacturing plant, shows a familiar faceplate
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Over the last few months, we’ve heard quite a few rumours about Samsung‘s new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S7. Today, we may be getting our first looks at the device (or at least, part of it) in some Galaxy S7 photos that have been snapped in a manufacturing plant somewhere in the world. The first of the two photos shows the faceplate of the Galaxy S7, and astute Samsung fans will notice that the shape is slightly sharper at the corners than the Galaxy S6 – note though that the grey frame around the faceplate could be masking some of its shape.
While a sticker covers what is probably the Samsung branding, the physical home button and capacitive back and menu buttons make it an undeniably Samsung phone. And yes, the photo was taken by the leaker’s HTC One M7. The second photo is perhaps less interesting, showing us a batch of camera modules that will likely be used in the Galaxy S7, but what it does confirm is a model number for at least one variant of the device: SM-G930F. This model number has previously been associated with the Galaxy S7 and suggests that these photos are quite legitimate.
What do you think about these Galaxy S7 photos? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: GSMArena via Droid-life
The post Galaxy S7 photos snapped in manufacturing plant, shows a familiar faceplate appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Samsung may bring all of its apps to iOS this year
According to SamMobile, Samsung could release all of its apps on Apple’s platform before the end of the year, also said to be working on a Gear Fit Manager for iOS.
The intriguing report from the tech website notes that Samsung could potentially go a step further and release ‘all’ of its apps on iOS, following the group’s decision to bring iOS support to the Gear S2.
SamMobile’s Asif S. writes that sources have revealed Samsung is working on a Gear Fit Manager for iOS, which will allow Gear owners to pair the gadget with an iPhone. The smartphone group is also said to be planning an iOS release for the S Health app for iPhone, plus the Remote Control and Family Square apps.
It doesn’t end there, as SamMobile also reports that the Level app for Level audio devices is taking a journey to the world of Apple too. Sources have lifted the lift on Samsung’s home entertainment plans, adding that the company is bringing iOS support to the Galaxy View tablet.
Other projects mentioned by SamMobile’s sources include Samsung’s progress on an updated build of the Smart Camera app for iOS, which could potentially bring a fully-redesigned UI with it.
If the rumours are true, it’ll certainly be interesting to see how Samsung’s app lineup is received on iOS.
Come comment on this article: Samsung may bring all of its apps to iOS this year
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