Samsung Pay won’t arrive on the Gear S2 until next year
If you were hoping to pay for a few Christmas presents with your new Samsung Gear S2, you’ll have to wait until next year. After pledging to deliver Samsung Pay to its latest smart watch in November, the company now says the mobile payments won’t arrive on the NFC-equipped wearable until 2016. News of the delay comes from the US Samsung Mobile Twitter account in response to a customer looking for more information.
While no further details were offered, the company says we can expect to hear more info, but it didn’t give a timetable for when that will happen. For Gear S2 owners who splurged for the wearable and it’s ability to handle mobile payments, the delay will certainly be frustrating, especially with no timeframe for the feature’s arrival.
[Image credit: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Source: Samusng Mobile US (Twitter)
Deals: Samsung microSD (16-128GB) 40-68% off, Jackery 12,000mAh Battery Pack for $22.49
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have already come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find more great deals scattered around the internet. If you’re looking to pick up a few more stocking stuffers for the technology lover in your life, look no further. Amazon has a couple of great deals going on right now that can save you some money on microSD cards and external battery packs.
For starters, Samsung microSD cards of various storage capacities are on sale right now, from 40-68% off. As for the specs, these cards feature transfer speeds up to 48MB/s and come in 16, 32, 64 or 128GB options. If your phone supports microSD card expansion, now is a great time to save on some additional storage. Interested? Follow the links below to jump right to the Amazon page.
- Samsung 16GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDHC with Adapter up to 48MB/s – $8.97 (40% off)
- Samsung 32GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDHC up to 48MB/s with Adapter – $11.99 (68% off)
- Samsung 64GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDXC Memory Card with Adapter – $18.99 (68% off)
- Samsung 128GB EVO Micro SDXC up to 48MB/s with Adapter – $58.99 (40% off)
If you know someone who always has a dying smartphone or tablet, this next deal is for you. Amazon is currently selling a 12,000mAh external battery pack from Jackery for only $22.49, which is a big savings of 83%. This battery pack features a sturdy aluminum case with anodized finish and two USB ports (5V/2.1A and 5V/1A), allowing you to charge two devices at once. The Panasonic-based 12,000mAh battery cell should be good for charging the average Android smartphone three to four times or more.
Unlike the Samsung microSD card deal, this battery pack is only on sale for one day. In about 15 hours the price will go back up, so you better hurry if you want to save! Follow the link below for more information.
Samsung releases another Galaxy View specific app aimed at gamers
The Samsung Galaxy View, a mammoth 18.4-inch tablet device, appears to be a niche product. That is not stopping Samsung from throwing resources in the form of app development at the Galaxy View though. We have already seen a family bulletin board style app for the device hit the Play Store and the Galaxy View Remote which turns a smartphone into a mouse to control the tablet. Following in the path of the Galaxy View Remote app, Samsung has released the S Console Gamepad app to turn a smartphone into a gaming controller.
The S Console Gamepad app has to be installed on a compatible smartphone, which is currently limited to other Samsung devices including the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4, and Galaxy Note 5. Once installed, users can select from one of six different gamepads to use with over 100 gamepad optimized games. Users will even have the ability to edit gamepads to come up with their own unique solutions to meet their needs. Like the Galaxy View Remote app, users establish a connection between the Galaxy View and their smartphone using Bluetooth.
If you have a Galaxy View and want to avoid buying a physical gamepad for your gaming enjoyment, hit the Play Store link below to grab the S Console Gamepad for a virtual option.
Come comment on this article: Samsung releases another Galaxy View specific app aimed at gamers
Samsung files new trademark for ‘Duo Pixel’
Samsung holds hundreds if not thousands of patents and trademarks. Earlier today, Samsung filed for a new trademark called ‘Duo Pixel.’
‘Duo Pixel’ looks to be the first of its series, although maybe just a standalone device. There’s also a chance this has something to do with a technology for an application. Up until this point we haven’t heard anything relevant to the name ‘Duo Pixel.’ Our only guess would be a smartphone with a dual camera lens. A little while back, we heard that Samsung was investigating and testing devices with not one but two rear-facing cameras. This could make for better picture quality, enhanced video recording and in-depth 3D images. However, ‘Duo Pixel’ could be something totally different due to the few details that were provided to us. Hopefully we’ll hear more about the unknown technology sooner rather than later.
