Samsung’s Galaxy S8 will include an AI assistant
Samsung isn’t wasting any time before it makes use of Viv’s artificial intelligence know-how. In a an indirect confirmation of rumors, the tech giant has revealed that the upcoming Galaxy S8 will include an AI assistant as one of its star attractions. It’s not offering clues as to what this virtual helper will do, but it will let developers “attach and upload services” to extend the AI’s functionality beyond what you get out of the box. That’s not much different than what Apple and Google are offering for their own assistants, but it may be what Samsung isn’t talking about that’s special — Viv can create its own programs and understand complex intent in a way many AIs can’t.
As for other features, or a release date? Samsung isn’t talking. However, a recent Wall Street Journal report claims that Samsung delayed development of the S8 by weeks to help identify the Galaxy Note 7’s battery fire problem, potentially pushing back the unveiling beyond the usual February/March window.
It’s unusual for Samsung to explicitly discuss future smartphones months in advance. At best, it makes component announcements that are not-so-subtle hints as to the direction of its hardware. However, it’s not hard to see why Samsung would want to build buzz so early. The Note 7’s premature exit didn’t help Samsung’s reputation or its balance sheet — the company both wants to move past the fiasco and reassure phone buyers that it’s worth sticking around. A strong S8 launch could make the Note 7 seem like a distant (if painful) memory and convince many that it’s back to business as usual.
Source: Reuters
Software update will annoy Galaxy Note 7 owners into a return
While Samsung continues its quest to retrieve every Galaxy Note 7, a software update that reduces how much the phone’s battery can be charged is finally rolling out in the US. Even though it’s still apparently unclear exactly what caused so many of the phones to overheat, smoke and/or start fires, the idea is that this will increase participation in the recall. Another “feature” of the update is a system of pop-up notifications about the recall anytime an owner reboots, charges or turns on the screen of the device
The update itself first appeared in Korea back in September, while in the US T-Mobile is the first carrier we’ve seen listing its availability. Samsung says that so far, “nearly 85 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices have been replaced through the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program.” Most owners have apparently opted for a replacement Samsung device, which, thanks to a few other software tweaks, may work a little more like the phone they’re leaving behind.
Anyone who still has a Galaxy Note 7 is asked to return it by contacting Samsung or their carrier for a replacement device.
Source: Samsung
Samsung recalls 2.8 million top-loading washing machines
No company likes to issue a product recall, but Samsung is having to deal with its fair share as of late. After going some way to reduce the damage following the disastrous launch of the Galaxy Note 7, the company has today made the headlines again after issuing an urgent recall on 2.8 million top-loading washing machines.
In a statement, the company said that it is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall 34 models produced between March 2011 and October 2016. The CPSC had previously warned customers that it had received reports of top-loading washing machines exploding, but Samsung has been forced to step in after owners noticed that the drums in their washers caused appliances to “lose balance, triggering excessive vibrations, resulting in the top separating from the washer.”
The US consumer watchdog says it has already collected 733 reports of Samsung machines experiencing excessive vibration or complete detachment, which resulted in nine injuries, including a broken jaw, injured shoulder and “other impact or fall-related injuries.” Samsung said in September that it believed the issues were caused by “bedding, water-resistant or bulky items” being placed on a high-speed spin cycle and recommended that owners simply use slower settings instead.
To remedy the situation, Samsung is offering two options. The first is a free in-home repair that will reinforce the washing machine’s top compartment. Owners will be given an additional one-year warranty if they choose that option, regardless of its age. The second is a rebate that will be applied to the purchase of a new Samsung or “other brand” washing machine. Anyone buying another Samsung unit will receive an extra $150 towards their purchase. If that sounds familiar, Galaxy Note 7 owners also get money off if they buy another Samsung phone.
Samsung has set up a new website to handle the recall, which lists the models affected and allows owners to check if their washer has been impacted.
Via: Samsung News
Source: Samsung Recall Page
Samsung’s surprisingly stylish Gear S3 lands November 18th
Samsung unveiled the Gear S3 a few months ago at IFA, but soon it’ll be ready for the masses. The company’s latest Tizen smartwatch will be available on store shelves starting November 18th, and if you’re feeling impatient, you can snag it on pre-order this upcoming November 6th (AT&T customers can pre-order starting on November 4th instead). The watch comes in two flavors, a Classic and a Frontier, with the latter being the more rugged of the two. The Frontier is also the only one that has optional LTE, which could prove useful for sending a mobile SOS when you’re stuck on a lonely path in the woods.
