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Tag: Samsung

  • Samsung Social Network to Launch Next Year

    Samsung is expected to launch a social network by early next year, according to a report from The Korea Times, which cites unnamed Samsung officials as its source. According to the report, Samsung is internally calling the project “Samsung Facebook,” and is hoping that its social network will eventually compete with Facebook.

    Samsung is reportedly using its Family Story software as the basis for the social network. Family Story is a Samsung application currently on some Samsung Smart TVs that allows up to 20 family members to chat and share media through cloud-based storage. A Samsung official is quoted by The Korea Times as saying a free version of Family Story will be complete and will roll out to Samsung devices by the end of the year. The full social network will launch in the first quarter of 2013 “at the earliest.” The official said Samsung hopes to spread the social network over all of its devices, including cameras, TVs, and Blu-ray players.

    At Samsung’s announcement of its new flagship Android smartphone, the Galaxy S III, the company spent quite a bit of time showing off the software it had developed and overlaid on Google’s Android. With Samsung beginning to become Apple’s major competitor in the smartphone market, it is possible that Samsung believes integrating proprietary social network software with all of its devices will ensure that its social network gains widespread adoption. However, Apple has already learned that sheer numbers alone can’t grow a social network: it was revealed today that Apple will be killing off Ping, its failed social music network, with the iOS 6 update.

    (via The Korea Times)

  • Samsung TecTiles are Programmable NFC Stickers

    Samsung today announced TecTiles, its new programmable NFC stickers. The TecTiles can be programmed using the TecTile programming app for Android. Once programmed, the TecTiles will become small NFC activators that can tell any NFC smartphone to perform an action such as sending a text message, setting an alarm, or silencing the phone.

    “With millions of NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy smartphones currently in the market and the arrival of our flagship device Galaxy S III, Samsung saw an opportunity to expand the value of NFC beyond mobile payments,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “The launch of Samsung TecTiles is another example of Samsung’s ability to innovate new products and applications that improve the way we use our mobile devices for everyday tasks.”

    Sohn might have a point. Discussion of NFC technology has mostly centered around using it to pay for things in stores, yet the technology has the capability to do much more. Part of the reason for this is that NFC is not widespread in the smartphone market. Though most high-end Android smartphones have had the technology for over a year, Apple has not yet embraced NFC. Things are looking up, though, and rumor is that Apple will incude NFC in the iPhone 5. When that happens, the technology will finally take off, which is what Samsung is betting on.

    The scope of what TecTiles can enable is quite impressive. First, any phone settings can be changed including volume settings, screen brightness, and Wi-Fi settings. Phone calls can be initiated, text messages can be sent, and Google Talk chats can be started. TecTiles can enable different actions for social networks including Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and LinkedIn. They can be used to give directions, contact information, or open web pages.

    The TecTiles can be reprogrammed as many times as needed using the Android app, however locking a TacTile with the “Lock TecTile” option prevents it from ever being reprogrammed, even by the original programmer.

    With a little creativity and tweaking, the uses for TecTiles could be quite inventive. One pasted near the front door of a home could enable a “home mode” where the phone’s ringer volume is louder, Wi-Fi is connected, and the phone controls a Bluetooth stereo. One on a desk at work could enable a more quiet, professional mode. A TacTile could be stuck on a business card with Facebook page, Twitter feed, LinkedIn profile, and other contact information. Of course, this last idea assumes the person given the card has and uses NFC. Luckily, with Samsung obviously invested in the technology, and Apple beginning to embrace it, NFC should soon be ubiquitous.

    TecTiles are now available from Samsung’s webstore or from the physical stores of all major U.S. carriers. The app is available through Google Play.

  • Is Samsung’s Next Windows Phone The Galaxy W?

    Even though Apple is poised to take all the attention with a rumored iPhone 5 announcement today, we can’t forget that there are others fighting to take back all that market share away from Apple. While Android is putting up a good fight, Windows Phone needs some help. Samsung may be that help.

    A recent rumor from European Windows Phone site, WP7.nl, says that Samsung is testing out a Windows version of its popular Galaxy series of smartphones. The Galaxy S series is Samsung’s flagship Android smartphone and one of the major threats to the iPhone’s dominance. The upcoming release of the Galaxy S III has even attracted a motion for injunction from Apple.