Come comment on this article: Samsung files new trademark for ‘Duo Pixel’
Galaxy Note 4 with Android 6.0 Marshmallow video posted on YouTube
Amid the growing cries of Samsung “forgetting” and “pretending it doesn’t exist”, the Galaxy Note 4 managed to do the seemingly impossible when it was updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, at least for some users in Hungary. In truth the word is still out as to just how it happened, though it is believed to have been a mistake, similar to how some T-Mobile users found themselves in a similar situation with the Galaxy Note 5 last month. Nonetheless, one of the lucky users (ardaiaron) running Marshmallow has decided to post some footage on YouTube:
The video, which is about seven and a half minutes, highlights a few key points about Marshmallow on the Note 4, though many of them are problems rather than positives:
- There is a considerable amount of lag present. At times the entire screen will just remain blank as background processes load. Additionally the multitasking app “Rolodex” also has lag. This kind of issue is likely a result of the pre-release software running on the device. OEMs usually spend several weeks or months testing and fine-tuning firmware updates so that they are properly optimized for the hardware running it. Granted this doesn’t always translate into the best results, but it would be quite surprising for Samsung to deploy the update featured in this video as “RTM” status.
- Some of the Samsung-specific icons (S Health for example) are incorrectly sized and therefore appear significantly smaller than the rest.
- Air Command and related functionality from the Galaxy Note 5 has been ported. This includes the ability to write with the screen off, as the video demonstrates.
- There are some ongoing error messages (specifically “Samsung Cloud has stopped”) that randomly appear while in use. While the man recording the video was unsure just what this meant, we suspect it has to do with a synchronization error or problem related to being logged into a Samsung Account (possibly with Device Backup activated) and software compatibility issues.
- Battery life is said to be the same as prior to the update. Also related, “Standard” power saving mode is now missing, with only Ultra power saving mode present. This may be a result of internal power optimization due to Android Doze or it could be missing from the build present on this device.
As we reported yesterday, this update is seemingly only available for the Galaxy Note 4: SM-N910F variant and may be part of a soak test or, as suggested in the introduction, possibly even a mistake. It should be noted that the visual changes seemingly being introduced to the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow build are nowhere to be found here.
In addition to the changes detailed in the video, Marshmallow also brings with it some core OS related improvements, including the new Doze mode to save on idle battery power consumption and Google Now On Tap, designed to search for results based on whatever content and text is displayed on-screen. The update is also said to offer some performance improvements, though with this particular build that does not seem to be the case.
We want to hear from you! Have you managed to score the update or flash it? Would you considering using it based on the performance as seen in this video? Have your feelings about the Galaxy Note 4 changed now that it is clear Samsung is working on merging it with Marshmallow? Leave us your thoughts and comments below!
Samsung Pay for the Gear S2 delayed until 2016 in America
This year, a big push has been made in Android land to promote Pay services. Though arguably brought to the mainstream’s attention with last year’s iPhone 6 and Apple Pay, Google’s mobile OS has actually supported and included NFC technology since the Samsung Nexus S landed 5 years ago. Japan for that matter, has been using an NFC-based mobile payment system since the feature phone days of ten years ago.
Now that the technology is finally catching on in earnest in America however, Samsung’s system – called Samsung Pay – has prime potential to push the payment platform. The new Gear S2 smartwatch was cited as a way to pay when it launched this past autumn, however it seems that – at least for American users – the dream of a wrist-worn-wallet will have to wait:
@_TheTRn We're sorry for the wait, Michael. #SamsungPay is now coming to the #GearS2 in 2016. Stay tuned for more information. Thanks!
— Samsung Mobile US (@SamsungMobileUS) November 29, 2015
The above Tweet is now over a week old, but was picked up by SamMobile earlier today. As can be seen, Samsung Mobile US has responded to customer’s query by indicating the payment service has been delayed until 2016.
It is unclear just what has caused the setback, especially given that Samsung Pay is not only “turned on” for several 2015 flagships, but has already wracked up a million users. The likely culprit is a software glitch or bug, something that becomes a larger possibility given the variety of carriers who are offering the Gear S2 3G variant which may have modified software builds to support relevant network infrastructure or pre-loaded carrier software.
At this point in time, those who own the Gear S2 and live in the United States must endure a bit longer until they have the chance to pay with their wristwatch. Alas like it’s said, mo money, mo problems.
New leak allegedly shows Samsung Galaxy S7 renders, not much difference though
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We’ve had our fair share of rumours regarding Samsung‘s 2016 flagship smartphone, however we’ve yet to see any evidence of a physical device – and that’s not going to change today. What we do have is a number of Samsung Galaxy S7 renders which allegedly show what next year’s device is going to look like – and for those who are wondering, yes, we swear we’re not just showing you a Galaxy S6 render just for a story. These renders come from third-party accessory maker ITSkins who have revealed the dimensions for the Galaxy S7 depicted in the renders, as well as a slightly larger variant of the device which we’re apparently calling the Galaxy S7 Plus.