Otherwise though, they’re both pretty similar. Both sport a stainless steel chassis that are IP68 rated for water resistance and 1.3-screens coated in scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass SR+. They also have the same dual-core Exynos chipsets, 786MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, GPS and 380mAh batteries that apparently last about 3-4 days between charges.
What’s especially of note here is that the Gear S3 will have Samsung Pay built right in, which makes it the first wearable to support the MST tech that should allow you to pay for goods wherever credit cards are accepted. You can also use it to stream Spotify over LTE or WiFi and control your Nest thermostat. It’s unclear yet on what the pricing will look like on each of the different carriers, but the cheapest option is said to be $350.
The Wirecutter’s best deals: The Galaxy Tab S2 drops below $300
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer’s guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, they may earn affiliate commissions that support their work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here.
You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot—some of these sales could expire mighty soon.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8″
Street price: $350; MSRP: $400; deal price: $250
This is a solid price drop on a tablet that practically never drops below $300. At $250 for the 8″ version, it’s as low as we’ve seen it.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is our runner-up pick for best Android Tablet. Chris Heinonen writes, “If gaming isn’t your priority and you don’t mind paying more for a slimmer, higher-resolution Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8-Inch is the way to go. It has a faster processor, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage (with a microSD slot for additional storage), and a 2048×1536 OLED display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It isn’t as fast as the K1 for gaming, and the OS won’t get upgraded as quickly or frequently, but the S2 8-Inch has a beautiful screen and feels great in your hand.”
Logitech K780 Wireless Keyboard
Street price: $80; MSRP: $80; deal price: $65
This is a great deal and the first drop in price we’ve seen on this Bluetooth keyboard from Logitech. At a solid $15 drop from the street price, it’s a good time to pick up this keyboard.
The Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless is our “keyboard with a number pad” pick in our guide to the best Bluetooth keyboards. Kimber Streams wrote, “If you need a keyboard with a built-in number pad, we suggest the Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard. The K780 is very similar to the K380—offering the same round keys, multiple-device pairing, and estimated two years of battery life—but adds a number pad and a built-in stand for smartphones and tablets. It shares some of the K380’s flaws, too, namely a lack of backlighting and only one layout. The K780 also comes with Logitech’s USB Unifying wireless dongle (it’s the only Bluetooth keyboard we’ve tested so far with this option), so you can connect it to a computer without Bluetooth if you need to.”
Imprint CumulusPro Standing Desk Mat
Street price: $80; MSRP: $100; deal price: $60
This is the best price we’ve seen on the CumulusPro and a strong deal on a mat that makes a huge difference if you’ve got a standing desk. This sale beats our last low from July by a few dollars, but that sale only lasted a few days, so it’s unlikely that this deal will stick around for long. Only the black color is available at this price.
The Imprint CumulusPro Commercial Anti-Fatigue Mat is our former top pick in our best standing desk mat guide and still comes recommended highly. Kevin Purdy recommends this mat, “If you know you stand fairly flat-footed, or if you prefer to have a wider area for standing…” He continues, “The CumulusPro Commercial is our longstanding (heh) pick among traditional flat anti-fatigue mats because of its firm, supportive feel, its eco-friendly single-piece construction, and its generous warranty.”
Vornado 660
Street price: $95; MSRP: $140; deal price: $75
We’ve rarely posted deals on the Vornado 660 since it rarely receives worthwhile discounts, and our primary pick is often a fair bit cheaper. With this new low of $75, it’s still more expensive than our main pick, but a comparable price for those that prefer this style of fan.
The Vornado 660 is our runner-up pick for the best fan. Séamus Bellamy wrote, “While it has no remote control and can’t oscillate, the 660 is a powerful, well-built fan that can move a massive amount of air in a short amount of time. If you can’t get our main pick, get this.”
Deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.
Samsung spends $1 billion to strengthen US chip production
Making the chips that sit inside our smartphones, tablets and cars is a big business, and one that’s only getting bigger. Samsung is looking to take advantage of that by spending a further $1 billion on its Texas-based semiconductor facility. That cash is intended to increase Samsung’s ability to produce integrated systems on a chip like its Exynos-branded SoCs that reside inside mobile devices.
The Austin American Statesman quotes Catherine Morse, Samsung’s local general counsel, saying that the move will create more jobs. The executive believes that the firm will seek to employ a further 250 – 500 people in the expanded factory when its upgrades are finalized. That should be completed by mid-2017 and serves as a rare boost for Austin’s now-shrinking chip-making economy.