    The Windows version of the smartphone is rumored to be called the Galaxy W. Unfortunately, the leak does not contain rumored images of the device or its specs. The proof comes from a test on WP Bench, an app that runs benchmarks on Windows Phones. A leaked test shows a device called “Samsung Galaxy W” being tested with it running on Windows Phone OS 7.10.8779. According to WP7.nl, that specific version of the Windows Phone OS is 7.5.

    A new Galaxy smartphone running on WP 7.5 points to a release in the next few months. It’s strange that Samsung wouldn’t wait until the release of WP 8 to launch the Galaxy W, but I guess they’re hoping to get it out as soon as possible. It should be relatively easy to upgrade from WP 7.5 to WP 8 once it’s released.

    Samsung currently has four Windows smartphones on the U.S. market. They’re all a part of the Samsung Focus series and appear to be well-liked among those that use them. I’m sure that Windows Phone fans would love to get their own version of Samsung’s top of the line flagship smartphone though.

    This is all firmly in rumor territory for now, but we’ll be on the lookout for any more evidence of a WP Galaxy smartphone. Besides the Nokia Lumia 900, Windows Phone needs a high-profile release to really put it on the map. Who knows? Maybe Siri will start proclaiming the Galaxy W as the best smartphone ever made.

  • Apple May Seek Restraining Order Against Galaxy S III

    Yesterday we brought you news that Apple had filed a motion to block the Samsung Galaxy S III from being sold in the U.S. Specifically, Apple wanted to modify an existing injunction request against the Galaxy Nexus to include the Galaxy S III, which they claim violates the same patents in the same ways.

    Samsung objected, however, arguing that it was too late to amend the earlier motion to include the new phone. According to Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents, though the judge, Judge Lucy Koh, is sympathetic to Apple’s desire to move quickly, she informed them yesterday that that might not be possible. The case is already very close to trial, and a hearing on whether the Galaxy S III can be added to the original motion will take time. In the meanwhile, Apple may also file for a temporary restraining order against the Galaxy S III. If they do so, however, the trial will have to be pushed back, delaying any final decision on whether Samsung is, in fact, infringing on Apple’s patents.

    The Galaxy S III is currently available for pre-order in the U.S. through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The phone will release on AT&T’s network on June 18th, Sprint and T-Mobile on the 21st, and Verizon on July 9th. It is not clear how far the beginning of the trial will have to be pushed back if Apple proceeds with seeking a restraining order.

  • Apple’s Post-PC World Dominance Moving Along According to Schedule

    Apple CEO Tim Cook’s assessment that the world is moving into a “post-PC” era during the debut of the New iPad may have seemed presumptuous at the time, maybe even overly ambitious of what Apple’s tablets, along with other manufacturers, but a new Yankee Group report shows that the post-PC world might be on the horizon after all.

    The study, “2012 US Tablet Landscape: An All-Too-Familiar Story,” predicts that the number of tablets in the United States will rise from 25 million in 2011 to more than 134 million by the year 2015, overtaking the number of PCs in the country. Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. consumers plan to pick up a tablet by the end of the year, but a quarter of those consumers are still up in the air as to which tablet they’ll eventually settle on. Given that Apple’s iPad family represents 51% of all tablets currently owned in the United States, it is hardly surprising that of those planning to buy a tablet in the next six months, 47% have their eyes on an iPad.

    While Apple and its iPad might be gobbling up the lion’s share of the tablet market, that voracious appetite is leaving its competitors to fight amongst themselves for the leftovers. “For the second quarter in a row, Apple’s iPad is leading the tablet market, forcing all other competitors to battle for the remaining 49 percent share,” said Carl Howe, research VP and head of the devices practice at Yankee Group, in a statement. “It’s too late to change current ownership, but tablet makers looking to gain on Apple need to start improving their brand visibility and targeting people who don’t already have their minds set on an iPad.”

    To date, the non-Apple tablet makers don’t appear to gaining any ground on the iPad and, worse, could be losing traction. While Amazon’s Kindle Fire was making waves in 2011, that fever seems to have broken: only 6% of prospective tablet buyers intend to buy one, down from 11% last year. Similarly, consumer interest in Samsung tablets has also dropped as only 4% intended to purchase one, down from 7% last year. Less visible tablet manufacturers like Blackberry, Motorola, and Dell face an even grimmer six months ahead, with only 4% of consumers saying that they own a tablet made by one of those companies.

