Report: Samsung Galaxy S7 to have software optimization that rivals the iPhone

This year’s Samsung Galaxy S6 finally brought the major shakeup in design that many had long been hoping for, alongside tweaks and improvements to Touchwiz that made it a bit more streamlined than in years past. While the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge weren’t without their faults, there’s no denying that their arrival signaled a new era for Samsung. Now the question is where Samsung will go from here.

• Galaxy S7 to go on sale in March
• Galaxy S7 to have mostly same design as predecessor

The rumor mill has been churning with increased intensity as of late and we are starting to get a clearer picture of what the Samsung Galaxy S7 will bring to the table. First, we can reportedly expect only minor changes in design this time around, though the microSD slot could be making a much desired comeback.

Where the Galaxy S7 could really shine is in the software. A new report out of China suggests that Samsung is taking a software-centric approach to their Next Big Thing, and no that doesn’t mean throwing on a bunch of unnecessary extra software features (that’s what the Galaxy S4 and S5 were for).

See also: Samsung Galaxy S7 rumor roundup: release date, price, specs, features24

Reportedly, Samsung has actually teamed up with Google engineers to help optimize and reform TouchWiz in a way that goes above and beyond the positive steps we saw with TouchWiz in 2015. Supposedly Samsung is aiming for optimization levels that would rival or even exceed what Apple has accomplished with iOS.

A lofty goal to say the least. After all, Apple is able to achieve its level of optimization due to its tight control of iOS, an advantage Samsung simply doesn’t have. Regardless, if the rumors prove true, that means we could be looking at a slimmer, faster, and more optimized software experience with the Galaxy S7.

You might be wondering if Google would really lend its engineers to Samsung in such a manner. While the legitimacy of this claim is unknown, we can say that it makes sense on some level. For many casual consumers, there are two accepted choices for smartphones if you want to be trendy: a Galaxy or an iPhone. That means the first taste of Android for many users comes from those who buy a Samsung Galaxy device, and so it isn’t surprising that Google would want to work with Samsung to ensure that the experience is a pleasant one.

For now, we’d take the entire report with a healthy dose of skepticism, but we can’t help but be a little excited over the prospect of a ultra-optimized Samsung Galaxy software experience.

What do you think, would you purchase a Galaxy S7 with more optimized TouchWiz onboard? Do you think that Samsung could achieve the kind of optimization it is hoping for? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Looking back – Samsung Galaxy S6 review

Pink Gold Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ hits China

As the days countdown until Samsung announces its new flagships, the Korean OEM still seems smitten with its summer smartphones: today a 128GB Galaxy Note 5 Winter Edition was announced for its home territory, and now it seems a Pink Gold Galaxy S6 Edge+ has been made and manufactured for China!

Spec-wise the phone is the same as standard Galaxy S6 Edge+ units, save for the removal of all Google-related services and framework. The phone looks to have the same reflective “mirrored” surface as the Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium variants.

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At the moment it is not clear as to if Samsung plans to release this color variant in other territories. Given the fact that the Galaxy S6 Edge+ has not been reported to have stellar sales, it seems less likely. On the other hand, given said sales situation, the device might become more desirable with a new look.

For reference, a Pink colored Galaxy Note 5 was released in South Korea a few months back.

Any thoughts on this latest and perhaps – depending on opinion – greatest looking Galaxy S6 Edge+ yet? Would you consider importing one to have a rare color? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Samsung announces the Galaxy Note 5 Winter Edition for South Korea: 128GB of storage

With the year quickly coming to a close, discounts and deals become an increasingly major mention around the tech blogosphere. While December mentions of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 might seemingly be primed for promotions, it seems that South Korea will see something else entirely. Today Samsung has announced that a Galaxy Note 5 Winter Edition will hit its country of origin, and with it one specific and startling selling point:

The Galaxy Note 5 Winter Edition comes with 128GB of on-board storage, making it the first and only plus-sized flagship the company released this year with such a high storage configuration. It is available now from SKT and KT, and is sold in both Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium color options with a retail price of 999,900 KRW (about $846).