According to the leak, the Galaxy S7 will measure 143.37 x 70.8 x 6.94 mm, whereas the Galaxy S7 Plus is said to measure 163.32 x 82.01 x 7.82 mm, which would make it a 6-inch device – for reference, last year’s Galaxy S6 measured 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm, which for all intents and purposes is exactly the same size as the leaked Galaxy S7. SamMobile seems pretty convinced these renders are fake as the depicted device has a microSD slot while we’re expecting a USB Type-C slot in this year’s device – we’re finding it pretty hard to comment as there are rumours that Samsung is going to largely recycle the design of the Galaxy S6 for the Galaxy S7, so even if parts of these leaked renders are true, the concept here is still pretty much confirmed.
What do you think about these Samsung Galaxy S7 renders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post New leak allegedly shows Samsung Galaxy S7 renders, not much difference though appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Samsung Galaxy S7 and larger-sized Galaxy S7 Plus leak in renders for the first time
Up until this point, there have been no visual leaks of the Galaxy S7. Today, multiple renders have leaked of the upcoming Galaxy S7 flagship and a Galaxy S7 Plus handset.
This leak comes from a case and accessory manufacturer called ITSKINS. Sometimes measurements and renders are sent out to such manufacturers ahead of the public release to ensure there are accessories to go around on launch day. Surprisingly, there’s no edge model listed, only a standard flat Galaxy S7 and a larger-sized Galaxy S7 Plus. The smaller standard Galaxy S7 measures 143.37 x 70.8 x 6.94 mm, which is nearly the same as its predecessor, the Galaxy S6. Nearly all design elements have been kept the same including the placement of the heart rate sensor, microphone, speaker, power button, volume controls, home button, and same old protruding camera lens. The only differences spotted are a less rounded home button and the location of the SIM card tray, which has moved from the top of the device to the side
The larger of the two, presumably the Galaxy S7 Plus, measures 163.32 x 82.01 x 7.82mm, which is indeed huge. We’re likely looking at somewhere in the 5.8-inch to 6.0-inch range. You can check out the leaked renders down below. Does the same design bother you? Let us know what you think.
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S7 and larger-sized Galaxy S7 Plus leak in renders for the first time
Several Samsung executives may be involved in insider stock trading
Several Samsung executives are suspected of insider trading, according to the latest investigation of nine officials in the company. The executives work for several major Samsung affiliate companies, and reportedly used insider information to buy up stocks in Cheil Industries before Cheil announced their plans to buy Samsung C&T Corp., which obviously sent the company’s stock way up.
There’s no official ruling just yet, as the investigation is in its preliminary stages and could take up a to a year to finish.
Definitely not a good PR situation for Samsung to deal with.
source: The Wall Street Journal
Come comment on this article: Several Samsung executives may be involved in insider stock trading
WSJ: “President-level” Samsung executives investigated for insider trading
High-ranking Samsung executives are under investigation in South Korea for alleged insider trading involving shares worth up to $43 million.
Korea’s financial watchdog, the Financial Services Commission, is reportedly looking into suspicious market activity that occurred before the announcement of the acquisition of Samsung C&T by Cheil Industries, the Samsung group’s de facto holding company.
The investigation, which could take up to a year, was announced last Friday, and nine executives have been revealed to be under investigation. The Samsung executives belong to three or four of Samsung’s major companies. These persons are investigated for buying Cheil Industries stock worth $35 million-$43 million in the days before the acquisition of Samsung C&T was made public in May 2015. Cheil’s shares rose after the announcement.
According to the Wall Street Journal, citing a FSC official, other Samsung employees may be involved as well, including some “president-level” executives.
Samsung has around 60 affiliates, which are autonomous companies controlled by the Lee family through a complex web of ownership. Each of these structures has one or more president-level executives.
When Cheil Industries bought Samsung C&T, prevailing thinking was that the move was intended to give Lee Jae-yong, Samsung’s vice chairman, better control over Samsung Electronics, the all-important unit that makes smartphones, among other devices. Samsung C&T, a construction company, owns a part of Samsung Electronics.
Lee Jae-yong is seen as the heir to the Samsung empire. His father, chairman Lee Keun-hee, is yet to recover from a heart attack he suffered in 2014. By having Cheil buy C&T, Lee Jae-yong obtained control over 4.1% of Samsung Electronics.
See also: Samsung Electronics president: “Next year will be tough”
To be clear, there are no public allegations against Samsung Electronics executives.
Still, this complication could, in theory, make it harder for the 47-year-old Lee Jae-yong to take on the reins of the massive conglomerate, which sells everything from clothes, to insurance, to cargo ships and mobile devices.
The leadership of Samsung Electronics is going through changes, following the company’s recent slowdown. Shin Jong-Kyun, who has led the mobile division through its rise and recent fall, will step back from day to day operations, though he will keep his co-CEO and president position. Taking over control is Koh Dong-Jin, who already warned about Samsung’s “tough year” ahead.
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