AT&T starts rolling out Android 5.1.1 update for the Galaxy S6 Active
AT&T has at last started rolling out the Android 5.1.1 update to all its carrier-branded variants of the Galaxy S6 Active located in the United States. As far as added functionality goes, this upgrade transports the latest version of Lollipop, compatibility for Samsung Pay and a much-needed patch for the Stagefright vulnerability to the handset.
Hit the break for the full changelog.
- Android 5.1.1
- Android For Work
- Samsung Pay
- Security updates
- Fix to Ultra Power Saver mode for devices using On Device Encryption
As is the norm, this update is being distributed in stages. To see if it’s ready for your device head into Settings, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification prompting you to install the update.
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A handy remote diagnostics feature comes to the Samsung+ app in latest update
If you’re the owner of a Samsung Galaxy device and are looking to maximize your experience, you might want to download the Samsung+ application from the Play Store. Previously known as the Samsung Owner’s Hub, Samsung+ is not only a helpful tool to troubleshoot device issues, but also a good way to get some exclusive music and behind-the-scenes videos. With Samsung+, you can get one-touch access to Samsung’s Customer Support with video chat as well as access to hands-on workshops in your area to learn how to use your Galaxy device. It even features a growing library of tips, tricks and how-to videos that demonstrate your device’s most notable features.
See also: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Tips & Tricks
Today Samsung+ is getting even better, thanks to a new remote diagnostics feature called “Scan Your Device.” Once you press the scan button, the app will automatically begin a scan to monitor the health of your Samsung device. It will perform checks to help you optimize battery life, device memory, storage, data usage and more with the simple tap of a button. This new feature will hopefully help point out if there are any rogue applications or charging issues on your smartphone or tablet.
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The update to Samsung+ is now live in the Play Store, so head to the link below to grab the latest version.
Download Samsung+ from the Play Store
Samsung in video
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The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 now comes with a warning not to insert S-Pen backwards
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When the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 was first released, there was a huge uproar regarding the fact the S-Pen stylus could be inserted backwards into the device, potentially permanently ruining its functionality. There were plenty of arguments on either side of the fence, but Samsung has taken the proactive approach regardless and has now put a warning on the device itself. As shown in an unboxing video by YouTube J. Williams, the Note 5 now has a printed warning on the screen protector that ships with a new device that specifically warns against this particular situation.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s still not going to happen, but at least with this warning Samsung can say “we told you so”. Having said that, expect the next generation of Galaxy Note devices to adopt the design of its predecessors where the S-Pen can only be inserted one way.
What do you think about this new warning on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 now comes with a warning not to insert S-Pen backwards appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
MetroPC brings BOGO deal back for Black Friday
Does anyone even realize that Thanksgiving is next Thursday? Probably not, because we’re all set on Black Friday. Around the world, stores will be stormed with customers eager to get their hands on the hottest deals of the year. So many are preparing for the massive foot traffic by launching their Black Friday deals early. MetroPCS, the prepaid carrier owned and operated by T-Mobile, has launched its familiar buy-one-get-one promotion eight days ahead of the (unofficial) holiday being honored.
Purchasing any phone from MetroPCS will provide you with one of the following phones free of charge:
- Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
- Kyocera Hydro Wave
- LG Leon
- LG 450
- ZTE Obsidian
Customers can go to any participating MetroPCS store starting today to take advantage of the deal. MetroPCS is running it through November, leaving you plenty of time to decide if any of the aforementioned phones are good gift for you or anyone on your list.
Source: MetroPCS
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In-house chips may be on the way to LG, Sony devices
LG has been steadily improving its position in the mobile device market thanks to a string of successful smartphone launches over the past couple years. Meanwhile, Sony, while producing devices that tend to be well received, struggles to translate that into sales success. Although they seem to be on divergent paths, the two companies have something in common – they are both mentioned in rumors of a move by smartphone manufacturers to transition to in-house production of processors used in their devices.
The latest rumor swirling around the subject was triggered after Global Unichip, a Taiwan-based chip designer, reportedly received orders for development from “Asia-based handset vendors.” This has prompted some sources to consider the possibility that both LG and Sony may be following a strategy implemented by Apple, Samsung and Huawei, all of whom manufacture chips for their own devices.
Currently LG and Sony depend on “off-the-shelf” processors from Mediatek and Qualcomm for their devices.
Do you think this is a smart move for either company? Does the use of an in-house chip versus a generally available chip sway your purchase decisions any?
source: DigiTimes
via: XperiaBlog
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Samsung pushes a new app to the Play Store for its Galaxy View tablet
After rolling out one last week, Samsung has pushed another app for its enormous Galaxy View tablet to the Play Store.
Samsung has introduced “Galaxy View Remote” for its new Galaxy View tablet. However, it’s not just for your View tablet, it’s for your smartphone to control your View tablet. The app must be installed on a Samsung smartphone with bluetooth connectivity in order to work. After opening the app, users will be prompted to pair their Galaxy View tablet over bluetooth. Once paired, your smartphone will act as a remote control for your Galaxy View tablet.
