Samsung Galaxy S5 benchmark reveals 2K screen

While the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is busy tending to its flagship duties for Samsung, the heir to the Galaxy S4 is making headlines steadily building up the hype.
The latest rumors concern its body and some of its specs. According to EMSOne, a Japanese-based website, ODM Catcher Technology (Taiwan), BYD (China) and Ju Teng (Taiwan) has been assigned to make between 10 and 30 million unibody metal shells for the next high-grade Galaxy device. That could very well turn out to be the Galaxy S5.


This fits nicely with the leaked metal frame we've seen before which was also said to be for the Galaxy S5.
Some rumors are hinting at a two-pronned approach by Samsung - producing a metal-clad flagship of a new F series along with an all-plastic S-series member.
And in other news a device, by the name of Samsung SM-G900S, has popped up on GFX Bench running on a highly-clocked Snapdragon 800 chipset and the Adreno 330 GPU. The clock is at most 2.46GHz. Sadly this isn't the Snapdragon 805 with Adreno 420 GPU nor is it the 64-bit Exynos chip we're hoping to see sooner rather than later.
There's more, though - the SM-G900S sports a screen resolution of 2560 x 1440 or 2K. And if the rumors of either a 5" or 5.2" screen turn out true we may be looking at an insane density of over 560 pixels per inch. As far as results go, the device in question rounded up 27.7 fps on the T-Rex 1080p Offscreen test - on which we've found the Galaxy Note 3 to be the best with 26 frames per second.
Other rumors suggest the Galaxy S5 will be launched (or at least shown) as early as Q1 of next year, have a 16 MP snapper with the ISOCELL tech, perhaps without optical image stabilization and possibly with some elements resistance in tow. That is hard to take in all at once, we know.
But let's not get too ahead of ourselves as we highly doubt the Galaxy S5 to premiere with a mid-2013-grade chip inside (no offense, Snapdragon 800). We'll have to wait a little longer.
Source 1 | Source 2 | Via 1 | Via 2

Read More

Samsung Galaxy S5 will not have OIS camera

Before the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 came out there were rumors that it will have a camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). It didn’t and rumors had it that it was due to the insufficient supply of stabilized modules in time for the launch. Then there were a couple of OIS-enabled cameras linked to Samsung – a 13MP one and a 16MP one – with speculations coming that they'll be used on the Galaxy S5.
Not so fast, says Korean publication ETNews. Apparently, the next Galaxy S flagship will not have OIS due to a number of issues. For one, OIS camera modules are thick and might not fit in the thin Galaxy S5.
Getting enough units is another issue – the Galaxy S phones sell in the tens of millions and Samsung is reportedly worried that camera suppliers won't be able to deliver enough units, at least in time for the S5 launch early next year.
Samsung execs recognize that competitors are using OIS as a marketing point, but the next flagship smartphone will most likely miss out on the feature.
Keep in mind that that these rumors are in no way official and might turn out to be false. The same goes for other Galaxy S5 rumors including the metal frame and 64-bit processor.
Source (in Korean) | Via

Read More

Samsung Galaxy S5 Coming Early 2014 With 64-Bit Exynos, Flexible Display, Aluminum Chassis

Although owners of the new-ish Samsung Galaxy S4 may still be swooning over the popular smartphone, the successor to Samsung’s flagship phone is already in the works. A new report has emerged that pegs the Samsung Galaxy S5’s release for March of 2014, with mass production beginning in January.

It will come in two variants, one with an aluminum and a bendable OLED display, and another sporting the same sort of plastic body we’re used to seeing from Samsung. Other reports indicate that the aluminum S5 will rock a 64-bit Exynos processor while the plastic version will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor inside.

