Showing posts with label Samsung. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samsung. Show all posts

Friday, March 30, 2012

Samsung Reconsiders No Android 4.0 for Tab and Galaxy S After Outcry

By Humberto Saabedra on December 27, 2011

Following the past few days where Samsung was all but set to abandon the Galaxy S and first generation Tab with the confirmation that it would not offer Ice Cream Sandwich for the devices, now comes word straight from Korea that confirms that the conglomerate has decided to reverse its position on the matter after ongoing internal discussions and increasing consumer demand.

While the reversal is surprising, it does come with a few exceptions, mainly that the versions of ICS that would be developed for both devices would be developed taking into account the hardware limitations of each device in terms of lower RAM/ROM and slower processors compared to current devices that are more than adequate for handling Android 4.0, such as the Galaxy Nexus. This means that the versions of Android 4.0 for the Galaxy S and Tab may have select features removed to better fit the devices hardware profile, but to what extent isn’t known at this time.

The initial reason for not updating the Tab and Galaxy S centered on the inability to get its TouchWiz overlay and Android 4.0 to work together without significant performance issues. It remains to be seen exactly how they will deal with that issue as well as the update cycle for both unlocked phones and the variety of carrier variants with slightly different hardware configurations.

As the Galaxy S and Tab are almost two years old, the initial consumer outcry against Samsung for not initially offering Android 4.0 on the devices was justified, as they represented sizable investments in hardware in terms of cost and any carrier agreements at the time of release for each product.

With the trend heading towards ever more compressed release cycles for Android hardware , the downside is that forced obsolescence is becoming a bigger trend for Android manufacturers and is quickly leaving a bad taste in the mouth of those that happen to purchase flagship Android phones from select manufacturers and carriers under contract, which has the side effect of making customers wary about buying from the same manufacturer in the future, due to the insecurity regarding consistent updates.

Samsung Confirms Galaxy Player as First Google Sanctioned Android PMPSamsung Confirms No Android 4.0 on Galaxy S and TabT-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Tab Price Cut Coming WednesdaySamsung Announces Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy Tab LTE Ahead of IFASamsung Claimng Carriers Not Being Charged for Froyo on Galaxy SPosted in Android, Samsung | Tagged Android 4.0, galaxy s, Galaxy Tab, Samsung |


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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Deal: Cricket Samsung Featurephone + $25 Prepaid Card – Free After Rebate

By Humberto Saabedra on December 29, 2011

Cricket Chrono DealBest Buy is currently running its best deal on the Cricket Samsung Chrono featurephone by offering it for $10 with an additional $25 prepaid card by following this link, but there’s another rebate from Cricket for a $10 rebate card that makes the phone free by clicking this link, which links to the Cricket rebate form.

Sony Ericsson Z750a Prepaid Deal Falls to $40, Adds $25 Prepaid Card (Updated, Now $70 with Card or $60 Without)Deal: Susteen Tethering & Sync Software Free After RebateCricket Announces Best Buy Distribution Deal in Home Coverage AreasCricket Launches Samsung IndulgePosted in Cricket & Leap, Deals, Samsung |


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Report: Samsung Now Considering “Value Pack” Update for Galaxy S and Tab

By Humberto Saabedra on December 28, 2011

Various reports filtering out of Korea today are now reporting that in lieu of a full fledged update to Android 4.0 for the Galaxy S and Tab, Samsung is considering a “Value Pack” Update for both devices which would add many of the new features such as improved multitasking and widgets, but would forgo an actual update to the operating system.

Such attempts at “hybrid updates” are not new for Samsung, with its similar attempt for the same type of update for its own Bada OS handsets, but the manufacturer has a history of botching such updates with the most famous example being the T-Mobile Behold II.

As our founding editor alluded to, Samsung originally slated the Behold II for an update to Android 2.0 when the operating system was in its final development stages at the same time that the phone was being released on T-Mobile in 2009.

After months of anticipation and no real response regarding the issue, owners made threats to file a class-action lawsuit after being promised Android 2.0 by Samsung and only being given 1.6 with the Swype keyboard and Google Maps with Navigation. With this latest news, Samsung may be heading for a repeat of the same situation and more cold comfort will be given to those that were hoping for Android 4.0 on the Galaxy S and Tab.

