World Of SAMSUNG: 24 Jan 2012

Tuesday 24 January 2012

10% of South Koreans own a Samsung Galaxy S II

In case you hadn’t noticed, Samsung is big. Really big. And nowhere is that more evident than on its home turf in South Korea, where the company is a source of national pride. Not without reason, either: Samsung says that its 2011 workhorse smartphone the Galaxy S II has sold five million units in the country of 48.9 million people. In case your math’s a little fuzzy, that means that just over ten percent of all men, women and children in South Korea carry a Galaxy S II.

And why not? The GSII is indisputably one of the best Android smartphones to come along in the last year, and combined with the original Galaxy S it’s sold a whopping 30 million units worldwide as of October 2011. Considering that a huge chunk of that must be from South Korea alone, it’s safe to say that the Galaxy flagship line is doing very well indeed. Expanding your outlook to all of Samsung’s mobile sales (including “dumb” phones and non-Android smartphones) Samsung sold an eye-popping 28 million phones between July and September of last year, making them the largest phone manufacturer by volume in the world.
So what’s next for the Galaxy S line? Aside from the various Galaxy S II variants like the HD, X, LTE and others, the Galaxy S III is expected to be announced at Mobile World Congress next month. While no official details have been announced, a faster processor, more RAM, and a 720p Super AMOLED screen (to match the Galaxy Nexus) are pretty safe bets. Samsung has promised an Ice Cream Sandwich update for current Galaxy S II owners, and betas are already starting to leak.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name

Manufactuer

Carrier

Announced Date

Release Date

Also Known As

Display

Screen Size : 4.27 Inch
Resolution : 480x800
Screen Type : Super AMOLED Plus

Dimension & Weight

Height : 4.93 Inch
Width : 2.6 Inch
Depth : .33 Inch
Weight : 116 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type

Lithium Ion

Battery Capacity : 1650 mAh
Talk Time : NA
Stand By Time : 710 hours

Software

Android OS

2.3.x

Audio Playback

AAC
AAC+
MP3

Video Playback

h.263
h.264 / AVC
MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging

Hardware

CPU

CPU Clock Speed

Core

Ram

Internal Storage

Front Facing Camera

Galaxy Note update rolling out with “one hand operation” keyboard tweaks

If you’ve been following the Samsung Galaxy Note you know this 5.3″ phone tablet hybrid is anything but ordinary. For that reason Samsung has been pushing update after update to the international version according to many comments on Twitter and over at XDA forums. Today it appears a huge update is rolling out bringing all sorts of improvements, changes, and tweaks for the larger than life device. If you have the extra screen real estate you might as well use it right? They’ve even added a one-handed typing option. More details are below.

While we still wait for the LTE equipped version to hit AT&T the international Note has been receiving more than it’s fair share of updates. Late last night another rollout was started and while it is still 2.3 Gingerbread Samsung has introduced tons of new features. Obviously the Note’s large 5.3″ screen gives it extra real-estate but why waste it. Samsung has added tons of tweaks to the Gingerbread keyboard to address just that.
Now instead of 4 rows of keys and the usual toggle and second page for numbers, Samsung has added a fifth row and given the number keys their own row — all the time. That isn’t the only tweak for the phone either. Samsung has introduced a one-handed mode for the keyboard since trying to stretch small fingers across that large screen is a hassle for some, especially those with smaller hands. The “one handed operation” mode will work for more than the on-screen keyboard and is also present with the dialer and can even be set to left or right depending on user preference (pictured above).
There are tons of other changes to brightness levels, keyboard options and even tweaks to the lockscreen. While nothing major like Ice Cream Sandwich or a quick unlock to camera Samsung has made the device easier to unlock. They’ve added arrows for the few that seem confused upon trying to unlock the device, and made the swipe easier to complete apparently. Other changes include brightness settings for browser-only mode, and a torch app for using the LED for a flashlight. More details and pictures available from the via below

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name

Manufactuer

Carrier

Announced Date

Release Date

Also Known As

Display

Screen Size : 5.30 Inch
Resolution : 800x1280
Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