Curiously Samsung’s official blog claims that these two colors are “continuously popular” in the country yet to this day, the Silver Titanium Galaxy S6 Edge+ has not been released in Korea.

Darling details and sizzling speculation

Despite rumors and inaccurate listing specifying that Samsung would release 128GB configurations of the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+, none where ever produced. This, despite the company’s much debated decision to remove expandable microSD storage from its 2015 offerings.

In addition to the new, increased storage situation, Samsung is also running some proper promotions in South Korea. Customers who purchase the Galaxy Note 5 will receive a free wireless charging pod. Customers who purchase a Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge+ will receive a free Gear VR headset.

With the Galaxy Note 5 is already approach the 6-month mark since its release, it’s likely this will be the last itinerant of the hardware before the company switches gear to selling an S7, and eventually a Note 6.

The potential for this device to release outside Korea is quite low, however it could be added to the pending large scale roll-out in Europe. It’s also worth mentioning that Samsung has recently added a 64GB variant of the Galaxy S6 Active despite said hardware having originally released in June.

While it’s inevitable that some will seek to import this pretty pricey purchase (just wait until eBay sellers get their hands on it), the aftermath of this announcement will inevitably be followed by harsh criticism and complaints at the Korean OEM for failing to release such a product earlier, and to have made it a standard storage configuration.

We are thus ever eager to hear what’s on your mind. Is this the opportune opportunity to purchase the product, or does it have you looking at your own “meager” storage supply with a dead set dose of evil eye? Feel free to take the survey below and then share your thoughts!

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Cityscape Repairman, The Box and 7 other titles make their way to Samsung Gear VR

If you happen to own a Samsung Gear VR, there is a ton of new content waiting for you in the Oculus Store. A total of nine new games have made their way to the virtual reality headset, including Cityscape Repairman, The Box, Theta S VR and more. There are even some exclusive titles for Korea and Japan. The full list of new games can be found below:

• Archer E Bowman: Play as Archer E. Bowman, hero of the castle ramparts. Take to the wall with your trusty bow and defend the kingdom from beastly hordes. Will you survive the onslaught?
• Cityscape Repairman: In Cityscape, you are faced with a massive infrastructure in need of constant repair. Now with 13 levels, you can navigate industrial scenes, repair and replace broken items, solve puzzles and fight off enemy robots.
• Everland T-Express (Korea only): T-Express is the most famous roller coaster in the Everland. Experience the steepest ride in the world with a top speed of 104km per hour at a 77-degree angle. The world’s most superb wooden roller coaster will leave you breathless.
• Everland Safari World (Korea only): Meet wild animals in VR! Featuring lions, tigers, and adorable bears, you have the rare opportunity to experience a wide variety of animals at a close distance.
• Everland Amazon Express (Korea only): If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Amazon and its wildlife up close and personal, here’s your chance.
• niconico VR (Japan only): Niconico is a social video networking service that allows you to post comments on live or uploaded videos and share them with others in real time as they watch.
• THE BOX: THE BOX is a new and incredibly unique way to deliver and receive virtual gifts. This first Box takes you to an enchanted forest where the night sky comes to life and the magical woodland creatures gather with you around a winter fire.
• THETA S VR: Use the THETA S VR as a remote control to shoot photos via Wi-Fi on your RICOH THETA S, 360° spherical camera. You can both take 360° spherical images and view them on your Samsung Gear VR.
• Unity-chan! Candy Rock Star Live Stage!: Sing the latest song “UNITE IN THE SKY” with Kohaku Otori as unity-chan! Dance on stage at the farewell festival with the fantastic costume called “Candy Rock Star.” Powered by the Unity engine, this experience puts you in the action.

See also: How to make your own Google Cardboard headset11

Cityscape Repairman is the only paid title ($2.99) out of the entire list – all the rest can be downloaded for free.

If you’re interested, these new games are available for download now from the Oculus Store. Find anything that’s worth downloading? Be sure to let us know in the comment section!

Next: 15 best Android apps of 2015