Report: Samsung Confirms US Galaxy S II Launch for AugustReport: Verizon to Ship Samsung Galaxy S II in July (Updated)Samsung Claimng Carriers Not Being Charged for Froyo on Galaxy SMarketing Pack List Reveals Galaxy Nexus Variant for SprintCellular South Launches Samsung Galaxy SPosted in Android, Samsung | Tagged Android, galaxy s, Ice Cream Sandwich, Samsung |


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Sunday, January 22, 2012

News on Samsung Galaxy Note

New Samsung Galaxy Note update: Stunning enhancements » Phone Reviews All NewsiPhoneBlackBerryAndroidHTCLGMotorolaSamsungSony EricssonNokiaVideo   Add Mark Chubb (Phones Review CEO) to your Circles on Google+New Samsung Galaxy Note update: Stunning enhancementsUnder: Samsung
Date: January 20th, 2012

South Korean company Samsung have brought out some pretty impressive handsets over the last few months, namely the Galaxy S II, Galaxy Nexus, Note and what looks to be the forthcoming Galaxy S III, rumored to be showcased at the February Mobile World Congress event. Today the news is centred on the Note and a new update, benefiting users that already have the handset.

Whilst some countries such as the US and Canada are waiting for the smartphone/tablet hybrid Galaxy Note to actually arrive, internationally other users will if not already, be notified that a ‘70MB maintenance update’ is coming from Samsung, benefiting users with impressive enhancements such as an extra fifth row of number keys enabling ease of use, along with an added setting enabling right or left alignment of the qwerty keyboard/numpad allowing for one-handed use.

Also as pocketnow.com reported, the new update will allow changes to the lock screen, with the handset’s screen giving directions of how to take off the lock with ease of use. A new torch widget will benefit the smartphone alongside screen brightness setting, which can be controlled for the web browser.

What are your thoughts on the new Galaxy Note update enhancements? Impressed?

 

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Anonymous

I,m proud to say, that I’ve been maybe the first, that suggest this “one hand” mode ! And I did not patent it:)) Free:)
This “one hand mode”  update should be in the title, but……:)
So iboys  , tell me something about your thumb.:)

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News on Samsung Galaxy S3

Samsung Galaxy S3 or Note successor: Notable changes » Phone Reviews All NewsiPhoneBlackBerryAndroidHTCLGMotorolaSamsungSony EricssonNokiaVideo   Add Mark Chubb (Phones Review CEO) to your Circles on Google+Samsung Galaxy S3 or Note successor: Notable changesUnder: Mobile Phones, Samsung
Date: January 20th, 2012

As the Samsung Galaxy S2 is such a huge success obviously there is quite a bit of interest in the handsets successor, the Galaxy S3 and no doubt the S3 will be as big a success of the S2 or more so. So what we have for your consideration today is an image taken from a Samsung presentation video that could possibly be the next Galaxy model.

According to the guys over at GSMdome, the picture of the Galaxy device pops up at the 7-11 minute mark and shows that the handset has a much thinner bezel, and apparently some have speculated that this device could be a Samsung Galaxy Note successor or a modified Note design or even the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Have to say, the device in the video below doesn’t stay on the screen for too long and there not much we can tell from the image, but the guys do say this is definitely a Galaxy unit, but whether it is the Samsung Galaxy S3 that is rumoured to be unveiled during Mobile World Congress 2012 remains to be seen.

One thing is quite notable though, whatever device the handset is, it does have a very thin bezel, and the YouTube blurb with the video does make mention of the Galaxy Note, but no mention of the Galaxy S3, so one could presume from that, that this device is probably a modified Galaxy Note, or even its successor.

When it comes to rumoured specs for the Samsung Galaxy S3, word has it the device will sport a 4.6-inch next generation Super AMOLED touch screen along with a quad core Exynos processor, and the guys say worse case the handset will have a 2GHz dual core CPU, 12 megapixel camera, 1GB or more of RAM and 32GB internal memory.

Anyway I’ll leave it right there and let you head on down to hit that play button and check out the Galaxy device to see if you feel it is the Galaxy S3 or a Galaxy Note…enjoy.