    The iPad isn’t crushing its competitors on a wave of sheer hype, either. A recent study from ChangeWave Research found that owners of various iPads are by far and away much more satisfied with their purchase as opposed to consumers who opted for a tablet other than an iPad.

    While several of the iPads competitors might perform exceptionally well, Apple has certainly achieved a massive coup in the tablet market by successfully branding itself as not just a tablet manufacturer, but The Tablet Manufacturer.

  • Apple Tries To Block Samsung Galaxy S III In U.S.

    In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, Apple has filed a motion to block U.S. sales of the new Samsung Galaxy S III. The motion, embedded below, was filed earlier this week as an addendum to a previous request for an injunction against the Galaxy Nexus.

    According to Apple, the Galaxy S III, which runs the same Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system as the Galaxy Nexus, infringes on the same two Apple patents that serve as grounds for the Galaxy Nexus injunction request. It seems that as soon as the Galaxy S III hit stores in the U.K., Apple got their hands on one and started digging through it for evidence of infringement. Check out the motion below:

    12-06-05 Apple Motion on Galaxy S III

    According to Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents, Samsung has filed a response to Apple’s motion. They say that it is too late to add to the original request, which was filed in February.

    Interestingly, Apple appears to have steered clear (for the moment) of claiming infringement over the Galaxy S III’s S Voice feature, which bears a striking resemblance to a certain other voice-activated phone based personal assistant program:

    S Voice vs. Siri

  • Samsung CEO Replaced by Device Solutions Head

    Reuters is reporting that Samsung Electronics today has replaced its CEO. Choi Gee-sung, the current CEO, will be moving to a position as the head of corporate strategy. This is not a demotion for Choi, as the group he will lead is in charge of all of the companies within Samsung Group. Choi will be replaced by Kwon Oh-hyun (pictured), the current head of Samsung’s Device Solutions division.

    Reuters quotes a very generic Samsung response to the issue:

    “Choi is the best candidate who can chart Samsung through the global economic crisis and ever-intensifying competition,” Samsung said in a statement, citing an unnamed executive. “Under Choi, Samsung plans to pursue innovative changes.”

    It’s easy to see why Samsung would want the person overseeing the company’s component division in the role of CEO. Samsung is the first smartphone manufacturer to show signs that it can truly compete with Apple in the mobile market. Kwon was in charge of the company’s rise as the supplier of many Apple device components. Recently, Kwon announced that Samsung was receiving “huge” orders for the company’s new flexible OLED screens, which it announced at this year’s Consumer Electonics Show in January. Kwon will continue to oversee the Device Solutions division as CEO.

    Though Samsung has not officially announced the reasons behind the change in leadership, Reuters reports that Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee is involved in a public family feud, and that Lee is currently grooming his son Jay Y. Lee to take over control of Samsung. An analyst quoted by Reuters states that Choi, as the head of corporate strategy, will be helping to train Jay Y. Lee, who currently serves as Samsung’s chief operating officer, for his future leadership role.

    (via Reuters)
    (Photo courtesy Samsung)

  • Galaxy S III Available For Pre-Order On AT&T, Verizon

    Galaxy S III Available For Pre-Order On AT&T, Verizon

    If you’re one of the countless Android users who has been eagerly awaiting the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S III, it looks like your day will be arriving very soon indeed. Both AT&T and Verizon have opened up pre-orders for Samsung’s newest smartphone today on their respective websites. With Verizon you can get the 16GB model for $199.99 or the 32GB model for $249.99. With AT&T you can only get the 16GB model for $199.99. All with a two-year contract, of course. With Verizon there’s no way (yet) to purchase a contract-free phone, though AT&T will sell you one for $549.99.

    Interestingly, though both carriers began offering the Galaxy S III for pre-order on the same day, Verizon will take much longer getting your phone to you than AT&T; or Sprint and T-Mobile, for that matter. Earlier this week Samsung announced that the Galaxy S III would be available on all four major U.S. carriers before the end of June. Three of the four appear to be living up to that promise. Pre-ordered Galaxy S IIIs from Sprint and T-Mobile are scheduled to ship on June 21st, while AT&T has announced that they will ship pre-orders on June 18th. Verizon, however, trails the pack by a wide margin. They won’t ship pre-ordered Galaxy S IIIs until July 9th. That’s nearly three weeks after Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T.