It’s also a sign that Samsung is looking to go it alone when taking on its global rivals in the chip manufacture wars. Its closest rivals are arguably TSMC, which produces the bulk of the chips for the iPhone, and Qualcomm, which recently announced that it would purchase NXP Semiconductor for $47 billion.
Source: Samsung
New York Times is making daily VR videos with Samsung’s help
The New York Times isn’t just dabbling in virtual reality for the occasional special presentation — it wants to make 360-degree videos as commonplace as the crossword puzzle. The newspaper has launched The Daily 360, a feature that (shocker) offers “at least” one VR video every day, whether it’s from a major news story or simply an interesting experience. The first Daily 360 illustrates the aftermath of a Saudi airstrike in Yemen (see it below), but other clips will cover everything from the final days of the US presidential election to Fashion Week.
The project is getting off the ground with some help from Samsung. The tech giant is supplying Gear 360 cameras and other necessary equipment to reporters, and it’ll offer The Daily 360 through its premium VR content service (Samsung VR) as well as a section of its Samsung 837 building in New York City. Don’t worry, though: you don’t need a Gear VR headset (or any headset at all) to watch. As with a lot of web-based VR, you can tune in on your PC or pan around using either the mobile website or the Times’ Android and iOS apps.
This certainly isn’t the first stab at regular VR news, but it could be one of the more influential given the publication’s size and commitment. It’s something you can expect to see, rather than a nice treat. It’s still not going to supplant regular video features, but it could add context to stories where regular footage might not convey what’s really happening on the ground.
Via: VentureBeat
Source: BusinessWire, New York Times
The Galaxy S7 Edge gets doomed Note 7’s Coral Blue outfit
Samsung’s Galaxy S7 series is benefiting yet again from the death of its Galaxy Note cousin. After that always-on display update, this time around the S7 Edge gets a new color scheme: Coral Blue. This was the flagship color in most of Samsung’s media releases and ads — and it’s pretty darn nice in person. The company is looking to make the most of all that leftover blue casing, we assume, after halting Note 7 production. It joins the existing color options of Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, White Pearl, Silver Titanium and Pink Gold; all of which sound like Pokémon games.
There’s no release specifics, but Samsung says the new color option will be available in selected markets around the globe, if you want to pretend you still own a Note 7. Or really like Coral Blue.
Source: Samsung
Samsung’s stylish mobile accessories are launching worldwide
What you see above is Samsung’s suite of stylish accessories, each meant to be paired with a smartphone or tablet for entertainment and functional purposes. Up until today, the company had only offered these products in South Korea, but starting in November they’ll arrive at select markets worldwide. There are six peripherals total, including a wireless charging tray, a battery pack, a Bluetooth LED light, in-ear headphones and two wireless speakers (one of which features 360-degree audio). Naturally, these have one thing in common, and that’s their sleek, minimalist design.
Unfortunately, Samsung didn’t release any pricing information for any of them — likely because that will depend on the country you’re in. While you wait for them to hit online stores, though, you can have a closer look at them in our gallery of press images. The only thing missing is a stylish fire extinguisher to take care of the Note 7’s woes.
Via: The Verge
Source: Samsung
iPad regains share in a shrinking mobile tablet market
Apple’s share of the tablet market has been sliding for a while, but it’s making a comeback… if not for the reasons the company might prefer. Strategy Analytics estimates that the iPad climbed from 19.1 percent of the market in the third quarter of 2015 to 19.9 percent a year later. However, that’s mainly because the market as a whole shrank 10 percent. The analysts believe that many tablet manufacturers’ shipments dropped year-to-year, and that Apple simply experienced a smaller decline than most. The one major exception is Amazon, whose $49 Fire tablet helped its shipments more than double.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple is on the wrong track. Strategy Analytics argues that the iPad Pro line puts Apple “on the path to recovery” by giving the company a laptop-like tablet that wasn’t an option before. However, it does show that Apple is consciously veering away from the strategies of its peers. Many of its Android rivals are shifting attention to 2-in-1 Windows tablets, like Lenovo’s Yoga series or Samsung’s TabPro S. Researchers say that Windows hybrid and tablet shipments jumped 25 percent year-over-year in the third quarter — some of those are bound to be from companies no longer convinced they can sell Android tablets as full-on computer substitutes.
The data suggests that the tablet market isn’t so much dying as maturing. Basic mobile tablets will still have an audience among those who just want to read books or watch video, but higher-end slates are taking hold. People want “everyday computing devices” that really can fill in for a conventional PC, according to analysts, and they’re willing to pay more for these devices.
Source: Strategy Analytics
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