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Saturday, January 21, 2012

News on Samsung Star 3

Samsung Star 3 & Duo with free messaging platform » Phone Reviews All NewsiPhoneBlackBerryAndroidHTCLGMotorolaSamsungSony EricssonNokiaVideo   Add Mark Chubb (Phones Review CEO) to your Circles on Google+Samsung Star 3 & Duo with free messaging platformUnder: Mobile Phones, Samsung
Date: January 20th, 2012

Looks like old Sammy has a couple of new feature phone offerings for their customers in the form of the Samsung Star 3 and the Samsung Star 3 Duo a couple of devices that are meant to make the Sammy feature phone better with social networking along with Samsung’s ChatOn free messaging platform and an affordable price.

According to the guys over at Phone Arena by way of Sammy Hub, spec wise the Samsung Star 3 is said to pack a 3-inch QVGA TFT LCD display along with a 3.2 megapixel camera with video support, EDGE connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi, 20MB internal memory, microSD expansion up to 16GB, TouchWiz Lite, and a 1000mAh battery.

Design wise the Samsung Star 3 looks virtually identical to the Star 2, and basically the most notable additional feature with the Star 3 is that ChatOn experience whilst other features include a music player with SoundAlive, and an FM radio with RDS.

Size wise the Samsung Star 3 measures 102 x 58 x 11.5mm and weighs in at 95 grams. When it comes to the Samsung Star 3 Duo, the handset is the same as the Star 3 but features two SIM card slots.

And that’s about it, other than both Samsung handsets should release later this month in Russia, along with plans to launch in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe and CIS, and at some point in Southwest Asia, no word on what that affordable price will be though.

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

News on Apple Samsung lawsuit

Samsung secures bundle of bucks to fight Apple » Phone Reviews All NewsiPhoneBlackBerryAndroidHTCLGMotorolaSamsungSony EricssonNokiaVideo   Add Mark Chubb (Phones Review CEO) to your Circles on Google+Samsung secures bundle of bucks to fight AppleUnder: Apple iPhone, Phone Business & Stocks, Samsung
Date: December 6th, 2011

I’m sure if you frequent the mobile arena you’ll know that Apple has been after Samsung blood for quite some time claiming old Sammy infringes of the design of the iPhone and Apple iPad with several Samsung products, and recently Samsung managed to get an Australian ban of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 overturned and has had Apple’s demand to have Samsung products banned in the US deigned.

However the fight between Apple and Samsung doesn’t end there and will no doubt continue for some time into the future, and according to an article over on Pocket Now via the Korea Times , Geesung Choi, the president and chief exec of digital media at Samsung Electronics has said they have secured a rather large lump of cash to continue the fight against Apple across the globe in courtrooms.

That large bundle of cash secured by Samsung is to the tune of some 200 million bucks, a fairly substantial sum to throw at lawyers to fight the Samsung front. Although no doubt Apple has a hefty pile of cash to also throw at their own lawyers in order to continue the fight.

Samsung’s recent victories against Apple in the courtrooms aren’t permanent though as they cover preliminary injunctions against Samsung rather than the actual outcome of the cases, which Apple could still win.

Just think what that cash could be used for if Apple and Samsung were to bury the hatchet once and for all rather than wasting it on legal teams to hash it out in court.

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Samsung Developing Signal Loss Update for Samsung Epic 4G Touch

By Humberto Saabedra on November 30, 2011

Sprint Samsung Epic Touch 4GA Samsung developer has confirmed to an Epic 4G Touch owner that the manufacturer is in the final stages of finalizing a new update for the phone that is intended to fix a long-standing issue with the phone, whereby the phone would struggle to maintain a steady signal in spotty coverage areas.

I have been having problems since I bought this phone with LoS and had been having bad customer service to the extreme which I won’t go into here.

A couple of days ago I did an executive email bomb (not the dan@icouldgive address, but their actual email addresses). Bob Johnson, the customer service top guy at Sprint personally called to apologize to me at 9pm at night. After I explained the issue, he said he would research the issue and get back to me. A top Samsung dev called me today who said he had spoke to Bob and informed me that an update was due in December. He offered to push the update to my phone now but said it was still in testing, so I declined.

He explained the cause of the issue to me. It is isolated to areas with spotty coverage, which is why some don’t experience it at all. If you are in 4g and leave 4g coverage, or in 3g coverage and leave 3g coverage, and in the process of sending packets, there is apparently a bug where the phone does not detect this and would just give up after it could no longer talk to the old tower.

As the issue is isolated to areas with sporadic coverage and areas where 3G and 4G coverage do not seamlessly overlap, the issue affects a minority of users, but is considered an issue worthy of investigation and further development to fix. What is not known, is whether the update will include other fixes for other longstanding issues, such as battery life issues and other problems.