    The reason for Verizon’s delay isn’t clear. If you’re a loyal Verizon customer, though, or you live in an area where Verizon has 4G LTE coverage and AT&T doesn’t (like I do), then the wait is probably worth it.

  • AT&T Galaxy S III Details Announced

    AT&T Galaxy S III Details Announced

    After Samsung announced the impending release of its new flagship Android smartphone for all major U.S. carriers, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint quickly released details on pre-ordering, pricing, and release date for the Galaxy S III. Now, AT&T has finally announced details for the release of the phone on its network.

    AT&T will match Verizon’s pre-order date of June 6, and will take orders at physical stores and online. The 16 GB version of the Galaxy S III will cost $200 subsidized, with a 2-year service contract. Oddly, it doesn’t appear that AT&T will be getting the 32 GB version of the phone. Instead, AT&T is offering customers a 16 GB MicroSD card for an extra $39. While this does, technically, mean the phone will come with 32 GB of storage, it is not the same as 32 GB of internal storage plus the extra option for a MicroSD card of up to 64 GB. All three of the other major U.S. carriers have announced they will be offering the 32 GB version.

    AT&T is getting something the other carriers aren’t, though: a red case. The Galaxy S III will be available in a red case later in the summer, exclusively on AT&T. The smartphone is available in a white or blue case on AT&T and all other U.S. carriers. Though AT&T didn’t specify a release date, it’s safe to assume the carrier will have it around the same date other carriers have announced, June 21.

    “The addition of the Samsung Galaxy S III to our portfolio of 4G-LTE devices gives our customers another truly cutting-edge smartphone to choose from,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president of devices at AT&T Mobility. “With an exclusive red color this summer and the power of the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T delivers the best wireless experience for Galaxy S III fans.”

  • Galaxy S III on Sprint Gets Pricing and Release Date

    Soon after Samsung announced that the Galaxy S III would be launching on all major U.S. carriers before the end of June, those carriers began announcing details of the launch on their networks and began trying to differentiate themselves. Sprint is the latest carrier to woo Android fans to their network using Samsung’s flagship Android smartphone, and the only carrier so far to release information on all three of the big details: pre-ordering, pricing, and release date.

    Sprint has one-upped Verizon and announced it will begin taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S III starting tomorrow, June 5 – one day before Verizon begins taking pre-orders. Sprint’s pricing of the smartphone will be the same as Verizon’s: $200 for the 16 GB version and $250 for the 32 GB version, which will only be available through Sprint’s website. The phone be for sale through Sprint starting June 21, the same date that T-Mobile has announced. The Galaxy S III will be available in both its white and blue versions through Sprint.

    Sprint is trying to stand out from the other carriers by pre-loading Google Wallet on all Galaxy S III’s purchased from its stores or website. It is also, predictably, highlighting the fact that it is the only carrier to still offer truly unlimited data plans. Sprint recently announced that it will also be offering unlimited plans for its 4G LTE network, which it is just beginning to roll out.

    “Sprint and Samsung take another leap forward together in bringing our customers the best in mobile technology with Galaxy S III on the Sprint 4G LTE network,” said Fared Adib, vice president of product development at Sprint. “Sprint is the only U.S. carrier to offer this device with the simplicity of unlimited data plans. Our customers will appreciate being able to use the robust features and capabilities of this device without worrying about data caps, throttling or silly overage charges.”

  • Samsung Galaxy S III Verizon Pre-Orders Begin June 6

    Samsung announced this morning that its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III, will be launching on all major U.S. carriers by the end of June. Verizon Wireless has become the first carrier to announce details of the launch on its network.

    The 4G smartphone will be available for pre-order on Verizon Wireless’ website starting June 6 at 7 am. The subsidized price for the 16 GB Galaxy S III is $200 and the 32 GB version is $250. These prices require customers to purchase a subscription for Verizon’s 4G data network, which starts at $30 a month. Verizon will have the smartphone available in both White and Blue versions. No launch date was specified by Verizon, though both T-Mobile and Sprint have confirmed June 21 launch dates.