Height : 5.78 Inch
Width : 3.27 Inch
Depth : 0.38 Inch
Weight : 178 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type

Lithium Ion

Battery Capacity : 2500 mAh
Talk Time : NA
Stand By Time : 390 hours

Software

Android OS

2.3.x

Audio Playback

Video Playback

h.263
h.264 / AVC
MPEG-4 (MP4)
WMV

Messaging

Hardware

CPU

CPU Clock Speed

Core

Ram

Internal Storage

Front Facing Camera

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 just $399 at Staples tomorrow [Deal]

Who wants a new Galaxy Tab 10.1? We are hearing this is only for Canadian retail stores but it appears the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is about to get a decent little $100 dollars off deal from Staples. If you live up in the ice cold parts of Canada and have been eying a good deal tomorrow you can get the Galaxy Tab for a great price.

Starting tomorrow, January 20th, Staples will be offering $100 off the 16GB WiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet and it can be yours for only $399. This is about the same price we’ve been seeing re-certified models go for — making this a pretty great deal for those that didn’t get one during Christmas or Black Friday.
We may have seen some sales and good prices here in the US but since launching in Canada the rate has been $499 for a large portion of the time. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is still one of, if not the best Android tablet available today (Prime and ICS aside). It rocks at 10.1″ display, a dual-core Tegra 2 processor and 16GB of internal storage. I still use my Galaxy Tab daily and would highly recommend those waiting for a good price to snatch this up, as it wont last long. Head to the nearest Staples starting tomorrow and pick one up for just $399. Let us know how it goes by sounding off in the comments below.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name

Manufactuer

Carrier

Announced Date

Release Date

Also Known As

Display

Screen Size : 10.1 Inch
Resolution : 1280x800
Screen Type : TFT

Dimension & Weight

Height : 10.09 Inch
Width : 6.81 Inch
Depth : 0.34 Inch
Weight : 595 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type

Lithium Ion

Battery Capacity : 7000 mAh
Talk Time : NA
Stand By Time : 120 hours

Software

Android OS

3.1.x

Audio Playback

AAC
AAC+
AMR
MP3

Video Playback

h.263
h.264 / AVC

Messaging

Hardware

CPU

CPU Clock Speed

Core

Ram

Internal Storage

Front Facing Camera

Samsung pokes Apple again in new Galaxy S II ad

How to describe Samsung’s latest advertising campaign against Apple… obnoxious? Cheeky? Brutally honest, perhaps? Whatever you call it, the series of commercials is downright entertaining for Android fans of all creed and color, especially those who’ve experienced their iPhone-totting friends trying to hide pangs of regret as they lament their tiny, locked-down iDevice. Samsung’s latest ad, which it’s calling “Samsunged”, pokes fun at the iPhone’s lack of built-in turn by turn navigation.

To be fair, almost every Android phone and tablet has that feature, and has since the original Motorola DROID way back in 2009. Samsung is omitting certain truths withthe implication that turn by turn navigation is unique to the Galaxy S II, even if they don’t outright say it. But then, this series of adds has served more as a put down for rabid Apple fanatics (“Dude, you’re a barista.”) than an actual demonstration of Samsung’s products. It’s also a whole lot of fun for the Android faithful, no matter what your chosen manufacturer is. Though Samsung probably has a few particular reasons to be bitter at the moment.
Take a gander at the full ad below:
A Samsung representative said that the Next Big Thing campaign would continue until a major culmination during the Superbowl on February ~~13th~~ 5th. We can’t wait to see what Samsung’s got cooked up for the big game, especially since Apple usually has at least one ~~thirty-second dose of concentrated self-congratulation and hyperbole~~ commercial every year. If you’re on Verizon, you can even watch the dueling ads from your Android smartphone.

Apple attacks Samsung over Galaxy Nexus slide-to-unlock feature

Oh this looks like fun. Apple is at it again this month and we have just learned they are taking another stab at Samsung in court over their new Samsung Galaxy Nexus and its slide-to-unlock feature. While the filing clearly is going after Samsung this is an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich feature — more aimed at Google than Samsung, only they get the trouble.