Samsung is obviously aiming for a PC-like experience here by letting users use their smartphone as a mouse to control their tablet, just like on a desktop. Users can use the trackpad to navigate with a simple swipe in each direction. Users also have access to the View tablet’s volume controls, back button, multitasking switcher and home button right on their Samsung smartphone. Arrow keys and an “ok” button are also included to make selections without the need to touch the View tablet’s display. And lastly, if you don’t enjoy the large keyboard experience on the Galaxy View, you can use the keyboard on your Samsung smartphone to type on the View tablet.
The app is free to download in the Play Store.
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Samsung Galaxy A7 featuring Exynos 7580 SoC surfaces on AnTuTu
We have been hearing rumors about the Galaxy A7 successor for sometime now, but recently a variant of the upcoming device featuring Samsung’s Exynos 7580 processor has surfaced on the AnTuTu benchmark. And the results are quite impressive.
Earlier, it had emerged in a series of leaks that the new Galaxy A7 will feature a 5.5-inch FHD AMOLED display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 615 SoC, 3GB of RAM and a duo of 13MP primary and 5MP front-facing cameras. It is noteworthy that the original Galaxy A7 was either powered by Snapdragon 615 or Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa 5430 chipsets.
However, AnTuTu results posted on Weibo revealed that the Exynos 7580 featuring device is built using Samsung’s 28nm architecture. The processor comprising a 1.6GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 processor and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU has previously been seen in Samsung Galaxy J7 or the Galaxy S5 Neo. Unsurprisingly, it obtained a respectable score of 37,563 points against the Snapdragon 615-powered Galaxy A7 that managed to get 32,000 points on the benchmark.
In addition to an upgraded processor, the new Galaxy A7 may have a completely revamped design – or, at least that’s what the the leaked reports would want us to believe. The metal frame of the original Galaxy A7 was its USP, but it came with a plastic back – something that Samsung had faced criticism for years. Things, however, began to change with launch of the Galaxy S6, which had a metal and glass body. If new leaks are to be believed, the new Galaxy A7 will have a similar build and design, which indeed is a great news for those who are looking to buy a quality mid-range phone.
Source: AnTuTu (Weibo)
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Samsung’s latest smartphone camera loves the low light
Are you sick of disappointing low light photos taken on your smartphone? Samsung might have a solution for you. At an investor conference in Korea, the telecommunications brand announced a new camera called BRITECELL that excels in darker conditions. The camera manages to achieve brighter, sharper results by getting rid of the traditional Bayer filter layout used in most smartphone cameras. This is a filter that turns pixels green and blocks light from hitting the sensors, making photos darker. Samsung has traded these green pixels for white ones that allow more light to pour through the lens. More light means brighter photos. Simple, right?
Source: 9 To 5 Google
Samsung Pay reportedly set to launch in China, Spain and the UK early next year
Samsung Pay has seen a pretty limited rollout since its launch a few months ago, but the company’s mobile payment service might soon start rolling out to more regions. According to a new report out of SamMobile, the South Korean company is planning to bring Samsung Pay to China, Spain and the U.K. sometime in Q1 2016. An exact rollout date has yet to be confirmed. Currently the service is only available in the United States and South Korea, so the rollout to these new regions will certainly be welcome additions.
See also: Report: Samsung’s budget smartphones to get fingerprint readers and Samsung Pay (NFC)
Samsung Pay originally launched on the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ back in August in Korea, and came to the United States just one month later. The company’s Gear S2 smartwatch recently got an update that brought support for the payment service, though it only supports payments through NFC. And now with the addition of Verizon, all four major U.S. carriers (along with U.S. Cellular) support Samsung Pay.
In case you’re unfamiliar, Samsung Pay uses both NFC and MST to make mobile payments. You’ll need a VISA, MasterCard or American Express card from Bank of America, Citi or U.S. Bank in order to use the service at the moment, but Samsung says support for more banks and cards will be added in the near future.
Devices that support Samsung Pay
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Samsung wants to increase people’s desire for mid-range handsets
A new report suggests that Samsung might bring some of the features found on its flagship lineups to mid-range handsets.
With the release of the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note 5, the company introduced a slew of new features. Samsung’s new strategy is to launch less smartphones but make them more desirable, and it’s going about this by introducing some of its most popular features on a wider variety of phones.
Some of Samsung’s mid-range handsets that could take part in this include the Galaxy A3, A5, A7, and A8. Currently, buyers who want the latest and greatest are forced to buy from one of Samsung’s upper lineups. According to The Korea Herald, Samsung may start by widening support for Samsung Pay, the company’s mobile payment service. Samsung believes this approach will not only lead to increase of desire for mid to low-range handsets, but generate more active users for its new payment service. The company will also seek to take design cues from its flagship lines for future handsets. It should also be noted that Samsung plans to bring a number of other sensors and features, although not directly specified.
Source: The Korea Herald
Via: Android Headlines
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