Samsung Galaxy S4, about to be supplanted

The device is also rumored to sport a 2k display, 16MP camera, and Android 4.4 (KitKat), and Samsung may also release an updated version of its Galaxy Gear smartwatch along with it.
Via: Times of India | News Archive | 

Read More

Samsung ChatON for Android now supports SMS and MMS... in Germany and Brazil

As we all know, Samsung's unofficial motto is "anything you can do, (I think) I can do better." There is obviously the unfortunate incident with TouchWiz that has ended in multiple lawsuits, but there is also the various content stores and apps that Samsung has created in order to slowly wiggle its way from Google's Android services. Samsung ChatON is the attempt at a cross-platform messaging service, and now it supports SMS and MMS.

Earlier today, we heard that Samsung was also working on a group video chat feature similar to what you'd find in Hangouts, and adding SMS to ChatON feels very much in that same vein. Or, you can say it is following in the footsteps of iMessage or Facebook Messenger if you'd like, but Hangouts is the most recent analogue. As you'd expect, along with the usual messaging features, the update will allow you to use ChatON as your SMS client as well. 

SMS is not coming to the iOS version of the app, but it is available for Android. Unfortunately, the feature is only available to users in Germany and Brazil right now. Samsung says the feature works best with the Galaxy S 3, Galaxy S4, Note 2, and Note 3, but it should work on most devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and higher. No word yet on if the feature is coming to more regions anytime soon.

Download: ChatON

source: The Next Web

Read More

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition scores Android 4.4 KitKat update

If you own a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition, you can now put down your pitchfork and stop dripping with envy. Apparently, Android KitKat is also gracing not only the Sense-less version of HTC's One today, but also the non-TouchWiz device. When the phone getting Android 4.4 in its purest form, you can look forward to all the features the updated platform promises, including a better camera app and longer battery life. The update should soon be available for download via Settings -- if it's yet to arrive, that is -- those who own a version of the Galaxy S4 with all of Samsung's software tweaks will have to sit tight a while longer


Source: Android (Google+)

Read More

Galaxy S5 rumors, the Snapdragon 805 chip, and will the iPhone 6 have a larger screen? Weekly news round-up

Qualcomm – the company behind the Snapdragon SoCs powering many of today's smartphones – made an exciting announcement last week. The new Snapdragon 805 is now official, packing even more processing power with its four Krait 450 cores and enough graphics performance to drive displays with up to 4K resolution. While we know nothing as to what smartphones might be powered by the new chip, we're guessing that we might one day see a Samsung Galaxy S5 model with one of these under the hood. After all Samsung will need something capable of handling the smartphone's (rumored) 2560 x 1440 pixel display. In Apple news, (or should we say Apple rumors) there's a wild rumor out there, claiming that Apple is testing an iPhone 6 with a 4.9-inch display. It might be untrue, of course, but then again, you never know what Apple has in stock for us. Speaking of Apple, the tech giant might be working on a larger, 12-inch-or-so iPad built with professional applications in mind. However, that's also a rumor that is not well backed by any solid evidence at this time.

Galaxy S5 might sport a 5"+ 2560x1440 AMOLED screen, leaked Samsung Display CEO presentation hints

 We heard through the grapevine during Samsung's Analyst Day not long ago that the company might be releasing a 560ppi mobile display next year, which we immediately thought would be a perfect fit for a flagship phone like the Galaxy S5 or even an eventual Note 4.

There were no reporters allowed during the Analyst Day presentations given by Samsung head honchos, so most of the rumors what's in the pipeline were hearsay from Korean analysts that were present at the events. Now, however, we have the whole presentation of Samsung Display's CEO Kinam Kim leaking out, and on slide number 11 below 2014 is clearly marked as the year Samsung will reach 560ppi phone displays, and of the Super AMOLED variety at that.

Next up in the lofty goals is making such displays with plastic substrate, like on the Galaxy Round, but mass producing such panels is probably some time off still. Nevertheless, a 560ppi AMOLED screen on the Galaxy S5 would be pretty amazing, as it would mean resolutions in the 2600x1440 pixels ballpark at a 5.3" size. That's roughly the so-called WQHD resolution that you see mentioned in one of the slides as ready for next year, whose standard is exactly a 2560x1440 resolution, or 3.7 million pixels at your disposal on a small phone screen, pretty crazy. 