[via XDADevelopers]

Posted in Android, Samsung, Sprint | Tagged Android, Epic Touch 4G, Samsung, sprint |


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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

News on Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Verizon Galaxy Nexus bootloader unlocking process » Phone Reviews All NewsiPhoneBlackBerryAndroidHTCLGMotorolaSamsungSony EricssonNokiaVideo   Add Mark Chubb (Phones Review CEO) to your Circles on Google+Verizon Galaxy Nexus bootloader unlocking processUnder: Samsung, Verizon
Date: December 6th, 2011

With the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Verizon now being released on December 9th, some of you may be wanting to unlock the bootloader.

Unlike past devices that have required you the user, to hack into your device or even bypass the bootloader, the Galaxy Nexus has been designed to allow you to open it up straight away.

As droid-life.com stated before you start, advice is to get the Android SDK installed with recognition from your device through adb. This will then set the wheels in motion for simple commands and a quick volume press on the smartphone. To get a full listing of the instructions, brief breakdown of each and some of your important questions already being answered, follow the link for droid-life.

First up the unlocked bootloader will only work with Windows, and the most important step to follow beforehand is to set up the Android SDK properly. Now to make a start, place a fastboot.exe file into your SDK folder if its not already there and download. All being well, then turn on your device with USB debugging (Settings>Developer options>USB debugging), plug the Nexus into your computer, head into your SDK/Tools folder or where your adb.exe and fastboot.exe files are located.

Next you have to hold SHIFT and right click and choose open command window here. Type the following: adb reboot bootloader. Your Nexus will then switch off and reboot to the bootloader. Now type: fastboot oem unlock, you will then be asked to unlock. Using the volume keys say, “Yes” then press the power button. Your bootloader should now be unlocked. The Galaxy Nexus will factory reset itself and reboot, with you now being able to use the unlocked Nexus.

Will you consider using the bootloader unlocking process?

 

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

News on Samsung Galaxy S II

HTC Amaze 4G, Galaxy S II Comparison Fight Videos » Phone Reviews All NewsiPhoneBlackBerryAndroidHTCLGMotorolaSamsungSony EricssonNokiaVideo   Add Mark Chubb (Phones Review CEO) to your Circles on Google+HTC Amaze 4G, Galaxy S II Comparison Fight VideosUnder: Google Android, HTC, Mobile Phone Video News, Samsung
Date: October 24th, 2011

Obviously the big Android handset on the block at the moment is the Samsung Galaxy S II, and today we have a little battle of the Androids for your viewing consideration below we the Samsung Galaxy S II takes on newcomer, the HTC Amaze 4G is a comparison battle between the two handsets on T-Mobile’s network to see which smartphone can come out tops.

The Samsung Galaxy S II versus the HTC Amaze 4G two-part comparison fight comes our way courtesy of Aaron Baker over at Phone Dog who gives us his views on the differences between both Android smartphones with the joint footage lasting roughly 26 minutes.

Okay let’s kick this off with the specs of both handsets, as you no doubt are aware the Samsung Galaxy S II offers a 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus touch screen, 8 megapixel rear facing camera, 2 megapixel front facing camera, 1080p video, 1.5GHz dual core processor, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, microSD expansion up to 32GB,a 3.5mm jack, and runs Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread and TouchWiz 4.0.

When it comes to the HTC Amaze 4G, the device offers a 4.3-inch qHD touch screen, 8 megapixel rear facing auto-focus camera with dual LED flash, 2 megapixel front facing camera, 1080p video, 1.5GHz dual core processor, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, microSD expansion up to 32GB, 3.5mm jack and runs Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread and HTC Sense 3.0.

So basically when it comes to specs both devices are much the same, although according to Aaron the build quality on the HTC Amaze 4G is much better than the Galaxy S II but the GSII does offer a larger display and battery.

There is also a bit of a difference when it comes to price tag with the Samsung Galaxy S II on T-mobile costing $229.99 on the usual two-year term while the HTC Amaze 4G hits your pocket for a touch more at $259.99 again on a tow-year agreement.

So can either top the other? Well head on down to mash that play button to check out the comparison battle between these two Android powerhouses and feel free to let us know if you agree with Aaron’s appraisal…enjoy.

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