This is another one of those intellectual property (IP) lawsuits where Apple claims specifically the slide-to-unlock is infringing on their property and genius ideas. Just like multitouch things like pinch-to-zoom seem like a natural and only realistic way of completing the task — making these types of lawsuits seem goofy to me. We know Apple recently filed for this patent and it may not be finalized yet (link below) but it isn’t stopping them from getting the guns out a little premature.
The problem here is this is a core feature inside Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, not something specific to Samsung. All future handsets and ICS devices have this exact unlock system although it is not the only way we can unlock our devices. If Apple wins in court we may all have to settle for using out beard infested faces with the Android 4.0 “Face Unlock” feature or resort to some other method. The fact that Apple’s slide-to-unlock only works in one particular direction and way may differ from Android’s any direction will do system and save it from their lawyers, but only time will tell.
I’m going to hold back my thoughts on how I feel regarding this, and instead just let our readers sound off in the comment section below. What do you guys think? Is slide-to-unlock a feature that makes total sense on a touch-only device, and something that shouldn’t be allowed to be patented? Or does Apple have a good case? Keep it clean folks!

Samsung Galaxy Note takes a third spin around the FCC, headed for AT&T

Once more, with feeling. For the third time since its announcement at IFA last year, Samsung’s Galaxy Note has passed through the hallowed halls of the Federal Communications Commission. But this time seems a little more pointed, since the latest model includes radio bands for AT&T’s growing LTE network, which were missing on both previous occasions. The carrier announced their intention of selling the phone at CES after months of breathless anticipation on this side of the pond.

Though there’s still no news on exactly when the Galaxy Note will be available for purchase, the FCC clearance is a good sign that it will be sooner rather than later. Previous trips were probably initiated by Samsung itself, testing for a variety of carriers including Canadian ones. Of course, European versions of the Note have been compatible with AT&T’s standard HSPA+ radio bands since it was released in Europe, but good things come to those who wait – before too long Americans will have the options of a cheaper phone on subsidy with LTE speeds and (last but not least) the standard four Android navigation buttons hanging out underneath that massive screen.
If you’re not an AT&T customer, there are some other possible options coming down the pipeline. Industry rumors heavily implied that after a period of exclusivity the Galaxy Note will come to Verizon as the “Galaxy Journal”. IN Canada the Telus version looks like it will be available sometime in February, and that likely means that Rogers and Bell will follow suit shortly thereafter.

AT&T Pantech Element discounted $50 with Pantech Burst smartphone

Like a lot of smaller Asian manufacturers, Pantech is making a big push in North America this year looking to expand its smartphone market share. If early moves with AT&T are any example, it’ll do that by leveraging tablets. Starting today, you can buy the new Pantech Element tablet and the Burst budget smartphone for $250 all together - a $50 discount on both. A new or recurring AT&T contract is required and – sigh – you’ll have to pay separately for both the tablet and smartphone data. On the plus side, both tablet and smartphone are the cheapest devices in their class to use AT&T’s fledgling 4G LTE network.

The Element is a standard 8-inch Android Honeycomb tablet with a trick up its sleeve: it’s rated as IP57 waterproof, or more accurately, splash-proof. It wouldn’t be a good idea to toss the Element in a pool or tub, but you could confidently use it while cooking or in inclement weather. Other specs include a 1.5Ghz dual-core processor, 16GB of storage and a 5 megapixel camera capable of 1080p video recording. a 4:3 screen tops out at 1024×768, but the 6400 battery should serve you well. The Burst is a typical Gingerbread smartphone with a 4-inch screen and 16GB of internal storage.
Separately the tablet and phone go for $299.99 and $49.99, respectively, and $449.99/$$399.99 without a contract. For the few that are in the market for both a cheap tablet and smartphone, the Element and Burst deal might seem appealing – but remember that you’ll have to pay for both each month. It might be more economical to get the phone and a WiFi tablet, using the savings for a more high-end model, or getting a more functional MiFi hotspot instead. For those who like the idea of a combined tablet-smartphone package, AT&T is also offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE and Galaxy S II Skyrocket combo for $479.99.