Not that we have any problem with the current Full HD 1080p screens, but if the new panels also sport some fancy new energy-saving tech like during the jump from 720p to 1080p screens, we are all for it. In any case, this is just speculation at this point, though we doubt that if Samsung has heard plans for 2600x1440ppi smartphone screens from competitors, it will leave next year's flagships to chance.

Meanwhile, Samsung has some great plans for bendable, foldable, and even stretchable displays going forward, on anything from wearables, through cars, to fashion even. The whole presentation can be found at the source link, but take a look below at the handpicked slides from it, which refer to mobile displays, and marvel at what's ahead. In any case, it looks like Vivo's Xplay 3S phone might hit the market with a WQHD display first, but it won't be the only one for long.

Leaked Samsung Display CEO presentation hints at 560ppi AMOLED display in 2014

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

source: OLED.at

 

Read More

Samsung giving away $50 Play Store credit to Galaxy Note 3 users

Samsung is offering a $50 Play Store credit for all the current and new owners of Galaxy Note 3 in the US. The promotion should help maintain the strong performance of the company’s phablet flagship during the holiday season.

All the Galaxy Note 3 owners, who purchase their device on or before January 6, will be eligible to claim the offer. You have to register your phone number, IMEI and a few other details with Samsung, before you redeem your $50 credit. With the Play Store credit you can download apps, movies, music, games, books, magazines and TV shows without having to pay anything.
If you are one of the existing Galaxy Note 3 users, then head on to the source link below to claim your voucher.
Source

Read More

Samsung reports that it’s sold 800,000 Galaxy Gear smartwatches to date

Been wondering just how well the Samsung Galaxy Gear has been selling since its launch two months ago? You’re not alone, as there’s been quite a bit of speculation lately concerning the Galaxy Gear and its early sales numbers. Today Samsung came forward to shed some light on the matter, telling Reuters that it’s sold 800,000 units of the Galaxy Gear since the device launched two months ago.
The smartwatch category is still fairly new, especially to most mainstream consumers that are only recently being exposed to it thanks to products like the Gear and Pebble, and so reaching sales of 800,000 units is a stat worth taking note of. It’s worth mentioning, though, that Samsung hasn’t clarified whether its 800,000 figure refers to the number of Gears sold to consumers or units shipped to retailers. The Reuters report uses the word “sales,” but Samsung has been known to make announcements using shipment figures in the past.
Have you picked up a Samsung Galaxy Gear yet? If so, what are your thoughts on the watch and its recent update?
Update: The Verge has received confirmation from Samsung Korea that the 800,000 units indeed refers to shipments to retailers rather than consumer sales. So whether the true number sold is closer to the 50,000 figure that was floated out yesterday remains a mystery for now.

Source: Reuters

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 gets a 6,500mAh battery from Mugen

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is one of the several Android smartphones that completely fulfill the demands of power users, thanks to the convenience of its large 3,200mAh battery. However, Mugen believes that kind of power autonomy isn’t enough and has released a 6,500mAh extended battery for the Note 3.

Since the Mugen extended Note 3 battery is thicker than the stock one, the company also provides a custom back cover to house it. It’s available in black or white, and the end result makes the Galaxy Note 3 a bit thicker than its factory 8.3mm profile.
Mugen states its extended Note 3 battery lasts 2.03 times as long, which is logical judging from the 6500mAh capacity rating. Happily, it also comes with an NFC chip integration, so the Note 3 doesn’t loose anything in terms of connectivity.
The battery and replacement back current sale for $98.50 on Mugen Power’s website. First shipments are expected to arrive on December 6.
Source

Read More

Seagate’s Samsung HDD division begins shipping 2TB storage offering

Seagate Technology plc announced Wednesday that its Samsung HDD division is shipping the new 2.5-inch Spinpoint M9T, which at 9.5 mm thin is the world’s thinnest 2TB hard drive.