    Verizon, during its announcement, was quick to point out that only its network is able to broadcast live video through the Color app. This seems like an odd detail to include in the announcement of the latest Samsung Android device. It highlights that Verizon might have trouble standing out from the other major U.S. carriers when customers decide which carrier to pre-order the Galaxy S III with. Verizon doesn’t have the higher average 4G speeds of AT&T, doesn’t have the lower-priced plans of T-Mobile, and it recently eliminated all of its “unlimited” data plans. Sprint is the only carrier to still offer truly unlimited data plans.

  • Samsung Galaxy S III Coming to U.S. in June

    Less than one week after the phone was released in Europe and Asia, Samsung today announced that its new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III will be available in the U.S. before the end of June. The phone will be available on all major U.S. carriers – AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint – as well as on U.S. Cellular. The subsidized price and release date for the smartphone will be announced by each individual carrier.

    [UPDATE] Verizon Wireless has already announced details on pricing and will begin accepting pre-orders on June 6 and T-Mobile has announced the smartphone will launch on June 21. Sprint has announced a June 5 pre-order date, as well as pricing identical to Verizon’s and the same June 21 release date that T-Mobile announced.

    “The U.S. launch of the Galaxy S III is the most anticipated launch of the year. As promised, we are delivering the ‘next big thing’ for U.S. customers and across all major carriers,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “Galaxy S III introduces new technological innovation and takes sharing to the next level.”

    “Most anticipated of the year” is a bold and subjective statement. Though Apple is probably still the best at generating hype for their products, Sohn might have a point. Samsung has recently been beating Apple in terms of unit sales of smartphones, and the 9 million European and Asian pre-orders for the Galaxy S III are no accident.

    The changes to the device from its European version are minimal. The U.S. version will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.5 GHz dual core processor instead of the quad core processor in the European version. Also, the amount of RAM will be doubled to 2 GB and Samsung claims that the smartphone’s 8.6 mm thickness will remain the same.

    “The Galaxy S III is the most innovative smartphone on the market today. It is an industry first to see five major carriers align behind the launch of a single device virtually simultaneously,” said Todd Pendleton, chief marketing officer for Samsung Telecommunications America. “To support the immense excitement for the Galaxy S III we will execute our biggest marketing campaign ever. Consumers won’t be able to miss why this device is the must-have smartphone.”

  • Samsung Hits Success With Its Galaxy Note and S Devices

    Apple is really good at what they do. Just looking at sales numbers for the iPad and iPhone prove that. You know who else is really good at what they do? Samsung, with its Galaxy Note and S devices, has been on a roll lately.

    That roll ended up with Samsung selling 7 million Galaxy Note devices worldwide since the device’s introduction. I was one of those skeptics who didn’t think a phone/tablet hybrid could do well on the market. Samsung has proven me wrong and their success could be what’s driving Apple to create the rumored mini-iPad.

    The Galaxy Note may be doing well, but it’s nowhere near the success that the company has seen with its Galaxy S line of phones. The Galaxy S has now reached 24 million in worldwide sales. Despite being released after, the Galaxy S II has now reached 28 million in worldwide sales. Samsung also pointed out that it sold eight million Galaxy S II and two million Galaxy S devices since last February.

    So, what’s next for Samsung? The Galaxy S III, of course, which has already launched across Europe. Over nine million pre-orders have been taken for the device as well so it’s pretty obvious that Samsung has another hit on their hands.

    The Galaxy series sales news must have Samsung patting themselves on the back and for good reason. The company is moving on up and becoming one of, if not the most, important players in the Android scene. Google’s acquisition of Motorola may put a little dent in their plans as Motorola starts to roll out specially designed Android phones straight from Google.

    Samsung may not have the advantage from a software standpoint, but they obviously know what they’re doing when it comes to hardware. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the most important thing. Android is so flexible that you can change the software if it bothers you that much. You can’t change the hardware of your phone yet. That’s where Samsung needs to apply itself to gain the advantage.

  • Galaxy S III’s S Voice Prefers Windows Phone

    You may remember earlier this month when it was discovered that Siri, the voice activated personal assistant software on Apple’s iPhone 4S, gave an unexpected answer when asked about the best smartphone. It seems that when you asked Siri what the best smartphone ever was, she responded that the the Windows Phone-based Nokia Lumia 900 was best.

    Apple, much like Snow White’s wicked stepmother, didn’t like their magic mirror telling customers that another smartphone was the fairest in the land, and reprogrammed Siri. Now instead of performing a Wolfram Alpha search when you ask Siri what the best smartphone ever is, she responds with “the one you’re holding.”