Comodo Mobile Security now available in Android Market

There’s a lot of growth in the anti-malware space for Android at the moment, and yet another well-known company is joining the fray. Comodo, maker of the well-known Comodo Firewall and other security software for Windows, has published Comodo Mobile Security Free AV in the Android Market. The app includes a standard antivirus function and process manager, as well as call and SMS blocking and locking functions for individual apps. Surprisingly, all this functionality is included for free.

The Antivirus function uses the standard definition-based scanner system employed by most pro antivirus software for Windows, and indeed, Android. Users can initiate a manual scan and/or set the app to “always on”, monitoring incoming files for potential dangers. The Software and Process Manager is essentially a duplicate of the app manager that’s built into Android, though it does display pertinent information along with the ability to “kill” an app and free up memory. Call and text blocking as well as individual app protection using a password round out the package.
It should be noted that all of these functions can be had from other, free apps, albeit not in a contained package. The integrity of free anti-malware software on Android was damaged last year when a report showed almost all of it to be useless, but Comodo is a trusted name on the desktop side of things. The company has earned a fair shake on Android if anyone has. The reality of malware on Android is hard to ignore as user adoption grows in leaps and bounds, and like Windows before it, the antivirus sector is sure to find a growing home on the mobile platform.

Android Market offers even more free music

You have to admit, it would be terrible trying to compete with the discounted – and often free – music tracks in Google’s Android Market. You all know about Google’s ‘Free Song of the Day’, but did you know there are a couple other hidden freebies out there tonight? The list isn’t too long, but great songs for free none the less.

You’ll find a few tunes by Drake including “Take Care (ft. Rihanna)”, “Make Me Proud (ft. Nicki Minaj)”, and “Fancy”. And for those Maroon 5 fans out there, “Moves Like Jagger” and “How” are now available. Mary J. Blige has a freebie too, so definitely head on over to download it just incase prices go back up.
The Free Song of the Day seems to be a way Google plans on promoting bands not as well known as they should be, so don’t just brush over it without giving them a quick listen. You’d be surprised by how much talent goes unnoticed. And finally, don’t forget about the giant pack of free songs that were previously released.

US Android users prefer Samsung, says new study

Samsung’s almost literally on top of the world when it comes to mobile phone sales, and apparently that’s with good reason. Researcher iGR stated in its latest news release that among US Android buyers, Samsung was the most proffered brand, followed by Motorola and HTC. Among the top three, Samsung is the only brand with a positive outcome from the last quarter – while all are selling well, Samsung is far and away the most profitable at the moment, both in the US and abroad.

According to research from late last year, iGR estimates that 47 percent of United States smartphone owners use Android, compared to 24 percent which use an iPhone. (Note that the iPhone is now available on three out of four of the largest carriers in the country.) Among Android users, almost half researched their purchase beforehand and specifically chose an Android phone, and 27% of Android owners chose Android specifically because of its association with Google. From the study: ” …27 percent of Android users said that they selected an Android smartphone because they believed that Google was a ‘reputable company’ and therefore inferred that Android must also be reputable.”
With Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S line selling 30 million phones worldwide and an extremely wide range of price points available, Samsung seems to be winning the Android market with sheer force. HTC, LG and Motorola, the other three major Android OEMs, have product lines that are comparatively thin and spread out across multiple US carriers. Just as an example: among the Android Community writers at CES, four Samsung Galaxy Nexus and one Galaxy S II could be found, with an AT&T Galaxy S II Skyrocket as a backup. The only other Android phone brought was a Verizon LG Revolution, also a backup device. It’s fair to say that Samsung is kicking butt and taking names as far ass Android goes – but they shouldn’t be cocky. The same could be said of Motorola in the fall of 2009, and of HTC in mid 2010. Who knows who’ll end up on top as 2012 plays out.

Search in the Samsung World

Tuesday 24 January 2012