Offered in capacities of 1.5TB and 2TB, the Spinpoint M9T mobile drive gives OEMs, channel system integrators and consumers a thin, high-capacity storage solution ideal for external storage, notebook integration and upgrades, desktop and gaming system applications.
“The M9T combines the highest areal density shipping in a single storage device with an innovative design that fits into mainstream notebook applications. While other 2TB are solutions on the market are 15 mm thick, the vast majority of mobile devices are designed to use a 9.5 mm drive; with the M9T, those devices can now have 2TB of storage, enabling a richer computing experience,” said Dave Frankovich, senior product line manager, Samsung HDD.
“Samsung HDD with the new Spinpoint M9T continues to lead the effort in aerial density in a small form factor to supply our channel partners and customers with the highest-capacity and thinnest storage solution in the market,” said Doug DeHaan, general manager, Samsung HDD division. “With consumer demand for storage capacity continuing to grow in mobile applications, the M9T answers this demand and is positioned to fulfill capacity needs in virtually any application.”
Spinpoint M9T includes a SATA 6Gb/s interface and microactuation to ensure fast, consistent hard drive performance, along with NoiseGuard and SilentSeek technologies to deliver ultra-quiet operation.
The Spinpoint M9T hard drive is currently available in the Samsung Portable product line, which includes the M3 Portable and P3 Portable external drives, as well as with select partners.

Loading...

Read More

How to Connect Your Samsung Galaxy S 4 to Your TV

The Samsung Galaxy S 4 already gives you a large window on the world. Here's how to make that window even larger by connecting it to your HDTV.

 

The Galaxy S 4$99.99 at Amazon is Samsung's largest Galaxy S smartphone yet, with a whopping 5-inch 1080p HD display. It's great for playing games, watching video, and browsing the Web. But sometimes 5 inches doesn't cut it, especially when you've got a 60-inch HDTV sitting right in front of you. Luckily, there are two good ways to connect the Galaxy S 4 to your TV, and we've outlined each of them for you right here.
MHL AdapterThe most foolproof way to hook your GS 4 up to most HDTVs is with an MHL adapter, which allows you to mirror everything you see on your phone's screen on your television set. You can find an official $39.99 adapter from Samsung online, or you can shop around for a no-name part that's a heck of a lot cheaper.
The advantages to using MHL are crisp stereo sound and an uninterrupted video connection. The downside is that most cables are short, and you'll probably need to get up every time you want to change what's playing.
To set it up, you'll need an MHL-to-HDMI adapter, as well as an HDMI cable. Remember, the longer the cable, the longer the reach you'll have from your phone to your television. The MHL adapter plugs into your phone's micro USB port, and you need to connect your phone's wall charger to the port on the side of the MHL adapter. Then plug the charger into the wall, connect your HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into a free port on your television. To get the best audio quality, pull up the Settings menu on your phone, then navigate to My Device > Accessory, hit Audio output, and select Surround.

Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray Players, and AllShare Cast Wireless HubYou may have noticed an option for Screen mirroring if you've already spent some time exploring the Settings menus on your GS 4. There are a couple of ways to do this.
The biggest advantage to wireless mirroring is the freedom to move around with your phone while still sharing your content on the big screen. This is especially helpful if you're gaming, or even if you're just browsing through a bunch of YouTube videos with some friends. The downside is that video and audio can sometimes cut out, and audio has a tendency to lag. It's also a lot more expensive to set up if you don't already have a compatible device.
The first, easiest way to use wireless mirroring with your Galaxy S 4 is if you have a compatible 2013 Smart TV from Samsung. You can also use a Samsung Blu-ray player with AllShare Cast, like the BD-F7500. You may not have either of these, but the good news is that you can buy an AllShare Cast Wireless Hub from Samsung, which allows you to turn any HDTV into an additional display for your phone. Note that this also works with phones like the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy Note II, as well as tablets like the Galaxy Note 10.1$449.99 at Office Depot.
To connect wirelessly, go to your phone's Settings, then tap on Connections > Screen mirroring. Turn mirroring on, and your compatible HDTV, Blu-ray player, or AllShare Hub should appear in the device list. Choose your device and mirroring will begin automatically.

Read More