    Now it looks like Apple isn’t the only wicked stepmother with magic mirror problems. The Inquirer recently discovered that S Voice, the totally-not-a-Siri-clone voice assistant software on the new Galaxy S III, returns its own unexpected answer when asked which smartphone is fairest in the land. S Voice, though, gives a slightly different answer. Whereas Siri picked the Lumia 900 based on Wolfram Alpha’s results, S Voice searches Best Buy review data and comes up with, of all things, the HTC 7 Trophy. Check it out for yourself (image courtesy of The Inquirer):

    Best smartphone ever?

    Now, the HTC 7 Trophy doesn’t really measure up as a candidate for best smartphone ever, being as it’s getting rather old. What’s really interesting, though, is that both Siri and S Voice showed a Windows Phone-based device when asked about the best smartphone. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Windows Phone is better than iOS or Android, but given the sources for the two programs’ information (customer reviews), it’s pretty clear that Windows Phone is at least as popular among its fans as iOS and Android are among theirs.

    Of course, as with Siri, don’t expect S Voice to keep returning this result forever. Samsung is bound to have a fix in the works already, assuming they’ve heard about this little easter egg. Of course, Samsung probably won’t be sending HTC off for a stroll in the woods with an armed huntsman (though they might like to). Instead, Samsung will probably do the same as Apple and make some tweaks to S Voice’s backend so that it will give users the “right” answer.

  • Reviews and Reactions of the Samsung Galaxy S III Launch

    Samsung’s answer to the iPhone series, the Galaxy S family, has a new model on the streets with the launch of the Galaxy S III, at least on an international basis. That, however, did not include the North America region, which, thanks to hardware compatibility issues, won’t be seeing the S III until June 20.

    Just because the United States (or Canada) did not receive the Samsung Galaxy S III at this time, that doesn’t mean we should be blind to the reaction of those who did. While the North American models will have a significant alteration from their international counterparts, the device is expected to be a true alternative to those who don’t want to get locked into Apple’s world. The question concerning the North American models is will the devices suffer due to the switch from a quad core processor to a dual core? Time will tell.

    As for the international version, the reaction has been strong to both the smartphone and its hefty price tag. First and foremost, the positives point directly to the device’s screen, a 4.8-inch/720p display that T3.com refers to as:

    a superbly viewable screen. Video playback on a mobile is always a questionable priority – if you can’t watch on a TV, a tablet makes much more sense – but with 4.8ins of high-resolution Super AMOLED screen with its vivid colours and contrasty blacks, this makes it more of a possibility than before.

    While they acknowledged the size of the screen may prove problematic in the handling of the device, the review closes by saying the display looks “lush and inviting,” high praise when you consider the importance of the screen in relation to mobile computing. CNet UK mirrors T3’s praise by saying:

    while you might find your knuckles bending in new and exotic ways, the benefit is that this whopping display will make your photos and video look stupendous.

    With a 1,280×720-pixel resolution, the S3 will do justice to your high-definition footage, as well as leaving icons and text looking impressively sharp. This is an HD Super AMOLED screen, which is the same display tech used on the Nexus and Note, both of which are a real treat for the eyes.

    The quad-core processor set-up is also praised by both publications, but with the North American models only getting a dual-core S III, these consumers will be missing out on some of that power. Not to worry, indicates CNet UK:

    A question hangs over whether quad-core processors are really needed, and you’ll be hard pushed to find apps in the Google Play shop that stress the S3’s processor to its limits.

    That being said, the North American dual-core may not have that same luxury when more powerful applications hit Google Play. As you might expect, many international Twitter users took to the air to discuss their new toy:

    S.Alhajjaji
    @sara_ali89     In love with #Samsung_Galaxy_S3 ♡♡
    19 minutes ago via Twitter for Android · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Rachita Jain
    @rachoorocks     @Samsung_India I would do many things for you, Samsung Galaxy S3. #TalkAwayS3
    20 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    The #TalkAwayS3 hashtag is little marketing ploy initiated by Samsung India. The results have been impressive:

    kevin
    @kevinkool55     #TalkAwayS3 I would bite wolveirne for you S3 http://t.co/fn7ykm0x
    1 minute ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Sweta Saraf
    @angeleyess4uin     #TalkAwayS3 I would Die a thousand death for you S3. http://t.co/eujfmUH5
    1 minute ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    ANEESH S
    @ANEESHS003     #TalkAwayS3 I would sell my kidney’s for you S3 http://t.co/uT47iAHq
    4 minutes ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Sweta Saraf
    @angeleyess4uin     #TalkAwayS3 I would Donate my Apple 4S for you S3 http://t.co/eujfmUH5
    2 minutes ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Rahul Chaudhari
    @Raahul255     I would tweet till the final minute and hope that nothing is impossible in this world for you, Samsung Galaxy S3 #TalkAwayS3
    12 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    And that, folks, is dedication. Of course, considering the device’s £549.99 on Amazon’s UK site, some of those measures aren’t that drastic at all. Considering the North American model will have a dual-core, one would expect the price to be a little more reasonable. Not much though.

  • Samsung Galaxy S III Officially Released

    Samsung Galaxy S III Officially Released

    Today marks the official release date of Samsung’s new flagship Android smartphone, the Galaxy S III. In some countries, at least. The phone is now available in 28 countries around the world, but mostly just in Western Europe. Because the U.S. uses different network technologies than Europe, the phone’s release has been delayed in North America. There is not yet an official release date for a U.S. version.

    Since most U.S. carriers use or are planning to implement 4G LTE networks, the Galaxy S III is not fully compatible with any U.S. carrier. The hardware inside the phones will be different from the worldwide version when it hits North America, with the phone’s quad-core processor replaced with an LTE compatible dual-core. T-Mobile, though, lacks an LTE network and Galaxy S III’s on that network could be closer to the version released worldwide today. Also, TmoNews is reporting that the blue version of the phone will be launching on T-Mobile in the U.S. on June 20th.

    With Samsung rising in the Android smartphone market (and smartphone market as a whole), carriers are expecting the Galaxy S III to sell millions. Over 9 million pre-orders have been taken for the device. HTC’s only smartphone comparable to the Galaxy S III, the HTC One X, is available only on AT&T and Sprint in the U.S. With the Galaxy S III set to release on all U.S. carriers, Samsung is in a position to take a strong lead as the top Android smartphone manufacturer. That is, if they don’t run into the same import problems HTC is dealing with.

  • Samsung Smart TV Causes Sexy Confusion [Commercial]

    When Samsung debuted their Smart TVs, the intuitive gesture controls made sci-fi fans think of Minority Report. The only problem is, most people don’t look as cool as Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell do while flailing their arms around. Look up a video of any person playing WarioWare: Smooth Moves for the Nintendo Wii to see how we will all look while using these gesture interfaces.

    To cover for the awkward, Samsung’s marketing department decided to construe the motion controls as sexy instead. Here is the embarrassing result:

    A few questions here. First, while placing your television in front of a window is a good way to reduce glare, who doesn’t have blinds for that many windows? Also, who would ever wear shorts that short, in front of windows that large, and not expect at least a small bit of attention? Oh, and who makes those kind of faces to their TV?

    The old-timey cartoon sounds are terrible and out of place. Also, why did they feel the need to put a facsimile of the Old Spice guy in there? And how does the older gentleman with the walker at the end fit into things? Is that simply a random ageist joke? This whole commercial is baffling and creepy, much the same way as Samsung’s “it knows what you’re thinking” announcement video for the Galaxy S III smartphone was.

  • Samsung, Sony Barring Retailers from Discounting TVs

    Samsung, Sony Barring Retailers from Discounting TVs

    Samsung and Sony have both commenced barring retailers from discounting television sets to protect profits, in an attempt to cut down on ‘showrooming.’ Showrooming is the practice of consumers going into a big box retailer and then likewise buying the tested product online for cheaper.

    The practice of showrooming has affected the business of Best Buy, which has shut down some stores recently, and is also rumored to be the reason why Target stopped carrying Amazon’s Kindle tablet. The retailer likely became weary of shoppers being able to use the device to instantaneously order most products sold in its stores by logging on to Amazon for some one-click purchases.

    Apple has historically maintained strict pricing policies, and Sony has had a hand in controlling the lowest retail prices merchants can allow. Still, LG and Panasonic allow discounting, which can add a competitor threat to the existing problem with showrooming. Consumers should’ve expect to see any discounted Sony or Samsung TVs in the bear future, though one shouldn’t hold their breath on any sort of deal regarding Panasonic’s upcoming 145″ 8K Plasma TV.

  • Samsung Galaxy S III Available For Preorder On Amazon

    If you’ve been chomping at the bit for the latest Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy S III, then today is your lucky day. Amazon has posted the Galaxy S III for preorder today. You can get either the white or pebble blue version, and have it arrive in your hands shortly after it releases on June 1.

    Now, before you get too excited, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is, these particular Galaxy S IIIs are unlocked, which means all you have to do is get a SIM card and a contract from your carrier and you’re good to go. The bad news is that it’s an unlocked phone, so you won’t be getting the carrier subsidy you get when you purchase your device and your 2-year contract at the same time. That means that the price tag on this particular phone is $800. Certainly nothing to sneeze at.

    But wait, there’s more. Not only does this particular Galaxy S III come with a hefty price tag, it’s also a very particular model. As PCWorld points out, this particular model – the GT-i9300 – is the international GSM version. That means a few things: first, it’s not 4G LTE-capable. Second, it’s not CDMA-capable, which means it won’t work on Verizon’s network, or Sprint’s. Third, while it will connect to T-Mobile’s voice network, it will not connect to their data network, which means you’ll be stuck using wi-fi for data. Pretty much the only network where you can get anything like full functionality will be AT&T, as the phone will connect to both their voice network and their HSPA+ (not-quite-4G) network.

    Samsung Galaxy S III Preorder Amazon

    So, if you prefer AT&T, live in an area where AT&T doesn’t have 4G LTE coverage yet, and have an extra 800 big ones to shell out for a new phone, then this deal is for you. Failing that, it might be better to just let this one slide on by, and wait for the U.S. carriers to announce the phone themselves.

  • Samsung’s S-Voice Leaked Onto the Web

    Samsung’s S-Voice Leaked Onto the Web

    When the new version of Flipboard was leaked from a preview version of the upcomming Samsung Galaxy S III, the members of the XDA Developers forums were excited, but wondered why Samsung’s exclusive S-Voice software hadn’t been leaked as well. This weekend, the hackers at the XDA Developers forums came through again, leaking S-Voice

    S-Voice is Samsung’s new answer to Apple’s Siri. It was supposed to debut, the same as the new Flipbook, as an exclusive on the company’s highly anticipated Galaxy S III smartphone in less than one month. User Ascarface23, on the XDA Developers forum for Samsung Galaxy S II themes and apps, has posted the .apk for S-Voice, meaning any Android user running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich should potentially be able to use it. Since the software was developed to specifically run on Samsung’s new flagship smartphone only, some users are having difficulty installing it. Throughout the same thread, though, a solution for many different installation issues is found.

    Once users get it installed, though, they might have another hurdle to contend with. Many users who are trying out S-Voice are getting network connection error messages from the program. The fix for this particular issue is to use a root explorer to change the product signature of the phone to mimic the Samsung Galaxy S III. It seems Samsung either doesn’t want their new software to be used yet, or they haven’t implemented the infrastructure for the feature completely. Seeing as the Galaxy S III got over 9 million pre-orders, Samsung will need quite a few servers if it hopes to make a good impression with this product.

    (via XDA Developer’s forums)

  • Samsung Galaxy S III Gets 9 Million Pre-Orders

    Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy S III smartphone appears to be selling like hotcakes already. With a couple weeks left before the phone begins to hit stores around the world, pre-orders of Samsung’s latest flagship phone have been skyrocketing.

    In fact, according to a report from Reuters this morning, over 9 million Galaxy S IIIs have been preordered. While that seems like a lot – and, to be fair, it is – much of the reporting on this story this morning has missed an important point: according to Reuters, all those pre-orders have come from “more than 100 global carriers.” So, contrary to some reports, it’s not actually customers who are pre-ordering all those phones, it’s Samsung’s carrier partners.

    Now, 9 million pre-orders from carrier partners is still nothing to sneeze at – notwithstanding Jim Dalrymple’s statement that it’s “bullshit.” After all, carriers wouldn’t be ordering phones in such numbers if they didn’t at least hope to sell them. Nevertheless, carrier pre-orders are a very different animal from customer pre-orders, and acting as though the Galaxy S III was seeing unprecedented demand is inaccurate. The Galaxy S III’s real popularity test will come in terms of actual units sold. For that, we’ve still got a little time left to wait.